Snowdrop's World. Various places. Epic Dream Adventure 8

[random_xtras]

continued from here


Auspex: *Passing through the portal is not a remarkable experience, as far as portals go. She takes a look at the new scenery - they're still in a forested area, but the trees are smaller, and there is grass instead of other miscellaneous plants. She notices the rain has stopped as well, and she takes a moment to pull her hood down, with a faint jingle*

Kup: *looks up at the blue sky plainly visible through these new trees, then sneezes so hard that he lands on his butt*

Ruth: *fur poof of shock* Y U do dat for?

Greatshot: *Laughing his aft off. BRB*

Auspex: *her brow furrows as she hears the sneeze, and she turns to blink, wide-eyed, at Kup there on the ground* Er... are you alright...?

Kup: ...Fine. Did I get somethin' in my intakes?

Greatshot: *walks over to give him a hand up* No. Looking at the bright light causes that reaction in some humans. You're fine.

Ruth: *kitty sneezes sound funny*

Boulder: *laughing at that funny sound*

Auspex: *she quirks a brow* Some of the nuances of organic beings' biology are a bit beyond me, I think...

Foresight: *looking at the tree and cloud screened sky yearningly, her wings half spread*

Auspex: *She glances at her construct, a faint smile appearing on her face as she senses that longing from her, also* Would there be any reason not to allow Foresight a quick flight, perhaps...?

Blackout: *absent glance at the younger servant* Surprised she isn't up already.

Greatshot: *kerchoo! Stagger and cackle*

Kup: *wait, what?*

Ruth: *sits and watches absurd Daddy*

Tessera: *distracted from watching Sybil sleep to giggle merrily at the guys*

Auspex: *she makes a quietly amused little sound, blinking down at Greatshot* You're doing it on purpose, aren't you?

Greatshot: *rubs his nose and grins at Auspex, but doesn't incriminate himself*

Blackout: *amused smirk at her mate, then turns back to Auspex* He thinks the results are funny.

Auspex: Hmm... *she doesn't look very convinced, though the faint hint of amusement remains. She resumes taking in the sights of the new location* How much travel time did the portal save us, then...?

Blackout: Enough. We can sit here for awhile while this... *jams a hand into her belt pouch and pulls out the messenger rooster, then snerks as he cocks his head groggily and goes, "eeaaaaarrrrrrr" at her* Same to you runt. *tosses him so that he flaps to the ground*

rooster: *ruffle feathers! And again! Then waggatail! Loud crow of challenge and defiance, and then he seems to hear something and turns to race away*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows at the large bird's behavior... but then, it's apparently been crammed in a bag that's too small for it to fit into (and there's a question she'd like an answer to someday), and so she doesn't entirely blame it for being cranky. At least it appears to still know where it's going, she hopes*

Kup: Didn't sound like the chicken at Optimus's base.

Greatshot: Siren? He's a long crower. The messenger bird's just got the usual call.

Ruth: No. Deeper voice, so shorter.

Greatshot: He's still making the same pattern. *boots his furry daughter affectionately*

Auspex: They had a...chicken? *She gives Kup something of a bewildered glance*

Kup: *looks at her alertly, then realizes which chicken she's talking about and chuckles* Yeah. Siren's a lot smaller than that guy, and thinks he's everybody's pet.

Auspex: *she blinks mildly, before giving a tiny, amused shake of her head* That is an eclectic pet for a group of Cybertronians... so long as he stayed out from underfoot.

Kup: *grins* He just showed up one day.

Auspex: *There's a note of humor in her tone* An organic bird with an affinity for large robotic beings... bizarre, and interesting, if not possibly bad for his continued health.

Kup: *pause and suddenly feel worried as he looks around* ...Say, where's Scorponok?

Auspex: *She hesitates, before a soft admission* Ah... I noticed he was missing, though I don't know where to. But I know Blackout knows where he is...

Blackout: *soft snort* Siren's fine, and Scorponok's making sure Atara and her bunch arrive safely at their destination.

baby: *experimental snort*

Blackout: ... *snerk*

Auspex: *She can't help a slight rush of anxiety, remembering that Scorponok is not currently in a form with much in the way of defense - and the griffin attack, and their apparent affinity for horse-like prey. Intellectually, she knows the griffins fled, and will not return to the place where they ambushed Blackout's party. Besides, she knows Blackout would never put her symbiont in harm's way, so she must assume he'll be fine. She nods quietly* We will retrieve him later, then?
*she blinks at the baby, before she realizes he's imitating Blackout. She quirks a tiny smile*

Blackout: *looks up from baby* He's got a wish. *reaches into the pouch and pulls out the mirror* Settle down, furball, we've got a few more minutes to wait.

Auspex: *She nods with some relief; Scorponok can make his own way back to them, then* Ah, good.

Boulder: Hrrrm? *turns his head to look back at Blackout quizzically, then realizes she wants him to lay down and does so* Hrrrmph.

Kup: *looks at Greatshot as the latter gestures at him, then feels glad and comes to climb up Boulder's butt and lean his elbows on the railing next to Auspex*

Foresight: *and she's gone in a soft rush of wind and the sound of wings*

Auspex: *She stills as Boulder eases down on his belly again, then lifts her gaze as Kup comes over to linger close by. She eases very slowly and carefully closer to the railing, keeping Sybil's comfort and continued rest in mind. She tips her head up even further to watch with clear encouraging approval as Foresight exercises her flight capabilities, a trace of a wistful smile on her face*

Ruth: *will bite off dandelion flowers and bring them to Boulder to eat*

Boulder: *eat eat* ^_^

Kup: *rests his shoulder against Auspex's and feels contented as he too watches Foresight, then sparks slight surprise and lifts his eyebrows as Blackout kicks her husband in the stomach for trying to come gank the baby*

Greatshot: *wheezing and laughing as he holds his belly*

Auspex: *She sighs softly and leans against Kup as much as her current position will allow, before raising an eyebrow at her friends' antics, speaking up in a voice laced with dry amusement* Oh, honestly, behave...

Blackout: *looks up questioningly, and then slaps the husband this time*

Greatshot: *wide grin, and then an oof as Ruth broadsides him and knocks him flying. More laughter follows*

Ruth: *SHOCK!* ...Y U do dat for?

Blackout: *snigger*

Auspex: *she hides a wince, then blinks at Ruth in confusion for a moment, before she realizes the cat was expecting Greatshot to... not be flattened by her pounce, as he is a great deal smaller than usual. She shakes her head slowly at his continuing laughter, slight humor mixing with concern for everyone's relative fragility in these forms. She addresses both tackler and tackle-ee* Ah... I take it you generally don't coexist like this.

Ruth: *looks up at her, and then walks cautiously over and puts a gentle big paw on Greatshot's hands where they lay over his stomach* Daddy?

Greatshot: *grunts as he sits up, then puts his arms around the big kitten and pulls her front half over into his lap* She's not used to me being as big as her.

Blackout: *turns to perch bum on the railing and check the mirror again as she smirks and feels mostly content with the immediate situation. Anger still simmers beneath the surface*

Ruth: *PURRRR*

Auspex: *she nods* Yes, well... it does take some adjustment, for everyone involved, I'd think. *Her eyes widen at the volume of Ruth's purr - wow*
*She levels an even look at the older woman, though there is definite concern there as well in her tone and expression* Blackout... the freneer guards are likely not worth the anger, especially if we can work around them. And while I'm unsure of the circumstances surrounding the former mechs living here, I know they will be cared for, by Primus if no one else, wherever they may go.

Blackout: *silent and emotionally still for a moment as she gazes at the mirror, but finally she girds herself, so to speak and looks up to let Auspex see the turmoil in her eyes and her heart. Softly, so only the people with her on Boulder can hear* I know that. But knowing something doesn't do much against personality programming.

Auspex: *She meets Blackout's gaze, nodding slowly as she observes the unrest there, with much sympathy. Her own answer is quietly spoken* You've overcome so much of it already. There is so much more to you than where you started from. You know that, too.

Blackout: *slight, grim head shake* I started as a protector of Cybertron.

Greatshot: *sympathetic look from where he's laying with Ruth's head cuddled to his chest*

Auspex: *She shrugs the shoulder not currently nestled against Kup's* And now you have other things, new people, to protect. You are angry because you care, and that is how you are built to express it. But you've learned to temper it with patience and trust.

Blackout: *just looks down at the mirror again, though she's silently acknowledging Auspex's words and praying about them in the privacy of her mind. Sharply* The message's delivered. Let's go.

Ruth: *sits up alertly* Go?

Greatshot: *onto his feet nearly as quickly as the kitten, bruises forgotten as he nods to Blackout and then turns to the east*

Auspex: *she watches her friend silently as she considers and communes, gratified that she's thinking about it, at least. She sits up straighter (carefully) as Blackout returns to business* That is a fast bird...

Kup: *wonders if he needs to leave this comfortable place, and then holding on as Boulder does move*

Boulder: *once more carefully rising to his feet, and also once more singing under his breath*

Auspex: *She squeaks softly as Boulder resumes standing, leaving Kup perched somewhat precariously on the giant cat's rump - she reaches to delicately grip his arm, as though that might help. Her voice is light with suppressed humor* Er... that's likely not to be a stable resting spot in a moment...

Blackout: *looks, then snorts and leaps down, waits til Boulder walks past her following Greatshot, and then leaps again and yanks Kup down*

Kup: *flailing looses him from Auspex, and then he's flat on his back on the soft grass and griping at Blackout to be careful of the baby*

Ruth: *SO FLOOF* O_O

Auspex: *she hisses softly, wincing unhappily as she carefully peers over the railing at the aftermath. She gives Blackout something of a mournful look* Please, I am anxious enough for everyone's safety, as it is...

Blackout: *winces and feels contrite* I wouldn't damage him.

Kup: *looks up with sudden concern from his scolding, then scrambles to his feet and hurries to catch up with Boulder* I'm alright, Lady. *and love bombing you*

Auspex: *She manages a bit of a smile for Blackout, answering softly as she feels a bit apologetic, herself* Ah, I know you wouldn't... I probably worry more than I ought. You're more accustomed to these forms than I am...
*She nods at Kup, accepting his reassurance, though the wake of his accompanying emotion renders her unable to speak for the moment. Relief and gratitude are strong in her aspect, however*

emotions: *suddenly quite clear to Auspex's senses. Very very many of them up ahead. A large number of people of mostly human or near human feeling races are going about daily business. And one set dead ahead of Boulder and just on the other side of the trees is projecting love even more loudly than Kup, though this isn't aimed at Auspex*

Boulder: *curious ear perk*

Auspex: *She'd begun to notice something odd since they'd come through the portal, but it's only now becoming clear what exactly she's sensing. She leans forward as well as she's able without disturbing Sybil, eyes widening at the sense of the multitudes of people straight ahead. This is a city, whole and populated and peaceful, and going about life without a care. The last time she'd experienced the sense of this many presences in one place... well, she was much, much younger, not yet resigned to war and death and depopulation and so many in stasis. She notices the nearby impressions, a little further out than the close radius of her friends, but she refrains from reaching out farther, pausing to recall techniques she employed when she was so much newer, long disused; ways of closing down her senses so as not to be overwhelmed by the sea of thinking minds around her*
*Her borrowed empathic heart senses are not as strong, don't work quite the same way if no one is expressly emoting, and so it is not as much of an effort as it might be, otherwise; but it's similar enough that the old familiarity is poignant. She can't help but sigh wistfully*

young lovers: *snuck away from work to meet here. Will probably never come here again, to judge by the guilty shriek and yell at sight of the giant furry head coming over the lilac hedge and the spurts of white gravel as they take to their heels*

Boulder: ... *carefully steps over the hedge, scritching his belly in the process as he wonders what the heck that was all about*

Greatshot: *leaning against a nearby tree, holding his bruised belly and trying his hardest not to give in to the urge to howl with laughter*

Auspex: Oh... *she sees clearly now where the impressions of love were coming from, and she winces ruefully, reaching carefully to pat what she can reach of the great cat over the railing* I imagine there likely aren't any of your kind here, Boulder... at least not in the densely populated areas. You are something of an arresting sight. *She adds quietly, almost under her breath* Hopefully they will recover...

Boulder: *soft rumble that sounds for all the world like Hallow when he exclaims to himself with puzzled wonder, then walks over to gently bunt Greatshot. Hey, where we go now?*

people: *looking with interested curiosity at giant kitty that just got a fluffy huge calico kitty sitting on his neck and looking floofed*

Blackout: *around the hedge and pauses to look around*

Kup: *just aired an opinion of the hedge under his breath as he worked his way through it*

Auspex: *she almost chuckles at Boulder's response, and how familiar it is, but she's a little preoccupied... she's distantly aware of how foreign she probably looks, gazing wide-eyed at all the activity around them, though she does spare a moment to peer over at Kup as she senses his annoyance at the foliage, quirking a little smile at his determination to follow as directly as possible*
*She assumes Foresight is likely nearby, watching over them from above, but she doesn't dare try to reach out to sense her amongst this many people*

Blackout: *walks over to lightly slug her husband in the body with the back of one hand, then leads the way down the gravel path and through the throngs of happy or busy people. Those people are for the most part humanoid, though there are noticeable differences. Here, a slender, beautiful, but powerful looking couple in soft greys and greens stand and discuss a little white squirrel who is yelling at them from the top of a flowering bush, while nearby a short, stocky young man tries to see his beard in the reflection of a pond. A Chagin couple are laughing as their baby shouts toward the squirrel sounds in a scolding manner, and a small, plump woman bends industriously over a flowerbed, her blond braids ravelling where they're tied as a crown around her head. No one seems to pay any attention to the fervent cursing and insult match that a small wiry couple is engaging in, not even the tiny winged people who are dancing over in a ring of mushrooms on one lawn*

Boulder: *licks Greatshot and then follows*

Greatshot: *complains quietly as he wipes his face with his arm and brings up the rear*

Auspex: *She's taking everything in with an owlish gaze, noting all the different skin tones and textures and shapes and sizes of organic humanoids, all bustling with activity. It reminds her very much of the Nexus, with all its huge variety of visitors, though she'd generally not paid express attention to everyone, having the very specific purpose of ministering to the Cybertronians there, and having no empathic sense for anyone without a spark. Again, she recalls being very young, in crowded Cybertronian cities, when narrowing one's focus to the immediate closest individuals was necessary*
*She skims the surface of the feelings in the faces she sees, but takes care not to examine too deeply - though the closest and loudest (the chattering little furry creature) gets a long look, and a closer inspection. He doesn't seem terribly distressed, however, so she lets her attention wander to the shouting child, who is not old enough for words, but definitely enough to be perturbed with the noise from the first creature. With a gentle smile for the little one, she skims the rest, who seem to be more or less quiet, both outwardly and inwardly. Even the couple busily spouting vitriol at each other are merely annoyed at worst, amused at best*
*Finally, she turns to address Blackout* Do you have some sort of directions to where we're going?

Blackout: *turns from watching a gang of bundled up trolls dig a huge hole for the accommodation of a lovely tree under the direction of that tree's plump, dark-skinned dryad* I've been to the palace before. It's this way, though you won't see it til you know where it is.

Kup: *notices the tree planting and boggles slightly, but keeps his focus on his job*

Auspex: *she raises her eyebrows in mild surprise* Ah. The couple receiving the child lives in a complex, then? And it's... what? Is it not visible from the road, you mean...?
*She continues to look around, also seeing the woman that looks much like the willowmaid (a tree-person, she supposes, judging by her intense interest in the tree the large, well-wrapped creatures - trolls, she remembers - are carefully managing). Also of interest is a small, silver-furred, ball-like pawed bipedal creature, with a soft, bird-like beak, large round eyes, and long, expressive ears. It bears some sort of flower-like impression above the eyes, and sports a white shock of hair and a fluffy tail. It seems to be talking in short, clipped syllables to one of the smaller humanoids, who addresses it by a name that sounds like 'Doo-moh'... She blinks. How odd...*

Blackout: *follows her gaze and snerks softly* At least the gnomes here aren't thieves or crazy kleptomaniacs. No. The palace's got some kind of old forcefield around it that still works. *looks ahead* I can see it.

Auspex: *she blinks at Blackout* Hmm? Is that the humanoid, or the furry creature?
*She nods slowly, looking ahead but seeing nothing but abundant plants and people, greenery and activity* Some sort of technology, or something more esoteric, perhaps?

Blackout: The guy in the red hat, and yeah, old dwarf tech.

Auspex: *She nods absently, paying them not much more mind than that, eyes and mind already on the next encounter, as they pass more creatures going about their lives*
'Dwarf'... you've mentioned such creatures before. Are they in charge of this palace, then?

Blackout: The king's mountain dwarf, and the queen's part mountain dwarf. *lifts her foot to avoid two small furry kids dressed in blue as they race across the path, which at this point has become a bonafide street* Watch it...

kids: *gone. Never even looked up*

Auspex: *she hisses softly as the little furred creatures with a youthful air dart through, concerned for their safety... but they're gone before she can even make out any discerning features. She shakes her head, slightly disoriented, before returning to the conversation* Ah, alright. And the new parents... they are Aliat? Or at least the mother is, being Gavin's sister...

Blackout: *soft snort* She was. She used some kind of wish to trade forms with a Chagin girl, because she thought she couldn't be with Orin in her original form. *suspicious look toward childish giggling from a nearby bush with lacy purple flowers, and then reaches to tweak at the nervously swishing Ruth tail that's hanging down beside Boulder's neck* He's dwarvish.

Auspex: She... changed her form because... *she blinks, eyes wide, trying to comprehend* Well... I saw that Gavin's mate was quite a bit smaller than he is, but a quadrupedal body, even with a standard humanoid torso, is still quite a bit more formidable than your average human-like creature. I've... known some very oddly-matched couples, and I'm... sorry she felt the need to change in such a way. *She sighs softly; the nearby impression of playful excitement does not go unnoted, but the news of the mother-to-be's transformation is a great deal more sobering*

Blackout: *looks away. Slightly gruffly* There's more to it than that. The Chagin girl had a glitch that made her frail and weak.

Auspex: Oh... I see. *She pauses a moment in thoughtful silence* I assume the change would have improved the former Chagin's health... that means, then, that Gavin's sister is as frail, now? Or is she stronger merely because she is a different individual? *There is a note of hope in the latter question, but she suspects her first statement is more the truth*

Blackout: The other girl's out on the far border, studying plants. Hawise is bedridden. *and she feels sad and rather angry about that too* ...Stupid sacrifice.

Auspex: *she's silent again, contemplative and mournful both. It's awhile before she speaks again, quietly*
Well... she did the Chagin girl a great kindness, then. If she feels the new joys are worth the consequences, I cannot fault her that... How does her mate - Orin? - feel about it, do you know?

Blackout: *soft snort* He fusses and worries. From what I could see he wasn't bothered by her form at all. *sharp look toward her husband*

Greatshot: *hand up above his head as tiny children with butterfly wings flutter around and laugh*

Blackout: *snerks and gently tugs Ruth's tail*

Ruth: Nooooooo, Mama.

Auspex: I... well, I suppose I will have to find out more specifically, myself. Of course he worries... I'm simply trying to imagine how such a sacrifice, partly for his sake, makes him feel. It... wasn't only for him, if the former Chagin benefited so richly from the exchange, I realize... *she falls silent again, tearing up slightly; she feels so many things about the situation, and trying, as she finds most natural, to see from the perspective of those most affected*
*There's not enough information as of now, however, and she attempts to distract herself. The little fluttering ones visiting Greatshot bring a smile to her face*

Blackout: *slaps her husband solidly on the rear as she walks past him*

Greatshot: Yipe!

winglings: *laughter like little bells as they dance in the air*

Blackout: *challenging grin back at him as her love washes away the anger and frustration at Hawise's actions*

Greatshot: *blushes and then starts walking again. His face is turned back to the children, but his love is bright*

Kup: *rubbing the back of his neck and grinning at that as he walks beside Boulder and Auspex*

Auspex: *she senses that this turn in conversation causes Blackout to wish for a distraction as well... though she blinkblinks, not sure how she feels about her chosen method thereof. Still, she makes a little amused hum as her friends' emotions turn toward each other and warm. Leaving them to that, she reaches out to one of the little winged children, with a questioning look on her face*

child: *little boy with soft blue wings notices the gesture and comes to smile down at the lady, only to notice the girl sleeping on her lap. Smile falls away as his whole tiny being blooms with concern*

older girl: *same wings as the little boy, she turns her head sharply, and then darts to hover next to him, her emotions blooming with big sister protectiveness*

others: *Greatshot just got abandoned, and now they're all sitting or standing on the railing of the howdah, talking and looking at Sybil as they worry and/or look tearful*

Kup: *walking closer and keeping an eye on them*

Greatshot: *back to duty!*

Auspex: *She smiles back, finding them a joy to behold. She ducks her head regretfully, however, as the closest one sobers as he catches sight of the exhausted freneer girl on the platform with her; she hadn't meant to alarm them by calling attention to Sybil's state*
*She manages a gentle smile as the several small young beings assemble before her to discuss amongst themselves in tiny voices she can barely hear; they seem to be communicating in emotion as much as words* Don't worry - she will be taken care of; my friends and I will see to it.

oldest girl: *looks up soberly and chimes softly, then turns her gaze back to Sybil and flies down to gently rub a minuscule hand along the girl's forehead*

Sybil: *quiet sigh as her sleep becomes even more peaceful*

Auspex: Oh... *Her eyes widen a bit, as the tiny winged girl does... something, to ease some tension in Sybil's body and aspect that Auspex's senses didn't seem to be fine enough to detect* Thank you! We will take her where she can be helped, but any added comfort for her journey is appreciated.

boy: *scolding sissy. So much scold*

girl: *no. She's fine and you know it. Just... it's nap time for everyone now!*

children: *oh noooooo! Okay, yes. You're tired, we like naps! Wee hands wave to Auspex as they all flutter up obediently*

Auspex: Ah, goodbye, then! *She waves back, charmed by the whole entourage*

girl: *waves, and calls goodbye and God bless you in her tiny voice that still manages to sound like chimes even with her use of Common words, then turns to resume herding the smaller ones toward the hedge that Kup had gone through earlier*

Auspex: *She watches them go, absently noting, with a bit of a wince, that they seem to be returning to part of a large stand of greenery that includes the bit that Kup forced his way through earlier. You never know what might be a living complex here, apparently...*

Kup: *is checking over his shoulder, but relaxes when the children fly past the place he went through. All his attention back to Auspex*

Auspex: *Kup might pick up on the wisp of affection he just inspired in her, for his checking on the hedge as well; no harm done, after all. She hides a little smile*

Kup: *now walking along with a huge smile on his face*

Auspex: *The sight causes her own smile to peek through, now. She ignores the errant thought that she'll miss being able to send emotion this way, among other things...*
*As her gaze returns to people more close by, she observes a group playing some sort of game, that involves roughly hand-size balls, along with hammers, and some sort of bracket-like objects. A variety of creatures are involved, including a human-sized man with fur and large wings for arms, wearing a simple square of fabric; he seems to have just come in from the air. There is flight traffic, then; she hopes perhaps Foresight has met up with some other larger fliers*

Foresight: *is that image of clouds and sunshine, and a large golden bird and a small white equine with wide wings soaring to either side and slightly behind her*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen as an image suddenly comes into her mind, of somewhere high above a bank of clouds, the native sun shining down on flapping wings, accompanied by some sort of bird-like creature and a unicorn with wings. Oh... this is what Foresight is seeing? She must be sending the image to Auspex in response to her absent wondering. She had no idea the younger servant's talent was strong enough to pick up her thoughts from what seems to be very high up. She sends back affectionate approval, happy that Foresight seems to be enjoying herself*

Blackout: *slight anger and much protectiveness as she starts writing on the screen of her mirror with one finger while walking along ahead of Boulder*

Greatshot: *concern, but still totally focused on keeping an eye on things*

Auspex: *She quickly takes note when Blackout seems to have returned to some of her earlier unrest, though it may perhaps be a bit gentler* Blackout...? Are you alright?

Blackout: *hand up in a "not now" gesture, and then goes back to writing*

Ruth: *turns to look back at Auspex, small ornaments on her tufted ears twinkling as she perks those ears* Nineveh sissy scared again. *tilts her head curiously* Something buggin' Ladeh?

Auspex: *she withdraws her attention from her friend for the moment, understanding. She blinks at the large fluffy cat, shrugging slightly* Ah, just... the circumstances of Hawise's health, mostly, and the potential burden of the baby... but I'd rather not dwell on it now, for Blackout's sake. *she gives the older woman another thoughtful glance, before addressing Ruth again* Is Nineveh another of her offspring?

Ruth: Oh. Orin 'n Hawise got LOTSA family. *nod nod* Nineveh human. 26 foot tall, though, so sad. *forehead wrinkles in an unmistakable frown as she thinks of something that gets sadness past her usual cheer* 'N scared lots.

Tessera: English, dummy, English.

Ruth: Xp XD

Auspex: Ah... they will have help, then.
*She spends a moment to remember her human-made measurements, before her eyes widen* Human? Is she... from another of those realities with wildly variable genetics...? That's larger than your average Cybertronian, even, at least where I am from. I am sorry to hear that she is fearful; at least she has a way to contact Blackout when she is away...
*She blinks down at Tessera, with a little frown of mild disapproval... especially considering Tessera's own speech quirks* I can understand her well enough.

Ruth: Kitteh knows not English good. Can't help. Esther sissy do better. Esther is PEEPLE. *back to the subject at hand as she turns from Tessera to Auspex* Place had funneh gas that changed peeps. Poor Nineveh almost got good genes, but not quite, so genes bad. 'N place was little, so no place for big ladeh. Nineveh sits alla time 'n feels ugly 'n scared til Mama gets 'n takes away. Nineveh have boyfriend for while 'n happier, but then him reality close, 'n Nineveh can't leave Mama 'n Mousie sissy, so 'lone 'gain.

Tessera: *so sympathy for the unknown Nineveh*

Auspex: *She tries to wrap her mind around the idea, thinking she's never heard of anything like that... until she remembers Drath's Machine: something that changes a person into a what they are not meant to be. But that was (with difficulty) reversible... she hisses softly* There is no way to restore her, then? At least she has adopted family...
*As for realities closing... well, she understands the grief of that, very well. Poor girl*

Ruth: Nope. Gas is permanent. Whole races made from gas in different realities where happens. *twitches the tip of her tail, then furpoofs startlement as a little bug person hovers in front of her face to wave before darting away*

Auspex: Ah... *she manages to look, frankly, disgusted* People meddling where they should not. Creation of life at any level should not be tampered with...
*She blinkblinks, thoughts momentarily derailed by the creature that comes to put itself blithely (but benignly) in the cat's personal space. She chuckles softly, baffled but amused by the creature's behavior*

Ruth: *gives ears a fluttering twitch, calming herself down to wry amusement* Dumb nottabug. Heh.

Tessera: *disTRACTED* Oooo. Big house.

Auspex: Ah? *she looks ahead of their party, where the trees are thinning up ahead to reveal a large... empty space* Oh. Well, as Blackout said... it's not visible. I'm not sure how you are seeing it, Tessera, except by virtue of your abilities...
*She pauses, mulling the problem over for a moment* I can, however, see where it might be, perhaps? I'm not sure if that counts...

Ruth: *blinks at Auspex wonderingly, then turns around so that her back is to the white lady. Sits up straight and alert* Look between kitteh ears.

Blackout: *glances up, pride for her giddy one warming her heart*

Auspex: Er... I'm not sure I really understand, but very well... *this is not a conventional issue, after all, so why not an unconventional answer? Blackout seems to approve of the solution, at least*
*She shifts carefully, changing her vantage point to peer at the space ahead from between Ruth's large ears. She gasps softly, as a large paved area surrounded by grass now appears to be filled with a very large, round building. Its rather featureless exterior would remind her very much of a Cybertronian building, actually, were it not for the material and the gently sloping, tiled roof. There are narrow windows high up at regular intervals, and a single, large, square entrance, with a smaller, inset arch* Oh. There it is. ...Why can I see it now?

Blackout: Because you're seeing what she sees. It's an old way of seeing unseen things. *smile of approval catches Ruth's eye and makes the young cat duck shyly*

Auspex: Ahh... though I suppose it only works if the subject has ears, and on the top of their head... though that's probably overthinking. *She chuckles softly* Thank you, Ruth. I'm glad you knew of that.
So now that I know it's there, theoretically, I can see it now without help? *she straightens her stooped posture to look from her normal vantage point, and sure enough, the complex remains where she can see it* Ah, I can! That is an amazing illusion.
Though... the others will need help to see it, as well?

Blackout: *soft snerk* Boulder's a cat.

Boulder: Thrrpt. ^_^

Auspex: *She tilts her head, adding quietly* But Kup and Greatshot are not...

Greatshot: I can see it. *grin* I've been here before.

Kup: *squinting at something with one eye shut* Got it, Lady.

Auspex: Ah... *she blinks at Greatshot* You hadn't mentioned it, I thought you might have; alright.
*she shrugs, then glances with furrowed brow at Kup, unsure how he's seeing it... until she catches sight of some tiny winged thing... a horse?... furiously flapping before his gaze. Human eyes aren't quite built to see miniscule things all that well, but he's managing to see between its ears somehow. She can't help but smile* You found help, I see.
*She sobers slightly, as she glances down at the very much asleep Sybil* I suppose she won't be awake for awhile, yet... there is nothing for her to see.

Blackout: Freneer can sense it anyway. Those ears do more than hear.

Auspex: *she nods thoughtfully at the stretches of skin to either side of Sybil's head* Rather like extended sensors, then... which would have been a help in finding this palace if we'd retained them in these forms. *She gives an amused half-shrug; she's lived without them, so far*

Blackout: *shrug and gentle tug for the Ruth tail as she leads the group toward the castle* This's the back door, the front one opens onto the main square. *frowns at a guard as the young woman lowers a spear gatelike to block her way* I've got the baby Orin and Hawise are expecting.

baby: Thrrpt. O_O *whoa, what...?*

guard: *blinks at the little one, and then looks up at Auspex as the obvious authority in this party*

Auspex: *As they approach the complex, she can feel the presences of even more people inside, and she closes her senses down further to compensate. This is a crowded place...*
*She also blinks at the baby, who seems startled by the sound he made - apparently some sort of side effect of pulling out the fist he'd stuffed into his mouth, upon hearing the one word he seems to know. She chuckles softly, before realizing the guard is looking at her for further information. She shakes her head slightly as she meets the woman's gaze, though she hesitates; hopefully this will not somehow cause too much of a problem. She gestures to her friend* Blackout was the one sent to carry out this task; I am simply aiding her.

guard: ...You are not Blackout?

Blackout: That's what she said, numb bolts.

guard: *slight scowl, but lifts the spear*

Boulder: *slurps her in passing*

guard: *what. The. [nope not writing that]*

Auspex: *She winces slightly at Blackout's less than polite response, casting the guard an apologetic look as they pass by (all the more so, as Boulder offers his own not-entirely-pleasant consolation to the woman)*

Kup: *pauses to use his sleeve on the lady's face guard and offer some low words of apology and explanation, then hurries to catch up*

Blackout: *humour restored because of Kup and Boulder*

Auspex: *She can't hide the slow, warm smile on her face, as Kup offers his aid and apology in a manner she might have, herself, had she not been indisposed with a sleeping freneer and a height she can't easily come down from. Her heart feels full, and she has to look away for a moment*
*She has quite a few other things to look at here, anyway; after a short passage through the gate, they're entering a very large round, utilitarian courtyard. The ground is stone, the walls of a similar composition to the ones on the outside, though these are inset with numerous carved balconies high above. There are more people here, going about various tasks, including practicing with an assortment of hand-to-hand weapons. Also standing to one side is a group of horses, in what she supposes must be riding gear. A pile of what looks like long dried grass is the resting place of a single rather small, slender unicorn, very much asleep, attended by an exasperated-looking short man with a long black beard*

Blackout: *looks around, sparking amusement when she sees the old roan unicorn, and then smiling her gruff smile as she sees a grey haired dwarf hurry forward* There you are, Orin.

Orin: *his grin behind his beard is wide and tender and full of wonder and gladness and sadness as he looks at the little baby who is quietly licking the strands of the shopping bag. Absently but warmly* Aye...

Blackout: *takes the bitty out of the bag and sets him on his feet, then sets him back on his feet when an attempt to jump results in a splat. Points Orin out to the little one as the dwarf stops stock still*

baby: *new friend! Stumbles toward his uncle, big eyes bright with curiosity as he grins engagingly and hopefully*

Auspex: *She sits up a little straighter as she hears who Blackout is addressing, watching with open curiosity and a gentle smile as her friend lets the baby down. She winces a little as he tumbles, but relaxes again as he takes unstable steps toward his new family member*

Orin: *down on his knees with an audible thump and holding out his arms*

baby: *has never met a hug he didn't like. Tries to go a little faster, only to weeble and be rescued by the friend he was aiming toward. Happy sound and a snuggle before curious little fingers are exploring the plainly braided beard*

Orin: *stands and tries a few times to tell Blackout and her party thank you, but then abruptly excuses himself and carries the little one toward the nearest doorway, feeling eagerness to show the baby to his wife and to get out of the courtyard before he embarrasses the heck out of the king by bawling like a baby himself*

Kup: *hides the wiping away of tears*

Greatshot: *stoic on the outside, and grinning wibbly on the inside*

Blackout: *so gruff*

Foresight: *from above comes quiet wonder*

Ruth: *butterfly!*

Auspex: *She beams as the baby reaches the dwarven man, blinking back the slight well of tears at how fast they seem to take to each other - though of course, she understands how quickly such bonds can form, having experienced something similar herself, upon meeting her... own constructs. Both of them...*
*She is disappointed as he leaves in such a hurry... she'd like to have known a little more about himself and his wife. Still, she understands his need to be emotional somewhere else, away from strangers; even the ones who brought him this blessing. She withdraws a bit into her own thoughts, peering down absently at her hands with a wistful, somewhat tearful smile*

gruff voice: *very flat* Oh, you're back, are you?

Blackout: *gruff changes to amusement in a twinkling* Hello, Black Peter.

Peter: *snorts, and then looks up at the grune that's looking over the barbarian woman's head at him and grumbles* I don't suppose you know anything about a huge black animal that just rampaged through the freneer vaults?

Blackout: No. *but oh does she look intrigued now* But I've got a girl here that the [unprintables] threw out because she didn't fit their schedule, and then left where she could wind up triggered to bud.

Peter: *scowl turns to blackest thunder* Where?

Auspex: *She blinks, snapping back to attention at the new voice, and peers down with wide-eyed, somewhat perplexed interest at the new dwarf. Especially of interest is what he is saying... what happened? Does it have anything to do with Sybil's planned petition? The timing seems rather convenient...*
*She feels somewhat uneasy at this Peter's scowl, mostly because she does not grasp the freneer's ways very well as of yet. She can plainly see the dwarf's sense of righteous justice, despite the gruff exterior, and both his and Blackout's (continued) reaction speaks rather badly of the fungus-people's guards. She's sure she really has no idea what they are getting into, trying to possibly interfere with them. She's glad someone does... she speaks up, then* She is here, with me. Boulder? *she reaches to rub his side* Please get down, so he might see?

Boulder: *little startle and a murmur of apology that sounds like a deeper voiced version of something his master would say as he does his rock free settle onto the ground. This done, he flattens his ears, puts his head down, and shuts his eyes to hide from the scowlies*

Auspex: *she continues rubbing at Boulder's side, in what she hopes is a comforting manner. She reaches her senses out to try to discern what's upsetting him; it seems to be at least partly because Peter's hard exterior is off-putting. Given Hallow's own gentle nature, this is understandable*

Blackout: *as she swiftly leaps up onto the grune's back and then steps into the howdah* Your ugly mug's scaring Boulder.

Auspex: *She frowns at Blackout's rudeness, though she's aware the previous emotional moment is affecting her outward aspect, as she covers it with gruffness. The dwarf man seems to know her well enough to take no insult, at least*

Peter: *attention snaps from the slight form he can see laying in the plaid back to Blackout's face, and then he notices how the big cat is laying with the calico one licking his ears. Deep frown of confusion and compassion* Why are you even afraid of me?

Auspex: *She tries to explain to Peter, as politely and as best she can understand it, herself* Boulder feels that you command respect, I think, but he is indisposed by his passengers and the restriction of movement the platform and gear impose upon him. He cannot make the sort of gesture that he would like to.

Blackout: You scared Auspex too. *indicates her friend, and then gently scoops Sybil and her cover into her arms*

Auspex: *As Blackout lifts Sybil from the platform and Auspex's lap, she leans over to offer more intense scritches to the big cat, even as she blinkblinks up at her friend when Blackout makes the comment about herself*

Kup: No he didn't...

Auspex: No, he... *She blinks, trailing off as Kup echoes the now-unfinished statement. Emotions flaring bright with fond amusement, she reaches a hand out to Kup and beckons him closer. She borrows his offered shoulder and helping hand as aids to climb down from the platform, grateful for the shorter skirt*

Sybil: *small frightened cry as she opens her eyes*

Blackout: *distracted as she murmurs softly*

Auspex: *Squeezing Kup's hand in thanks, she approaches Blackout and Sybil in response to the latter's fright; she reaches out to her carefully, hoping her presence (or more accurately, the presence of the fungus that composes her flesh) might be a continued comfort to her*

Blackout: *down from Boulder's back, and brings the girl into Auspex's reach. Voice soft and warm* Easy, youngling. You're safe.

Kup: *little spark of surprise and approval at hearing that from the Warlady*

Auspex: *She's not surprised, per se, knowing Blackout's deeper intentions, though the gentleness is unexpected, and welcome* We are still here, Sybil.

Sybil: *calms as she wakes the rest and sees all the caring and concerned faces, laying back in Blackout's arms and wearily snuggling. Looks very tiny and frail in the folds of warm wool*

Peter: *gruff and kindly* You need a good place to rest.

Sybil: *questioning look toward the gruff voice as Greatshot reaches over Blackout's shoulder and very gently gets her ears out of the plaid*

Blackout: That's Black Peter. *down to one knee so that the girl can see*

Sybil: *simply and innocently* The king?

Peter: *nods* Yeah, the king. *kindly smile*

Blackout: Her name is Sybil. *nods to her friend* That's Auspex, a seer of Cybertron. This is her bodyguard, and the bigger furry one's Boulder.

Boulder: Hrrrm. *touches his forehead with one giant paw*

Auspex: *Ahh. So this is the king. She's unsure if he rules the entire world, or only a limited territory; either way, she gives him a slow, respectful nod as she's introduced, also offering a brief smile for Sybil, as they'd not had a chance to give their names to her, either. She's rather surprised the king seems to know of her people, or at least Cybertron's name; she wonders how much Blackout has told him. Perhaps she will learn more as she observes*
*She indicates the aforementioned bodyguard with a motion of her hand* This is Kup. I also have a niece somewhere nearby; she can fly, and she is keeping an eye on us from the air, I believe. Her name is Foresight.

Peter: *sees the nod as he's turning his head and nods back. Frown brightens slightly as a younger man with only a short red beard runs up and grins at him hopefully* Baldur, bring this girl to a bed. *confidence is mixing with exasperated affection for this young friend* She's not well, so make sure you're careful.

Baldur: *looks hurt that Peter would even feel the need to say that last line, but turns obediently toward Sybil, his arms going out*

Blackout: *gruffly* Easy. He's just worried. *gently slips the young freneer woman into his burly arms, and then grins inside as she sees his expression of compassionate wonder mix with the expression of a man looking at something priceless and precious. Glances toward Auspex with a smirk*

Sybil: *sees Baldur's look and gives him a tired little smile before putting her head on his shoulder and falling back to sleep*

Auspex: *She smiles slowly as the younger dwarf comes forward, finding the more youthful energy in his aspect endearing. She senses his eagerness to be helpful, and his wish to see the languishing freneer woman taken care of. She nods at Blackout's expression - she will be treated well. Sybil seems to sense this as well, as she's very quickly asleep again*

Blackout: *grins as Baldur waits a moment for Sybil to say goodbye to her former companions, and then belatedly realizes she's asleep when she sighs* Oh yeah, and the ones that just cheered are Tessera and Tessera.

Tessera: *blink blink. And then both personalities are feeling happy as the little tiktok face goes ^_^*

Auspex: *she blinks before her eyes widen slightly, taken aback by the mention of both the chiproach and the tiktok. She rubs her companion's('s) head as she tries to explain as simply as possible* Tessera is usually also Cybertronian... she is using her mental abilities to link to one of the tiktok locals. She seems to have taken on the name, as well. I believe she would like to stay, when our errand here is finished.

Peter: *looks at that tiny, earnestly nodding head and rumbles an unexpected chuckle* I think we can arrange that. *startles, his hands going over his head, as a small tawny golden form suddenly lands on Blackout's shoulder. Then straightens and frowns at the scruffy, scrawny little cat with interest*

Auspex: *The indulgent smile directed at her little friend in the pouch becomes a subdued, respectful one, as she lifts her head to nod her thanks to the dwarf king. A moment later, she also flinches at the very sudden appearance of yet another (though much smaller!) feline*

Kup: *now between Auspex and Blackout, his club in his hand*

Blackout: *scritches the tattered ears* Got tired of the equine form, hmm?

Scorponok: Nooooooo. Mrrrrrrrr. *prrrrrrrrrr* *rubs head against Blackout's cheek. Blackout is marvellous!*

Auspex: *She hisses softly as Kup is nearly instantly there in her defense. She takes a moment to observe Blackout over his shoulder, realizing the cat is Scorponok, in a new form; Tessera mentioned that he sometimes chooses this one. She shifts to the side very slightly, to carefully twine her arms around one of Kup's. This is his job, and he's good at it... his vigilance still touches her deeply, somehow. She supposes it has much to do with the additional sentiment attached to the action... she rubs his arm thankfully, silently indicating she's alright, and he can relax*

Kup: *sheepishly rubs the back of his neck even as he gently love bombs her, but then he's going on the defence again for an instant before relaxing* The young lady wants me to tell you she's incomin', your majesty.

Peter: *scowls at the title, but turns and barks at the men and women who are sparring and the archers that can be seen from time to time on the roof not to shoot the flyer*

Auspex: *She's concerned for a moment as Kup tenses again, until he speaks; then, she's simply mystified, eyes widening. Foresight spoke to him telepathically?? She's not sure why the younger servant would choose to reveal that to someone else, when the idea seemed to make her so wary - especially when she might have simply spoken to Auspex, herself. The natives don't seem entirely surprised, which is another curiosity, and may be a partial explanation in itself. In the meantime, she eyes the people with weapons somewhat warily. They've been told otherwise, but miscommunication and accidents can still happen...*
*She also makes note of Peter's distaste for the title. She wasn't sure how to properly address a king, having very little experience with monarchy, but she infers that is proper - he simply dislikes the formality. More things to keep in mind for the future*

Foresight: *sweeps in then, flanked by her friends and followed by a white griffin with mismatched eyes. In sync all four flip their wings up and light gracefully, but the effect is spoilt when the griffin runs to headbutt one of the women at arms*

Peter: *snerk* Rhonda, you swore you'd train that thing.

Rhonda: She just caught me off guard, she's not being rowdy! *laughs and tugs her fosterling's tufted ears as it yowls joyfully*

Foresight: *smiling and feeling a little wondering that the creature could be so different from the ones she fought earlier. Attention is caught as the massive golden eagle shimmers and becomes a young woman, then nods in return for the were-eagle's wave and the alicorn's nicker and turns to walk toward Blackout's party*

Auspex: *She watches with interest, recognizing the huge bird and the winged unicorn from the image Foresight sent her earlier. She stiffens for a moment as she catches sight of the griffin, hands tightening almost imperceptibly where they still linger on Kup's arm; it only takes a moment for her to read the creature's aspect, however, and it's leaps and bounds friendlier than the angry ones that attacked their party, and so much more alert than the sleepy newborn griffin kitten. She smiles, both in relief, and at the happiness of the greeting it's giving its guardian*
*She turns a wide-eyed gaze to the bird, as it shifts into a woman. Well... that's certainly a unique talent, so far as she's seen on this world. The unicorn causes further nostalgia; she'd never had a chance to see Perceptor's daughters in their original forms, but they must have looked something like that...*

Foresight: *quick, questioning look at the increase in emotion from her aunt. Softly, as she stops next the older servant and facing her* Are you alright?

Auspex: *She blinks, unsure which errant thought might have caught Foresight's attention; regardless, she takes a hand from Kup's arm to rest on the younger servant's, smiling faintly* Remembering the griffins, first of all, though I'm glad to see that they are not always hostile... and I was reminded of an old charge, with LOL offspring. That is a very long story: they started as winged unicorns, believe it or not. I saw some very strange things in the Nexus, and nostalgia can come from... very odd places at times. *she huffs a subdued chuckle*

Foresight: *one arm goes around Auspex in a supportive hug, and then she's looking toward the sound of quick footsteps as Baldur returns at a run*

Baldur: Hawise is awake. She wants to thank the lady for bringing the baby. *looks from Peter to Blackout*

Auspex: *She leans into the half-hug, thankful for the support, though she's more wistful than distressed. Baldur's return catches her attention, and she studies him curiously, perking up a bit at the news about the new mother. She glances at Blackout, hint of a smile still lingering*

Blackout: *busy with Scorponok kitty* You go, Auspex. *doesn't do thank yous anymore, and never wanted them from women*

Foresight: *frown, but there's no anger in it*

Auspex: *her smile fades slightly as she studies Blackout for a long moment. Her friend seems very interested in avoiding any sort of sentimentality (other than perhaps bonding with her symbiont); she came to do her job, and leave. Auspex would like to argue, but she knows better. With a faint sigh, she nods slowly* If that's what you wish, though I will go simply to express my congratulations. *She lets her hands fall to her sides as she starts forward, though she pauses for a moment* Is anyone else coming...? *She eyes the others hopefully, especially Kup and/or Foresight. She's taking Tessera with her, regardless, unless she protests*

Kup: *already moving to accompany her, he stops and gives her a quizzical look as she stops and turns*

Foresight: *looks up in response to Auspex's feelings, then glances at Blackout before turning back and nodding. Sure, Aunty, I'll come with you*

Tessera: *seems to be playing peekaboo with the world in general, to the accompaniment of much quiet giggling*

Auspex: *She glances at the others - Boulder, unfortunately, would not fit comfortably indoors, and Ruth seems to feel too bashful. She can see that Greatshot and Scorponok would much rather stay with Blackout - so she leaves them all be*
*She blinkblinks at Kup, and also at the rush of warmth and tender affection she experiences at his confusion that accompanying her would even be a question. With a faint chuckle to obscure how touched she is (as futile as that is likely to be), she reaches to take his hand with one of hers, and the other comes to settle on Foresight's arm to guide her companionably closer. After a fond glance down at the giggling tiktok, she lifts her gaze to the dwarves, eyes alight with subdued expectation*

Baldur: *the grin behind the shortish red beard shows that he's not very old at all. It's open, honest, and earnest, though it widens and his brown eyes sparkle with fun as Peter snorts and walks back toward the small unicorn. It's clear that the king is someone that he loves very deeply*

Auspex: *She quietly watches the young dwarf, though she nods again at Peter as he lets them go, before returning her gaze to Baldur. The two men don't seem to be family by genetics, but circumstances have made them very close. Perhaps it involved whatever unrest must have occurred when the former usurping queen was in power. She keeps her wonderings to herself for now, however, simply giving Baldur an encouraging smile*

Baldur: *and here is some of that reverence that he felt so strongly when holding Sybil as he bows low and then straightens* It's this way, Lady. Is it alright if we use the back steps? It's faster.

Auspex: *She withholds her more perplexed reaction at his deference; the most formal of her charges and visitors might bow on occasion, but he, of course, has no idea of her function. It seems to be more of an aspect of dwarven culture, in this case. She tips her head, politely accepting his courtesy, brow furrowing at the question* I have no objection... lead where you will, sir, I'm happy to follow.

Baldur: *blinks even as he turns to lead the way to the narrow doorway that he came from* I'm not sir. I'm just a kid.

Auspex: *She shrugs lightly, as her choice of titles comes into question again* You are not a young child, and you are a gracious sort; it seems a fitting choice from my perspective.

Baldur: *the desire to be correct and proper wars with his natural deference and respect for one who is not only older, but a woman. Quietly* But...

Kup: You're not going to win this one, lad.

Foresight: *amuuuused*

Baldur: *a little crestfallen. Shoulders have dropped just a bit as he leads the way into a very short stone passage and up some sturdy but worn wooden stairs*

Auspex: *She offers a gentle smile, absently attempting to encourage Baldur, even as she concentrates on holding her skirts in one hand to avoid tripping on the stairs; she hasn't let go of Kup's hand, either, and that alone is a great help* Consider it an advance on when you are old enough, if you must. *her tone lightens with kind amusement* It also means I like you, if that helps.

Baldur: *shoulders are very straight now, and already they're broad enough to nearly fill the narrowish stairwell*

Kup: *quirk of kindly amusement toward the boy as he makes sure his lady gets up safely and he himself doesn't run into the wall and distress her*

Foresight: How old are you, Baldur?

Baldur: *sheepish look over his shoulder* Only 24.

Auspex: *She beams, as her comment seems to make the young man feel better. She's a bit embarrassed that the mention of his age means little to her without a frame of reference... for humans, at least, she knows a teenager is almost, but not quite an adult, and he's a few years older than that. Still, he's not human, or at least not entirely (?), and she knows even less about other organics. But there is a basic self-consciousness that seems to come with inexperience...* You have to begin somewhere, you know...

Baldur: *hand goes up to wistfully stroke his tidy beard, which barely reaches his collar. Quietly, his deep voice more felt than heard* I know.

Foresight: When will you come of age?

Baldur: Oh. When I'm thirty. *reaches the landing and turns to see if the ladies need help* *perks as he does so, the sad subjects forgotten*

Kup: *as he guides Auspex up* You're older than the lady is.

Auspex: *She freezes, wide-eyed, as Kup volunteers information she wasn't sure she should share... Blackout's given her the impression that she should not confuse the natives with the rather complicated truth. But... if Peter has been to the Nexus, perhaps Baldur has as well, or at least knows of the multiverse... and perhaps it will help his perspective some*

Baldur: *surprised as he takes Auspex's hand* No. Really?

Foresight: *gently* This Doll body was built less than two days ago. My aunt is usually older, but in this world, she is a child.

Auspex: *The young man takes her hand, presumably to help steady her on the landing, and maybe to offer his support as well. She forces herself to relax, looking away for a moment, as Foresight elaborates; she notes that the younger servant actually has more information than Auspex herself does. She supposes Blackout must have explained to her*

Baldur: *just got more protective toward Auspex, and feels much sympathy as he thinks of how strange the world must seem to her right now. Looks at her face to see how she's feeling*

Auspex: *She's still cautious about what she reveals, but less so, now, as she makes eye contact with the young dwarf* I am... usually very much older, yes; but here, my body is brand new, and I've not had much experience with any creatures outside of my own world, which is very different from this one. I confess that I feel... very much out of my league here. *She manages a tiny, wry smile* Everyone is a "sir" or a "lady" when I feel so timid and inexperienced.

Tessera: *just started razzing to see the world shake*

Auspex: *She quirks a wider smile as Tessera makes a foray into the cute and random* My friends keep me grounded, at least.

Baldur: *shocked look for the little tiktok, but then a rumble of a laugh as he offers Auspex a hug* Have you ever been to the Black Dog? Lady Blackout's daughter's tavern?

Auspex: *She accepts the hug with a gracious smile and a tiny chuckle, appreciating his kindness* Ah. Not there, specifically, though I have friends who have - but I have frequented the Nexii that contain such things.
*She pauses a moment; if he knows of the multiverse, and places where Transformers are a common sight, perhaps she can be a bit more forthcoming* I am also a Cybertronian, but a non-combatant - a servant of our race's creator. He sends me to minister to them... and so I am woefully ignorant about organics, and I seem to be having more trouble adapting here than my friends are. I am learning almost more than I can keep up with, I'm afraid. *The smile becomes more rueful*

Baldur: *gentle and even loving squish from the open-hearted, honest young man, and then a surge of even more protectiveness as he steps back to frown at her with concern* You should come to the solar. It's quiet there, just ladies and children, and a couple little pets.

Kup: *amused and even some pleased to see someone else treating his Lady with respect and care*

Foresight: *wondering absently just how long Tessera's going to keep repeating that strange sound*

Auspex: If that is where we are going... it does sound very nice, yes; thank you. *she ducks her head in quiet gratitude*

Baldur: *leads her carefully away from the stairs and then turns to offer her hand to Kup, not even thinking anything of the gesture except that her own protector will want her back now, and being with her familiar guardian will also help her feel better*

Auspex: *She pauses for a moment, offering Baldur a warm smile and a nod of thanks. She reaches for Kup's waiting hand, and that warmth in her gaze increases just enough to be noticeable to the observant - or those with more advanced mental abilities*

Foresight: *soft, nearly hidden thread of amusement as she watches that*

Tessera: *end of razz as she squees a greeting to Kup*

Kup: *grins at the tinybot as he takes Auspex's hand*

Auspex: *She does catch the amusement from Foresight, faint though it is, and thinks perhaps the younger servant is reading more significance into Auspex's sentiment than she ought...
And then Kup grins in that charming way, and she reconsiders; maybe... there might be a valid reason*

Baldur: This way. *over to the other side of the smallish landing and opening a narrow wooden door with heavy metal bands across it, then standing aside to open access to a wide hallway comfortably walled in white, floored in sturdy reed mats, and somehow bright with sunlight. Paintings or other sorts of wall mounted art show here and there along the curved hallway, and there's a sound of murmuring that seems to go with the feelings of contentment mixed with sleepy hopefulness up ahead*

Auspex: *she steps through the doorway into the newly-revealed hallway, looking around in quiet contemplation; she's not seen a place quite like this. The roundness of the building shows in the curve of the space here, and the light walls and bright light give it an open, airy feeling. The artwork catches her eye - many of them are portraits of people, both dwarf-like and more human, and some are landscapes, a few resembling the forests they've traveled through to get here, as well as other types of terrain. One takes a bit to decipher, but appears to be... the nose and tongue of a unicorn? There must be a story behind that...*
*Finally, she turns her attention to the impressions she's sensing in the room beyond, and the low voices, her own aspect turning to the anticipation of meeting someone new*

Foresight: *follows as Baldur and Kup lead toward the sounds of people, only to pause in front of the strange painting with a soft sound of disbelief*

Baldur: *without turning, recites as though from memory and habit* King Shishoe the First painted that when he was ten. His dusk unicorn stood outside the schoolroom and licked the window for two hours. It was the first painting he'd managed to do.

Auspex: *She emits a startled chuckle, both at the story, and Baldur's automatic recitation* Either he did not enjoy painting, or he was simply distractable. It's very nicely rendered, anyway, if a bit... unorthodox.

Baldur: He always was. *had continued walking during the conversation, and now he stops in front of a large, prettily painted double door that is standing open to release cheerful sunlight, soft conversation, and the quiet singing of a contented rooster* Here's the lady, her bodyguard, and her niece. *glances at the guests and furrows his brow with sympathy, then turns back to the inhabitants of the room* They know about the Backwater, and they're LOLed or something similar.


continued here