Snowdrop's World. Various places. Epic Dream Adventure 2

[random_xtras]

continued from here


Blackout: This is Foresight. She brought the cat. *secret and laughter and happiness*

Foresight: *bows her head slightly as she's introduced* Aunt. I am from Hallow's sanctuary. He sent me to meet you.

Auspex: *She is still studying the woman (who appears to be another servant?), but Auspex is brought up short, as Primus addresses her. All of her thoughts come to a screeching halt at the mention of Jetstorm... This form needs air to breathe, and she suddenly feels like she's not getting enough of it* -My lord?? What are you saying??-
*She is from Auspex's own reality? She serves with Hallow?? How... what...? What does Jetstorm have to do with this?? She's chasing scattered implications that don't entirely make a coherent picture, and she's suddenly clutching at Kup's arm, clinging to keep herself upright*

Kup: *strangled exclamation as he turns and scoops Auspex into his arms, then goes to one knee so that he can support her better. Anxious concern and ferocious protective love touch the servant as she struggles, even as strong arms hold her securely*

Auspex: *She's shivering, trying to catch her breath, curled inward and limp in Kup's embrace, but her mind is focused totally on Primus, at the moment* -Lord Primus... will you show me? What is this servant's real form? Please, my lord, tell me...- *She needs to see this, more than anything else, right now*

Primus: *sudden sharp focus, as though he'd been looking elsewhere despite his comfort not abating. And then an image forms before Auspex's mind's eye. A tall, strong, but graceful woman, she bears Auspex's colouring, and cobalt optics of a shape that Auspex will probably remember well. Auspex's own quizzical smile on a face nearly the same shape as Auspex's, and Auspex's lower legs. But the down swept wings, and the flash of quiet fierceness in those cobalt eyes call to mind Jetstorm. The fearlessness is Air Raid all over again, and that calm, deep peace is Fireflight, while the avid, scholarly interest is Skydive*

Auspex: *she sends a staggering, ragged note of acknowledgment to Primus, thanking him for revealing this to her. She can't even begin to comprehend why or how... but this fem is undoubtedly somehow... a part of herself, and a part of Jetstorm. She aches so badly, but so sweetly, as well... she shudders, turning to wrap her arms tightly around Kup as he holds her, clinging hard, pressing her face into his shoulder as she stifles a sob. This is unfair to him; he has no idea what is happening, never mind the others here... but she can't make the attempt to speak yet*

Foresight: No. Stay back. She needs space.

Greatshot: *concerned cop voice* The lady needs help.

Blackout: Kup has her.

Kup: *yes, he has her. His heart is thrilling with joy at the same time his eyes fill with sympathetic tears as he catches a faint echo of her feelings. Soft and gruff* Shhhhhh, Lady. I've got you. I'm here.

Auspex: *She's not experienced tears before, but they're falling freely now, her own heart full of regret and mourning, time lost and love and joy, and a whole spectrum in between. Jetstorm is gone, not dead, but she can never reach him again... and yet, here is Foresight, somehow... and here, also, is Kup, solid under her touch, and not disappearing like so much ephemera. It's... probably too soon to hope yet, on that matter, but there is a promise, here, that she will keep close...*
*And Foresight. Not simply a keepsake, but a living, running construct. Now is not the time to ask, not when Blackout needs her and there is so much to process. Still... she needs a moment more. She stays buried in Kup's arms, mind buried in Primus's comfort... but the tears are slowing, her breathing not so strained*

Kup: *rocking slightly, his voice a quiet, deep croon of soothing as he just holds his Lady and loves her*

Primus: *oh that's who was poking me. She wants to give you water*

Auspex: *She merely sends a wordless, somewhat perplexed query to Primus, not really understanding what he's telling her, still sorting through everything; but calming enough to lift her head a bit in question*

Blackout: Kup, you'd better give her some of that.

Kup: *looks up as something bumps him, then takes the simple clay cup and automatically tastes the contents before smiling his approval and gently, so gently nudging Auspex's cheek with the cup* Lady, here, this'll make it feel better.

Auspex: *her brow furrows for a moment as Kup tries the water, but she reminds herself he'd not been privy to Primus's identification of the substance (she does thankfully know enough to realize it's a basic necessity for most organic species, at least). She's grateful and moved all over again by how much care Kup is taking with her and for her, and she slowly withdraws an arm from his side to close her fingers around the cup, taking a little sip. The water is cool, slightly sweet, and somewhat fizzy. It begins to ease what feels like a lump in her throat*

Kup: *smiles at her encouragingly, and then his eyebrows are shooting upward as a little puff of air comes from his mouth. Mutter* What? That happens when you're organic, too?

Blackout: *hides a snigger with a cough*

Auspex: *She merely blinks mildly, still out of sorts, though she's starting to feel a bit better. She uses a corner of her - sleeve? - to attempt to dry the tears, uncertain and not entirely caring if it's a proper use of the arm covering or not. She takes another sip of water, and another shuddering breath* Thank you... *she's looking Kup specifically in the eyes, before generalizing her statement, glancing outward, though she still hasn't moved from Kup's hold on her* ...everyone. I apologize for... breaking down, as it were. I will attempt to explain myself - later - if you wish. Primus gave me quite a revelation, just now...
*Her gaze wanders up to the younger servant of Primus, though she can't hold her gaze for more than a moment - not without dropping her eyes; not without her emotions beginning to betray more than she's willing to burden the other woman with* I'm... pleased to meet you, Foresight. *You have no idea...*

Foresight: *thrill of excitement, and then thinks of her teacher and how he'll feel when she brings him news of his favourite sister and feels like she could cry* Likewise. *then she realizes that she can read everyone here easily, but that something is clouding her Aunt's emotions. Eyes flick to one side as she asks Primus about it, and then she calms at his response and turns her eyes toward the green-clad man who is holding her aunt*

Kup: *trying not to frown as he sees Auspex's inability to look at the younger Servant, then sees more tears appearing and offers the end of the knot on his shoulder. Softly* Here, Lady. Use this. It won't get marks on it like that white stuff.

Blackout: Don't worry about it. We need to focus on the mission right now.

Foresight: We can talk about it later, if you like. *looks down* Boulder, don't lick my foot.

Boulder: *put my chin on your foot? Okay!*

Foresight: *soft bubble of laughter from her voice and her emotions as she wriggles the toes of that mostly bare foot and talks to the Starsinger about it, amused as always by this massive creature He created*

Auspex: *she blinks away a few fresh tears, reacting strongly to Foresight's excitement - she takes a deep breath, making a query to Primus, though she's fairly sure she knows the answer, and she receives it - the younger servant has no idea of her creators' identities; her enthusiasm stems from meeting her mentor's sister. That is something else to be exceedingly grateful for - someone else they have in common and both love, if it could not be... right. Later. She interrupts that thought before it's finished*
*She smiles faintly at Kup, utterly charmed by his concern for her attire. She shows him her unstained sleeve* I am not sure tears work the same way for organics - they appear to leave no marks. But, thank you... *she drops her voice so only he can hear* for taking care of me. *she hesitates for a moment, before giving his cheek a quick kiss, and attempting to stand, bracing a hand on Kup's shoulder, both for balance and simply as thanks*
*She does nod at Foresight, giving her another fleeting glance, and a smile, though her voice is very soft* I would like that very much.

Kup: *stands quickly and gently even as he nearly goes dizzy with glee inside, helping Auspex to her feet as his blue eyes go to the young wingling. He's curious about her, and he also likes her because she looks like his Lady. Is distracted from those thoughts as Blackout speaks again*

Blackout: You going to be up to travelling, Auspex?

Foresight: Hallow sent Boulder for her to ride. He didn't know that you all didn't have transportation.

Greatshot: ...They're called feet. Organic people can go a long way on them. Besides, more than one human can ride that furball at once.

Auspex: *she lightly squeezes Kup's shoulder before withdrawing, taking a deep breath as she reaches for Primus's calm reassurance. She finishes the rest of the water in the little cup, holding it absently as she nods at Blackout* I think so... provided nothing else... deeply world-changing comes to my attention. *she winces at herself, but doesn't elaborate*
*she blinks up at the giant cat, eyebrows raising* Ride him? Oh... I'm not opposed to walking, although... *she glances down at the voluminous material of the outfit she's wearing* I am concerned about the safety of trying it for long, in this attire...

soft voice: You lift those up to walk.

Kup: *distracted from watching his lady and frowning at her clothes to look toward the new voice, then blinks and feels surprised and confused*

Greatshot: *is amused by the confused*

Auspex: *she turns toward the new voice, noting a quiet murmur of accompanying emotion, also not Cybertronian, which is still a peculiar sensation...* Oh...?

lady: *wide dark eyes the colour of the nearby tree leaves look up at Auspex with a gentle smile. They're set in a lovely face with a pointed chin, soft brown skin, and a wide and expressive mouth. The slender woman is clothed only in a river of golden red hair and a short green woollen skirt of unevenly cut, unstitched panels*

Auspex: *she tilts her head inquisitively, curious about the newcomer, also impressed with how much long hair some organic creatures apparently can grow!* I'm sorry, I did not see you before...

lady: *that smile is sweet and slow, and her feelings are gentle and wondering that someone should need to apologize* Not many notice trees.

Auspex: *her eyes widen, and she is visibly struggling to understand* You are a tree? Ah... I... am fairly certain they are not usually also people? *she's not sure she needs more reasons to be wary of harming the plant life...*

lady: *takes the cup and looks into it* I'm a willowmaid. The life of this tree. *points up with one hand at the huge beauty of gracefully trailing branches which gently shadows the stone well* Not all trees are people, and not all are people the same way that we are.

Auspex: Oh. *she blinks, relinquishing the cup as the woman takes hold of it, staring upward at the tree that shelters the clearing they are in* You are... linked, I suppose, then? *she's fairly certain it doesn't work that way on the Earth she's been to... but she's not sure where they are, or how much a dream might distort reality, besides*

willowmaid: Yes. We're two, but one. She's older than me. I was born when a passing fairy got permission to Change her. And we've been guarding this well and keeping it sweet ever since. *and she's happy with that*

Kup: *kind of understands the guarding, but he's still confused. At least this time his mouth is shut?*

Auspex: Ahh. That is remarkable. Who... gives such permission? *it's a curious question, one she hopes she's not overstepping or offending by asking*
*she blinks again, eyes darting between the willowmaid and the cup and the well, pondering her story, making connections* It was you who offered the water. Thank you, lady - I appreciate that. It helped very much. *she offers a faint, but sincere smile*

willowmaid: *blinks, feeling both surprised by her guest's question and pleased by the thanks* The Creator of Waters gives permission. *looks into the cup again as she ponders this strange question* Would you or your mate like more?

Blackout: *just spit her drink on Greatshot, to Boulder's immense amusement and Foresight's confusion*

Auspex: *she seems slightly embarrassed at the tree-woman's surprise, though she's rather sure 'I am a dedicated servant of Primus' is an answer that would make little sense here* Ah, forgive me. I am not familiar with forests...
*the look that crosses her face at the question is... rather undefinable. She huffs a nervous little chuckle, though the sound strays dangerously close to a distressed whimper, for multiple reasons* He is not... ah... *she stops, taking a deep breath, words coming weaker than she'd like* ...not my mate. I cannot speak for him. But I do not require any more, thank you.

Kup: *has turned his back to try and hide how funny his face must look, considering how it feels. Emotions are a storm*

willowmaid: *giving both Auspex and Kup very confused looks now*

Foresight: *doesn't have Auspex's perplexed expression, but she can still look plenty confused*

Auspex: *she freezes, utterly stricken, as Kup turns away - his aspect is practically unreadable in its complexity, and she's terrified that she's hurt him in her foolishness. She stammers, hastening to amend her mistake* Not... we've not... *her eyes fill with tears at the unfairness of this* Ah... excuse me for a moment...
*Biting her lip, she wordlessly approaches Kup, maneuvering until she's facing him, and silently wraps him in her arms, not trusting herself to speak just yet*

Kup: *startles, snapping out of a muse, then makes a little sound and hugs her when he realizes how upset she is. Then he turns to look at the willow maid* We're not married yet. I've guarded the lady while she slept for ten years, but she's only just met me.

willowmaid: *slender brows raise as she looks from the man in green to the others and back* Ohhh. Was it you that kissed her?

Kup: *scowl* Don't be ridiculous.

Blackout: Probably a different kind of sleep. *drink nice water, burp at husband*

Greatshot: *cheerfully insulting gesture*

Foresight: *watching her aunt and the man in green with curiosity*

Auspex: *she winces, flinching slightly at the 'yet', even as she nestles closer to Kup... afraid to hope, afraid that he says it so easily and without hesitation, while she's cowering like... well, like someone who's lost before, as Foresight's presence so strongly reminds her. The continued surreal nature of this conversation strikes her; she knows this is a dream, but still... she's relied too long on dreams and visions giving her actual, valid information, to trust that it's all somehow only within her imagination. And so, she fears, and - maybe, just a little bit - hopes*
*...and also boggles. She peers at the lady from over Kup's arm, still not terribly interested in moving at the moment. Here is this waking kiss concept, again...* The... being I serve put me to sleep, and it was he who woke me. But... *she thinks of what they've told her about Databurst, and she shivers* ...I do likely owe Kup my life, and I am... greatly pleased to become more acquainted with him, in time. *She's aware that's probably a woeful understatement, and she's blushing again, averting her gaze from... everyone*

Blackout: *low hoot*

Greatshot: *socks wife*

Blackout: *kicks husband*

willowmaid: *distracted and concerned*

Foresight: *rolls her eyes in SUCH a Slingshot manner* Will you two stop flirting?

Blackout: No.

Kup: *looks up from smiling down at Auspex. Flirting? That? Seriously? Hmmm. Still holding Auspex. Soooo happy* *quietly* We have lots of time.

Auspex: *she suppresses what would have been an audible sigh of relief, noting the agitation the willowmaid's innocent question had caused her, especially with Kup's response layered with so many complicated things... but it's alright. He's alright... well, he's blushing also, but that's understandable. She relaxes, less clinging and more content*
*She looks up at Blackout, seeing that she's deflecting the others' attention, and she's very grateful, as well as amused; she chuckles softly*

willowmaid: But I thought flirting was a love thing. Can't you flirt without hitting each other?

Greatshot: Oh fine. *grabs Blackout. Dips Blackout. SNOGS Blackout*

Blackout: *trying to laugh, and thumping her husband's back with a fist*

Kup: What the scrap? *is he seeing that?*

Foresight: *face palming and feeling bemused and amused*

Boulder: *approves of that affection!*

Auspex: *she's almost giggling with surprised, soft laughter, hand over her mouth* Ah... I think they can do both, really.

willowmaid: *turns to Auspex from blinking at the others, then remembers her cup and goes to get the one that Blackout had set down* Oh. I see.

Auspex: *She smiles at the tree-woman, shrugging slightly* I believe they enjoy interacting that way - it amuses them, and they are not causing lasting harm to each other in the process. *she gives her friends a fond glance* I know Blackout is very strong, and Greatshot likely is as well.

Foresight: Right. Let's get you saddled, Boulder.

Boulder: *gives her an alert look, feeling happy and excited. Then he walks over to where what looks something like a padded table is sitting on the leaf sprinkled grass and lays beside it before pulling it close with his mouth and pushing it up onto his back with one massive front paw... which has an opposable thumb*

Auspex: *she watches with amazement as the giant cat maneuvers the platform onto his own back - he is very intelligent, indeed, and very charming. She knows very well that Hallow must be incredibly fond of him*

Kup: *shifts his weight like he wants to go help, but then looks down questioningly at his Lady*

Auspex: *Understanding the unspoken question, she steps away from Kup, briefly squeezing his hands as she does, letting him go where he will. After a moment of hesitation, she addresses Foresight quietly* Is there any way I can assist?

Foresight: *little spurt of excitement as she turns her head to look at her aunt, and she's smiling and glad of the interaction* Would you like to help me get his girth fastened after he and Kup get the hawdaj onto his back?

Auspex: *she hides a wince, finding her heart aching slightly at the younger servant's enthusiasm to connect with her. Still, her faint answering smile is completely genuine* Alright, if you could show me what to do.
*She begins to approach the others, then gasps, eyes wide, as her feet tangle in the long fabric swathing her lower body; she staggers, flailing her arms a bit, but she does at least maintain her balance. She hisses softly, looking down at the outfit with exasperation. Glancing back at the willowmaid, she sighs plaintively* You ah... mentioned a safer way to walk in these clothes?

willowmaid: *eyes are wide where she stands by the well, scrubbing her cups. At the white lady's question she nods and sets the cups down, then gathers two bunches of her long hair in her hands and holds them before her* You hold the skirt like this.

Auspex: *she studies what the woman is doing with her hair, and attempts to mimic it. Frowning in concentration, she takes a double handful of skirt - ah, that's what it's called - and looks down... only to frown as she finds another layer underneath! So impractical... Grumbling slightly, she lowers the skirt and tries again, making sure to take the second layer in each hand as well. She still finds it awkward, and it takes several moments of adjusting and finding where exactly she should be gripping to give her feet the most fabric-free space. She's sure she looks quite silly as she takes a few tentative steps, but she feels less likely to fall completely on her face now. She nods gratefully to the willowmaid* Thank you... it is harder than it looks...

willowmaid: You're welcome. *is wondering how the white lady doesn't know what to do with the clothing even as she lets go her hair and looks down at her own garment and fingers one of the panels, which resembles the leaves of her willow in shape*

Blackout: *on the ground, legs around husband's neck as she kicks his aft without using her hands*

Greatshot: *on his back and turning slightly red in the face as he slugs Blackout in the knee to try and numb her leg*

Foresight: *goes over and gives Blackout a bare foot to the head*

Blackout: *shock! And then admiration and much laughter as she lets go of Greatshot and sits up*

Greatshot: Boot to the head! *so amused*

Foresight: *sighs when she doesn't get what she can tell is a joke or funny quote. Shaking her head, she walks back to her aunt* May I help you?

Auspex: *still practicing her coordination with skirts and feet, she's mostly ignoring her Destron companions, and misses seeing Foresight kick at Blackout - but she looks up at Greatshot's exclamation, blinking slightly at the ongoing wrestling match. She doesn't understand either, so she merely shrugs, glancing down again as she takes a few more steps, but stopping short before she runs into Foresight*
*She slowly looks up at her, smile tentative, but warm* I think I'm getting the hang of it... running may still be a problem, but... hopefully I can puzzle that out, if it's required... *she ventures another look at Blackout and Greatshot* I have no idea what we are meant to accomplish, yet.

Foresight: *warmth in return for her Aunt* You won't need to run, with Boulder here. *looks over at where Greatshot got knocked down and stepped on for trying to help his mate up, then looks down as Scorponok squeaks at her from where he's just trotted up. Chuckles* Oh. Yes, I know you're a good protector too. *affection as she turns back to Auspex* We're going to pick up a parcel and deliver it to the city. You and I are the support members of the team. *and she's amused at that, feeling herself to be very capable of more than support*

Kup: *up on Boulder's back now, helping the big cat get the saddle in place*

Boulder: *putting on the thing, and getting his back rubbed, too! This is great!*

Auspex: *she offers a kind smile to Scorponok as she listens to Foresight* Support? *she frowns thoughtfully* I'm not entirely sure how useful I could be... my senses are not as strong in this form - whatever it is - although I can sense more than only Cybertronians, now, so that may help. Are you... sensing the same things? You, at least, I imagine would be helpful if there was danger.

Foresight: *curious interest as she pauses next to Boulder's flank, and then a hesitation before she says* I only sense Cybertronians. But this body's not a Doll.

Auspex: *she follows carefully, gazing up at Boulder as Kup helps him with the gear, thoughtful frown still firmly in place* A... Doll? *she blinks* Can you tell me more? If you are not... you are obviously not human, either, though I think Kup is. I am a little confused. These are Blackout's deliberate choices, or someone else's? *she absently glances at the woman in question* Or is it simply random?

Foresight: *as Boulder lifts his tummy off the ground a little* Can you go on his other side and push the straps under his tummy? You can crawl underneath if you need to. And Optimus said that he made you a Doll because he thought that some human bodily functions might be too distressing for you, plus, Blackout wanted you to be something rarer and more precious than an organic person.

Auspex: *her eyes widen at the daunting idea of crawling in this... accident-waiting-to-happen of an outfit. She'll go around, thank you... first, she lingers to nod pensively as Foresight gives a bit more explanation*
*she looks even more nonplussed at the mention of 'bodily functions'* Oh. Er, that's... very likely, yes. I'd not even thought of that...
*She goes quiet at the last, gaze wandering back to Blackout again, touched by the sentiment, and how considerate she and the Guardian in charge of the wish were to her (perhaps overly-)sensitive nature* Ah, that was.. kind of them. *she'll need to thank Blackout, at least*
*she blinks, remembering she's supposed to be helping with the harness-thing. She steps around Boulder, stopping to give his leg a tentative pat on the way around to the straps on the other side. Gathering them, she does her best to toss them under his very large body*

Boulder: *funny little squeak as her hand rubs against the longish fur on his tummy, but he locks down on his reaction so he doesn't shake his back thing off on anyone. Such fun tickles!*

Auspex: *her eyebrows raise in startled surprise, with a little smile. The cat's mirth isn't strong, but certainly enough for her to sense, especially with the audible reaction* Ah, sorry, Boulder - I did not realize you were ticklish. I will take more care... *she's not sure he will understand the words, but maybe the apologetic tone will help*

Boulder: *big head turns, the bright and very aware eyes looking at her affectionately as he rumbles and emotes the affection and happiness. This is clearly a sentient being, despite being a big soft kitty*

Foresight: *is hands getting the ends of the straps from the other side, and a smiling face peering at Auspex as Boulder once more eeks gleefully and expresses his appreciation of the game. And then a big front paw moves, and Kup meeps too, the sound muffled as he jags with surprise and laughing what the heck?*

Blackout and Greatshot: *laughing now*

Boulder: *lick the Kup hair. LICK the Kup hair. Love love love*

Auspex: *she looks back at Boulder, head tilting with a smile, before wincing slightly as he's tickled again - she's trying not to, anyway, but he seems to be having fun, regardless. She returns Foresight's smile, as her face peeks out from under the cat's belly*
*She steps back a little as Kup jumps down from the cat's back to inspect the apparatus - then her eyes widen hugely as Boulder hauls him over to lick at his head, evidently appreciating the back scratches Kup had unintentionally supplied while setting up the platform. She can't help but laugh, senses full of feline satisfaction and Cybertronian amusement, her own aspect warm and fond*

Foresight: *as she takes the straps and starts fastening them* You should have seen the time he pushed Hallow over and then rolled on him to try and ask for back rubs. ... *amusement!* Did you know Hallow is ticklish too?

Auspex: *she winces slightly at the idea* Hallow's not any sturdier than I am; I hope Boulder realizes his probable strength... *she pats the cat's side, attempting to demonstrate that she's not unhappy with him, if he's listening and understands... simply concerned. Then she chuckles as Foresight mentions her brother's ticklishness* I was not aware, no... I'm not sure any of us ever tried to tickle him.

Blackout: You didn't finish answering her question, kid. Don't change the subject. *is busy pulling burdocks out of Scorponok's mane, feeling amused and relaxed*

Foresight: *snorts at the older woman and then gives the desired reply without pausing in her buckle fastening* Kup's human. So are Blackout and Greatshot. Scorponok is a Thakwaash, though he doesn't seem to be speaking. And I'm Aerial- half human and half sky elf. There, now for his butt band. *walks to the back of the big cat and gets knocked on her bum by happy tail*

Auspex: *she wasn't going to push for answers just yet, but the explanation is welcome* Ah, thank you. So... I am the only one not entirely organic? That... *her smile is grateful, if sheepish, as she ducks her head slightly* Thank you for thinking of me, Blackout. I would have been even more disoriented, if I'd had to deal with everything that might entail.
*She's vaguely surprised at the jolt of concern that washes over her as Foresight is knocked over, and she takes a step forward - of course the younger servant is fine, and she'd feel such concern for anyone, but it seems especially... excessive, in this case... well. Perhaps not so surprising, after all...*

Blackout: *shrug of "whatever"*

Boulder: *rumbles, and then makes a series of rough sounds almost like structured coughs. His feelings let her know that he's trying to reassure her, and then he squeaks and jerks his tail up, because Foresight has reached over and tickled the beans on the back foot he'd had sprawled out behind him!*

Auspex: *she's stroking the cat's side again, sensing his reassurance* I know you wouldn't hurt him intentionally... I simply worry. I know you take very good care of him. *she's seen the evidence!*

Kup: ...No more kisses? Great. *gets up, feeling amused, and walks over to ask the willowmaid for water to wash his hair*

Auspex: *She blinks at Kup, hiding a smile after seeing the mess Boulder's made of his hair. Chuckling softly, she trails a few steps after him, half pondering whether to offer her help with it - she refrains, for now, feeling shy again*

Foresight: *watches her soberly, fastening the bum strap as she does. Randomly* You're lucky that he already knows you care for him. My mate and I were clueless for a long time. Hallow finally locked us in the storeroom together and wouldn't let us out til we spoke.

Auspex: *She freezes, breath catching as Foresight speaks, finding herself leaning on Boulder's side for a moment, trying valiantly not to seem as stricken as she feels*
*Being a dream, she's unsure that this entire experience is real (but would she imagine Kup feeling this way about her on her own? Would she feel anything in particular beyond her usual empathy if he did not? She doesn't believe so... is that fair to him?). She is at least very certain that Foresight exists, as Primus showed her - but that doesn't guarantee the rest*
*There is also the melancholy, that the construct she hadn't known existed already had a mate, that she'd missed such a joy... still, there is joy that her brother did not miss it*
*Both her own uncertainty, and Foresight's story, highlight that being an empath, despite how blindingly obvious it should make matters of love, makes utterly no difference when one is too blind to see one's own emotions... or is too afraid to see someone else's, for that matter. She hisses softly, straining to keep her voice steady* I am... not certain we are not clueless. *she winces visibly* Hallow was probably wise to intervene, I think.

Foresight: *brows lift as she frowns with concern, wondering despite herself why Primus won't let her see exactly what her aunt is feeling. Quietly, feeling uncertain* Both of us were his students, so we didn't realize that we could care about each other that way. *more thoughtful study of her aunt's face, and then* You don't seem clueless.

Boulder: *shifts slightly as he uses one paw to fasten his breast band on one side. Is making a deep soothing rumble that isn't a purr... is he singing?*

Auspex: *she sighs deeply, seeming suddenly weary. She moves closer to Foresight, feeling the need to speak a little more confidentially* I... it's always been difficult, for me at least, to see past my own empathy; to know when my feelings are my own, and when they are merely a reflection of someone else's. If my... being and presence, or my affection, brings sincere joy to someone, that brings me joy, and I wish to cultivate it. Is that... truly love, or merely empathy? Do you ever wonder that?
*Her gaze absently drifts over to Kup, some distance away at the well* I have many more doubts than you may see... and that is another complicated story. I do not wish to withhold it... but the telling will take some time.
*She pats Boulder's side again, appreciating his rather unique attempt to bring comfort*

Foresight: *also looks over at Kup, who is gripping the sides of a wooden trough as the willowmaid scrubs his head with something that's foaming up, a thoughtful frown on her face* No... I never have. But I know I'm not as selfless as Hallow, and I think you're like him. I know my own emotions... they look different from those of others. *pause and frown* "Look" isn't the right word. But I know the feel of myself, and only twice have I fully given of myself.

Auspex: *A fond smile touches her face at the sight of Kup with the willowmaid washing his hair, before she turns to more fully concentrate on Foresight's words* It is hard to discern what I feel, sometimes, when I am focusing so hard on the feelings of others - especially when I am the reason for those feelings.
*She glances up at the younger woman, still not entirely able to hold her gaze for very long, but she is trying* You have made boundaries for yourself, then, so you will not lose yourself. That is wise... what allowed you to withdraw those boundaries, then?

Foresight: *intently thoughtful expression as she pokes Boulder and then climbs up his side and onto the padded platform. Her emotions tell that she's contemplating, considering, and communing as she does this. And then she kneels on the platform and offers a hand down to Auspex* I won't talk about the first time now. I know that thought of the Creator of all can be daunting. But it was my time spent in communion with Him that allowed me to trust and bond with Aegis.

Kup: *sneezeblub!*

willowmaid: *jumps back and gives him a shocked look* That's NOT part of washing hair.

Kup: *lifts his head, squinting with one eye* Yeeah. I got that.

Foresight: :o *gobsmack, and then snerks*

Auspex: *her eyes widen, with a bit of unease* ...yes, I... have trouble contemplating all of Primus, as it is. But... you have bonded, as well? *this prompts a bittersweet mix of both pride and sadness*
*she hesitates as Foresight extends her hand, gaze lingering on Kup for a moment, curious how the hair-cleansing is going. She blinkblinks at the sneeze, somewhat wide-eyed* Goodness. Water is not good for human intakes...

Foresight: *as Kup snorts, and then sticks his head into the water and moves it around while blowing bubbles* Aunt, your mech's a nut. *then remembers the question, and there's a small, calm thrill of deep love* Yes. He's one of Hallow's original two students. *affection* The one our teacher named in honour of you.

Auspex: *her brow furrows in amused perplexity at Kup's behavior - she hopes he'll remember he has lungs right now, but the sneezing hopefully reminded him of that - and her face reflects several conflicting emotions as Foresight refers to him as hers. She thought she'd... clarified that? But no... she doesn't know, herself, so why should it be clear to anyone else?*
*She sighs softly, but finds herself distracted by the emotion she senses from Foresight at the talk of the younger servant's bondmate. The poignant ache is back, and... her eyes widen again, the sweet overtaking the bitter at the mention of her brother, and she stops to more carefully reflect on the meaning of his student's name* Ah... auspex and aegis. Prediction and protection. Because a prophecy is true, it can protect a person against falsehoods. I'm honored... *she dips her head, with a wistful smile*

Foresight: *lifts a brow as she senses the protest, but then her angular face blooms into serene beauty as that deep calm love once more sings through her feelings* Hallow wanted to send Aegis instead of me, but Aegis is more a spiritual fighter. And they thought my flight and seeing might be needed.

Auspex: *she smiles gently, full of love for her brother, for this unexpected living blessing before her, and for her namesake. It falters, very slightly, at the idea of why this particular student of Hallow's was sent... it sounds as though her brother does not realize Foresight's origins, either. Primus is keeping this to himself - perhaps so that she might reveal it to who she will, herself. The smile becomes a little more pained, her voice a little softer* You were the perfect choice; I am sure of it.

Foresight: *expression and emotions change to concern, and then she hops down from Boulder to stride over and gather the older servant into her arms. Softly* Aunt, what's hurting you?

Kup: *comical muffled bibble noise from behind Auspex*

Greatshot: *now laughing at something*

Auspex: *she almost backs away, regretting that she is subjecting Foresight to any measure of her sadness, when this should be such a joyful time... but that would only be more upsetting, and entirely unfair to the other servant. She stills herself, taking a deep breath, and reaches out to Primus for a measure of calm; she focuses on the younger woman's compassion, and how it warms her to see it, despite her pain. She returns the hug, patting her back gently* It is a long and complicated story, and now is not the time... but I will tell you soon. Be assured that it's... not entirely pain, that I am feeling...
*she trails off, brow furrowing. She doesn't entirely let go of Foresight, but she does step back slightly, turning to look at the others, and perhaps see what the commotion is about*

Greatshot: *reaching to stop the willowmaid from scrubbing Kup's head with the unknotted corner of his greatkilt* That wool won't dry him. You're only going to wind up with him tangled and matted.

willowmaid: *surprise as she stops and lowers the fabric, then startles again when she sees the state of Kup's hair*

Kup: *dizzy, ugh*

Foresight: *soft snerk, though her compassion extends warmly toward both their hostess and Kup*

Auspex: *with what she hopes is a reassuring pat on the back, she lets go of Foresight (slightly reluctantly) and takes a step toward the others, watching in boggled bemusement at the proceedings. If she had the faintest idea how to help, she would...* Ah... do tree-people's hair not do... this sort of thing...? *she tilts her head at Kup's damp hair, totally bedraggled, and sticking up in multiple directions at once. She directs a wide-eyed glance at Blackout and Greatshot*

willowmaid: ...Mine doesn't. Guardian Fae hair does what the wearer wants.

Blackout: *wings a soft piece of white fabric at Auspex* Rub his head with that.

Scorponok: *being excited back there behind the raspberry bushes that Blackout had been concealing herself behind*

Auspex: *she nods absently at the willowmaid* Ah. That is... fortunate, then, for you. *she blinks, catching the cloth as Blackout tosses it her way, before approaching Kup, frowning dubiously at his hair. With a little shake of her own head, she reaches up to gingerly begin blotting at his with the cloth, trying to gauge its absorbency, and how damp his hair actually is*

Kup: *gives her a look of sheepish chagrin even as his emotions bloom with gladness to be close to her again*

towel: *very absorbent, which is good, because Kup's still managing to drip*

Auspex: *she sighs, debating for a moment, if someone else here would be better suited (or less tentative) for this task... but she wants to do this for him, and she's second-guessing again. Shoving her misgivings aside for once, she pauses to drape the cloth over her arm, and runs her hands firmly over his head and down the ends of his hair that aren't standing sideways, in an attempt to wring out some of the excess water. She begins blotting at his head again, more firmly this time, remarking absently to Kup* I don't know how the humans put up with this...

Greatshot: She just cuts hers off. *points at wife*

Blackout: *thwack!*

Greatshot: *pwnt on the ground and trying to get his breath back so he can laugh*

Auspex: *She has no idea if she's doing this right, but she has the cloth essentially draped over Kup's head, gently squeezing handfuls of his hair with it - it does seem to be getting up much of the water, at least; she only hopes she doesn't pull too hard. After stepping on his foot, she's wary of causing him more harm* Are you alright under there? *she can't help but smile warmly, though she pauses to eye Blackout and Greatshot in mild disapproval* You are not helping...

Blackout: He wouldn't like it if I helped. *smirk in face and emotions*

Kup: *starts to reply, but then stops apprehensively*

Auspex: *shoots her friend another look* I gather you have taken these forms before. Greatshot has hair this length. I would ask how you take care of it, but I imagine it's not gentle... and I would rather not subject Kup to any more pain than necessary. *she pauses as she senses his unease, moving the towel so she can see his face, with a questioning gaze*

Kup: *meets her eyes, his expression showing his uneasy question. Why wouldn't he like it? What would the Warlady do to him?*

Foresight: *gentle hand on Auspex's shoulder* I know the right way. I've helped wash Boulder.

Boulder: *chin on ground now. Yes, bath. Meh*

Blackout: I wish. *turns to go see what's got Scorponok squeaking*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen, eyebrows raising, as Blackout turns away* Ah. Well, that certainly makes things easier... *she returns her attention to Kup, taking a moment to squeeze his shoulder in reassurance, with a smile that may be ever-so-slightly lopsided* She has a reputation to maintain, you know, for not being soft. *unlike myself, is the unspoken addition*
*she pauses again, trying not to look too relieved as she glances up at Foresight* Am I doing this right...?

Foresight: *kindly smile as she holds out her hand* Let me? *and then a twinkle of gentle humour* You wrap your arms around him and hold him down.

Kup: She doesn't need to hold me down. Only an exhaust brain'd run from a woman like her.

Auspex: *she blinks ponderously at the younger servant for a moment, aware that she's teasing - a tiny smile appears, although she's unsure she really wants to joke about this. She's handing the cloth over to Foresight as Kup makes his remark, and she's suddenly coughing quietly into her sleeve. She moves quickly to stand behind him, hands on his shoulders, so he can't see her blushing*

Foresight: *as she gently and properly dries Kup's hair* Do you have any more questions, Aunt?

Auspex: *it occurs to her that hiding behind Kup may put her in the way of proper hair drying, so she shuffles to stand beside him, instead. After a moment of hesitant contemplation, she loops her arms loosely around his upper arm, quietly watching Foresight dry his hair with more skill than her own clumsy attempts*
*She winces slightly at the question: there is so much still to know! After a long moment of thought, she asks* What are Hallow's other students like? How long have you all been with him?

Kup: *gently pats Auspex's upper hand, showing remarkable skill in doing so for one with his eyes squeezed shut. His emotions are gentle and content right now, and he's very happy to have her there*

Foresight: He asked for Aegis and Kerygma right after he was assigned his sanctuary. A friend who used to work at Iacon General asked him to take Kopher in soon after that. And then a vorn later Primus brought me to the sanctuary. *a thoughtful moment as she carefully works a piece of wool fuzz out of a lock of Kup's hair, her emotions calm as she communes and works out the best way to describe her fellow servants. Then* Aegis was fiery when he was young, but he's turned that fire toward prayer warfare now. *small thrill of love* He's steady and outwardly quiet now. Kerygma is endlessly patient and forgiving. She keeps our mentor safe when he's so caught up in commune or thought that he doesn't watch where he's going.

Auspex: *she blinks, smiling warmly as Kup finds her hand with his eyes closed, and she leans against his arm a bit, savoring the sense of his contentment as she listens to Foresight*
*she perks a bit at Kerygma's name - most probably derived from Hallow's and her surviving sister, Keryx. The mention of the city hospital inspires a thoughtful frown - anyone from there would mostly likely be ailing, so that was someone who probably started out as a charge, then. She smiles very slightly, reminded, in passing, of Bob*
*She starts slightly at the timeline. Hallow was presumed lost so long ago, and if Foresight came that soon after... it's been a very long time, indeed, since she appeared in their world; before Jetstorm, or Silverbolt, for that matter, even existed in his own!*
*But then, she's reminded of Perceptor's daughters, who came to their creator's timeline three vorns or so before they were actually created; also Blazer, who was brought into the living world before the computer he derived from had been built - and they had actual discernible creation points, whereas Foresight did not. Mystery upon mysteries... the multiverse is never straightforward*
*She frowns absently at the bit of fuzz, still listening. A tiny, wistful smile crosses her face at Foresight's clearly discernible feelings for Aegis, nodding thoughtfully at the details. She chuckles at the remark about Hallow's absent-mindedness* He's always been that way, I'm afraid. I'm glad someone's keeping an optic on him...
*she reflects on the information she has so far, puzzling over the discrepancy she finds* Primus told me he had five original students... what about the other two?

Foresight: *blinks as a pretty purple ladybug lands on the back of her hand and then slurps a drop of water off her skin, then blows the bug away with a puff of breath, her emotions holding compassion and protective affection* Kopher has three bodies. She would have been the first combiner on Cybertron, but the building they were born in fell in a bombing and one sister was killed soon after birth.

Kup: *eyes pop open and go wide as his heart cries out with compassion and sadness for those long ago newsparks*

Auspex: *her brow furrows as she peers at the insect with curiosity, blinking as Foresight displaces it. She lowers her gaze with sorrow as the younger servant elaborates on Kopher's story, wincing* Ah... the Decepticons, also, had a single individual in multiple shells... but perhaps they were designed that way, I am unsure. I'm afraid I know very little about the sort of trauma that might cause such a thing. I... have known a combiner team with... unforeseen issues that prevented their cohesion... *she almost chokes on the irony, considering who she is talking to* But none of them actually died. A glimpse of what such a thing can do to a mind... *she shivers with horrified dismay*

Primus: *sad for Kopher, but Kopher is loved*

Kup: *pat pat the Auspex hand. Sad sad in his heart*

Foresight: She's skittish, and often feels disoriented and lost. And she often sees things that aren't there because her mind is shattered, but she's been able to do simple duties around the sanctuary for many vorns now. *smile* She loved Bob's little charge.

Auspex: *she subtly shifts to lean a bit more against Kup, with a small sigh of regret and an acknowledgment for Primus - at least the broken fem is being taken care of, though the description of her state of mind is, perhaps, hauntingly familiar on several counts* I'm very grateful she's in a safe place, then...
*she can't help the little pang of disappointment that appears along with the fondness, wishing she could have seen Hallow, Bob, and Foresight together with Myrrh and the others when it happened, despite knowing why Primus withheld that information at the time. She lets it go, accepting that truth, and offers a little smile in return* Ah, good... I'd hope that Myrrh gave Kopher a reason to smile.

Foresight: *soft Fireflight chuckle, and then starts describing the tiny sparklet as she'd peered from Bob's arms and expounded on something she and Bob had learnt that day to the facet of Kopher who had come out of hiding to look at the little thing he'd brought to show her. As she speaks she finishes drying Kup and then tries fixing the shoulder of his kilt*

Kup: *huh what? Frown. Oh. Tries helping with one hand*

Auspex: *she nods, smile growing, imagining the scene easily - it probably did Bob some good as well, relating to someone with fear issues similar to his own*
*While Foresight and Kup put the formerly draped and knotted part of his wrap back in order, she peers speculatively at his now mildly damp hair, still very much in disarray. As she's debating what should be done, the colorful insect that appeared earlier flies back into view, drifting aimlessly for a moment before landing on Kup's head, apparently still looking for water. Frowning in vague disapproval, she reaches up to gently pull it from his hair*

Blackout: *from behind her* You do it like that, and it'll squish all over your fingers.

Auspex: *she freezes just before her fingers close on the creature, snatching her hand back quickly, wide-eyed and shaken* I thought they were sturdier than that...

ladybug: *abruptly transforms in a tiny flash of light, and then puts tiny hands on minute hips* I would NOT!

Blackout: O_O !!!!!!

Greatshot: *from over behind Boulder* Ouch. What the slag, Blackie?

Auspex: *boggling, she blinkblinks rapidly at the sense of Blackout's shock, and the little... winged insectoid person's?... indignation. She peers quizzically at the large compound eyes in the tiny, intelligent face* Oh... hello? I'm sorry, I hope I didn't hurt you... *she seems to be taking this all in stride*

ladybug: We don't squish that easily, Miss. Not even the ones that are only bugs.

Auspex: *she nods in relief at the reassurance that her actions were not harmful* I would hope not... I'm glad to hear that.

Blackout: *already recovered, amused and a little ireful* You ooze that yellow sludge all over fingers.

ladybug: I do nothing of the sort, and it's not squish anyway!

Kup: ...Can I move?

ladybug: Oh. Sorry. *flies up and hovers*

Foresight: *watching with great interest*

Kup: *turns around and frowns at the little person*

Auspex: *she's also watching the creature with curious intensity, fascinated. Her hand lingers on Kup's arm, sensing a bit of disapproval on her behalf mingled in with his own curiosity. She's fine...*

ladybug: *studies the blonde lady's face, then darts a little further away and looks down* You can hold me, if you like. I think it might help you feel better.

Kup: *frown deepens as he thinks this over and listens to his Lady's feelings*

Blackout: *going to go kick Scorponok*

Auspex: *she tilts her head, with a little smile. She's simply inquisitive, for the most part, but obligingly holds out a careful hand* May I ask what sort of creature you are?

ladybug: *settles on the hand and then walks across it with a tickle of tiny tiny feet* Oh, I'm just an insect sprite. My name's Jilan. *looks up, calm interest making itself known to Auspex now that the servant's both focusing on and touching her* Don't be afraid to pick beetles up. We really don't squish that easily. The best way to do it is with your thumb and pointer finger, on our sides behind our legs.

Auspex: *she's charmed by the little creature, and she scrunches her face slightly in amusement at the faint tickle. She nods with interest, paying close attention to her words and her aspect as she studies her* Jilan? I am Auspex. Thank you for the advice. I will remember that, though I will remain careful. I would rather not cause harm to anyone.

Jilan: *studies Auspex in return* I never thought I'd get to meet a Doll. I didn't know any were left in the world. But why does it seem like you're afraid of something?

Kup: *quietly* She just hasn't been out in the country before. *eyes flick to Auspex, checking to see what she thinks of the reply*

Auspex: *she hesitates, a bit nervous, as she has no idea what sort of creature she is in this form, really, other than an apparently rare one. She shrugs a shoulder, both in response to Kup's silent question, and hopefully to politely convey that she's not entirely willing or able to explain in detail* Many things are new to me, here...

Jilan: Ohhhh. You're new. *kindness and compassion, mixed with a little concern* But you're free? No one's treating you like property?

Kup: *hold on now, what kind of question...*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen at the sprite's query, unease increasing. The hand still on Kup's arm tightens very slightly* Ah... no. No, I am very safe here with my companions. *she hesitates - but it seems a safe enough question to ask, if the other is assuming she's newly... made?* Is... that a problem, for my kind?

Blackout: *suddenly fabric flying toward the side of Foresight's head* You can't fly with your aft shining, put those on.

Foresight: *bats it out of the air, then looks toward the Warlady* You know you're not fooling anyone here, except maybe Kup.

Blackout: Put your pants on.

Auspex: *She observes the byplay between Blackout and Foresight, quietly pleased that they seem to be getting along so well*

Jilan: *hands up in a comforting manner as she realizes she's frightened the Doll lady* I heard of it happening once. But...

Blackout: *arm falls around Auspex's shoulders* She's my friend. We're not from this kingdom, and she doesn't usually look like this.

Jilan: *relaxes as she looks from the white lady to the two Barbarians to either side of her. And then she glances over at the young Aerial as that one says an out of context word to express her ire in trying to get the soled but open toe leggings on* ...Tell her she's got them backward?

Blackout: *looks. Snorts. So amused*

Auspex: Ah. *she calms quite a bit, more so when Blackout contributes a bit more information that she wasn't sure was safe to give - but Blackout knows this place better, so it's likely to be alright. She's mildly (but pleasantly) surprised by the contact, glancing up at the taller woman with a little smile, before returning her attention to the sprite* I will keep it in mind anyway, just to be safe; thank you.
*She blinks, glancing over at Foresight, seeing her difficulty. Well... she wouldn't have known better, either...* Foresight? Ah... try turning them around?

Foresight: *shoots a surprised look toward the older servant, then looks down at the troublesome garment* ...Yes. That will make things easier. Thanks, Aunt.

Auspex: *She gives Foresight a slightly sheepish smile, nodding slightly - passing on second-hand knowledge is better than none at all, she supposes*

Blackout: *reaches around Auspex to offer a pair of simple leather shoes to Kup* Here. They go on your feet.

Kup: *looks at the shoes, looks at Blackout's feet. Looks at Greatshot's feet* No thanks.

Auspex: *Her eyebrows raise at the footwear, and Kup's refusal of it* Ah... perhaps you should, Kup...? I'd... rather not see you hurt. *'Again' goes unsaid*

Kup: *uncertain scowl toward her* They're not wearing them. *and he wants to fit in. He's not sure why he needs extra equipment*

Auspex: *she wavers, torn between the wish to be inconspicuous, and the wish to... not repeat the incident with feet being stepped on* I, um... is your foot alright now, after I...? *she trails off with a grimace, not willing to possibly embarrass him. Instead, she looks up at Blackout, eyes troubled* Would they... stand out too much?

Blackout: *eyes flick toward Jilan as she thinks, and then she looks down to Kup's feet* He hasn't been on those feet much lately, they need time to harden up or he'll hold us back.

Kup: *tenses slightly with dismay at the thought of jeopardizing the mission*

Jilan: *tiny hands on minute hips as she looks at the dark haired young man*

Auspex: *She winces; she hadn't even realized that simple walking could hurt him. Blackout and Greatshot have done this before, it seems - their feet have apparently been able to adjust. Her hand on Kup's arm ventures down to his own hand, and she gives it a careful squeeze* Perhaps it's worth the risk of standing out a bit?

Kup: *quietly* Alright, Lady. *takes the shoes, and then examines them as best he can one-handed*

Blackout: *to Jilan* She's going to need that hand. *holds up a bundle of long pine needles bound around the middle to form a serviceable hairbrush*

Auspex: *she offers Kup a grateful smile, squeezing his hand once more before withdrawing it, allowing him to handle the footwear unimpeded*
*She keeps her hand out for the little sprite, but she blinks down at the bundle, taking it with her other now-free hand, puzzling over its use for a moment* Ah... For his hair, I suppose?

Blackout: Yup. It's your job to fix it. And his to fix yours if you need it. *turns to walk over and check on Foresight and the leggings*

willowmaid: Nooo. Please move your foot? The water skin needs to be filled.

Scorponok: My luggage. Mine.

Auspex: *she frowns dubiously as Blackout moves to check on the others* Er... I'll do my best, but... I wish I knew what I was doing. *Her brow furrows slightly, entirely too self-conscious to contemplate her own hair needing care at any point; also, she sees that it's much longer, in a plait down her back, and she can only imagine the headache of putting that back in order...*
*Her thoughts are momentarily derailed by the unfamiliar voice, and she glances to the side in time to see Scorponok speak. Her eyes widen, totally astounded - she assumed he could, but he'd never seemed to feel the need, and she'd never experienced it. After a moment of marveling, feeling like she's encountered something rare and memorable, she turns back to peer thoughtfully at Kup's head; she pauses to glance at the insect sprite still perched in her hand* Hmm...

Jilan: *little chuckle as she flies up and then makes a vertical circle holding pattern in the air*

Blackout: *back and offering Auspex a small bamboo pot* Here, this stuff's supposed to make it so it doesn't stand up all over when it dries.

Kup: *wait, what???*

willowmaid: Will you help me fill your luggage with water?

Scorponok: ... *wonders what you're trying to pull, nice smelling person*

Auspex: *She gives Jilan a little nod and a smile of thanks, but resumes her uncertain frown as she reaches for the jar, opening it to peer blankly at the contents* But what do I do with it...?

Jilan: Stick your fingers into it, and then massage them through the young man's hair. It works better if he sits and you sit behind him.

Blackout: ...Yeah. *amused* Find something to lean back against for when he decides to lean on you.

Kup: Why would I do a thing like that? *mildly indignant, and also confused and embarrassed*

Auspex: *she nods slowly at the little sprite, but blinks ponderously at Blackout's input, bewildered, possibly suspicious, and very much out of her element. With a little shake of her head, she decides she'll at least start with Jilan's advice, and... um, just ignore Blackout's for now. She nods at Kup, not entirely meeting his gaze, but she's eyeing his hair, at least* It stands to reason that I can reach better if you sit, yes.

Kup: *looks around, and then goes over and plunks his butt down on one of the white rocks. Grunt as his emotions flash with surprise and minor pain, but he just straightens and looks back to Auspex*

Blackout: *frowns after him and wonders for a moment, but then glances at where Scorponok is holding the strap attached to the mouth of the big water skin in his teeth as the willowmaid carefully funnels water into the container. Snerk*

Auspex: *she winces at the little emotional jolt, reaching down to lay her hand on Kup's shoulder with concern* Gently... *she's hoping none of them injure themselves very badly before they get to where they're going...*
*she studies the rock next to his, then looks down at her skirts thoughtfully. Setting the jar and the brush to the side for a moment, she attempts to gather the material up and behind her, just enough to settle carefully on the rock in a half-sitting, half-kneeling posture. She makes sure she can lean over to reach his head, without tangling in the skirts or falling off her chosen seat. Satisfied that she seems physically stable for the moment, she reaches down to retrieve the little pot and the bundle of plant matter*

Jilan: Oh. People usually sit on those things.

Blackout: *attention over there by her husband* Don't confuse her.

Jilan: *concern and self rebuke* Sorry.

Auspex: *she blinks at the sprite, nonplussed, and a little anxious that she's confusing the locals* Ah... I may not be sitting properly... but I want to see his head.
*After a moment of thought, she opens the jar again, noting the concoction's oily consistency and pleasant scent. Her brow furrows in concentration as she dips her fingers into it, blinking at the curious sensation of it on her hands. After a moment of smoothing it over her fingers, she leans forward, hesitating for a moment; then she gently, experimentally, runs her fingers through a few locks of his hair to coat them with oil, starting at his hairline*

Kup: *self conscious, embarrassed, wonders how he should feel about this. Glances toward a squeak and sees Scorponok standing on three legs and blinking idiotically as Blackout brushes him. Decides this feels nice*

Auspex: *she's aware of his unease - she feels a bit awkward, herself. But, she reasons, it will probably be beneficial for him in the near future, if his hair is not as conspicuous as the footwear might potentially be. She continues to delicately comb through it with her fingers, slowly working toward the back of his head, while trying to keep her unfamiliar fingernails away from his skin - she doesn't wish to scratch him! After some time, she absently questions whomever's in earshot* How much oil should I use...?

Jilan: That's good. Now work out the worst of the tangles, and then start brushing from the ends.

Kup: >.o *understands now why Boulder was making those noises while they got the saddle on him*

Auspex: Ah. Alright. *She works the last bit of oil off of her hands and into his hair, a little smile appearing on her face as she catches a glimpse of the contentment this procedure seems to be drawing from him*
*She sets the jar aside, and frowns thoughtfully for a moment, before she starts again at the roots of the hair nearest his forehead, and begins running her fingers through it a second time, until she reaches a snag. She begins to very gently try to separate it with the fingers of both hands, wary of hurting him*

Kup: *sighs and relaxes as he ponders how to get the shoes on*

Greatshot: Hey, do I get brushed next? *absently swings a huge sword in one hand*

Blackout: No. You know how hard things like that put you to sleep. *fond, amused, and determined*

Greatshot: *so sad! Pauses and looks at his sword, then frowns and reaches in his pouch for a whet stone*

Jilan: That's right! You're doing well. *encouraging smile can be felt more than seen on her tiny face*

Auspex: *She's being perhaps overly cautious as she carefully detangles the larger snarls in his hair, freezing for a moment as he moves slightly, before she's satisfied that her fingers won't catch and pull too hard. She spares a wry glance at her friends and their squabble as she works, then another thankful one for the insect sprite* It's... probably rather apparent that I am inexperienced with hair. *she might as well state the obvious...*

Jilan: Oh. I thought your servants usually did all the hair care. *surprised*

Auspex: *she blinkblinks in response, scolding herself a bit for assuming... she doesn't want to be an inadvertent liability to the others for saying too much to a stranger, even a helpful one. She shrugs, also a bit embarrassed that she seems to be someone who would have such... potential extravagance. She hedges* Ah, no, not exactly...

Foresight: *zapemfoom!* *bleeping* yellow jacket.

Blackout: *sniggerfit die into Scorpy's back*

Auspex: *She glances up in time to see Foresight unleash a bolt of lightning at an offending insect. Her eyes widen as her fingers still, and she takes a deep breath, attempting to ward off the resulting pang of painful nostalgia. That was one of Jetstorm's powers... Swallowing hard, she resumes her detangling task, hands trembling slightly*

Greatshot: Hey, kid. You're supposed to squish them. *happy and amused*

Foresight: *gives him a Look, and then cocks her head and heads toward the nest from whence the offending insects are coming. To the willowmaid* Will I offend someone if I eradicate these?

willowmaid: *looks up from making a little basket out of leftover pine needles that Blackout left in her reach* The wasps?

Foresight: These yellowjackets, yes.

willowmaid: *attention back to her basket* I've been throwing rocks and bits of branch at them for three years. Please do.

Kup: *quietly, as he feels the trembles* Do I need to do somethin', Lady? *delayed reaction because he was trying to spot the problem for himself*

Auspex: *she frowns uneasily at the talk of killing... well, anything, really. But if even the willowmaid is amenable, it must be a genuine problem. She sighs, letting them be, returning her attention to Kup and his hair*
*He would, of course, be unable to locate the source of her disquiet, considering the circumstances. She hesitates for a moment as she finishes the last of the major detangling, then rests her hands on his shoulders, squeezing them in wordless appreciation for his regard - and also to help ground herself in the here and now, as she bows her head* It's not... something you can directly affect, I'm afraid. It... ties in with the revelation I received earlier. I may be affected for awhile, as I am... reminded.

Kup: *frowns a bit with concern, then considers for a moment before leaning back a little and reaching up to pat her hand that lies on his right shoulder. I'm here for you, I love you, I'm so focused on you that I'm not noticing the extermination over there*

Jilan: *distracted by foomage* Oh, isn't she saving the grubs to eat?

Blackout: *stare, and then walk stolidly off behind the bushes to try and avoid urking*

Greatshot: *didn't hear the comment, he's watching the kerfoom*

Scorponok: Eat bugs eat bugs eat bugs! :D

Boulder: *big paw comes down on top of the furry little terror and shuts off the sound*

Auspex: *Now she's trembling for an entirely different reason. She makes a little inarticulate sound, overwhelmed by the feelings Kup is sharing, and helpless to resist them. Tears in her eyes, she slowly leans forward to wrap her arms around his neck, delivers a tender kiss to his cheek, and buries her face in his hair, heedless of dampness and hair oil. She lingers there, giving herself a moment to recover. At least she's not at all mindful of the nearby chaos, either...*

Kup: *slight blush as he gratefully returns the cuddle. Feels like he's come home, or found a piece that had been missing from himself*

Auspex: *she sighs softly, nearly punctuating it with something more like a sob before she gets ahold of herself. The pain of loss mingles with the joy of being loved, and it's dizzying - it's not something she could ever begin to articulate, even if she had to. She's nuzzling the side of his face, hoping to convey how much his sentiment means to her (without completely mortifying him, she hopes), before she finally peels herself away, reaching down to retrieve the brush*

Kup: *loves you. Where's the shoe? What...* No, I don't wanna kiss from you.

Boulder: *sniffs and resumes licking Scorponok*

Auspex: *she laughs quietly, sorely tempted to provide that... but they do have a job to do, here. She studies the brush for a moment, experimentally trying it against her hand to get an idea of how it feels and functions, before she begins to gently run it through the ends of his hair, as instructed*

Kup: *tries not to move too much as he lifts a foot and examines it. Look at foot, think about Auspex in his arms, look at shoe, think about comforting Auspex, look toward the clang of sword against sword, think of ... okay. He still feels guilty about that, so he won't think about it*

willowmaid: *glances over, and then quickly looks away* Your kilt's up.

Kup: What? *frown, and then an awk and he's muttering about no afts shining as he quickly adjusts how his kilt is laying*

Scorponok: *funny little noises that have the feel of sniggering*

Auspex: *She blinks, somewhat blankly - ah, the modesty. She's a bit puzzled why organics would dress in a way that even can expose what needs to be covered - the organics she'd seen in the Nexus generally wore... 'pants'? Realizing the subtleties are likely lost on her, she shrugs (she supposes she's fortunate she's wearing the ridiculously long skirts, so she's less likely to unknowingly commit some sort of social faux pas...) and continues carefully brushing Kup's hair, starting a little higher up on his head after smoothing what she started with*

Blackout and Greatshot: *have seen nothing of this, as they're enthusiastically trying to carve one another with a pair of massive claymores. Emotion joyful and intent as they parry, duck, and kick or punch at each other*

Foresight: *quiet interest as she pulls apart the yellowjacket nest to see what's inside. She's communing again as she does this*

Auspex: *She gazes over with mild interest as her Destron friends spar, enjoying the good feelings they're projecting as they practice. Exploring with her senses, she feels curiosity from Foresight, and Primus also (and maybe a bit of distaste from him as well). A glance reveals the younger woman peering at the vanquished insect nest; Auspex's own mild revulsion matches her lord's... yuck*

Foresight: *head turns, and she feels a spurt of mild indignation* They're even more intricately made than us. They're not yuck. *shock as something flies close to her face* YUCK!

Scorponok: *falls down and rolls, laughing himself silly(er)*

massive bee: *Auspex will be able to feel her happiness as she waves a front leg at Foresight. She isn't sentient, but she is unmistakably intelligent and eager to communicate*

Auspex: *she's about to explain that it's more the presence of the dead things that she objects to - she's seen Insecticons, not to mention Myrrh, and was also quite fond of Waspinator, thank you - when something insectile and absolutely huge (for an organic insect!) comes into the clearing to hover before the younger servant. Beyond surprise at the size of the creature, Auspex is merely curious, and cheered by its friendliness*

Foresight: *scowling as she lifts a hand...*

Blackout and willowmaid: STOP!

Blackout: ...You idiot! That's a BEE!

Scorponok: *chortle* That's a Bee!

Auspex: *She hisses as she sees Foresight's reaction, and remembers that the younger servant can't sense what she can... no nono NO* Foresight! Wait...!
*She's on her feet, nearly tripping over her skirts in her haste, eyes wide... and also feeling mild hurt at Blackout's outburst, on behalf of her... offspring*


continued here

((Co-written with primus_seeress))