Snowdrop's World. Various places. Epic Dream Adventure 3

[random_xtras]

continued from here


Kup: *frozen with his hands on the laces of the shoe as he quickly makes sure Auspex is safe*

Foresight: *steps back, wings flared, and winds up on her butt on the ground as she looks around with wide eyes at all the reactions and feels startled and bewildered* Bee? You didn't teach me about "Bee"!

Blackout: *sword into the holder on her back as she strides over, feeling gruff remorse at the look on the younger woman's face*

Auspex: *She winces with sympathy for Foresight - she doesn't understand any more than she does, only what she can sense... she can only explain her own reaction, voice subdued* It was happy, and meant you no harm... but only I could sense that... *she sighs softly, glancing at Blackout* Are there... any other startling, but otherwise harmless, creatures we should know about...?

Bee: *wait... what?*

Kup: *just found someone tiny fainted on the lap of his kilt and is trying to work out how to see if she's alright*

Auspex: *she glances over at the Bee, which seems rather confused, but otherwise unharmed - she blinks at it, before looking down at Kup - and wincing again as she sees what he's peering at. Oh dear... poor Jilan*

Blackout: *carefully yanks Foresight up by one arm, and then gives her a gruff hug of apology*

Foresight: *wait what... OH! Yeshug. And sigh and calm herself down*

Blackout: I didn't know Bees lived here. They're friends.

Auspex: *she would like to comfort Foresight, herself, but she's... holding herself back, afraid to, really. The fear of loss, the heaviness of what's already been lost... it's too new. She'll have to work through this, eventually, and remedy it... but perhaps not now. Foresight seems all right for the most part - she is strong, Auspex reminds herself. She manages a shaky sigh*

Bee: *looks at all the people, then lowers herself down to look into the partly dissembled and now dropped yellowjacket nest. Quiet, soothing hum*

Kup: *looks up at Auspex, his brows lifting* How do you jumpstart a ladybug lady?

Auspex: *she directs her attention back to Kup, and the little knocked-out sprite in his lap* I... don't know; I'm not sure you can. *she crouches beside him, leaning on and over his shoulder to peer at Jilan, with some worry*

willowmaid: *softly, feeling of concern as she looks at their worried faces* What's the matter?

Auspex: *she gingerly reaches down to scoop Jilan off of Kup's lap, then carries the tiny creature to the willowmaid in cupped palms, frowning down regretfully at her* The insect sprite - she's unconscious. I think she was frightened...

willowmaid: Some people do that. *studies the tiny one, then turns her head and looks around* Move your hand gently and call her name while I see if I can find a strong scented flower.

Auspex: *'hmm's thoughtfully before attempting to comply, slowly waving her clasped hands, peering closely* Jilan? Hello?

Jilan: *sucks in a deep breath, but shows no other sign of waking*

Auspex: *she blinks, startled - is that a good sign? Perhaps she could try nudging her... she carefully maneuvers her hands so Jilan rests in a single palm, but refrains from trying to touch her for the moment - would that be enough?*

Kup: *watches, praying inwardly, and then is distracted as he sees Blackout and Foresight kneel next to the Bee and converse*

Greatshot: *walks so he rustles and won't startle the couple*

Kup: *head turn again to look at the older man and frown quizzically*

Auspex: *She spares a glance at Greatshot as he approaches, but keeps her focus on the sprite*

Greatshot: Here's a piece of wild honeysuckle. It smells. *offers the sprig of blossoms*

willowmaid: *turns back from reaching for something, her expression relieved*

Auspex: Ah, thank you. *she takes it, eyes widening in surprise at the powerful scent, before carefully waving it over the hand holding Jilan* Hello, wake up?

Jilan: *another deep breath, and then she's turning her head and looking bewildered* What happened?

Kup: Easy, don't tryta sit up yet. *glances to Auspex, making sure he's giving the right advice*

Auspex: *She smiles down at Jilan, relieved to see her awake. She meets Kup's gaze over her hand, eyes widening - she has no idea... but she feels Primus nudging her* -My lord...?-

Primus: *yes. Rest is good. Compassion and concern for the tiny lady*

willowmaid: Ahah. *over she comes with a drop of water trapped in the end of a hollow stem* Hold this where she can drink? *offers carefully*

Auspex: *She frowns with uncertainty, but does take the stem; she carefully sits, skirts and all, so she can brace her arms on her knees to hold them steady. Her brow furrows in concentration as she lowers the stem toward Jilan's head (or as close as she can see)*

Jilan: *lifts her head slightly, tiny antennae perking in the way a human would blink, then puts up a minute hand to guide the stem. The sound of sipping follows, and the drop vanishes*

Kup: *squinted as he watches with wonder*

Bee: *quiet buzzing before she sits on the willowmaid's arm and looks up at her*

willowmaid: Oh. That's a good idea. Would you like a little honey, Jilan? The Bee has some in her tummy that she wants to share.

Jilan: Give me a moment. I'm trying to remember what happened.

Auspex: *she peers down closely at the sprite, but trying not to crowd her too much* You lost consciousness. Foresight didn't mean to frighten anyone; I'm very sorry for that.

Jilan: *little startle as she looks around quickly. Sees Foresight's look of concern and Blackout's gruff scowl, then sees the Bee sitting and looking at her alertly*

Blackout: I hadn't realized Bees lived in this area. Didn't tell the kid, so she thought she was seeing a big yellowjacket.

Bee: *that sounded like a raspberry. She's amused*

Jilan: Oh. *deep breath, then turns her head again* I'd love some honey, thank you.

Auspex: *her brow furrows at the Bee's continued cheer - she's not sure the creature understands what almost happened... but perhaps personal mortality is simply not something her kind is concerned about. Sobered by the thought, she sits still as the Bee approaches*

Bee: *runs over and spits a drop of honey next to the little sprite, then runs and hops onto Auspex's nearest wrist, where she spits some honey onto the Doll's finger*

Kup: Hey...! *quick look from Blackout to Auspex to make sure it's alright*

Blackout: Stand down, kid. She's feeding her.

Auspex: *Her brow furrows in confusion as the Bee puts forth a glossa-like appendage and leaves a drop on her hand for Jilan... that's honey? What a strange way to dispense it... then her eyes widen as the huge insect perches on her wrist - though she's more surprised than alarmed. She misses the Bee dispensing the honey on her finger (though she can feel it), as she's lifting her head to meet Kup's gaze with a look of reassurance* It's alright, I'm fine...
*she blinks down at the Bee again, with a little nod* Er, thank you... *she's peering at the substance with curiosity, though she hasn't moved yet, so as not to displace the insect*

Bee: *lifts her head to meet Auspex's gaze, then makes a little motion with her wings that results in that soothing humming sound. This done, she turns and reaches with one foreleg toward Blackout, who offers an arm and becomes the next perch*

Blackout: *amused affection as she becomes a perch, and then slightly different affection as she lifts her head and looks at Auspex* It's safe to taste that. You've got the equipment to do it now.

Auspex: *she smiles at the Bee, finding the insect's gesture charming. She remains still as the Bee relocates, then blinks as Blackout offers instruction*
*Er... the strangeness of ingesting something that came from an organic's body is one thing (is this normal, she wonders?), but now she's wondering how. The Cybertronians in her reality lack dentae/teeth and glossae/tongues (however, they're common in some of the other universes), but this Doll-creature that she is now does have those (or whatever the equivalent?), and the mechanics of consumption are different. Well... with a bit of a self-conscious chuckle (please don't watch her trying this), she sticks her finger in her mouth, trying her best to transfer the honey from finger to tongue without too much fuss*
*Eyebrows raising, she hums appreciatively* It's very sweet!

Blackout: If you were made of meat it'd be good for you physically as well as emotionally. *turns head to look for husband and symbiont*

willowmaid: Would you like me to take Jilan? *feels curious as she studies Auspex, but that deep calm is still there in her too*

Auspex: *she's still feeling a bit awkward about her inexperience with her current form (and finds herself wondering how she can appear so organic, if she essentially is not) - she instinctively knows the curiosity from the willowmaid is not a bad thing, but she's self-conscious, all the same. Attempting to shrug it off, she nods, carefully climbing to her feet* I should finish with Kup's hair, thank you. *she offers a reassuring smile to Jilan as she slowly extends her hand*

Kup: *has remembered the shoe, just figured out how to pull the laces tight and tie them*

Jilan: *shimmers and changes, then beetles from one hand to the next, her tiny antennae waving as she thinks of going home and having a rest*

willowmaid: *smiles at both Auspex and Jilan* Yes. It's nearing the time your Captain wanted to leave.

Blackout: General. *absent. Is making sure everything's picked up*

willowmaid: Oh. Very well.

Auspex: *her eyebrows raise at Jilan's transformation, finding it just as remarkable as the first time she did it. Giving both natives a gracious nod, she returns to the rock she'd claimed earlier, carefully arranging her skirts much as she did before, so she can sit. She chuckles a bit as she retrieves the brush, studying Kup's head to see where she'd left off* I'm relieved we haven't completely derailed your schedule, then, Blackout...

Blackout: *absently, as she looks in the bag hanging from her belt* Uh huh, sure.

Greatshot: *snorting sniggers at wife*

Auspex: *she blinks, taken aback for a moment at Blackout's thoroughly distracted answer, but quickly dismisses it with a shrug and a soft chuckle; she obviously has other things to think about*

Foresight: *goes to hunker and look at the broken wasp nest, which has been laid on a small pile of old leaves*

Bee: *goes to see her*

Jilan: *little flash from the willowmaid's hand, and then she's peering over the edge of it* Do you need me any longer, Auspex?

Auspex: *She notes Foresight's interactions with the Bee, with a little smile, before turning to answer the insect sprite's question, smile widening* Ah... no, I think I can manage. *she hopes* Thank you so much for your help and instruction, Jilan, you've been very kind!

Jilan: *again her smile is felt more than seen, as is her weariness and her desire to go home and be with someone she loves* It was an honour meeting you. I hope your journey is safe and enjoyable.

Auspex: *she dips her head gratefully* And you, also! Rest, be well, and thank you again. *she offers one last kindly smile of farewell, before returning her attention to careful brushing*

Foresight: *quiet wonder* You have teeth, too?

Bee: *looks up at her with that same friendly cheerfulness, and a bit of pride now, then resumes cutting the brood comb from the broken yellowjacket nest. Wants babies. Babies need to come home and be safe and eat honey. She doesn't think this in words, but it's strong in her feelings*

Auspex: *she's not entirely sure what's going on over there, other than the impression of the Bee's wanting to rescue something from the fallen nest. She doesn't completely understand why, considering the apparent urgency of removing the nest and eradicating the flying ones (apparently the Bee is retrieving the ones who can't?) - but she feels some sense of gratification that it's being taken care of*

willowmaid: *walks over to where they sit in the shade of the well's stone side, then drops to her knees and holds Jilan toward the Bee*

Jilan: Could I bother you for a ride, friend? I don't really feel like I'd be safe on my own right now.

Bee: *gives her more honey and a pat pat, then resumes getting babies*

Jilan: Thank you. *beetle form again as she walks onto the Bee's back and nestles into the fur on the big thorax*

Foresight: Oh, you carry people, like Boulder does?

Boulder: *hmmm? You want kitty? Big nose right by the insect and sprite*

Bee: *spits honey all over his nose*

Boulder: O_O *looks at Foresight laughing, then backs off and looks around for sympathy*

Auspex: *she looks up more intently at the sense of Boulder's surprise, eyes widening at the sight of the huge cat with honey covering the lower part of his face. She shakes her head with a bit of a wry smile... but she really is trying to get Kup's hair tidy, here. She concentrates on the foreign feel of it in her fingers, studying the way the stray hair smooths itself together as it passes through the fibers of the brush - it's all quite fascinating, really, and so unlike anything in her experience*

Kup: *working on his other shoe now, but he startles without really moving when Greatshot yelps and then yells disgust*

Boulder: *nuzzled Greatshot! :3*

Greatshot: I.... UGH.

Bee: *that sounded distinctly like buzzy laughter as she flies away*

Auspex: *She blinkblinks, pausing as she glances over the others. What...? Oh. The honey formerly on Boulder's face is now mostly on Greatshot's front. She grimaces in sympathy. Messy...*
*she glances down at what Kup is doing with the shoes* Are they working out all right...?

Kup: *cautiously amused because he's not sure he wouldn't be in trouble for it* Yeah. I think so. *looks at foot and wiggles toes*

Auspex: *her mouth quirks in amusement at the toe-wiggling* Human feet are strange... and hair, for that matter. *she's starting on the hair closer to his skull, now, and taking more care not to scratch his skin with the brush - she's not sure if that's an issue, but she'd rather not take chances* You will tell me if I hurt you, I hope...?

Kup: You're right. And they don't seem to be very well designed. *puts foot down and turns his eyes but not his head to where Greatshot is now having a bath and Blackout's tying the water skin onto Scorponok's back. Maybe not truthfully* Sure I will.

willowmaid: *she's somewhere under the branches of her tree, singing a song like cool water over stones*

Auspex: *she 'heh's softly, edging on slight nervousness* I have no inclination to question the designer... there are likely good reasons.
*she sighs, reaching up to grip his shoulder in light exasperation, though there is some amusement in with it* Please do. I am sure you've had worse, but why endure unnecessary discomfort? *the squeeze becomes a pat, and she's using both hands to brush again, holding strands of hair in one, the brush in the other. She smiles slowly, enjoying the willowmaid's singing very much*

Kup: *guilty "heh" of a wince as she squeezes his shoulder, then a thoughtful and determined feeling as he says quietly* I'd rather endure anythin' before upsetting you.

Auspex: *she wavers for a moment, nearly missing a lock of hair and brushing her own hand. She opens her mouth, but can't find any words. Giving up on trying, for the moment, she smooths the backs of her fingers over his cheek briefly, before resuming her brushing*
*Finally, she manages a reply, voice subdued* I'd rather you upset me, than cause you to suffer in any way, for my sake. Physically, or emotionally, for that matter.

Kup: *emotions flare at her touch, then get complex before they settle down to a very intense blast of happy love*

Auspex: *she pauses again, tilting her head, a bit concerned by his convoluted emotional response - he seems to be standing by his previous statement, and she wonders if he realizes she's not simply talking about his hair... but then he's all affection again, and she ducks her head demurely, with a soft chuckle, leaning just slightly closer* I'm not sure you realize how distracting it is, when you are emoting so strongly...

Kup: *slowly turns his head, and then gives her that heart breaker grin, his eyes dancing*

Auspex: *she glances up again, eyes widening at his expression. Fine, she's blushing now, is he happy? Feeling somewhat breathless, her tone is faint* ...do you?

Kup: *gently, his eyes softening* I do now. *loves you so much. Feels sad he can only say so in dreams, but is going to love you all he can even in real life*

Auspex: *She hisses softly, totally floored by his feelings, both the love and the sadness, and the understanding of why. Gathering her courage, she leans toward him, lifting a hand to his jaw, to give him a quick, gentle kiss. She whispers to him* Then tell me. I will not turn you away.

Kup: *shiver down his back and happiness, but then backs up slightly to look at her face and once more feels sad* Dreams aren't the same as reality, Lady. *though he wishes they were!*

Auspex: *she strokes his cheek with her thumb, shaking her head at him in denial* You haven't tried, really. I don't understand why.

Kup: *sadness increases* I'm supposed to protect you from guys that would put the moves on you, not do it myself. *and there's something that Auspex will almost feel from him*

Auspex: *She frowns, blinking sadly at him. He's trying to hide something, and she would probably have discovered it, were they in their normal forms and place; if this were reality. It's eluding her, and she doesn't wish to pry it from him, if it distresses him so. Still cradling his jaw, she averts her gaze* I suggest you ask my opinion on the matter, before you make that decision for me. But I will not press you - I don't wish to steal your joy in the here and now. *She hesitates for a moment, then leans in to give him another, slightly longer kiss. Withdrawing to give him an encouraging smile (it's also maybe slightly besotted, but forgive her), she takes up the brush again, intent on getting his hair taken care of*
*She gently directs his head forward again so she can reach the back of it. After a handful of minutes of intent, careful brushing, the back seems almost as tidy as it did when they arrived here. She scrutinizes her work for a moment, before nodding slightly in satisfaction. There's only the front left to do, and she raises herself on her knees to get a better look at it, reaching around somewhat awkwardly to brush strands out of his face with her fingers, before beginning to carefully brush those locks as well*

Blackout: *walking past with fresh wood for the pile by the fireplace. Grabs Auspex by the arm with her free hand, pulls her up and around Kup, then dumps the smaller woman onto his knee. Doesn't break her stride at all as she does this, and continues to the woodpile*

Foresight: *adding some words to the willowmaid's singing, but she pauses to blink at that and then grin, her feelings nostalgic and cheerful*

Auspex: *That's a rather undignified squeak she just made, and there's much flailing as she reaches for Kup's shoulders to stay upright* Blackout... *She huffs indignantly in her friend's direction, then looks up at Kup, blinking ponderously* Well... I can reach the front of your head more easily from here... *blushing more from the embarrassment of Blackout's blatant machination, than actually being in this position, she sighs, not unhappily, and reaches up to work on what's still unbrushed*

Kup: *not quite as brave as her, though his feelings are singing with happiness. Leans up and pecks her on the cheek as he puts an arm around her waist to support her and also just to give a hug*

Scorponok: Muuuuush. *staggers around til Blackout boots him on the bum in passing with another load of deadwood* Eeep!
*gleeful mischief, and curiosity and holding himself in check as he follows a frog across the clearing*

Auspex: *her eyes close for a moment, and she smiles appreciatively at Kup's affection, but she maintains her focus and her brushing, even as her brow quirks at Scorponok's comment - she was trying not to be conspicuous about this, but Blackout took that out of her hands...*

Blackout: *pauses on her way past with more wood* Done yet? *emotions hold satisfaction and also the urge to go*

Auspex: Almost... *If she were a petty sort, she might keep Blackout waiting for her meddling... she's not, but the mischief in the thought is amusing, anyway, and her smile becomes somewhat lopsided*

Blackout: *sees the smile change, and tugs Auspex's braid gently as she continues on her way! Is now feeling content amusement and affection*

Auspex: *She 'eep's quietly at the harmless little pull - it's a very strange feeling! Her shoulders hunch a little in response, but a tiny chuckle escapes*
*With a bit more hurry, but no less gentle care, she brushes through the hair on Kup's forehead and temples, smoothing it back behind his ears (after a bit of curious peering at them, strange things) with her fingers. After a few minutes, she leans back a bit to inspect her handiwork, and decides it's as tidy as she can make it* All right. I think that's done, then. Is this acceptable? You have the most experience with this world and how people look... *she turns a bit to gaze at Blackout, but seems... maybe a bit reluctant to move, otherwise*

Blackout: *looks at Kup for a frowning moment, then snerks and turns away* He'll do.

Kup: *not abashed this time. He's got Blackout's number now. Instead he turns his head slightly and looks at Auspex, considering something that makes the corners of his mouth twitch slightly*

Auspex: *It must be fine, then. She leans a little closer against Kup, watching Blackout with a raised eyebrow and an utterly deadpan expression. She can not care that Blackout doesn't care, see?*
*She glances up at Kup and meets his gaze, tilting her head questioningly as she sees the almost-smile*

Kup: *laughter escapes, and then he's putting his hands around Auspex's waist and swooping her into the air as he stands. She's turned, and set onto his shoulder, and then he's striding toward where Boulder is looking up from licking Scorponok. Joy and amusement and affection blooms as he stops holding them in*

Auspex: *she 'eek's!, eyes wide, and makes a cursory protest, though there is soft laughter in her tone* Kup...! Put me down... *she tries not to move too much as he maneuvers her up, or cling, either, for that matter. With an amused smile and a little snort that's not quite a chuckle, she suffers to be carried, enjoying the lightness and endearment in his aspect, as well as the notion that she helped put it there*

Kup: *pat pats her legs where he's holding her steady with an arm over them, then looks up to beam at her affectionately. His attention then goes forward as they reach Boulder, who has obligingly lay down so that his saddle is easier to reach*

Boulder: *rubbing his chin on the ground too. Scritchy chin! w00t!*

Auspex: *she looks down at Kup, shaking her head with a slightly exasperated, but charmed smile. With the view of the top of his head, she can't resist a moment to run a hand through the hair she'd just brushed (there are a few hairs out of place, but it's more to distract herself - she trusts him implicitly, but it's still a bit of a precarious-feeling position), until they reach Boulder's side. She studies the platform and the huge cat pensively, noting that Foresight has already climbed up and is in place. Auspex reaches a hand out to grip the side of the harness, frowning down at the voluminous skirts (again wishing she was wearing something more practical); she attempts to gather at least part of them in the other hand, and poke a foot out to place it gingerly on Boulder's side*

Foresight: *amused, pleased, and nostalgic, she reaches over the rail and offers her hand to Auspex*

Kup: *gentle hands on her hips as he lifts her a little higher and toward Boulder*

Auspex: *She struggles for a moment, maneuvering the skirts so she can transfer them to the hand on the harness without letting go of it, and reaches for Foresight's with the other. It's awkward, and it's a bit of a twist sideways to get her other foot out and somewhere useful; but finally, with Kup and Foresight's much-appreciated help, she manages to get arms, legs, and skirts all in order, and up into the seat beside the younger woman. After a moment of sitting and blinking, she breathes a sigh of relief*

Foresight: *impressed that with all that flailing and aborted kicking of Kup in the head, and jags of concern, that her Aunt didn't curse at all. Chuckles and helps Auspex get the skirt arranged around her, and then climbs over the rail to sit astride of Boulder's neck and scratch him with one foot*

Blackout: *and here she comes over Boulder's rump to have a seat herself and lean her arms back over the railing as she sprawls with compact comfort*

Greatshot: I see London, I see France, I saw Blackout's underpants.

Blackout: *rude gesture without turning*

Kup: *thoughtful as he looks over the campsite to make sure they've got everything, then turns back in time to see Blackout adjust the sword on her back slightly. Heyyyyyyy! Looks at Greatshot* Sir, shouldn't I have one of those?

Greatshot: *looks for sir, then laughs at self before turning back to Kup and lifting his brows* No. You'd hurt yourself. Hold on, I'll see what...

willowmaid: *soft meep as a thump sounds from somewhere under the tree's branches, and then out she comes carrying a great big shillelagh* Mother says he can have this stick.

Auspex: *she's a little uneasy at the talk of weapons, if only because she has no idea how safe (or otherwise) this journey will be. Will Kup be all right, as unused to their current organic nature, as he is? She watches silently as the willowmaid presents the large branch - it looks sturdy, and some sort of knobby growth on one end looks sufficient to use as some sort of defense. Blackout and Greatshot have swords, Foresight has her wings and lightning (and whatever else she may have inherited from... right), and Boulder is... Boulder. She's certainly safe enough where she's at* Are we likely to run into someone hostile...?

Blackout: *calmly amused, as she watches Kup walk over to get the shillelagh* Not with this outfit.

Kup: Thank you, miss. *steps away from the willowmaid, and then tests the balance and weight of the club, making it whistle as he spins it around himself with first one hand and then the other*

Auspex: *watching Kup handle the staff eases some mild anxiety - most of the weapons she's seen Cybertronians use have been some sort of gun, and the occasional sword, though some have more exotic weapons (such as Breakdown's vibrational dissonance, which she fell victim to once, herself, she recalls with some chagrin); she's unsure about any sort of hand-to-hand training anyone on either side might have... but Kup certainly seems to know what he's doing, to her untrained eye, at least. As Blackout says, someone would likely be rather foolish to attack them, unless they were very large, or impervious to blades and teeth and claws. Hopefully, she won't find out*

Greatshot: *watches for a moment, and then walks over to scratch at the base of Boulder's tail*

Boulder: !!!!!!!!! *BLISSS*

Blackout: *swats at mate without otherwise moving* We need him to stand up and walk, not pass out, you glitch.

Foresight: *distracted from Kup and the stick by what's happening in the back seat. Starts laughing*

Auspex: Hmm? *she glances backward, doing a slight double-take; she hides a smile. Greatshot likes cats, perhaps?*

Blackout: *meets her eyes and smirks at her amiably* Let's get this show on the road. *turns head toward the willow, and the girl standing in its shade* Thanks for the hospitality.

Greatshot, Kup, and Foresight: *echo her thanks, and then Foresight and Kup turn to look at Auspex*

Auspex: *offers Blackout a little smile in return, then turns to address the willowmaid, smile growing* Thank you very much, lady, for the water, and safety for my friends, and for your help. I wish you well!

willowmaid: *bright smile for all of them, and then a graceful bow as she holds her shimmering hair close to herself* May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Blackout: *soft snort, though she's touched deeply* May the water be soft and cool. May the sun be sweet and rich. May you and your guests enjoy peace. And until we meet again, may God use you as His tool of blessing.

Foresight: *twisted right around to look at Blackout now. Wow, the old grouch can say nice things*

Boulder: *rumbles and makes more of his speech sounds, then carefully gets to his feet*

Auspex: *She ducks her head slightly, appreciating the beautiful blessings from both. She turns to Primus for a moment, regretting that any she might have given would be in his name, and there are none here in this world that would benefit, other than her own party. However, he seems content with Blackout offering for all of them, and that consoles her a bit*
*Her eyes widen as Boulder begins to stand, and she grips the bar of the platform with one hand, bracing on its floor with the other. All things considered, he is being very conscientious, and, other than some unavoidable tilting and wobbling, it's a smooth movement, and she relaxes once he's on his feet*

Blackout: *amusement in her voice* Next time brace your foot against one of the bars on the rail. *moves the foot she'd braced against Auspex's bottom as the grune stood*

Auspex: *She glances back, blinking, more startled than put-upon, but her brow is furrowed* Ow.

Blackout: *cheerily argumentative* Was not. *turns her head to watch the willowmaid wave as Boulder paces down the trail to the road at a smooth walk*

Kup and Greatshot: *following the cat and exchanging a little mild trash talk as Scorponok brings up the rear and sniggers*

Auspex: *she blinks more, conceding the point with a slight shrug, slightly distracted by changing scenery and becoming accustomed to the felinoid gait beneath her. She glances behind, to see the others following on foot. She remembers what they said about Kup's feet, and hopes the shoes will be adequate...*

Blackout: *shakes her head with another snort* You're no fun.

Auspex: *she replies absently, sensing her friend's amusement; there's a faint smile on her own face* Would you rather I argued? You know I'm not much good at that, unless it's debating Primus's nature with a skeptic...

Blackout: What's hard about "Is too"/"Is not"? *checks their surroundings as Boulder comes out onto the road and stretches his walk out comfortably*

Boulder: *oh, and he seems to be singing to himself, if that cadenced rumbling is anything to go by*

Auspex: *she chuckles softly* I don't care to prolong the inanity...
*her eyebrows raise at the sounds the giant feline is making; she muses aloud to Foresight* Boulder has been on Cybertron for a relatively long time, hasn't he? I imagine he'll enjoy this outing very much - Cybertron is regretfully not well-suited for organic life...

Foresight: *snerks and boots the critter in question* Maybe not, but he likes it. *doesn't look toward a huff of agreement* We've had him for nine years.

Kup: *now walking to one side of Boulder on the wide road, his expression wondering and watchful as he studies their surroundings and makes sure he doesn't stub his toes on any more paving stones*

Greatshot: *walking on the other side, and humming to himself, feeling content and interested*

Auspex: *'hmm's thoughtfully in response to Foresight - only slightly longer than a decivorn, then* Not quite as long as I'd thought; still, his kind must be quite versatile. But... where did you find him at, on Cybertron, of all places?

Foresight: Hallow's friend Lumière bought him from a merchant who stopped on Cybertron for a couple of days, because he thought that Boulder would help to keep Hallow safe. *amused*

Auspex: *she boggles slightly* That... is an unusual way to go about it, certainly. I think I personally would worry more for Boulder's safety than my own, in such a situation, if only because I'd have trouble believing he could be happy and healthy on Cybertron. But if anyone could make that happen, it would be my brother. *the fondness in her tone and aspect is evident* I suppose his friend is well aware of that, also.

Foresight: *chuckles* Lumière bought a ton of packaged, concentrated food for Boulder, too. We've been feeding him very careful... *looks down with surprise as the big cat ducks his head and makes a slurping sound, her emotions flaring with alarm* What did you eat?

Kup: ...One of those. *points to a huge slug that's sitting on a rock by the road*

Boulder: *slurps that up too*

Foresight: O_O;

Greatshot: They're not people. And they don't taste too bad.

Foresight: O_O!

Auspex: *eyes widen also, and she makes a bemused sound* Ah... perhaps anything "not sapient" and "not metal" is fair game... it could be just as well if he comes home full. *she chuckles softly, if slightly nervously*

Boulder: *makes his talking sounds, and then nomphs the sunflower that Kup picked and poked at his mouth. Happy nomming*

Blackout: Great. We're riding a giant vacuum cleaner.

Greatshot: *snort of laughter*

Auspex: *laughs softly, greatly amused* Kup, don't encourage him...

Kup: *looks up questioningly* What do you mean, Lady?

Auspex: *blinks, but responds with good humor* I would rather not find out he is allergic to something, while we are riding him...

Boulder: *earnest talk, and a feeling that he's reassuring Auspex*

Foresight: *thoughtfully, her chin tucked to her chest* I don't see that happening, Aunt.

Blackout: *looks at the girl sharply, wondering*

Auspex: *reaches to experimentally pat Boulder's side, as an acknowledgment of sorts, as she responds to Foresight* Ah? This is an informed assumption, I take it?

Foresight: *turns and looks back at her, expression earnest and calm* No. I don't see it happening. Though I do see him putting a considerable dent in the slug and bush rat populations.

Boulder: *happy sound, and then a nomph as another sunflower is poked at his mouth*

Auspex: Ahh. Literal foresight then: I understand. *and she's beaming; of course it might be a bit silly to find so much satisfaction in something her construct probably does as second nature... but she is her construct, doing something most would find extraordinary; that fills her with unexpected joy. Still, it might be bit awkward to explain if she picks up on it; she focuses on the words instead, chuckling as Greatshot feeds the cat another large flower* Well, eating what's in the landscape might be a nice change, then...

Foresight: *smiles as she senses the satisfaction, feeling happy that her Aunt is so pleased with her and thinking that it's good to know that Auspex still loves Hallow so much to be so pleased with his students* Yes. *looks down at their transportation* There actually ARE some organic creatures living on Cybertron... a kind of fungus that grows on minerals, and rats of different sorts that came from various visiting ships while there were no police at the space ports. Do the things here taste better, Boulder?

Boulder: *huffs and bobs his head, then looks at a patch of purple dandelion flowers and is rewarded with a double handful that Kup runs to grab*

Auspex: *She notes the positive response - perhaps it makes sense, as an older servant and a sister of her mentor, for Foresight to be glad for her approval. She sighs softly to herself... but her good cheer is still intact. She muses over the new information* I admit I haven't recently encountered anything overtly organic on Cybertron, at least when I was last active... *she grimaces slightly* But I was not seeking such things out, either.
*She watches Kup, hoping idly that he doesn't spend all his energy feeding the cat. Still, the thought makes her smile warmly*

Greatshot: Bee! *ducks*

Bee: *sounds like she's laughing as she hovers in front of Boulder*

Boulder: *blinks at her, and then opens his mouth questioningly*

Bee: *feeds him much honey! Then flies away*

Boulder: Huh. *nomph, follows that nomph with a mushroom that Greatshot rips off a tree in passing*

Foresight: There may not be so many near your sanctuary. Do you know if any invasive creatures have been seen near yours?

Kup: *sad. Bites the apple a tree dropped him instead of giving it to Boulder. Distracted by yummy! Looks at it with surprise and stumbles on another stone*

Auspex: *she's watching the goings-on below, laughing softly again* Boulder is doing a marvelous job charming everyone around him into feeding him...
*She sobers at Foresight's question, however, and glances sharply to the side in concerned alarm as she senses Kup's answering emotion. Her expression gentles somewhat as he finds something apparently edible to distract him. She turns back to address the woman sitting before her, voice dropping to a soft volume* I ah... was informed that a... very large stinger showed up at some point, while I was in stasis. I... think it's a bit of a sensitive subject, however. It did not end so well...
Other than that... I don't believe so. *She winces as Kup stubs his toes - she's glad for those shoes he's wearing!*

Foresight: *compassion and sadness in her face and feelings as she absently flares a wing so that a tossed fruit rolls into Auspex's lap* I'm glad you're safe. I don't want to think of what would have happened to my teacher if you'd been hurt.

Auspex: *blinkblinks at the small black fruit suddenly in her lap; she picks it up to roll it carefully in her hands as she answers* I was safe, yes... *and there is a slight pang of regret, that Kup was forced to choose between ensuring her safety, and aiding the others* Though my construct... *she nearly goes hoarse for a moment, as the reality of 'my other construct' hits* ...ah, he was involved in the fight, so I understand, though he was not hurt, thankfully. There... was a death, however. At least...it was not more.
Considering... I did not know Hallow was even still alive until only a few days ago... I could only hope that he would be informed at all. *she shakes her head as though to dispel the gloom of these thoughts* But all of that is purely theoretical, thankfully.

Bee: *here she comes to take her turn feeding the big kitty!*

Boulder: *slurp sounds as he licks his face*

Foresight: *compassion* We've known that you were alive. When Bob first got lost and came to see us, Hallow said that he could feel that you were alright. *grin* He was thrilled to see you had a student.

Auspex: *she nods slightly, thoughtful* I did not know to seek news about Hallow, or I would have. But I am not so busy with the Nexus now, of course... at least, not yet. There will be time for that later...
*she smiles wistfully* Bob did not start out as such, of course - he was a charge, with no home, and a brand-new spark. But he learned to temper his constant fear with compassion, and I am terribly proud of him... though I am sorry our reality expelled him in the way that it did. But... *she sighs* I am sorry for many things that the temporal storm brought.
Still... regaining contact with my brother and his students is not one of them; nor is the additional support of Theodicy and Kup. *the accompanying emotions are complicated, but joyful at their core*

Foresight: *studies Auspex's face as she considers and communes. Then, quietly curious* Why do you deny being with Kup? I can sense how you feel.

Kup: *big mushroom?*

Boulder: *nomph*

Auspex: *she tilts her head in response, though she doesn't answer at first: she is considering deeply, pulling Primus's presence around herself as well. She glances down absently at the fruit still in her hands as she formulates her reply*
I am not... denying, exactly; I am, perhaps, overly-cautious. I have only seen glimpses and vague hints of any feelings of this sort from him, in the short time I've known him - in reality, at least. He is hiding it from me, somehow, for whatever reason, and Primus is allowing it.
*she sighs softly* This is a dream, though I've had enough of the prophetic variety to know better than to dismiss anything I learn here. It is very likely he does actually feel this way... and that will always prompt a loving response from me. But I... *her eyes squeeze shut, and she takes a deep breath* I have responded in kind in the past, and... it has never lasted. It is no one's fault, that circumstances did not allow for any sort of permanence... but I suppose I am simply... afraid. *she bows her head further* And it shames me, that I am... disallowing Primus to bring me peace in this.

Foresight: *brows draw together and her forehead furrows as she consults Primus and the Greatest Creator. Then her eyes flick up to a spot behind Auspex as Blackout moves*

Blackout: *sits forward to put a hand on Auspex's back. Quietly* I've lost two. And the one I regret the most was the one I never claimed.

Auspex: *Her brow knits, and she makes a little sound of sorrow, leaning back slightly into Blackout's hand. She nods, turning slightly to look at her friend from the corner of her eye; her voice is very soft as she answers* We've both lost... I remember Skywarp, though I don't think I knew of the other. You might remember... Jetstorm? He was the one I was closest to... *and she wonders how much Blackout knows about Foresight...*

Blackout: *eyes flick toward the young Aerial, their expression knowing despite the sadness in them and in her emotions* I remember. Saw the punk once or twice, though he never saw me. Jazz came around after your reality did the thing. Wanted me to claim him. *soft snort* Never stopped flirting til he came back and played matchmaker for me and that idiot that just tasted the green persimmon.

Auspex: *her eyes widen hugely as Blackout's gaze locks on Foresight briefly, and she senses the accompanying emotion. Oh. She ducks her head slightly. How...? How did she know...? That's a question she makes note of for later. There are other things to focus on as of yet* Came back...? *she doesn't need to turn to see who 'that idiot' is, but her lips may have quirked into a tiny smile for a moment there*

Blackout: *mouth twitches as she works to keep her emotions under control* Jazzes are busybodies. And even being dead doesn't stop that. It wasn't enough that I met him there on the other side for a little while, and came back with a brat growing on my spark, he wouldn't stay in the Allspark til he'd gotten me and Greatshot together.

Auspex: *she tips her head, studying what Blackout has and has not said. She shakes her head slowly, trying to make sense of the love and the exasperation Blackout still feels toward Jazz, even alongside her love for Greatshot* It... never gets any less complicated, does it? You've... lost a great deal more than I have; no one has died, to my knowledge... *and, no, there is certainly no sense wondering about that* But... learning to love again after losing... it takes time. You've endured.

Blackout: *brow quirk* I didn't have a choice. Jazz would've talked me to death. Or talked me glitchy if I'd croaked.

Auspex: *she laughs softly, but it's rather pained* I'm not sure the questionable 'luxury' of being bullied into love applies here... *she turns for a moment to watch as Kup attempts to uproot a large plant, presumably to feed it to Boulder... she quirks a brow, but she can't hide the smile forming* I want to. I know I do. But it is... new, and... old pain aside, there is the mystery of why he is hiding it. It... does nothing to ease my doubts. That cannot continue, for me to truly trust him... this. *she sighs, wincing*

Foresight: *turns from Auspex to look thoughtfully at Kup as he lands on his butt, and then brings over the big angelica plant that had been growing between two paving stones*

Blackout: *snorts as she too watches the young man* Want me to beat the dumb (bleep) til he talks?

Foresight: *narrow-eyed "really?" look*

Auspex: *she squeaks in protest* Blackout, no! *she knows she's not serious, but that is not helping, honestly!* I only... wish for him to tell me why he will not allow this...
*She closes her eyes on the sudden realization* We are both afraid.

Blackout: *absent pat pat as she looks at Kup again*

Kup: *eyeing a large bird up in the sky as he walks along using his shillelagh as a walking stick. Is alert, but spaced. Has clearly done guard duty many times*

Foresight: *quietly, her emotions supportive* It will work out, Aunt.

Auspex: *she sighs again, softly* Yes... I only pray that it will without an abundance of needless pain. Neither excessive caution, nor excessive recklessness...

Foresight: *compassionate look on her calm face* I wish I could say more, but I've learnt it isn't wise.

Auspex: *her eyes widen in alarm* No, the future is... something I avoid looking at too closely. It is too easily manipulated by variable circumstances... I would prefer to let things unfold naturally. Though I get the impression you may not be... getting this information from Primus...? *which is, of course, where she would receive such foreknowledge, herself*

Blackout: *sits up a little to look up at the tree branches that overhang the road up ahead, wondering if more cat food will fall out of them*

something: *no someone. Is up in those branches, feeling very intent. And VERY happy*

Auspex: *her brow furrows as she trails off, gazing forward herself, cautiously wary* There is someone up ahead in the trees, and they are emoting... very happily?
*She's still peering up as they come closer, analyzing the emotions, suddenly realizing the impressions seem... Cybertronian? ...who?*

Foresight: *looks up into the branches watchfully, but still calm. Quietly* It isn't the future for me.

Auspex: *She's distracted, and glances sidelong at Foresight, eyes widening again - what all has her mysterious construct been through??*

someone: *soon right overhead, and getting very joyously excited, and then... a tiny, rounded, roughly humanoid form is dropping down toward Auspex!* Eeeeeee!

Blackout: *snatches it out of the air and then sits back and frowns at it*

tiny voice: Noooooo. Why you take Tessera away????

Auspex: *She's still trying to decide how to ask Foresight more about her history, when the unknown Cybertronian, now right above them, suddenly comes sailing through the trees at her. With a soft yelp of alarm, she flinches... then blinks, as Blackout catches it. She turns to look, the perplexity very clear on her face*
*There, in Blackout's hands, is a little round metallic silver creature, shot through with sparkling blue streaks. Twig-like arms and legs poke from the tiny, rotund body. The face is simple, looks unhappy, and she can't make sense of this... until it speaks* ...Tessera?? *she reaches forward with both hands, and much owlish blinking* How...?

Primus: *oh boy*

Greatshot: *laughs as he hears that*

Tessera: Auspex! *tiny arms and legs waving as her habitual happiness returns with a rush* Auspex! Found you, Auspex! You forget Tessera!

Blackout: ... *give*

Auspex: *she scoops her into her hands, continuing to boggle* But... this is a dream, little one... I did not plan to be here, myself. You know I would not forget you. *she strokes her little head, perplexed* What sort of creature are you...?

Tessera: *blinks her big eyes, then looks at her her tiny hands, and her little round body, then looks up again* Um. Notta roach.

Auspex: *she smiles faintly* No... very much not a chiproach. And I can understand you!

Blackout: Tiktok.

Auspex: *She blinks up at Blackout* Ah. You know of them, then? *She glances at Foresight, and also Greatshot below* Blackout may remember Tessera at least... but she is usually an insectoid data-gathering mech, only a little bigger than this - she's lived with me for several stellar cycles, and she's been in stasis as long as I have. She normally speaks in binary... so this is quite a novel experience! Would you like to say hello, little one?

Tessera: *happy big grin! Turns her head, and then abruptly meeps and hides her face*

Blackout: *laughing out loud as Foresight wonders what's wrong, then sobers with a snort* Yeah. I know about them. There's an entire city of the things in the front wall of the Black Dog.

Greatshot: *wide grin even as he too now eyes that huge bird way up in the air up ahead*

Auspex: *she laughs softly, sympathetically, cradling Tessera close* It's all right, you don't have to.
*her eyebrows raise in amazement as Blackout explains how she knows of the creatures* Really? That sounds like something to see...

Blackout: *snerk* You should see the movie two of 'em made after they got lost in Seaspray the lu's fur.

Auspex: Er... *she, of course, really has no idea what Blackout is talking about...* Goodness. That sounds... possibly unhealthy for both parties... *she peers down at the former chiproach, smiling fondly, if still boggling slightly*

Blackout: *shrugs and leans back, her head turning to find Scorponok as he trots along behind Boulder and munches a flower* Hormah calls it an epic adventure movie. The little scraps came through alright, and Seaspray still laughs herself sick over it.

Tessera: *lifting her head again, her happiness a cheerful chirp against Auspex's own emotions* Happy now.

Auspex: *she chuckles softly* I see... Well. I will try to keep an eye on Tessera so she does not get lost, dream or not. *she pats her little back, glad to be sensing the usual cheerful murmur of her aspect, responding to her declaration* I am glad, and so glad to hear you say it.
But speaking of us not being in our usual forms... I am curious to know what exactly a Doll is, Blackout? *she glances back at her, tilting her head curiously*

Tessera: *lifts her face further, sparking with curiosity*

Blackout: *accepts a handful of green hazelnuts that a friendly bush drops on her, then husks them and throws them at her husband one by one, smirking as he eats them. Puts the last one into her own mouth and chews it tender shell and all* They're constructs brought to life with a heart.

Foresight: *wondering why it took so long for that short reply, also wondering about the reply*

Auspex: *She blinks as they approach a bush on a high bank, and it just... drops several small, presumably edible objects on Blackout as they pass by. She's still marveling at the plants on this world, and their propensity to feed people - she's fairly certain they don't do this sort of thing on Earth, anyway, and that's the only limited experience with plants that she has; that's not saying a lot! She watches curiously, then puzzles over the very basic answer*
I... look organic, though I am not. I can, and need to breathe, and drink, and... eat...? It is some sort of power animating this body, then? What is it made out of? What is a 'heart', in this case? *she's so curious about it all!*

Blackout: This place has some strange natural rules, so as long as the body has all the things it needs to function, even a rock or a piece of wood of the right shape will bring it to life. You're made of reinforced, unbreakable ceramic, and some kind of soft mushroom stuff. It's organic life, and so is your heart, though it's silicon based instead of carbon based like your flesh and the rest of us. *sits forward and points to where Tessera is intently focused on Auspex's chest* She can hear it beating. It's why you can pick up on more than you usually can.

Auspex: *she listens to Blackout's explanation with rapt amazement... she can identify the materials, for the most part (she's not sure what a mushroom is, but she infers that it grows like a plant), and it sounds... fantastically peculiar, unlike anything she's heard of. She subconsciously puts a hand to her chest, eyes widening as she feels a faint beat. She can't compare it to a human heartbeat, having no frame of reference, but it's fascinating to her Cybertronian sensibilities, all the same* It's... a stone, with empathic properties?

Blackout: It's an encapsulated unicellular organism.

Greatshot: *trips over a paving stone as he hears his wife say that*

Foresight: *wait, what?*

Auspex: *She's totally oblivious to the possible irony of such a phrase from her friend, in light of discovery... her eyes widen even further, curious hand prodding gently at the beating, as if she could feel the life in there somehow* So it's an empathic, single-celled creature, in something like a stone? That's... amazing. And strange!

Blackout: It is a stone, with a slightly squishy middle.

Greatshot: *cheerful urk sound*

Blackout: *rude gesture without turning*

Auspex: *this, she does take note of... she turns to quirk a brow at Greatshot, blinking, almost petulant* But that's... so remarkable...!

Greatshot: *unabashed amusement* It's squish.

Blackout: *reaches up and grabs a branch, then holds it and watches as her husband falls back a little. Lets go the branch*

Greatshot: *whipped right in the face by big soft leaves* Awk!

Scorponok: *laughing so hard he's staggering*

Auspex: *She scoffs a bit, failing to see how that makes the nature of it any less fascinating. She winces, however, when she sees Blackout grab the branch, understanding where this will go... and 'erk's softly when it springs back on her friend's mate. Ow... well, so long as they're entertained by it, she supposes...*

Foresight: *oh good grief, again?*

Auspex: *she sighs softly, turning to meet the younger servant's gaze* If the affection wasn't so clear, I would worry... *her smile is somewhat rueful*

Foresight: *calmly, just stating a fact* Soldiers are crazy.

Blackout: *snort* You're a soldier too, kid.

Foresight: I know. But I don't use violence to show affection.

Blackout: Sucks to be you. :D

Greatshot: *back in the road* Stop hitting! She only meant me to be swatted ONCE!

Auspex: *she winces very slightly, turning aside thoughtfully... Jetstorm was a reformatted Unicronian, through and through, though it had conflicted badly with his Autobot origins. How that might affect... their construct's nature, she's not sure. She certainly has the sturdy build and the abilities of a warrior, but she's not certain she would call that a 'soldier'... she shakes her head, as though to dispel the slight melancholy that's trying to take hold*
*She blinks, the commotion behind her jarring her out of her thoughts. She turns to see the tree hasn't finished with Greatshot yet, and she cringes slightly* Over-exuberant trees... *she glances down to see how Kup is doing, trying to find something else to focus on*

Kup: *thoughtful expression as he gnaws the stump of a carrot and walks along, watching their surroundings. Knows he doesn't need to rescue Greatshot*

Tessera: Auspex, is that a ball?

Blackout: Hmmm? Watch out, you're going to squish that plum, and they stain.

Auspex: *She watches Kup for a moment - thinking, not for the first time, that he's braver than she is - she's not sure she wants to try eating anything in this form unless she has to*
*Speaking of edibles... she blinks, following Tessera's gaze to her hand, leaning perilously close to the fruit she'd had earlier, now forgotten and caught in a fold of her skirt. She starts slightly, scooping it up* Ah, thank you for the warning, Blackout... *she brings it closer for Tessera to look at* It's fruit from a tree. Organics eat them.

Tessera: *tiny hand pokes curiously* Do you eat them?

Auspex: *She makes a bit of a face, but nods* I could, I think. I am a little unsure of trying, though... eating is a rather different process than what I'm used to, in this body.

Blackout: *taps her on the shoulder, her feelings patient and motherly* Give it here.

Auspex: *she looks hesitant, but hands the plum over to Blackout without comment*

Blackout: *wipes the little fruit against her chest, and then holds it out over the side of the saddle while ripping it in half. Takes the seed and yeets it toward a grassy place, and then turns back and offers the halves to Auspex* Suck on them.

Auspex: *she eyes this entire process dubiously, but takes the halves, and simply stares at them for a moment. Still not quite sure what to do, she puts half of it in her mouth. Well, it's sweet, but not overly so... she's aware her face is probably very comical right about now, as she tries to figure out the mechanics. Much puckering ensues*

Blackout: *frowns with concern and tastes her hand* It's not sour. Why are you pulling your face up like that?

Tessera: *small sweet trill of laughter at the faces*

Auspex: *she sighs, making a muffled sound, before pulling the plum half as delicately as possible from her mouth so she can speak* Because I have no idea what I'm doing... but it does seem to be working somewhat. *she tries again, concentrating on looking maybe less ridiculous about it. She's essentially straining the pulp through her teeth, and she's not choking or biting anything she shouldn't be, so it must be all right...*

Blackout: *thinks about this, trying to choose the best thing to say so that she doesn't accidentally injure her gentle friend's feelings. Then* Does it taste good? *head whips around* Scorponok, stop that! Wait til we get to the next camping place! *frowning as she turns back to Auspex*

Scorponok: Okay. No naps on road. *trots over to get another bite of Kup's carrot*

Auspex: *She's thoughtful as she carefully extracts the juice from the plum half, experimentally chewing slowly, and just generally trying to safely figure out how mouth anatomy works without injury... and also not talk with her mouth full* It's pleasant. The texture is strange to me, and of course the mechanics will take some time to learn...
*her brow furrows as Scorponok... lays down in the road? Strange...* Where are we going, by the way? I have been wondering what it is we are meant to be delivering...

Blackout: *grins, though there's some uncertainty hidden back in her feelings* We'll be going to the capital city to deliver a precious package we pick up along the way.

Auspex: *she tilts her head, picking up the trace of hesitance in Blackout's aspect, though she doesn't ask about it outright* Ah. Is it... difficult to transport, then?

Blackout: *frowns, wondering that now herself* It shouldn't be. Charlie said it'd be an easy, safe job. That's why I brought you.

Auspex: Ahh. That is the human man you've been working for all this time? I have friends who have mentioned a 'Charlie' who has given them similar interdimensional tasks. I'd not realized they might be the same person...

Blackout: *a flash of old pain touches her feelings but doesn't show on her face as she nods* He's my boss. I'm a Traveller. *presses lips together as she realizes her friend probably picked up on her reaction to thinking of her employer* He's the reason I'm here at all.

Auspex: *she nods quietly as she turns to face Blackout more fully, gaze understanding* I... saw a large part of the circumstances, when I first met you, and Hormah used her power on me. The battle, the meeting... what you agreed not to do again. *she'd seen thoughts as well as emotions, and past events, including the battle that nearly resulted in Blackout's death, and how Charlie had arranged for her survival - and how she'd agreed to use her skills to aid him, and not to kill unless there was no other option. There was much pain involved, and she has no wish to dredge up those bygone afflictions for her friend* I remember.

Blackout: *shifts as old memories of pain and shame shift through her mind* So that's why I'm used to being human. I can actually do it myself.

Foresight: o_O

Auspex: *her eyes widen in wonder* You're... not using the Fae wishes for that? Is that... something Charlie gave you, somehow?

Blackout: *shrug* I don't know where it came from. I've been able to do it since that first trip, even though I wasn't human that time. *slight perk as she thinks of something. Leans toward her friend* It's how I'm in your dream.

Auspex: Oh. *she blinks, mulling this over* Well... it seems a rather... convenient ability to have, when your tasks take you to so many places in the multiverse. I doubt it's mere coincidence. *she smiles, recognizing powerful intervention when she sees it*
*She nods at her friend's remark about her presence here, taking this in relative stride. She believes this is an ability that Blackout has, even if she's not sure if these circumstances are entirely real* And so, I am being given an opportunity to see what it is you do.

Blackout: Yeah. *rubs the back of her neck as embarrassment hits* Don't tell anyone. They're already convinced I'm some kind of benign benefactor. *lifts her head and frowns forbiddingly at Tessera, but this just makes the little bot giggle harder* Fraggin' Soundwave spawn.

Auspex: *She's trying so hard not to show the fond amusement that strikes her. She's mostly successful, limiting it to a tiny smile* Of course not. I did say you have a reputation to maintain. *she glances down at Tessera, putting a finger to her lips. Shh...*

Tessera: *tiny mouth snaps shut and big eyes look up innocently. Except for that twinkle. But there is no mischief in her emotions, just happiness and amusement*

Auspex: *she beams at Tessera (realizing how problematic it could be, for the chiproach's mental powers to be paired with the abilities of standard speech... and how fortunate that her temperament is not generally contrary), lifting her up enough to plant a little kiss on the top of her tiny head, before addressing Blackout again* How much travel, then, will it entail, before we encounter this package?

Blackout: We'll pick it up before the end of the day, but there's the toll bar for the bridge. Hey, stop the furball from smacking it, kid.

Foresight: I am not an infant caprine. Boulder, don't open that.

Boulder: *oh. More carrot?*

Kup: *okay!*

Auspex: Oh! *She turns back around to fully face Boulder's head, and what's going on down below. Before them the path terminates at a striped gate, barring access to a stone bridge, spanning a sizeable chasm. Boulder is batting at it distractedly, until he finds Kup's edible plant matter more interesting; she smiles at them both in fond amusement*
*She looks around a little more, full of curiosity. Nearby is a rough stone dwelling, overgrown with some sort of greenery. There is a stone path of sorts, and a hollow stump filled with flowers. The trees are still plentiful in this area*

somebody: *young male, very angry person. Feeling possessive and righteously angry* You can't keep me away from her! I'll cut that *deleted* tree down and then she'll be free to marry me!

female voice: *deep, absent, and disinterested* She doesn't want to marry you, dipsqueak.

Blackout: *amused disgust at the sound of the guy*

Greatshot: *he's a bit more angry than amused*

Auspex: *her eyes widen at the voices (more specifically, what the first one is saying), and she concentrates on what she might sense from them. The owner of the male voice is very angry, prompting a wince; the female is not impressed at all. What...?*

Tessera: ... *down the front of Auspex's dress*

Foresight: *looks at her teammates. What. The. Slag?*

Kup: *see Foresight*

Auspex: *she blinkblinks as Tessera hops down into the space between the white and gold outer layer of her garment, and the turquoise layer underneath. Well... hopefully it's socially acceptable to carry tiny people in one's clothing...*
*She shrugs, eyes still rather wide. She has no idea what's going on, so she states what she can sense, though it's probably rather obvious anyway* Someone is broadcasting quite a bit of anger...

Blackout: Ignore him, the tailpipe's insane.

Greatshot: *feeling of a quiet growl*

male voice: She's going to be the mother of my children! *sound of a chain rattling*

female voice: She's a tree. She can't make babies with *poop containers* like you. Hmmm? *nine foot tall, heavily cloaked and muffled lady, steps around the house* Oh, there you are.

Blackout: *nods respectfully* Sheriff, is he giving you trouble?

sheriff: *snort* I've got him tethered to the wall. He can't do anything. These are the friends you were waiting for, hmm? *turns her head as though studying Kup through her dark goggles, and then turns the lenses toward Auspex, feeling of benign mild curiosity*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen further at the words the male voice is spouting - she's fairly certain that's not how proper organic courtship is supposed to happen. And... he's talking about a tree-person? Looking rather scandalized by the whole exchange, Auspex blinks down at the very large, obscured form that comes into view, watching quietly as she and Blackout exchange words. She attempts to school her expression into something less unsettled as the female organic seems to look at her. She nods politely, remaining silent for the moment*

sheriff: Don't worry, Lady. No one's going to let that *bleep* bother the willow tree anymore.

male voice: *yelling, determined and angry and frustrated* SHE'S MY SOULMATE! IT'S GOD'S WILL!

sheriff: *mild exasperation as she turns* She's over two hundred years old, you dockle! She's got better things to do than listen to some pasty little punk like you! And last I looked, God gave women the same rights as men to say who they wanted!

male voice: *shocked silence from the other side of the house as his mind and emotions go blank with disbelief*

Auspex: *Her silence is even more stunned now - he's going on about the willowmaid they met?? Or are there more of them? Somehow, she doesn't think they're quite that common...*

sheriff: *turns back to Blackout* SO. Toll?

Blackout: *reaches her hand into the bag on her belt, her feelings about the shouter now mixed with mockery. Then tosses a package toward the sheriff* There you go. You sure you don't want coin, too?

sheriff: I have lots of coin. This is the only candy I've seen in weeks. *feels like she's grinning very happily, and the back of her cloak just moved as though from a tail*

Auspex: *she's still contemplating the captive man's intentions. She's had a similar level of possessiveness directed at her abilities (thankfully not of this particular nature; not her actual person, but still...), and that was one of her own charges. Perhaps the unseen man's response to being told otherwise is reminiscent of his, as well. It's this that prompts her to speak quietly* I... would hope and pray that your... ward... *(Prisoner...?)* ...might learn better, someday. *she observes the rest in more contemplative quiet*

sheriff: *looks up from examining the package in her hand, which says, "Milky Way Minis!"* He's insane, Lady. No one sane would spout off like that. Even in the cities they know that the willow and her daughter are connected.

Blackout: Yeah, I've seen some of the story books. *distracted and amused by a tiny face peeking from the front of Auspex's dress*

Tessera: o.o

Kup: *such an intent and silent frown as he draws close to Boulder*

Auspex: *she eyes the candy, thinking it looks very suspiciously out of place in this world; what an... interesting toll. She shrugs doubtfully, but defers to local knowledge* Ah... it does sound as though he is not quite in touch with reality, yes. *she winces, falling silent again. At least he can't hurt the willowmaid if he's in the custody of this... towering humanoid*
*She directs her gaze downward at Tessera's little head poking out, and quirks a fond little smile*

Tessera: *looks up and smiles in return. Loud whisper* She's a troll!

sheriff: *reading the back of the candy bag* Yup, a forest troll.

Tessera: O.O *ducks out of sight*

Auspex: *she blinks down at her little companion thoughtfully... even here, her mental skills are impressive. She pats Tessera's tiny head consolingly as she hides again*

sheriff: *looks up at Auspex, feeling amused and actually actively curious* Who was that?

Auspex: *she blinks again, a bit startled by the interest. She pats the currently invisible lump in her dress* This is Tessera... she is my ward.

sheriff: *interest further perked* Child?

Tessera: *muffled, in Auspex's mind* -Only sorta!-

Auspex: *she's silent a moment, though her eyes widen hugely as she hears Tessera talking faintly in her mind... she wonders if it's the nature of dreams that is enhancing the chiproach's communication, or if it's more that she simply has speech capabilities here that she can understand... or perhaps that's essentially the same. Questions for another time...* Ah... not exactly. She is... a tiktok? *she winces very slightly as it comes out more like a question. She's trying to get the hang of this world, really...* She is mostly self-sufficient... but she is young.

sheriff: *softly, her gentle grin projecting strongly* D'awwwww. You got adopted by one of those, huh? That's great. I hear the little guys are great company.

Tessera: *happy little bounce, and then a squeak as she slips further down to rest against Auspex's belt* ...Ups.

Auspex: *she smiles slowly and fondly as she nods. Perhaps tiktoks and chiproaches have things in common...* She is, abundantly so. She brings me much joy.
*she glances down as she feels Tessera shift, blinking* Careful...

sheriff: *reaches into the bag on her own belt* Here... *produces a small, shimmery pouch on a string* This should help her ride inside your clothes without getting stuck. *steps closer, careful not to crowd Kup, and offers the bag*

Tessera: *trying to climb back up... try try try. This body isn't good for climbing!*

Kup: *interested study of this lady*

Auspex: Oh... are you sure? *she balks, until the troll woman comes forward and begins to hand it over* Ah, well, thank you! *she reaches down to take it, keeping a hand on Tessera's little body from the outside, to prevent her from slipping further as she moves. Eyeing the pouch for a moment, she hesitates, hoping this isn't somehow improper... and takes a moment to peer down the overlayer of her garment, reaching down to close a hand gently around the tiktok, and extract her*

Tessera: *tiny arms splayed out as she's lifted from the fabric* Weeeeeee.

sheriff and Blackout: *chuckle and snerk respectively, but both have about the same emotions*

Foresight: *grin*

Auspex: *She chuckles softly, setting Tessera gently in her lap as she puts the pouch string around her neck; it's just long enough for the pouch to hang evenly with her lower chest. Bending slightly, she draws the pouch open, offering it for the tiktok to hop into*

Tessera: *little coo as she reaches up, catches the edge of the pouch, and then nosedives inside*

Blackout: *laughing out loud at that*

sheriff: *so much grin*

Foresight: *is she okay?*

Auspex: *With a bit of a startled huff of soft laughter, she sits up straight again, peeking into the pouch* Is it suitable, Tessera?

Tessera: *wiggle wiggle wiggle (WORD) wiggle wiggle wiggle (bleep!) wiggle wiggle, pops right way up and squees in an increase of the happiness that never went away through her struggle and cussing*

Kup: *confused and guilty, is sure he's the only one Tessera could have heard it from... somehow*

Greatshot and Blackout: *convulsed with mirth*

Auspex: *blinkblinks at Tessera with wide eyes... where did she learn those words?? Well, then again... considering she had the likes of Rumble and Frenzy as immediate family where she was created... this should not be a terrible surprise, really. She simply could not say the words before. With a little sigh and a wan smile, she pats the tiktok's head as it finally appears when she rights herself* Ah. There you are.
*Her brow furrows and she's caught a bit off-guard when she catches Kup's aspect. She can guess what prompted it; she makes a little sound of protest as she fixes her gaze on him* Kup... stop that. She has relatives who probably use much fouler language than you. She was not even awake to ever hear you speak.

Kup: *jumps and looks up, then grins sheepishly* Oh. Sorry, Lady.

Auspex: *She does smile back, but it's a bit wan - she's concerned at the tendency she's seeing in him, to internalize things perhaps more than he ought. With a little sigh, she glances down at Tessera again* Is that an acceptable hiding place, then?

Tessera: :o Tessera thought it'sa bed.

sheriff: *absent pat pat for Kup as she turns her head* Beds are good spots to hide. Excuse me, I have to go see what the idiotchild's doing. *and then she pauses and looks toward the bridge with a grin as she hears the sound of bells* Gruffies! C'mere and stop blocking the bridge!

voices: *answer with cheery and earnest Baaaahhhh!*

Auspex: *she nods, patiently agreeing with Tessera's preferred term for the pouch, as well as the troll's assessment of beds. She also appreciates the lady's little gesture of sympathy for Kup, since Auspex can't reach him herself at the moment*
*She quirks a brow at the strange sound; she's not encountered the sort of organics (or beast altmode, for that matter) that might make such a call. What is that?*

Blackout: *leans to one side to see past Auspex and Foresight* Goats?

Foresight: You may not eat the goats, Boulder.

Boulder: *huh? Noooooo euch. FRIENDS!* *tail lifts slightly*

sheriff: Yup. A litter of three that I found abandoned down under the bridge. *happily* They're my babies. Oh hey. I have something your cat might like to wear. *turns and strides away round the mossy hut*

Blackout: *still leaning to look toward the bridge, and now she points* There they are. Billy Goats Gruff.

Foresight and Kup: *the whatnow?*

Tessera: Buh? *happy!*

Auspex: *Her gaze follows where Blackout is pointing, as she absently pats Boulder's side, sensing his slightly unsettled reaction to Foresight's warning*

goats: *three big animals trotting up with tails and ears in the air. The first one is black with white legs, belly, ears, and white stripes on his face. The second is tan, and the lines on his face are black, as are his legs and back half. And the third is slightly smaller than the others and snow white with a single black polkadot in the middle of his pink nose. All have curving horns, small neat beards, and shiny sleek coats. They show no fear of the big cat, only touch noses with him in passing and then mill around calling*

Blackout: *sniff sniff* Huh. Not billy goats. Wethers.

Scorponok: *trots over and snorts at the goats*

black goat: *thumps him*

Scorponok: *war! :D*

Blackout: *yells at him*

Auspex: *She's watching with much curiosity; she finds them somewhat horse-like, but smaller and more compact. She doesn't concern herself much with the terms being applied to them, beyond simply "goat". Her eyes widen in slight unease as one seems to take exception to Scorponok's investigation, and the latter seems to consider it a challenge of sorts - but she relaxes, as Blackout keeps him in check*

Scorponok and goat: *scram in opposite directions, looking very guilty*

sheriff: *pauses as her pet races past her* Alright, Gruff, what were you up to?

black goat: *ducks and keeps going*

Blackout: He offered to play with Scorponok, but Scorponok doesn't play nice.

sheriff: Neither does big Gruff. *snorts and walks over to offer something to Foresight* This is too delicate for my boys to wear, but it might add more class to your rigging.

Foresight: *takes and holds up an exquisitely cast little cylindrical bell, which chimes softly as she shakes it*

Boulder: *excited as he listens to the pretty sound*

Foresight: He loves it already. *hops down over the front of Boulder's head to unfasten the soft collar that he's wearing and apply the bell. Bell on, collar pulled through the loop and tied* There you go, what do you think?

Boulder: *automatic shake without thinking*

Blackout: *grabs the sides of the saddle, scowls, and calls him a dipstick*

Tessera: *falls down inside her bag with an eep that disturbs her cheer not at all*

Auspex: *she examines the bell over Foresight's shoulder with curiosity, noticing Boulder's appreciation with a smile. A few moments later, however, she squeaks with wide-eyed alarm as he shakes himself, clinging to the edge of the platform nervously. She glances down as she feels the pouch around her neck jolt very slightly, wishing to make sure Tessera isn't hurt*

Kup: *desire to reassure rises above his concern* If she's still happy she's gotta be alright.

Boulder: *whoops! So sheepish and apologetic as he looks at Foresight*

Foresight: *huff* Don't do it again.

Boulder: *right! Won't*

Auspex: *She relaxes as Boulder realizes his mistake, though she's still a bit out of sorts. She sighs softly, patting his side again, as she turns to listen as Kup speaks up... and stops short as she realizes what he's saying; or more importantly, why he is saying it*
*He... how did he pick up on her concern about Tessera? She's seen he can be very observant, but surely not quite that much..? Is this dream logic, or...? Well, she's not certain what else it might be. Still... her answer is thoughtful and quiet* I think she might remain happy just short of being mortally wounded, really... but she's probably fine, yes. *she hesitates a moment before looking away to glance down at the tiktok in question again* You're alright, Tessera, yes?

Tessera: Tessera ptooi lint! :D

Blackout: *sputter, snort, snerk*

Auspex: *she laughs softly* I will take that as a yes... *she gently pats Tessera's head*

Tessera: *happy wiggle as she glees loudly both verbally and emotionally*

Blackout: *snorts, and then looks at the sheriff* Thanks.

sheriff: *chuckles* You're welcome. The bridge is open now. Gruffy, get the gate.

brown and black goat: *THUMP target on the back of the gate pole*

gate: *goes up*

Boulder: *niiiice*

Auspex: *she favors Tessera with an indulgent smile, looking up in time to see one of the goats hit what looks like a target with its head, much like the other did with Scorponok a moment ago - apparently that's a goat's preferred method of assault. Interesting. Of more interest, is how that apparently triggers the gate. Her eyebrows raise. Clever!*

sheriff: Good boy! *holds out the hand that isn't rubbing the head of the white goat, and then gives similar caress to the brown and black one when he walks over* You all have a nice day.

Blackout: Sure. *looks at Foresight as the young woman runs ahead, then leans back as Boulder follows her with a soft, musical, ringing of chimes*

Greatshot: *lets go of Scorponok's ear and follows the cat*

Kup: *here he comes too, while staying away from that edge*

Auspex: Thank you, lady... *she answers the troll instinctively, though she's distracted by the scenery again as Boulder moves forward - the new bell is rather pleasant to hear, which she appreciates. She eyes the others on foot speculatively - at least there doesn't seem to be much danger of falling; the bridge is wide. She can't see all of what's down there from this vantage point yet, but it is a rather long bridge...*


continued here

((Co-written with primus_seeress))