Snowdrop's World. Various places. Epic Dream Adventure 9

[random_xtras]

continued from here


woman's voice: *pretty, husky alto* Please come in. I'm sorry I can't get up to welcome you.

baby voice: *sounding absent* In! Datatada.

Kup: *quirks a grin at that addition, then looks to Auspex*

Auspex: *She nods absently in response to Baldur, lingering behind as he announces them to whomever is in the room - more than simply Hawise, obviously. She's a bit puzzled, as they seem to have been expecting Blackout to come, and Auspex and her companions will... obviously not be her, and are probably unknown to them, unless Blackout discussed her presence with them beforehand. She will likely need to introduce herself. As someone in the room calls them forward, she steps quietly past Baldur, entering the room just enough to let her friends through as well*
*A glance at the large room reveals more artwork, with the addition of potted plants, and the room is bright with sunlight, though there are no windows; a large inset circle on the ceiling seems to be some sort of skylight, though the outside is not visible through it. Of immediate note is a large, cushioned piece of furniture, mostly resembling a bed, though the soft part is contained by a large, rounded structure of woven plant matter with raised sides*

lady: *bouncy black curls contained by a chain with coins hanging from it frame a face that manages to look both strong boned and delicate. That face is covered in black markings that resemble filigree, and it holds a pair of quiet eyes that don't seem to miss much. The woman is wearing a green and orange outfit that most closely resembles the Earth style known as landhausmode, though the vest is laced in front with a single strand of softly shining ribbon. The baby that Auspex and her friends brought here is laying curled on this lady's lap and regarding the world with sleepy interest, and a fat human baby in child's version of the woman's dress is sitting on her feet and holding a card with holes punched around the sides* Welcome, Auspex. Please take the chair next to Hawise? *nods toward the comfortable piece of furniture by the bed* There's a seat on the bench, if you like, Foresight. Kup... *warm and gentle smile* There's room behind your lady's chair.

Kup: *bows* Thank you, Lady.

lady: Please call me Snowdrop.

Kup: ...Yes, Lady.

Snowdrop: *quirk of surprise*

Auspex: *Her attention is diverted to the speaker, who sits in a nearby comfortable-looking chair. She is a small woman, and Auspex is struck by the bold, elegant markings on her face. It stirs a memory, of her conversation with Atara and Blackout the night before - of the former queen who marked the face of her husband's daughter to mar her beauty. This is likely to be the same girl, an adult now - and, while Auspex would not call herself a knowledgeable judge of organic humanoid beauty, she would call the attempt to diminish it a singular failure*
*She beams at the Aliat child, glad to see him settled here, and spares a little smile for the young human at the woman's feet*
*She blinks in surprise as the woman calls each of them by name as she gives her own (Kup's insistence on the title causes much rueful amusement), and Auspex's eyes dart between the indicated items of furniture, and the tired-looking Chagin woman nestled in the bed itself. After a moment, she nods graciously, drifting toward her designated chair* Thank you... Snowdrop. I take it someone has mentioned we would be aiding Blackout?

Snowdrop: No. *bit of sheepishness and concern that the visiting lady will object to the information she's about to share. Nods toward the girl who is trying a red vest on the rooster on her lap* Milcah is a relayer. When she concentrates on someone, she can tell information about them, or any messages they'd like to tell someone near her.

Milcah: *looks up shyly and fearlessly, her emotions confident and welcoming as she looks from Auspex to Foresight*

Auspex: *her eyebrows raise, both at the mention of the girl's talent, and the hesitation in Snowdrop's aspect as she reveals it. She gives the girl in question a gentle, encouraging smile. The rooster being dressed (the same one that delivered the message, presumably) gets an additional eyebrow quirk, though she doesn't otherwise comment on it* Ah I see; that's a useful skill! Foresight and I are servants of our race's creator, and he gifts us with similar senses, though they are mostly limited to discerning emotion - but he does share deeper information when the situation requires it, and often if we request something more specific. They are only applicable to our kind, however. I've been given some temporary empathy for other living creatures through other means, but it is only for as long as I am here in this world.

Foresight: *soft, very Blackout-ish snort* I feel like a fool.

Auspex: *She blinks as the younger servant laments, looking over at her construct with fond sympathy* Foresight has additional powers deeper than mine, that extend to all creatures, and I believe she has been wary of revealing them. It's good to know she's not alone, here.

nearby child: *slender girl with loose black curls and soft brown skin gives a quick look of gentle protest at Foresight using the word on herself. Is sitting in one of the carved wooden school desks that are set in three rows of four near to Snowdrop, and is one of several black-haired girl children of various sizes who are busy at lessons right now*

Auspex: *The feeling of protest catches her attention, and she studies the busily working young girls with subdued interest, assuming their story will be told at some point, as well*

Snowdrop: *sees that interest* The royal wards. Children who needed families that... *slight, fond smile of amusement* my husband keeps collecting for us.

Milcah: *expression says she's struggling to understand something*

Foresight: *as a small sound of lightning happens* -They were murdered before or just after they were born.- *a couple of the ladies look at her with interest*

Auspex: *Her gaze snaps back to Foresight as she hears the telltale crackle of lightning, remembering moments when Jetstorm's emotions might cause random sparking. She suppresses a wince at what the other servant sends her, though Foresight will sense the idea of it. Turning back to look at the queen and the nearby wards, she nods slowly* They are... from this world, or elsewhere? Regardless, it is kind of you to share your means with those who have nothing. We do not have children, as such, on my world, but I think many servants such as myself have, ah... collected wards in a similar manner - I understand the tendency. *Her eyes reflect gentle mirth*

Snowdrop: *smiles, though her eyes say she knows what information was shared* They're from different versions of a world called Earth. *forehead creases just slightly as she gently untangles tiny Aliat fingers from her darning thread* Ones where there are no other races than human. *slight head shake and a warm laugh at the baby sends the troublesome thoughts away, and she points out a few key people in the room, finishing with* And this is Ntindika, Éan Tine, and Hawise. *Ntindika is a tree woman, Éan Tine is a small, chubby draconic woman with wings instead of arms and hand-like six toed feet that are gripping small blocks of wood with rounded tops, and Hawise is the unusually pale, honey coloured Chagin woman who is smiling gently at Auspex from the bed*

Foresight: *to the named people and the others* I and my aunt greet you, and thank you for your hospitality.

Auspex: Ah, I see. Earth is the only other world I've set foot on besides my own... and this one, now, of course. I imagine there are any number of things there that might cause such hardships for young humans... I suppose that is true for any sentient race, however. *she sighs regretfully* But I'm glad they have a place here.
*She's not entirely sure what it is that the baby is getting his hands in, there, but he is certainly being adorable about it. She nods at the others as they are introduced, but she's attempting to narrow her focus, and she remains a bit self-conscious in her lack of experience, here; she's content to let Foresight speak for them both. But she takes a moment to speak to Hawise, now that they're making eye contact. There is a faint thread of concern in her aspect for the woman's frailty, but her tone and expression is simply kindly, for the most part* I am so pleased to meet the aunt, and now mother, of the charming child we endeavored to bring to you. He was a delight, and I hope he brings you much joy.

Hawise: *the gentle smile grows slightly, and then Milcah speaks up*

Milcah: Thank you for bringing him to us. Orin is so happy that he's running around like a rooster without a destination.

Hawise: *soft laugh as the winged girl says that, her honey coloured eyes dancing slightly in her thin face. Emotions are warm, gentle, and full of peace*

Auspex: *the concern grows, and her own smile falters for a moment; she'd hoped talking wouldn't be too exhausting, but apparently her ailment is even more limiting than she realized. She finds herself a bit fearful to speak to the woman, now. She manages a weak chuckle for the joke, at least, after seeing such a frenetic messenger first-hand* I... will tell Blackout. I'm happy we could be of help to both you and her, in some small way.

Hawise: *concern comes from her in return*

Milcah: Please don't be afraid to talk to me. If this is too awkward we can try another way. *as warmth and the desire to comfort come from Hawise* Would you like to hold my hand?

Kup: ... 9_9 *hand on Auspex's shoulder from where he's standing behind her chair*

Foresight: Let me translate, Milcah?

Milcah: *smile of thanks and understanding* Alright.

Auspex: *She pauses for a long moment, considering. A closer look at the former Aliat woman's aspect reassures her that Hawise wants to socialize, and having a relay allows her to do that without too much discomfort. Auspex grasps at Primus's presence, seeking her own comfort in dealing with a person in pain that she (and he, for that matter) cannot touch or heal in any way. Apparently Kup picks up on that wish for reassurance, as well, and she sighs softly in appreciation for the reminder that he's here, also (even if he's humorously self-aware in the outward denial that he's moved at all)*
*So bolstered, she quietly reaches for Hawise's hand, offering her a faint smile. She blinks at Foresight and Milcah for a moment, uncertain about the exchange* It... was not awkward, so much as I did not wish to tire Hawise overly much. But if you two would prefer that, I have no objections.

Hawise: *through Foresight's link* -Oh, now I can talk right to you without distracting anyone, too. You won't tire me.- *squeeze on Auspex's hand is brief but firm, and even though it makes Hawise wince, it also makes her very happy to do it*

Kup: *slow shoulder squeeze as Primus absently sends affection to Auspex*

Auspex: *She hesitates again at Hawise's wince, despite the woman's positive emotions... but she finds additional encouragement in the support from Primus and Kup* I... would hope not. *She pauses again, before deciding no one is likely to take offense* I'm relieved you will likely have much help with your little one.

small brown skunk: *tiny peep of sound as it tumbles from the bed into Auspex's lap*

Hawise: -Whoops. She was supposed to wait for me to ask if you like pets, first.- *more laughter*

Tessera: *both of them just squeed with delight at the fluffy brown and white animal*

skunk: *squee? Sniffy. Hihi. Lovelove?*

Auspex: *She loses her train of thought, somewhat, blinking as a small furry creature unexpectedly transfers itself from the bed to her lap. She chuckles softly, at Hawise's admission, and Tessera's reaction (both of them), as well as the creature's affability. She reaches for the tiktok's pouch* Would you like to say hello, then?

Tessera: Yes, yes. Fuzzy! Eeeeeee! *tiny arms wave*

Auspex: *She laughs quietly* All right, give me a moment... *she tugs at the pouch string to loosen it slightly, then gently closes her hand around the little round body inside, lifting the tiktok out to carefully set her down beside the animal*

skunk: *rolls on back. You little. You lay on me?*

Hawise: *able to see that because of how the bed has her angled and laughs* -She's used to playing with flower fairies and pixies. They like to use her for a lounge. Her name is Katie, what is your little friend's name?-

Auspex: She is Tessera. *She hesitates... but they seem to be used to multiple forms of mental configurations in this place* There... are actually two of her at the moment, so to speak; one is a tiny member of my own kind, telepathically linked to the other, who is a native tiktok. At some point, they will have to separate. I believe the tiktok would like to stay here, if you all would have her... though she may not, perhaps, wish to say so herself. *She tilts her head inquisitively, peering down at the chiproach/tiktok as she/they investigate the tiny furry visitor*

Tessera: *as tiny hands investigate soft skunk belly fur* Sissy's just new yet, too shy to say. *sweet laughter*

Snowdrop: She'll be welcome here.

Hawise: *as other ladies and some of the girls nod* -Yes.- :D

Auspex: *She watches the activity of the little creatures in her lap for a moment before glancing up, smiling at the various positive responses* Ah, good... I'm glad my ward was able to help someone else, also, then.

Snowdrop: Oh, is it time to eat?

baby: *earnest little sounds*

Snowdrop: *speaks to one of the older girls and watches the child run from the room*

girl: *happy! Getting baby food!*

Auspex: *She raises an eyebrow in indulgent amusement, as the baby indicates he's hungry (somehow; she missed it herself, but she's reminded empathy can only make up so much for not being familiar with organic physiology and behavior), and one of the girls eagerly scrambles to get him something* I doubt he'll ever want for anything, with such enthusiasm to care for his needs.

Hawise: -None of the others ever has.-

Auspex: *She nods quietly* I'm glad they all take care of each other, then. *She's reminded somewhat of her newer days, again, when she lived with her creators, mentors, and siblings in a larger temple, a more communal setting. They looked out for each other, in much the same way*

Hawise: *turns her head slightly to watch as Baldur makes his way over to the other side of the bed, where Sybil is only part of her head and one ear sticking out of the blankets, feeling approval as she watches her peer sit down on a chair there and reach under the blankets to squeeze the freneer girl's hand*

Sybil: *little nestling movement and even more of her vanishes under the covers as she starts a peaceful dream*

Hawise: *back to Auspex, feeling reassured for the young girl*

Auspex: *She follows the other woman's gaze as Baldur approaches, and blinks as she at last notices Sybil, all but buried under the blankets near Hawise; there are enough presences in here to muddle the impressions of individuals somewhat. She smiles slowly, gratified to see her cared for and at peace*

rooster: *has hopped down from Milcah's lap, wearing his nice new vest, and comes over to sing to Auspex and peck at the hem of her gown. Fixing fixing preen preen!*

Kup: *wonders if he should put an end to that*

Auspex: *She glances over, slightly startled, as the chicken, now dressed in its new apparel, approaches her feet, making a strange crooning sound. It seems to be exuding friendly curiosity, as it nudges at the end of her skirt. She eyes it warily, but doesn't disturb it; it's not harming anything. She chuckles, if slightly nervously, as she voices a curious question* Why is it wearing clothes? And... what is it doing?

Hawise: *as she once more lets out her soft, warm laughter* -He's curious about you, so he's grooming to show he's friendly. Red is the colour of many poisonous things, so we're hoping this will make his trips to Gavin and back safer.- *amusement* -I've seen girls in the Backwater putting protective pouches on their message sending machines. This is our world's version of that.-

Auspex: Grooming. Ah... *she watches the bird in dubious silence for a moment* I see. It would be unfortunate to lose your messenger to a predator, yes... *she winces slightly, before looking up again*
*She 'hmm's thoughtfully, somewhat unwilling to say she's not used to having to worry about the safety of small belongings; subspace is ideal for storage of objects, and she's fortunate she's not had much of a chance to miss hers on this journey*

Hawise: *sudden little spurt of excited surprise* -Auspex... Are you Pastor Hormah's mentor?-

Auspex: *she raises her eyebrows, definitely surprised now; and confused as well. First of all...* You've been to a Nexus, yourself? You've met her there?
*Her brow furrows at the unfamiliar title; she recalls Ratchet mentioning it when she first awoke, but she has no more information about that than before* Er... but yes, I know Hormah; she became a servant of Primus and developed empathy after I met her. I think she has called me her mentor, though I did not deliberately teach her, so much as she observed me serving. She... improvised her own way, for the most part. *She chuckles fondly, though there's a slight air of bemusement to it*

Hawise: -She officiated when Orin and I were married.- *slight wibble and her eyes mist as she remembers the day that her then husband-to-be tracked her down in Hormah's sanctuary and asked her to marry him, despite her certainty that she was the wrong shape to ever be with him* -We visit most Wednesdays.-

Auspex: She... *she stops, blinking, trying to comprehend. She knows very little about bonding ceremonies outside of Cybertronian ones (and even then, there are so many variations in all the different realities, she doubts she's personally familiar with even half of them), but she'd assumed they generally had some sort of religious significance. Perhaps Hormah has a faith-based authority outside of Primus...? Auspex decides she won't try to boggle her way through that at the moment. If that is enough for Orin and Hawise (and Hormah, for that matter), it's enough for her right now*
*She nods slowly* I see. I'm glad we have a friend in common, then! How long ago did she perform your ceremony?

Hawise: -It was six years ago.- *eyes go toward Snowdrop as little smacking sounds start to happen, and she thrills at what she sees*

baby: *relief, happiness, and smacking, as he drinks milk from the spoon that the queen is holding to his mouth*

Auspex: *She nods thoughtfully, watching the feeding baby with a little smile, even as she struggles to formulate her next question* Blackout... did explain to me why your brother is Aliat, and you are not. I hope you will not be offended if I ask you, did... that happen before, or after?

Hawise: *eyes back to Auspex as she sobers. Quietly* -After. Because I met Mala.-

Auspex: *She blinks, mildly surprised they'd already been bonded... married - perhaps it was more of a mutual decision than Blackout seemed to represent it?* Mala is the Chagin you 'traded' with, then? It... was a very brave decision that you made. *She grips Hawise's hand more firmly, offering her goodwill*

Hawise: -I didn't discuss it with Orin. I know he was happy with me even though I was so much bigger than him.- *mental voice gets softer as images of a small, dark, very angry girl wisp across Auspex's mind* -But Mala was so unhappy.-

Auspex: *She darts a look at Foresight as she sends along the images as well - she appreciates the extra information, though the younger servant is probably not any happier about seeing it than Auspex herself. Blackout was indeed correct. She's silent for a few moments as she reflects, suppressing a faint sigh. She's having second thoughts... should she even be asking these questions? These people are not her calling, and her opinion on the matter has no authority. But it's such a deeply ingrained part of who she is, to be invested in the people around her...*
*She manages a soft comment* I... can't say I would condone making such a deeply life-changing decision without warning to someone you've promised your life and love to... but I understand your wish to help Mala, and perhaps make your life with your mate more comfortable. He is taking it in stride as well as he can, I'm sure.

Hawise: *gentle, loving amusement as her eyes sparkle* -Orin fusses no matter what shape someone is. It's how he was knit.- *peaceful contentment as she thinks of being carried in strong arms, then a sigh of her own and a slight tightening of her own fingers* -I couldn't leave her so unhappy and alone while I had the way to help her.-

Auspex: *She offers a faint smile at the woman's words for her mate, though she sobers quickly, nodding* I do understand; there is much I would do to relieve the pain of those I am called to serve... though I regret the loss of your own mobility. How did the trade come about, then?

Hawise: -While I was staying at Pastor Hormah's house I bought a jar of little lights called wishes. I used the last of those wishes to ask for the trade.- *Foresight shares memories of bounding freely through the woods impeded by nothing, and then memories of being carried up the stairs by a husband who is telling her about his day and looking at her like she's made of mythril*

Auspex: *She makes a little sound of surprise, eyes wide* The Fae there sell their wishes? I... need to ask my friends who are more familiar with them how all of that works... *She gives a little shake of her head at the idea, as she concentrates on the forwarded images from Foresight. She does seem content... Her tone is rather resigned, carefully neutral, but supportive* I suppose... as long as you are content to be as you are, and if he does not mourn your decision too deeply... there is little use in finding fault with what has already been done. Especially if Mala is so much better off.

Hawise: -We have each other.-

Auspex: *She's silent, considering. It's not unheard of for a Cybertronian to be subject to a total body rebuild, especially in the case of massive physical damage. She supposes this is not all that drastically different - though generally such a rebuild would be an improvement, not the reverse. She believes her own discomfort about the situation is less shock at an organic being thus "rebuilt" (though it's strange, considering they wouldn't normally have that option), so much that it's not a better form. But it does not change who Hawise is. At last, she nods, letting it go* I am glad for that, yes.

Hawise: *warm smile widens as Snowdrop suddenly tiptoes up the middle of the bed, hunkers by the head board to push the blankets back, and lays a sleepy baby next to his aunty. Without the blankets, Hawise is revealed to be wearing a long soft gown that covers her feet. Also revealed is the fact that the lump that had looked like her feet is in fact a long legged, graceful looking dragon*

Snowdrop: Grace, Amethyst's been looking for you. Come out of there now.

Grace: *lifts her slender head and pipes soft flute in protest*

Snowdrop: *gentle and firm* No. You know that's not your place, and it's not a nest for your egg, either. Come out.

Grace: *deep sigh and gently kisses Hawise's covered feet, then stands and bounds over the foot board before stretching dramatically, fluting a complex and beautiful comment, and then loping from the room like the greyhound that she resembles*

baby: *snuggling nice lady as she smiles at him*

Kup: *d'awwwwwww*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows in slight confusion as Snowdrop steps up onto the bed to deposit the baby by his aunt/mother, also revealing a strange sinuous creature curled up at Hawise's feet. She watches the exchange between queen and creature with some amusement, eyebrow raising at the parting lilt, and blinks down at a giggle from her lap. She's momentarily distracted, smiling at the sight of the tiktok lounging on the content-looking baby animal, also watching the now-departed larger creature*

Tessera: :D

Snowdrop: *from where she's now sitting behind Auspex with her feet hanging over the edge of the bed* She's a lyric dragon. They're popular pets for women.

Auspex: *She turns very slightly, to see Snowdrop better* Ah. It certainly sounds lyrical, I think. *She beams at the sleepy baby as he snuggles with Hawise*

Snowdrop: *chuckles and hops down to walk around to where both Auspex and Hawise can see her* She's the purest flute I've ever heard. *looks toward the door, grinning* And I think she's convinced Hawise needs another pet.

Hawise: *soft snerk* -I don't exercise enough to keep a lyric happy.-

Auspex: *She quirks a smile* At least a foot-warmer, perhaps. I hope her actual designated person doesn't miss her too often...

Snowdrop: No, she's usually faithfully down in the kitchen, running on the wheel to move the meat roasting spit. *holds up her hand as a dainty little thing with bright butterfly wings comes flitting from the back of her abandoned chair to hover in front of her, then smiles as the little thing lights delicately to balance on the tip of one finger*

Hawise: -And that's a flower dragon. They tend to happen to people like dusk unicorns do.- *soft laughter*

baby: *gurgles his own laughter, then hides his face against the nice lady and conks out*

Hawise, Snowdrop, and Baldur: *all smiling at baby now*

Auspex: Ah... *she's starting to find the numerous kinds of creatures somewhat bewildering* You have a wide variety of companions to keep you company, here.
*She blinks, startled, as the baby abruptly falls asleep* They... drop off rather quickly, don't they...?

Snowdrop: Yes, there are a lot of animals here. We don't have machines in most of the land, so we need some of them to help with things. *nods, the corners of her mouth twitching as she absently sets her little friend in her hair* Some don't grow out of it very quickly.

Baldur: *good natured snort as he looks up and catches her eyes on him*

Auspex: *She nods pensively* I suppose Cybertronians take many things for granted, as we have so many tools built into our bodies, or as an alternate mode, and peripherals as well. Blackout has told me of the issues with technology on this world... I admit to having some trouble adjusting to the lack of it. But you seem to have plenty of help, yes.
*She chuckles softly in startled amusement; apparently Baldur is very close with both king and queen, to warrant such teasing* Ah...? There's something to be said for keeping your mind active, I suppose?

Snowdrop: I'm grateful for that help, because yes, except in a few places, machines and electronic things don't work at all. *and then she's grinning toward Baldur again as he pinks behind his beard*

Baldur: *sheepish but cheerful* Keeping my body active, at least. It's when I sit still too long that I fall asleep like the little one did. *then he's looking toward the door as the sound of young feet approaching grows loud enough for his dwarven ears to detect* Emogene and Kekavala are back.

Snowdrop: *goes to meet the young tomboys and warn them that there are visitors who need quiet*

Auspex: *She nods, smiling with good humor* Body or mind; they are closely connected, even for organics, I believe.
*She lets her gaze drop a bit as Baldur announces more people are arriving; she's tiring slightly, unused to speaking to and empathizing with this many people without some sort of support from Primus. She sends him the equivalent of a tired smile, as the thought prompts him to offer her his encouragement, at least...*
*She glances up again, as Snowdrop approaches the door, and whomever is arriving*

child: But the lady can't leave yet, Aunty Snow! She hasn't heard me play yet. *her emotions rise, strong and distinct from the mix of others. This is a fiery and untamable little soul... a bit like Foresight might have been when she was young*

Snowdrop: *calm and patient* She hasn't heard any lessons, Kekavala. She's not used to so many people. She's one of the metal people I've told you about. *patience continues in her repetition* And she's tired. So is the new lady who's sleeping by Aunty Hawise.

Kekavala: I can play her quiet and calm music. I can make it sound something like what Uncle Keg was singing when he was here. Please? *so much longing... and there's another song coming from her direction. A quiet and inhuman, wordless tiny music that somehow seems to blend with the beat of Auspex's heart*

Snowdrop: *hrrrrm. Looks over her shoulder toward Auspex to see what the lady says about this*

Auspex: *She quietly watches the exchange between Snowdrop and the newly arrived young girl - she smiles faintly at how passionate she is about showing her skills. Then she pauses, head tilting, as a strange sensation makes itself known; it's faint music, she thinks... but she's feeling it, more than hearing it. Her hand lifts slightly, grazing her chest as she makes a little sound of bemusement* Is... that the music you are referring to?

Kekavala: *steps around Snowdrop to look toward Auspex. Is just a little thing, though people who know human children would be able to tell that she's older than she looks, since she's nine years old. Windblown curls of new penny brightness frame a pale, freckled face, and two eyes of husky puppy blue that gaze right through Auspex. On her forehead, in a band of braided cords, a clear oval stone blinks a golden centre* Oh. You have a living stone too. No, I'm not talking about my Star's music. I can make my own. *quiet, nearly fierce eagerness* It's pretty, would you like to hear it?

Auspex: *Her brow furrows with slight confusion, as the girl is looking in her direction, but not making eye contact. She's not certain Kekavala can see her... at least, not with her eyes. She feels a slight pang of regret, again, for all the irreparable infirmities of the organic condition*
*The stone Kekavala is wearing on her forehead... appears to be of the same sort as the one keeping this body alive? Apparently, they resonate when they are close to each other... she sits back slightly in wonder, putting her hand down after a moment, to avoid absently rubbing at her stirring heart* Ah... I think it has me, in this case... but yes.
*She smiles, willing to indulge the child's enthusiasm* Far be it from me to prevent you; please, yes.

Kekavala: Thank you, Aunty! *like a little whirlwind dressed in green broadcloth, she sweeps into the room and bustles and seems to blow two other girls, one of them the young woman who brought the baby's milk, over to one corner of the room not too far away from the bed. She stoops to open a compartment in one of the sitting benches, then straightens and lovingly sets a beautiful, iridescent little fiddle to her chin. She waits as Snowdrop returns to her seat, then nods*

other girls: *the young lady touches the keys of a little table piano, bringing out a sweet sound that brings to mind the pattering of water and the chirp of small creatures (like the one in Auspex's lap), and then the tall, slender girl brings a glass flute to her lips and brings forth a soft, piping whisper like the sighing of leaves in a gentle wind*

Auspex: *She watches the young force of nature as she collects the two other girls and they gather their respective instruments; they are all unfamiliar to her, of course, though they look intriguing. Then, they sit and begin to play*
*Auspex stills to listen, eyebrows lifting at the foreign, but soothing sound of the music. It's not like anything she's heard, but it brings to mind some of the places they've seen on this journey, and the beginnings of stirring emotions in the girls are just as enjoyable as the sounds themselves, if not more so*

Foresight: *sits up, all her attention focused on the music and the musicians. She's barely breathing as she watches and listens*

Kekavala: *takes in a deep breath, and then touches her crystal bow to the fiddle strings. And the sound that comes forth... is like a soft whisper of fey laughter.*

Foresight: *brows lift as she jogs with surprise and deeper interest*

Kekavala: *a longer stroke, and the fiddle seems almost to sing with a human voice, crooning and murmuring and whispering*

Kup: *slight smile on his face and a bit of recognition. He's heard something similar*

Hawise: *last gentle squeeze for Auspex's hand, and then lets go with a mental murmur of be well til we meet again. Is fading toward sleep*

Kup: *sees that, and gently turns Auspex's chair so that she can see the musicians, warning her with a whisper before he does*

Auspex: *She smiles gratefully at Hawise, though she hesitates to speak while the girls are playing. She glances at Foresight, sending a silent request* -Wish her well for me, and joy to her family, please?-
*She glances up at Kup as he turns her, reaching to grasp his hand in thanks for a moment, as she returns her attention to the strange, otherworldly music. How is Kekavala making those sounds with simple strings?*

Kekavala: *the soft call of a loon floats from her strings, and then the suggestion of wings overhead in the darkness as the bird seeks something. Water laps, and another loon replies, the sounds softer. Home, here is home. And then the two voices become low murmurs before the fiddle sweeps away into soft thunder that blends with the windsong of the flute*

Foresight: *after assenting to Auspex's request and fulfilling it, she is once more caught up in utter wonder at these sounds*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows in concentration. She doesn't recognize all of the subject matter necessarily, but the girls' ability to tell a story in sound, with these mysterious, gentle, mournful acoustics, is remarkable. She's very impressed*

girls: *music sings of soft drops from sleeping leaves, then murmurs down to warmth, peace, and familiar hearth before chirping and twittering of morning and fading off like drops of sunbeam*

Kekavala: *lifts her head and turns it toward the guests as the other girls look toward Auspex, Kup, and Foresight*

Foresight: *too moved for words as she ponders what she just heard*

Auspex: *She's silent as the girls finish their piece, blinking wide-eyed at them in return for a long moment, before she finds her voice, though it's soft* Ah, that... was... amazing. I've never heard sounds like that from mechanical devices. They sounded like places, and living creatures...

everyone: *and then everyone in the room looks toward the west as a wash of emotion sweeps over the room, touching each heart with a promise of seeing you tomorrow. Auspex will not recognize the sender, but the sending... The non-invasive form of it resembles others that the servant has felt very recently*

Auspex: *She pauses, then, as the outside emotion makes itself known; she recognizes it as an impression from a sending empath, something that everyone can indirectly feel, and not merely receiving empaths such as herself. It's very similar to something Kigan or Starsong might send. She asks a general question of the room at large* Ah... is that someone you all know?

Snowdrop: We know who she is, but none of us have met her yet. *fondness makes itself felt to the servants as she smiles* One of my friends, George, found her sleeping during his trip to speak to the neighbouring queen, and now he's bringing her home as his bride.

Kekavala: *softly* A sleeping beauty.

Kup: *little twinge of guilt at the child's words*

Auspex: *Her eyebrows lift in bemusement* Oh! Do such things... happen often? I've only recently been presented with the concept of enchanted sleep... and it seems as though it's becoming a recurring theme...
*Speaking of which... her eyes widen at the sense of more guilt from Kup... is he seriously blaming himself for the foolish whims of a few who'd read too many Earth stories? It is not his fault she was in stasis so long... she reaches up to grip his hand, with mixed emotions of disapproval (of his self-blame for too many things) and support (he tries so hard, and is good at what he does)*

Kup: *curious look down at Auspex as he turns his hand and gently squeezes hers in reply, then realizes that he must've let some of his emotion slip and softly emotes apology and I'm alright*

Auspex: *She hesitates, but this is not a good time for discussion. She rubs his hand absently for a moment before withdrawing hers*

Snowdrop: She wasn't enchanted. She slept to hide from loneliness. *curious* Do you mean recurring here, or in the multiverse?

Auspex: Ahh. I suppose there are some sentients that can put themselves to sleep in such a way. A friend's mate did something similar when he was alone for... longer than many have been alive, I think. I'm not sure what sort of creature he is, but I think he may not know, either. Perhaps she is of a similar sort...
*The question evokes a faint chuckle* Both, actually. I was introduced to an Earth tale, about a woman who was put into an enchanted sleep, who was awakened with a kiss from a prince. My kind can be put into a prolonged stasis, and I spent most of the last... *she pauses to make sure of the correct unit of time* ...decade in such a state. It's been suggested to me, in jest from those who know the story, and... otherwise, from those here, that I had the opportunity to be awakened in such a way.

Kekavala: *glancing between the adults in the conversation curiously. Her fellow musicians have tuned out, the one fingering her instrument and humming to herself as the other peers through the tube on hers in search of nonexistent dirt*

Auspex: *She notes the distracted children, and winces slightly* Ah... are we boring our gifted musicians?

Snowdrop: *looks toward the children with an affectionate smile* Aalis, you may go practise, if you want. Cateline, will you give us some background? Yes, Kekavala, you too, if you like.

Aalis: *looks up from her flute with a grateful smile, then bobs a curtsy to the guests, happy that they liked the music, but not sure she did it to her own satisfaction. This done, she heads for her desk to pick up her school things and is soon conversing with some of her adopted sisters as they file from the room*

Kekavala: Thank you, Aunty. *smile for the guests and then goes to sit on the table that holds Cateline's little piano, and is soon joining the older girl in a quiet little duet that has all the structure of the actual named game that it is*

Snowdrop: *smile still in place as she turns back to her guests* I've heard that story. Some friends in the Backwater have joked that I could be a version of a young woman in another fairy tale with a similar kind of sleep. But... *brows draw together slightly* You weren't wakened with a kiss?

Auspex: *She offers the departing children an indulgent smile, before returning to the conversation at hand. She blinks, taken aback by the question at first, though a moment of examining Snowdrop's aspect reveals not the assumption that it must have happened that way, so much as concern that it might have. She shakes her head* Generally, stasis lasts for a predetermined time; if not, one can also be awoken with a passcode, among other things - or, in the case of servants of Primus, with a command from him. *She chuckles softly* I would imagine something like a kiss would have no effect - apparently, that did not stop a few from thinking about it. Thankfully, Kup and the other resident servant were there to deter them. No one bothered me until Primus called me.

Snowdrop: *relief in her smile, and then she returns to an earlier topic* What makes you wonder if Sabirah is of the same race as your friend's mate?

Kup: *leaks a feeling of tickle* o.O

Auspex: Ah, no - there are so many sentients in the multiverse, I couldn't begin to know if there's enough similarities... but the self-induced prolonged sleep, and the ability to send emotions, are both traits that Kigan shares with this Sabirah. I have to wonder where your friend found her, and in what state.
*She blinks as she senses something... odd from Kup, but she can't readily identify what that was. She'll keep a metaphorical eye out if it happens again*

Snowdrop: According to the message he sent back via dog the day he found her, she was in a crystal cave beneath a waterfall. The cave had only recently been broken open by earth movement.

Auspex: *Her brow furrows at the strangeness of the story* Ah, well, nothing similar there, at least. My friend's mate was found in space, ah... between worlds. He is a shapeshifter, and I believe his natural form appears as light in a humanoid shape. I am not sure you would know those sorts of details, if you haven't met the lady yet...

Snowdrop: *blinks and looks up at Kup as she notices his expression change, then turns and looks toward a head size globe that's sitting amongst some pet plants near the highest concentration of sunlight* Oh dear...

Auspex: *She trails off as the queen's gaze wanders behind her and up to Kup's face, then over to what looks like some sort of enclosure. She has a bad feeling about this* ...What is it?

Snowdrop: Er... *apologetic* I'm just wondering how your friend can stand so quietly while he's got a shirt snake exploring inside his tunic.

ladies: *nearby ones look up, look at the globe, and then wince before glancing at Kup and studiously going back to their work*

Auspex: A what? *Eyes wide, discussion forgotten for the moment, she turns bodily in her chair to stare up at her bodyguard in bemused concern*

Kup: *very slightly red in the face from repressed laughter. Gruffly* It's little, 'n it's got lotsa legs. *wince*

Auspex: *She hisses softly, not sure whether to chuckle or fret; she settles for a quiet 'eep'* ...You should have said something... Ah, what can we do...? *She reaches out, but hesitates, thinking better of it*

Snowdrop: *looks intent for a moment, but then turns apologetically to Foresight* Could you poke my relayer, or ask my husband to come here?

Foresight: *nods without looking away from the music* Done.

Auspex: Ah... can Baldur help coax the creature out, perhaps? *As much as she'd simply like to be helpful, she's keeping her hands to herself*

Snowdrop: No. Posey won't come to Baldur. She usually only goes to Peter. *up out of her seat to meet her husband as he comes jogging into the room followed by the dusk unicorn* Your shirt snake is exploring.

Peter: *arm automatically around his wife, and gentle gruff affection mixed with that feeling of being in the presence of treasure from his emotions as he turns his head toward the globe and grunts* Where?

Kup: *quiet wheeze as he lifts a hand*

Auspex: *She's wincing visibly, ruefully watching Kup try not to squirm, though she spares a nod for Peter as he arrives* I gather, from the name, that this is a common place to find such a creature...?

Florian: *trots over and rises up slightly on his back feet to gently flick the nice white lady's cheek with his tongue*

Kup: *saw that! Outrage!*

Peter: *saw that* Florian, down. She doesn't know about your nonsense.

Florian: *settles onto all four and flicks his ears uncertainly. Since when does he get scolded for doing his cute trick?*

Auspex: *She squeaks softly as the little blue-grey unicorn (evidently the same that was napping in the courtyard) feels the apparent need to be affectionate, but she stays very still as he does so, and doesn't rebuff him. She blinks as he moves away when Peter scolds him, also aware of Kup's disapproval* Ah, it's all right, it just startled me...

Peter: *lets go of Snowdrop and steps forward to gently pull the small unicorn away by the collar* Here, go see the others.

Snowdrop: *as Florian walks toward the other ladies she returns to Auspex's question* Yes. Shirt snakes are named for a reason. *fond exasperation*

Peter: *snorts and then whistles softly through his teeth*

Posey: *little furry indigo and violet head pokes out of Kup's collar. Two big bright black eyes turn toward her master, and fuzzy mandibles make her look like she's making a kitten face* 83

Peter: *gentle sternness as he comes over and lifts his hand* Come here now. You know better than that.

Kup: *hand up to the little creature and quirks an eyebrow as she slips down into it and curls up* ...That's a lotta feet. *offers her to Peter*

Auspex: *She's not sure she sees the appeal of keeping a pet that uncomfortably ticklish, but she keeps the thought to herself (sans any observing telepaths, of course) as she watches with some amazement as the creature finally peeks out from Kup's clothing. It is somewhat cute, she supposes, but its preferred environment is... inconvenient. She quietly echoes Kup's sentiment as she sees its entire body* That is...

Peter: *lifts his hand near his face and blows on the little creature, then slips her into his own shirt* She's still got her egg sack, so you should be alright. *and now he smells beautifully of roses*

Kup: *sniff?* o.O?

Peter: They do that. *shrug. Embarrassed by his pet, but fond of her too*

Auspex: *She's not sure she wants to know why the eggs are relevant... the scent is interesting, though. She chuckles softly* It smells nice, at least...

Kup: *notices something and sniffs his sleeve* ...There's different scents. *offers the sleeve to Auspex*

Auspex: *She laughs quietly, charmed by his behavior; she obligingly leans forward to put her nose to his sleeve, and hums thoughtfully* Also some sort of floral... very pleasant.

Foresight: *suddenly snaps to awareness and looks toward the courtyard before turning back to Auspex* Blackout says she has to go do something, and that we should wait at Perceptor's house til she comes back.

Peter and Snowdrop: *questioning and surprised looks*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows as she turns back around in her chair to blink at Foresight - this was unexpected* Perceptor...? Oh. He... is one of the ones living here? Did... she give any details? I'd thought we were taking Sybil to see her people, since we were already traveling, and she seemed to find my presence a comfort... I suppose not, then. *She pauses pensively* I'm assuming Blackout passed along some sort of directions...

Foresight: She didn't. *wondering frown in her emotions and voice changes abruptly to harshness* And there are people waiting in the courtyard to whom I would speak.

Auspex: *Er, well... she imagines directions will come eventually; someone must know Perceptor, and whoever else is here with him (?), and know where they live*
*She raises an eyebrow as Foresight's aspect takes an abrupt turn (and how much she reminds Auspex of Jetstorm, with the emergence of those sudden sharp edges!) Who is she talking about?*

Peter: No killing the Mycelium Guard. *amused* The girl's safe now, and so's her child.

Snowdrop: *rolls eyes at husband and sighs amusement before sobering and nodding her agreement to his last words*

Auspex: *When Peter 'cautions' Foresight, she understands* Her people are here?? Oh... on the business of the creature that came through their vaults? *She frowns, still wondering at the mystery of that*
From what I understood, they must directly intervene to make Sybil's bud into a sentient being... Are they beholden to you, or can you somehow negotiate with them, or find another way, then? Without question, you are in a much better position for that sort of thing than we are, if that is your goal.
*Altogether, she's more neutral than amused or angry, herself; she's had enough dealings with the morally ambiguous who are convinced they are in the right (both directly, and with those they've affected), to feel little else besides a sort of tired resignation about the freneer guards*

Peter: They're here. *snorts and turns to walk toward the book shelf* I'm busy.

Foresight: *stands, her wings rising and flaring slightly* Let us go and speak to these people.

Peter: *looks around at the small sound of lightning*

Snowdrop and a couple other ladies: *point. It was her*

Peter: *face stays grumpy, but he's grinning inside as he snorts again and resumes his quest for data*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen incredulously; she opens her mouth, but no words come. It takes a few moments to find her voice again, and it's somewhat hoarse* You're... not going to see them at all??
*Her expression doesn't change as the younger servant rises to her feet. Auspex stays put for the moment, not only because her lap is still full of tiktok and furry animal. She addresses Foresight with only a bit more composure than she did the king* I... would prefer to handle them with respect, even if they are unreasonable. Though... *she casts her eyes down to nothing in particular* I would prefer not to interfere where I do not belong, either.

Peter: *pulls down a book, and then turns back to frown at Auspex, though there's no frown in his feelings* I've been down there listening to them on and off since first light. It's not making 'em feel any better, and there's nothing else I can do, so... *shrug*

Foresight: Who can say if we're not here for such a time as this? *and she is determined*

Auspex: *She blinks, slightly confused now* I... am referring specifically to Sybil's plight, not necessarily their issue with their vaults. Unless they have now been informed of that...
*She nods at Foresight, acknowledging the comment; she's not arguing the point*

Peter: *quiet and calm* They're the same situation. It's all about those withered old lumps of dross trying to run the lives of their entire race under the pretext of making sure they don't scare anyone else.

Auspex: *Her brow furrows in consternation, not being familiar with the race's story, of course, but she will acquiesce to his familiarity with them - up to a point* Then we shall leave it to Foresight to "convince" them to allow Sybil her child? Very well. *She suppresses a weary sigh, though she does appear disheartened* I may attempt to lend diplomatic aid... if any is to be had.

Peter: There's no convincing about Sybil. I've already said interfering with her is against the law and will have consequences. Not my fault they talked right over me. What we need is a way to convince them to leave.

Auspex: Ah... so you have mentioned her to them... and they don't find your disapproval compelling. *she does sigh this time, though her tired resignation is not directed toward anyone here. She glances up at Foresight* I fail to see how any further interaction with them will accomplish anything... but it might at least ease your mind. *She offers a bare wisp of a smile*
*She glances down at the chiproach/tiktok, with a resigned smile* So, Tessera... what will you do now? If we are leaving soon, perhaps now is a good time to separate... will the chiproach half be able to continue in the dream, or will you have to go?

Tessera: *looks up* Sissy left already. She hadta do somfin.

Auspex: *She frowns at the tiktok's response - she's taken aback, and feeling a bit bereft by the chiproach's abrupt departure* Er, well... I suppose I will see her when I wake, then...

Tessera: *tiny smile* She says she loves you. *rolls off Katie with a merry squeak, then wiggles, totally unbothered by being stuck*

Auspex: *She can only offer a wan smile in response as she gently tips the little one back to her feet* Thank you... I will leave you here with your new people, then. I wish you well, Tessera tiktok.
*She gently lifts her with one hand to kiss her on the head, before reaching over to carefully deposit her on the bed-nest. After a moment of thought, she takes the drawstring pouch from around her neck, and lays it beside Tessera* You may want to keep that - I won't be needing it now.
*She hesitates, looking dubiously at the little furry creature that remains in her lap, before she gingerly scoops it up in both hands and gently sets it down on the other side of the tiktok. Lap now empty of occupants, she takes a moment to mentally gather herself, before climbing to her feet*

Katie: *looks up as she's set down, then turns to kissie Tessera's face*

Tessera: *beetled over to get her nap sack, now she squeaks and giggles, flailing cheerfully at the kisses*

Kup: *hand under Auspex's elbow to help her up, his emotions absently full of pondering*

Foresight: *softly* Boulder's calling for us. The Mycelium Guard have been shouting at him, and Blackout's daughter is frightened.

Snowdrop: *gently and warmly, as she steps over and offers a hand* Thank you for bringing Sybil and Tessera to us.

Auspex: *She has to wonder what Kup is thinking about, as she offers him a faint smile of thanks; perhaps later she can ask, when there is time. Apparently as of now, they have to deal with the freneer whether they wish to or not (not, in her case, at least). Her only response to Foresight is a faint groan of exasperation and a nod* We should rescue them...
*She steps forward to take Snowdrop's hand, with a gracious smile* Thank you for taking them in; you are both so generous for leaving your doors open for those who need a place to be. And thank you for your warm welcome to us. *The smile turns somewhat wry* I'm sorry Blackout disappeared so soon, but I take it you are somewhat used to her ways.
I also wish Hawise and Orin well, and their new baby. I know he will bring them, and all of you, much happiness.

Foresight: *quirks a wry brow at her aunt, and then looks down at the queen*

Snowdrop: *softly, as she squeezes Auspex's hand* We've all been homeless and lost. It wouldn't make sense for us to turn our backs on others. *glances with a smile to where the baby has moved enough to wrap his little arms around Katie in response to her determined nudging. Drops her voice, which doesn't hide the laughter in it* I think Hawise is going to enjoy someone to share the fussing with.

Auspex: *Her eyebrows raise very slightly; she'd not had a chance to ask the king or queen their story, but Auspex and her party have stayed long enough - she'll have to take her word for it, though she offers a sympathetic smile with her nod of understanding. She follows Snowdrop's gaze to where the baby and Hawise's little pet are sleepily getting acquainted, chuckling softly at the queen's observation* I'm sure they'll all enjoy every moment of it, for various reasons.
*She turns to Peter, with a smile and a respectful nod* Thank you for your hospitality; this is a joyful place, and full of light, and I've enjoyed my time here. Still, I offer my sympathies about the freneer and their... issues. *The smile turns into something resembling a grimace, but only briefly* Hopefully they will go their own way soon...
*She offers a smile and an amiable nod to Baldur, then a little wave to the children and... anyone else who may (or may not) be paying attention* It was good to meet everyone, thank you! *She glances at Foresight and Kup with a gentle (if somewhat fatigued) smile; she's as ready as she can be*

Peter: *scoots his step stool over, and suddenly Auspex is engulfed in a strong, gentle, encouraging hug*

Snowdrop: *chuckles and feels very fond of her grumpy dork of a husband*

Kup: *wha... oh awwwwwww. :)*

Foresight: *chuckle*

Auspex: Oh... *she laughs softly, crouching slightly to accommodate the short man as she returns the unexpected hug* Thank you. You've been very kind, and patient with my confusion. I wish you and your wife the best - perhaps I will see one or both of you again, or some of your other people, if you visit the Nexus. *She offers a final delicate pat on the back, before carefully withdrawing, beaming*

Peter: *lets her go, then turns and gives Kup a resounding sock that has the younger man wide-eyed. To Auspex* Your niece just left.

Foresight: *feeling of determination fading into the distance!*

Snowdrop: *has taken something from her husband as he reached to give that hug. Is now waiting patiently to give something to Auspex*

Auspex: *She coughs to hide a fondly amused chuckle at Peter's parting send-off for Kup, before wincing slightly as she does indeed see that Foresight has departed the room. She lingers for a moment, however, as Snowdrop appears to be waiting to garner her attention. She meets her gaze in silent question*

Snowdrop: *holds out a beautiful book with carved and painted covers of lightweight but sturdy wood. The book is large enough to hug, and inside, the pages are black, written with silver ink, and decorated with beautiful, heavy blue borders and beginning initials. The illustrations are exquisite and lifelike*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows as the woman hands her the large book, and she hesitantly opens it to glance through it for a moment. Her eyes widen hugely at the striking, finely-wrought illustrations and lettering inside, the colors and the shining markings... it's exquisite, and most likely some sort of religious artifact. She turns her incredulous gaze to Snowdrop's face* You... want me to take this? It's so beautiful, but... it seems valuable, and I'm not sure I can even take it with me when I go back...

Snowdrop: *smiles her calm smile* Trust. *smile widens slightly* Orin carved the cover. Kekavala painted the pictures that show parts of the story.

Kekavala: *yes, yes I did. More fiddle*

Auspex: *She tears up a bit, blinking down at the book again; she has no adequate response. It takes a few moments for her to find her voice again, but it's faint* This is so incredibly generous. Perhaps... Blackout will know a way to get it back to me...

Peter: *snort* Wouldn't put it past her.

Auspex: *She thinks about it, nodding a bit more confidently* If you all can reach the Nexus from this place, there must at least be a way to reach where Blackout lives. I can take it back home from there, eventually, if we can get it there, first. But... ah, thank you! *With exceeding care, she shifts the book to one arm, and reaches to hug Snowdrop with the other* I will treasure it. You are also a skilled artist, Kekavala! I will look at it and remember you.

Kekavala: I know. *mischief sparkles in her blank eyes as she looks over, her bow never pausing even as she feel touched and happy at Auspex's words of remembering*

Snowdrop: *strong and encouraging hug, and then steps back to lean on her husband, who is still up on the stool* Thank you for having it.

Auspex: *She gives Snowdrop a bit of a gently disbelieving look (other than being reluctant to take something intrinsically valuable - especially given that it was handmade by the people living in this palace - she adores it), but offers a thankful smile and emphatic nod. The little girl receives a chuckle; she can sense the happy gratification underlying Kekavala's aspect*
*Also... now she ruefully wishes she had her subspace pocket. She settles for tucking the precious book carefully under her arm for the moment*

Kup: Want me ta carry that, Lady?

Auspex: *She hesitates, meeting his gaze with uncertainty - she has no idea how well (or not) the freneer they are about to approach will behave toward them* Perhaps... you should have your hands free, for now?

Foresight: -Coming?-

Kup: *as he nods acknowledgment to Auspex's words* Hold yer carburetor...

Auspex: *She offers Foresight an acknowledgment, yes, they're coming... she gives Kup a quizzical smile, hoping he remembers the way out better than she does...*

Kup: *surprised blink, but then offers an arm, feeling confident of the way*

Auspex: *She bestows one last beaming smile and goodbye to her new friends here, before making sure the book is secure under the one arm, and taking Kup's own offered arm gratefully with the other (she's faintly sheepish - the newness of the world contributes to her lingering disorientation practically everywhere they've been)*
*Kup leads them back through the hallways and landings they'd come through, and down the worn stairs, where Foresight lingers, waiting for them. Together, they step out into the sunlight of the courtyard once again*

Mycelium guard: *they are withered. Much paler than Sybil, and bald. They also appear to be nearly emotionless despite the volume of their words aimed toward the two furry beings in the courtyard*

Boulder: *aware of people watching and ready to defend him and Ruth, he ignores both them and the loud ones that have frightened the child. Instead, he focuses on washing the top of her head and her ears as he lays with a protective foreleg over her back*

Ruth: *eyes shut to block out the bad peeps as she snuggles against Boulder and purrs as loud as she can while fervently wishing for her parents*

Auspex: *She gapes at the current tableaux with a perplexed quirk of her brow. These freneer look so different from Sybil, and their emotions... their outward behavior speaks volumes of apparent frustration and annoyance, but their collective aspect is... almost non-existent, so faint. She's experienced similar phenomena before, with some of the more exotic Transformers from other realities with only tentative connections to Primus - but she'd thought this heart of hers could relate to anything organic. Apparently, there are outliers. They are, perhaps, not living in the sense that most creatures of this world are, even Sybil. How mysterious...*
*She winces at poor Ruth as she intensely ignores the yelling freneer (What are they going on about, anyway?), glad for Boulder's presence to support her, and... be a large road-block*

Foresight: *strides toward Boulder, feeling resolute, indignant, and angry, but also calm and a little bit confused and uncertain*

Boulder: *sees her and rumbles words, then snorts at the fungus folk who have now turned their attention to the newcomer*

freneer: *withered, stooped, obviously old. He steps forward, flaring weakly with indignation and righteous anger as he points a shaking finger at Auspex and glares at her* Where did you get that? Give it to us at once!

Auspex: *Her eyebrows sail upward in... not incredulity; she expected this might be a problematic meeting, especially considering her body is made from their fungus... but certainly longsuffering skepticism, and continued mystification at their weak emotions. She answers him, though he hasn't addressed her, tone smooth and even, long-used to speaking calmly in the face of irate people* I am my own entity, sir, and my body was not made by your people, or with your methods. I rather think you have no claim on it.
*She remains cautious, however, ready to step back if necessary; she doesn't know if these guards are at all prone to violence*

freneer: That bud is OURS! Without it, our race is finished. So take all your mechanisms out of it and give it! *steps forward, hand grasping at Auspex's arm*

Auspex: *What? This was not something she was anticipating. He believes she is Sybil's bud?? But it's not even separated from her yet!*
*She begins to take a step backward as the the freneer approaches, but he's faster than he looks. Still, his fingers only just graze her skin before she's suddenly lifted off her feet and tugged backwards*

Kup: *is an arm around the white lady's waist, lifting her away from the would be grabber as his other arm drops in front of her like a gate of steel*

Foresight: *blast of wind sends the gathered freneer tumbling away as she stands tall and wing flared, her eyes actually flashing with light*

city Guard: *one just made a really impressed comment, but they're still waiting to be asked for help so they don't wind up getting in the way*

Auspex: *She correctly guesses that Kup has come to her defense; she finds herself held slightly off the ground, snugly against his side, his opposite arm forming a barrier between herself and the offending fungus-man. She clasps the hand at her waist, thankful for his swiftness*
*She remains neutral; she's not angry with the freneer, so much as exasperated, and now bewildered. She winces as Foresight knocks them off of their feet, though she trusts her construct won't hurt them. She resumes speaking to the first one, as dignified as one might be when dangling inches above the ground in her bodyguard's embrace* You are mistaken, sir. Sybil and her bud are safe with the king! If you truly wish to propagate your race, you might spend your time seeing to her needs, and the incomplete bud, rather than needlessly quarreling with outsiders.

oldest freneer: *as he struggles up, his expression angry and wounded* Do you think you can lie to us? Do you think you have the right to tell us how to govern our own people?

Auspex: *Her gaze sharpens, watching the freneer who confronted her as he sits up; now she's annoyed - she takes exception to the accusation that she would tell such an untruth. She opens her mouth to tell him so, but quickly falls silent as her eyes drift up to Foresight*

Foresight: *wings flare out from where she's floating about a foot above the pavement, and there is a hint of something vast touching the edge of her now otherwise calm and joyful emotions as she lifts her head and speaks* You have no right to govern your people any longer. The mats are out of your reach. The children born from them will be what the Starsinger means them to be. And if you cannot accept this you will become nothing more than a half forgotten footnote on the history of your people.

Auspex: *Her construct is exhibiting some rather strange behavior, and it's painful how much she's reminding Auspex of Jetstorm in this moment. While she suspects his idiosyncrasies came largely from the more eldritch secrets he'd learned from Sideways, Foresight's more likely comes from her time spent in the River. From whatever the source, the sense of the otherworldly is very strong just now, and Auspex finds herself leaning more heavily against Kup as she's swept up in mingling pride and faint melancholy*
*She remains still as Foresight delivers what is essentially a prophecy - no doubt something she's seen, though from the limited perspective of the present, it's not entirely comprehensible. It does sound as though Sybil's bud may not continue to be beholden to these people to become viable, however, and the thought brings her much peace of mind*

freneer: *oh holey socks! What...????*

oldest freneer: You have no right...

Foresight: *stern and firm as wind swirls around her and lightning flashes* You have no right to interfere with my people. We are leaving now.

city Guard: *a diminutive creature with large, soulful eyes speaks up as he nods sagely* Yeah, leave them. They're just mean old men... without mommies.

Boulder: *up and coming to stand near Auspex and Kup as Ruth peers down from the saddle on his back. Earnest noises at Kup*

Auspex: *From the sound of Foresight's pronouncement, there's little reason to have further discourse with the foolish, fearful, and emotionally stunted Mycelium Guard; she looks up at Boulder as he approaches, managing a faint wisp of a smile for him* Time to go, then?

Boulder: Mrrrrmmmm. *huff! Affection and encouragement!*

Kup: *makes sure no one's getting near his lady, then finally drops the protective arm and puts both hands around her waist before lifting her up onto the offered-as-a-stepstool paw that Boulder has turned toward her*

Ruth: *squiggles half through the railings and holds out her pretty white handpaws* Kitteh help wif buk?

freneer: *ahhhhhhh, what???*

Auspex: *She glances back at Kup for a brief moment to meet his gaze, all gratitude and warm smile and warmer affection, before reaching to take hold of the railing with her free hand as Boulder lifts her up. She nods as Ruth comes forward (somewhat surprised to notice for the first time that she also has the opposable toes), and carefully hands up the book* Yes, thank you, Ruth. *She ignores the evident surprise from the freneer that the smaller feline can speak*
*She pauses for a moment to gather her skirts in her now-free hand. Hmm... it's all rather a bit higher up when Boulder is standing...*

Ruth: *talks to the book as she sets it at the other side of the howdah, then comes back and this time leans over the top of the railing as she once more reaches* Kitteh helps!

Boulder: *encouraging sounds and lifts Auspex a little more*

Kup: *grinning and emoting soft affection as he works on lifting a bit more himself*

Auspex: *She nods again, reaching up to grasp at Ruth's outstretched forelegs, once she's maneuvered the skirts out of the way of her boots; she sets her feet against Boulder's side as she half-climbs and is half pushed and pulled by her friends up, and finally over the railing and safely onto the platform. Breathing a sigh of relief once she's up there seems to be becoming a ritual* Thank you, all of you.

Ruth: *grip on Auspex's arms is strong and sure despite the soft fur that covers the backs of her paw/hands and even sticks out between her toe pads, and the seemingly silly young feline knows what she's doing as she gets the lady over the railing and then gives her a cheek rub before looking down alertly at Kup*

Kup: How're we gonna know where ta go?

Foresight: *still watching the Mycelium Guard* Boulder says we're to ask the dog to bring us to our destination.

Kup: Dog? *looks, sees a leggy, wolfish creature sitting patiently and grinning* Oh.

Auspex: *blinks, smiling faintly, before offering Ruth a tentative scritching in return. She peers down as Kup asks the most pressing question of the moment, and directs her gaze to the waiting canine in question, though she spares a lingering glance over to Foresight as she eyes the freneer guards on the way* Ah. Do we just... ask?

City guard: *sees the looks exchanged, and steps forward to address the red and white, blue eyed dog* Find Percival now.

dog: *leaps to her feet with a ghostly sounding yammer, her tail waving furiously as she looks at the big cats she was told to bring to the nice man*

Auspex: *She raises an eyebrow as a native asks the dog, who seems to instantly spring to life at the command and hover at the ready. That was... easy. She hastily moves to situate herself for the ride, settling legs and skirts into place. She looks over to make sure the book is safe*

Ruth: Finda Percy! *happy happy as she goes to get the book and put it on Auspex's lap, the job made a little awkward by her four-legged stance*

Kup: Yeeeow! *just made it up onto Boulder's butt before the big feline leaves the courtyard in a breath stealing streak, neck bell jangling discordantly*

Auspex: *Percival... she boggles slightly, but it makes sense to take on a more common and less literal name if one plans to stay indefinitely with humans and other organics. She thanks Ruth as she manages to bring the book to her, and sets her arms down on it as the feline deposits it in her lap. This quickly turns into a hugging of said book, as Boulder is off after the dog at a dizzying pace*
*A cry from Kup prompts her to sneak a glance back with concern, eyes widening as he barely snags the railing of the platform and avoids being left behind. She prays for his safety, as she's preoccupied keeping self and book in place. Foresight, she trusts, will follow from the air*

Kup: *gets himself braced on his heaving perch, and then presses his front against the railing on the howdah as he sees how their pace is making Auspex's head tilt backward. Gently, in her ear* Easy, Lady. I've got ya.

Boulder: *didn't bring them through the gate they arrived by, so now they're travelling down a moderately busy stone paved street with wide walkways on each side that are shaded by tall trees*

Auspex: *She's watching the scenery rush by in wide-eyed silence (this is somewhat like travelling in altmode, but of course that form is streamlined for speed, and this one is decidedly not!), wind blowing wisps from her hair and jingling the little bell on her hood. She startles a bit as Kup leans forward to speak to her, presence close against her back, but she immediately relaxes to know he's there and safe. She turns her head to the side very slightly, her forehead touching his cheek, to acknowledge his reassurance*

Ruth: *from where she's holding onto the front rail with both hands* -Ohhhhh boy! HOLD ON!-

Kup: *looks up, sees the overturned waggon across the street, and throws an arm around Auspex to hold her steady* Ohhhhh [not writing that]!!!!

Boulder: *and he's airborne, bell chiming softly in the breeze of his movement*

Auspex: *She squeaks as she sees the obstruction and 'hears' Ruth's warning, and she huddles a bit, hugging the book tighter. She blinks to find Kup's arm around her (more so to hear the word he blurts as he does so), but she appreciates the help to stabilize, leaning backward slightly as Boulder leaps over the wagon*

Ruth: *joyful yowl at the leap*

Boulder: *huffs loudly as bystanders shout or cheer, feeling very surprised, but pleased, by the reaction*

Kup: *a little shakily, as his arm loosens just slightly* Are you alright?

Auspex: *She's busy catching her breath, but otherwise she'd feel a bit of amusement that Boulder gained an audience with that maneuver. She fumbles for a moment to press her hand against Kup's arm in thanks, as well as mild concern, as she delivers the words over her shoulder* I am... are you?

Kup: Yeah... Uh? *looks up again as Boulder slows and then stops to turn his head with concern* What's wrong?

Boulder: *seems to be asking the same thing with his words, to judge by his emotions*

Auspex: *Oh... their reactions have apparently concerned him* Ah... we're fine, Boulder, it's just a bit... windblown up here. You're moving very fast! But we shouldn't lose the dog, either...

Foresight: *swoops in and lights on the big grune's neck, surprised and loudly protesting dog in arms*

Ruth: Wow! *comes and sticks her head on Auspex's lap to hide from the loud sounds*

Auspex: *her eyes widen at Foresight's sudden entrance, wincing at the dog's noisy objections herself as she absently scritches the top of Ruth's head* Ah... how can the dog help if you're holding it...?

Foresight: We would have l...

grey-winged Aerial: Hey! Don't you know it's illegal to mess with a messenger dog!??


((continued here))