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mai-stories · 5 years ago

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The Florist and The Mercenary - Chapter Five: A Break from the Rain

Lily had been washed back towards the trees, downed by the miniature flood. When he came over to help her up, that would be a problem. Due to the amount of water that had soaked through her clothing, her involuntary magic activated, her boots and stockings pushed off as her legs changed into a thick, glimmering tail. Aquamarine scales lined the fish tail, a light blue fluke curling idly as she struggled to gather her footwear back into her grasp. Her eyes came up to meet Irvine's one, an embarrassed blush washing over her pale cheeks. "I.. Can't get up." She admitted, brushing damp locks from her face.

Using her magic to dry off was pointless, as the rain had yet to cease. The only option would be to get that tarp up and dry off slowly. Lily's bodyguard stood over her, one eyebrow quirked up rightfully so when faced with this new development. So it was true, she was definitely a mermaid Considering that they had just met a few hours prior, she was a meek thing and merfolk fetched notoriously high prices at the black market for their scales and tails and tears, and slave trade typically for their natural beauty... He could understand her worries. Irvine reached out and petted her head gently.

"No worries." He told the mermaid girl.

There was an automatic flinch when he reached out to touch her, though she relaxed when he told her not to worry. He lifted her, as dragging her undercover, especially her tail, seemed rude and probably painful. Despite her looks, Lily was surprisingly heavy with that thick tail of hers, so she hoped he wouldn't be taken off guard by that, as well. She hung on when he picked her up, pale fingers curling into the cloth as if she'd slip right out of his hold. He set Lily down, moving to realign the pitons to anchor the tarp over their heads once more, with a little tilt to it to allow water to run off. They now had reprieve from the downpour and could dry out. While he had readjusted the tarp, she took to slowly ringing out her hair and clothing, taking off her apron and ringing that out, too. He went to collect Lily's boots and stockings for her as well. With some extra rope, he made a clothesline to hang up said stockings as well as his soaked jacket. He shrugged off his boots and let a bit of water dribble out. Lily handed him the garment to hang up, looking over at him when they had finished hanging up clothing.

"Despite this, I still love the rain.." He said offhandedly, looking out of the grassland under the rain.

"I do, too. Even when I was confined to staying inside, I liked to watch the rain fall." She said in agreement, pulling her skirt up to about hip level to allow her tail to dry out. It would take a while, however, as she had no towel to dry with, and using her magic to dry would do more damage than good. "There's something soothing about the sound of rain, and the smell afterwards. It's calming." She murmured, curling up and hugging her tail close like anyone would their knees.

"Agreed.." And he took a moment to enjoy it. The constant heavy patter of rain mixed with the water filtering through the treetops didn't bother him in the slightest. He simply reclined against the opposite tree and brought out a cigarette just to hang lazily between his lips. "Never seen a real mermaid, didn't think you actually were one to begin with. Some milquetoast house girl who spent her days inside more than out, yeah, but not a mermaid.." He eyed his charge up and down, lone eye lingering on her tail. "Just thought you were imitating the race for fashion.. I can see why you don't get out to meet people.. The vast majority of us are jerks." He said, taking a long drag before blowing away from the tarp.

Lily looked over at him, noticing his gaze. It made her only slightly uncomfortable, as she wasn't used to exposing her tail to others, so she shifted a bit where she sat.

"Wouldn't make much sense for a gardener to stay inside all day, would it?" She said with a slight smile, the scales drying off in due time.

As it did, the scales started to glow every so gently, beginning to fade and evaporate away from her toes up. The fluke faded into nothing, her toes and ankles slowly reappearing, then her shins and knees. More and more scales disappeared, the girl covering up her legs with her skirt. There would be no need for him to see her blindingly pale skin, as it would only embarrass her further. Still, despite having legs again, she had to wait for the bones and muscles to realign and settle before she could stand, otherwise she'd break or tear something as soon as she tried.

"You're not really that bad.. Better than others, I'd say." She told him, pulling a small comb from her skirt pocket to brush her hair. He had shown some of his colors, but she had yet to see if they were true or not. Unlike herself, Irvine didn't seem to wear his hear on his sleeve. "Could we build a small fire? Something to keep warm?" Lily asked, looking around for some sticks to dry and make a campfire, wanting to warm up while the rain was still coming down.

Without a word, Irvine leaned in and began to dig a hole in slightly sodden earth. Their spot had not been long for the soggy weather to soak in deep, so he dug until he had reached a dry point and made a small pit. He took the relatively dry bark and created something of a nest, then brought out a red crystal. The crystal's lighter center glowed and danced like an encapsulated flame, the edges warm to the touch. The mermaid tilted her head when he brought out the crystal, eyes captured by the dancing flame. Fire was another thing she enjoyed, in moderation, as the small flames were warm and comforting.

"Ever seen a condensed bit of mana? Mainly forms in an elemental way or its pure magic energy. I like to carry a few around. Small ones are pretty cheap since this stuff can be found in the wild if you look hard enough." Irvine explained as he let it fall into the pit, the stone starting to glow. It immediately ignited and created a cozy flame that swallowed up the bark, remaining bright and lively. Hearing this, she wondered if water crystals existed, her hand reaching up idly to touch around her neck. Was that something like her heirloom? "Good for a few hours. Only water magic can put it before then," Irvine told her. "It's gonna burn, burn off all of that magic energy.. I'ts so packed with the stuff that natural water takes longer than most to put it out. You know, throw a fire or lightning crystal hard enough and it explodes," The lightning mage said with a smirk. It was quite the morose fun fact, which may explain why Irvine knew such a thing in the first place.

Lily, however, was so lost in thought, spaced out until she heard him mention exploding crystals.

"That sounds.. really bad if you fall on one hard enough." She told him, looking a little uneasy at the thought of exploding crystals and the shrapnel that would produce. "Do you want something to eat? We can roast some of the meat, if you're hungry." She asked, scooting over to open up her recently bought bag. She dug around to get some bread and a little bit of that cheese, only a small amount to eat so there would be more later. She also got out some of the dried meats, as he seemed like a carnivorous guy.

"I'd uh... like that.." Irvine seemed... uncomfortable now. It might have been a stray drop of water coming down his brow from what had soaked his head, or perhaps a bead of sweat as the usual straight-faced bodyguard brought out a small satchel and stared at it for a moment before gently, very gently, setting it off to the side. Odd how he had never considered that before, not that he was ever knocked on his ass to ever run that risk... but it made him sweat. That movement didn't go unnoticed by the mermaid, a slight smile on her face as he seemed newly wary of the crystals. It was a bit amusing, to say the least. "I'll take some of that meat. Pass me some fruit, too.." A little fireside meal with some chat might be nice. Pleasant, at least... Hopefully. Maybe.

The two of them were quite the contrasting pair. As long as his charge trusted his judgement and his words when it counted. Lily passed him some of the meat and a few pieces of fruit, passing that as well before beginning to make her own meal. A little bit of melted cheese on bread made for a nice snack, she found, and would really warm her up in no time. Irvine had used a stray stick to impale his bit of meat to cook over their open magic fire while peeling the rind from his orange. Meat and fruit, better than most meals that crap hole pub served up to him as half-assed payment for keeping the drunks at bay. He offered a couple wedges to Lily. The mermaid reached out and took the orange wedges, popping those in after eating her own food. The salty taste of the cheese and nearly sour citrus made for a strange yet exciting flavor in her mouth.

"I wish I had bought some tea... Tea goes so nicely with rainy weather." She lamented with a sigh, tying her bandanna back behind her ears to get her hair out of her face. The full force of the storm seemed to have waned, the rain ceasing only slightly in severity.

"You wouldn't guess it by the look of her store, but Zara, the woman who ran the apothecary, sells some great tea. Lots of flavor.. Kind of a gamble whether you get hallucinogens or not, though." It was a note worth sharing, Irvine however murmured under his breath to avoid scaring Lily. She seemed the easily startled type.

He gained her attention by speaking about the kinds of tea that strange old lady sold, and that he guessed right that she would've been startled by that. Being in her right state of mind was definitely preferred.

"It's a little after noon, so when the rain let's up, we could probably keep moving. Do you have that map?" She asked, unsure if he had kept it with him or put it in the bag. Regardless of his answer, she'd look in the bag anyway.

"Map.. map..." With no room to roll it out and Lily still grounded for the moment, he sidled over to sit next to his charge to unfurl the map across their legs.

She did little to no protesting, as it was necessary for them to look over the map. Road markers connected every town, mountain ranges lay to the far west and north, thick forests scattered about, but little in between. Lily looked it over, recognizing where her own home was, though it wouldn't be home after so long. Hollifern was her new home, a place where she could be safe and with her own kind.

"Woodmoore is over here.." The mermaid could not gave been further from any ocean water, though Woodmoore did have its small lake to the east outside of town. "We left from the south and have been following the road. Not terribly far, though.. If we continue then we're going yo see Bardale off to the side.." He rubbed his chin. "Hm.. We'll stop there. See if we can't by coats for the rain or umbrellas. If we have to stop whenever a strong rain pops up, you'll be broke before long." Irvine said. An umbrella sounded useful, or even some sort of waterproof cloak to keep most of Lily's hair under wraps with a hood.

She had spaced out once again, daydreaming now about all kinds of magically waterproofed items they could find in order to keep any accidents from happening. Irvine rubbed his chin again, mulling over a couple things. His lone eye drifted to his partner, his charge, as she seemed to drift away into her own happy thoughts. When the time came that she ran out of funds.. Just what the Hell was he going to do?! No doubt the girl was worried about that herself, what could a gardener selling flowers really make? His hand migrated to the back of his head and rubbed it, the bodyguard heaving a soft sigh and deciding to deal with that when it was necessary. This girl would be eaten alive! A yipping puppy might just scare her out of her skin if she wasn't paying attention! He looked out in to the rain and it had lightened up some. Probably not enough to keep the fish tail issue under wraps, but soon enough.

"Oi," And he gave Lily's temple a poke to get her attention if his voice wasn't enough. "How much gold do you have on you?"

Lily was shaken out of her thoughts by the poke, having tuned the world out, not listening until he made that little bit of contact. She looked up at him, head tilted as he asked her about her funds. She pulled out her wallet out, pouring the contents into her lap and letting her skirt catch the coins. She counted it out: eight gold, two silver, and seven copper.

"This is all I have." She said quietly, eyes drawn back up towards his face, an unsure look crossing her own. Did he not have his own money? Was that why he asked her to pay for all their supplies? She only hoped he wouldn't extort her for more by upping the price now that he knew her secret. "Will this be enough to get to Hollifern? I don't have anymore flowers to sell, so I can't make anymore money. All of my savings went to traveling to Woodmore, even my rent." She said, looking down at the money in her lap, gathering it back up to put into the wallet.

"Depends on how many days it takes us." Irvine shrugged his shoulders, giving his charge the simplest and most factual answer he could.

The rainy season could be rough, thunderstorms and monsoons aplenty sure to assail the land in time and soak their particular part of the country to the core. Given Lily's race and the side effects of her getting too wet, well, her tail suddenly appearing could be a hindrance. Slavers on her fish tail wanting her for their auctions, even worse. He gave her damp head a couple pats and reclined against her tree.

"Don't worry about it. You'll get to Hollifern. Plenty of towns have jobs open if you're ever in need of cash." He said, relaxing now that the danger was gone and he had a snack.

So long as Lily had her magic, rain wouldn't be too much of a problem. Buying some sort of waterproof cloak or raincoat would help keep her dry, and her boots would keep water off her feet for a good while. The idea of doing oddjobs along the way did give her a bit of hope, however. Her skills were meager and common, so she could do just about any job that required cleaning or cooking. She'd even help out with gardens and stocking stores if she had to! She had rested long enough for her legs to stabilize, using a bit of magic to withdraw water from her hair and clothing, refilling her water pouch with it. She reached over and grabbed her stockings and boots, looking over at him for a moment. They were the type that went all the way up to her waist, so putting them on in front of him would be a little embarrassing.

"Could you.. turn that way, please?" She asked meekly, still holding the barely damp hosiery and her boots.

Irvine heaved another soft sigh and sidled off to the side. He turned his back to Lily while sitting just under the edge of the tarp.

"Make it quick." He told his charge as he turned his gaze to the sky.

She took that precious moment of privacy to pull her stockings on, glad there was no resistance and that the rain didn't damage the thin fabric. She laced her boots up before patting her skirt down, making sure it was dry enough before slipping her apron on, tying it into a neat bow behind her back. The clouds were starting to thin out, and rain lightened up to a gentle sprinkle. It likely would not last, but the issue before had been the flood brought on by that... thing. Oh, right. Those monsters.

"Ever seen creatures like that before?" Irvine asked, knowing it was a definite gamble to ask, but he had doubted her before.

"Those monsters? No, not really.. They sounded familiar, though, like something out of a nightmare." She answered, making sure the bag was tightened, secured so none of their food or supplies jostled out. With everything checked, she tapped his shoulder to let him know she was done, though it was gentle and light, as if just touching him would shock her. He turned and nodded.

"Figured I would ask. I've never seen anything like that either.." Irvine couldn't help but shake his head thinking about those monsters. "As far as I know.. There is no natural born creature, with magic abilities or not, capable of doing... all of that." He just gestured a bit, the image of those creatures evolving at such a rapid rate to defend against the damage they take was... Interesting. Her bodyguard ultimately shrugged his shoulders. "I don't even know of a magic that can summon like that. There wasn't anyone nearby... My opinion doesn't matter. I dunno why I'm thinking on it so much... but those creatures, I think they were made of mana. Pure magic energy. ... That's as far as my educated guessing goes," He said as he lit his a new cigarette.

"Whatever they were... I'm sure they weren't the only ones." Lily murmured, lifting up the bag, the straps snagging her hair again. She gave an annoyed sigh, dropping the bag down on a rock before reaching up and braiding her hair into a thick braid down her back, keeping it all in one place to prevent the straps from pinching and pulling at it. The bag was not that much heavier than she had originally thought, so carrying it wasn't a problem. "Pure magic? Hm.." She murmured, thinking back on it. It seemed that the more magic he used, the bigger those things got. They absorbed the magic, but it seemed not all magic was a good combination. The lightning completely tore through their water based bodies, and water could remove the mud quite easily. A cycle of the elements, it seemed. "If it helps, I could use the tarp as a wrap to keep dry." She suggested, looking over at their cover. Sure, she'd look like some kind of ragamuffin homeless girl wrapped up like that, but at least she'd stay dry. Irvine nodded in agreement.

"Better than nothing. Wouldn't want that fishtail popping out out of nowhere," He told his charge. He really did not want to deal with hunters and slavers.Gradually, the rain lightened to a degree that should have been safe for Lily. Luckily, he was down to his last drag and he snuffed out the cigarette butt with a quick, firm stamp of his boot. "I'll throw it over you if need be. Let's get a move on.." He got out under the misty rainfall and tore down the tarp quickly, folding it up and keeping it under his arm for quick access. He took the bag as well. It wasn't heavy, but he didn't want to burden Lily. "We've got another mile... mile and a half, before Bardale. We can definitely make it before night." He said, looking down at her.

Lily looked up in return when he had taken the bag from her, not complaining as it made her walk easier. Puddles from the rain had formed in the pock-marked road, the mermaid couldn't resist stepping in a few, playfully splashing like her kind was meant to do. Her boots were water resistant, all the way up to her knees so there was no threat of water getting to her feet. It was a little fun, and definitely took away the thoughts of danger and hostility that the world had no control over. With the rain nearly gone, the sun would come out to shine, a faded rainbow across the northern sky. Lily hardly glanced up when rays of sunshine came out, a smile on her lips as she happily tapped Irvine's arm and pointed up at the sky. When she was relaxed, it seemed her childish nature came to the surface, the mermaid coming out of her shell now that she felt safe with him. Irvine's gaze followed her eager finger and he eyed the arc of light, and he nodded. Quite the sight, but that was of little interest to him compared to the the little mermaid that had been so meek before. She skipped and hopped into the light puddles, splashed him a bit, but it wasn't like that was of any consequence to him. It was actually pleasant, a breath of fresh air, to see his charge actually having some fun. The child-like wonderment came as no surprise to him. Hell, he gave his cute charge a couple pats on her head she was so cute. Would he admit that? Hell. No. Lily happily accepted the head-patting, as it gave her a sense of security. There was no flinch or even a recoil, the mermaid's trust now in his hands. It was clear to her now he had no intentions of harming her, so her guard was completely down. A couple field mice scuttled out of their muddy homes, as wild as wild rabbits whose fur was dark and matted, sticking up in stray directions. They hopped about in the sunlight, bouncing across their path. One took a sharp turn bounced around Lily even, but it went on its way as well. The quick movement of small woodland creatures caught her attention, making her stand absolutely still. Not in fear, but to keep from scaring the animals. It wouldn't be right for them to scare the little things back into still flooded grass, so she would prefer not to spook them. It still brought a smile to her face to see them bound across the path, and once they were safely out of the way did she continue walking. With abundant sunlight and cleared up weather, the walk to Bardale would be much more relaxed. The rainy season brought its fair share of strife, but there was no denying the change brought on after rain. Something was washed away for a new moment, the air cool and fresh. It was definitely his second favorite time, after a nice rainstorm itself.

#original #fantasy #adventure #story

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fearofaherobrine · 6 years ago

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Roleplay Server Log #354

"Slender Tea Party”

[Yaunfen] Mom? Do you think Splenders mom is calmed down now?

[Deer] - Splender's mom? Maybe not completely, but perhaps some...

[Yaunfen] We should invite her over for tea. That would be polite, right?

[Waffles] Rolling on the floor- purrrr

[Deer] - Yes it would, but she might be more comfortable with her children with her

[Yaunfen] Okay?

[Deer] - Do you want to do it the fancy way and send a paper invitation? I bet Splender would love that

[Yaunfen] Yeah! I can do that! - They immediately pull out the phoneix quill, a jar of glitter, and some glue. A few flakes dift down and stick to the kitchen table-

[Waffles] Flip and begins sniffing around the edge of the table-

[Yaunfen] No! This isn't for you to play with. Mom can you play with Waffles for a minute?

[Deer] - Sure, come here Waffles! I'll give you a belly rub

[Waffles] glancing between her and the enticing feather as Yaunfen writes-

[Deer] Clicks at Waffles and rubs her fingers together-

[Waffles] mrr?

[Yaunfen] I'm almost done - glitter sprinkles in play-

[Deer] - You know, I think I know the perfect person to deliver the invitation

[Yaunfen] Who?

[Waffles] Decides to busk Deerheart and nearly knocks her over-

[Deer] - Oof- She rubs Waffles ears- How about TLOT?

[Yaunfen] Okay! -there's a sudden hush and then the little dragon yells pretty loud- HEY TLOT!

[Waffles] Ears flat -MOW.

[Deer] Laughs a little-

[TLOT] Wanders up from downstairs, still absentmindedly carrying a bucket of milk in one hand- Hmmm?

[Deer] - We were wondering if you would like to deliver a very important message for us?

[TLOT] I guess. I could use a break anyway. Lie is going through cheese like it's going out of style. I'll have to fumigate the lab or I'll never get laid again.

[Deer] - She is? Geez... Anyways, Yaunfen had a wonderful idea of inviting the slenders and their mother over for tea and we were wondering if you would do the honor of delivering the invitation for us

[TLOT] Yeah okay, Let me have it. -He reaches out for the paper and Yaunfen thrusts it proudly into his hand, sprinking more glitter on the floor-

[TLOT] I see I'm not the only one with a taste for gold....

[Deer] - We do need to eventually find a way to clean that stuff up...

[Yaunfen] But it's pretty.

[TLOT] Can't argue that.

[Deer] - Yes it is, but it's getting everywhere

[Yaunfen] Sorry mama....

[TLOT] Shakes his head- Nobodies mad. You get your stuff together and I'll deliver this-

[Deer] Smiles and heads into the kitchen to start making some tea- Hopefully the rain won't make them call a rain check

[TLOT] Tromps down through the garden, the little droplets pattering on his helm.

[Navy] Gives him a smart little salute from a protected spot under a tree as he passes-

[Exeggutor] Is sitting on the shore watching Basil chase sea dragons out in the distance. The palm tree pokemon seems perfectly content to get watered by the little summer storm.

[TLOT] Stands under a tree himself by the bridge switch and calls out mentally to see whos home-

-There's Splender's happy energy, Offender's restlessness, and Mirabella's nervousness all swirling around the colorful house-

[Splender] Pokes his head out and waves at TLOT- Hello!

[TLOT] shakes off his cloak a little- mind if I come over?

[Splender] - Not at all!

[TLOT] Hits the switch and makes a quick dash through the rain and inside. - Nobody else seems to mind, but I feel like a wet cat today. I've been working in the basement and it's a bit damp down there too.

[Splender] - Do you need a towel?

[Mirabella] Is wary-

[TLOT] Nah, I'll just turn my glitch up a bit, it doesn't help if I'm still out in it. - He focuses for a moment and begins to lightly steam-

[Offender] - So why are you over here?

[TLOT] Came to deliver this actually. - He holds up the folded page and a little bit of gold sparkle wafts out-

[Splender] - Oooh!- He takes it and opens it before gasping happily- A tea party!? Absolutely!

[TLOT] I thought that would appeal to you. - He gives the smallest cough- Aren't you going to introduce me to your mom? She looks nervous.

[Splender] - Oh! I'm sorry! TLOT, this is my mother Mirabella. Mother? This is TLOT, he's one of the entities who runs things around here and runs the village that I feed from!

[TLOT] Takes his helm off like a gentlemen and his hair is flufy and a bit mussed underneath. - I am Herobrine the Lord of Tears. It's lovely to meet you.

[Mirabella] - Ah, hello. I hope I am not intruding here?

[TLOT] Not at all! We've had some rocky encounters with Slenderman before, but we're trying to build a real alliance with him and his family. This is a place of refuge and it sounds like that is something that you could benifit from.

[Mirabella] - I see, he was always a calculating one, and that scared me. Because it reminded me so much of his father

[TLOT] He's pretty serious. But Doc is equally serious about protecting the people they care about. And in hiding Splender, they have a lot of common ground. We all love having him here.

[Mirabella] - I am just happy he is alive

[TLOT] Me too. - He gives Splender a grateful look- He helped save me from a terrible monster.

[Splender] Gives a happy smile-

[Offender] - Yeah, he can fight when motivated

[Mirabella] - He fights? But, he's my happy child...

[TLOT] He fought to defend, and the cause was just. I only have a few small villages here, but I am the god-king of a whole other world. As far as I'm concerned, he saved them too.

[Mirabella] - I see...

[Offender] - Hey, it's okay... He's still Splender

[TLOT] They added him to their pantheon in thanks as well. He's just as adored there as here.

[Offender] - Meaning he has an over abundance of food here... Unlike me...

[TLOT] To be fair... your tastes are harder to satiate...

[Offender] Sticks his tongue out at TLOT-

[TLOT] Opens his hands helplessly- I'm not unsympathetic, but I can't just bring you a sacrificial virgin either. Although... not to be indelicate... but is it true your victims don't have to be humanoid for you to feed?

[Offender] - No, they don't, why?

[TLOT] Because I know something utterly unique you can fuck without bothering anyone. Can you hold your breath long?

[Offender] - I don't have to breathe at all

[TLOT] Even better. - He thumbs out at the bay. - Fuck one of the sea dragons. They're decently large and it will be completly unlike anything you've had before. They're barely sentient and Basil eats them all the time.

[Offender] Seriously considers it-

[TLOT] Feels his thoughts and smiles softly- I hope that works. We like to make guests feel welcome. Most of us know what it's like to be a stranger in a hostile land.

[Offender] - Eh if it doesn't work out there's always that pig

[TLOT] Ah, Hock. I was very aware of your session with him. You seem quite talented, and he enjoyed it immensly. But afterwards Cp screamed at him and made him cry. Perhaps next time you should play away from Lie's builds. I would reccomend an upper room in the castle or the signalling tower next time. Just for the sake of diplomacy.

[Offender] - Fucking anywhere is fine

[Mirabella] - Offender language

[Offender] - What?

[TLOT] As I said, for diplomacy. Presumably you have the decorum to not upset Cp's wife intentionally. Hock knows not to do that there again and you'll likely be the one he's mad at if it happens.

[Offender] - I don't care, he can't do anything to me

[TLOT] It wasn't a threat. I'm merely asking nicely.

[Splender] - Well we should get ready for the tea party!

[TLOT] Well you don't need to bring anything and- he closes his eyes - Yaunfen is just about set up.

[Splender] - Oh goody! Let's go mother!

[Mirabella] - Ah, I am not certain...

[TLOT] Oh please? It was the little ones idea.

[Mirabella] - I... I suppose I could try..

[Offender] - I'll sit this one out

[TLOT] Are you sure? - he speaks to Offender mentally- If only because having her sons around seems to make her calmer. You are not unwelcome.

[Offender] - Nah, don't wanna overcrowd stuff

[TLOT] Okay. I'll just Tp you directly so you don't get soaked. Just don't emp or anything, it's totally safe.

[Mirabella] - Alright...

[TLOT] Tp's himself, Mirabella and Splender into the vine room, clipping out of Deerheart for a moment and sliding away.

[Yaunfen] Yay! You came!

-The vine room has a table in the middle of it and several of the wool block plus door type chairs Gem came up with to better fit the Slenders.

[TLOT] I think I have something to contribute if you'll excuse me for a moment.

[Splender] - Hello!

[Deer] - Welcome, you must be Mirabella

[Mirabella] - Ah yes, and you are?

[Yaunfen] This is my mom Deerheart! She's the whole server. And I'm Yaunfen.

[Mirabella] - The whole server?

[Deer] - Everything around you is a part of me

[Yaunfen] She's like a goddess.

[Mirabella] - A goddess?

[TLOT] Comes back up with several hot cheerie pies-

[Yaunfen] Uh huh! - They start running a brewing stand and the smell of tea wafts around the room. - She can talk to mobs and they do what she asks. Even make it rain or stop and check on anyone anywhere and see if they're okay without moving an inch.

[Mirabella] - Such strength...

[Deer] - It's really not that much, you should see what Flux can do, then again she's had a lot more experience than me

[TLOT] She's also one of the kindest people I know.

[Deer] Is just blushing now

[Splender] - Come on mother, sit down

[Yaunfen] pulls out some sugar and a bucket of milk - I like mine sweet with both. How about you guys?

[TLOT] Same please.

[Splender] - Sugar all the way!

[Mirabella] - I... Do not know, I am not used to forming my mouth or human customs...

[Deer] - Just a little of each Yaunfen

[Yaunfen] Okay. They make the other cups and pass them -Just try it like it is and see if it needs anything. I love sugar!

[TLOT] Well it is your main food source. You eat stuff that makes my teeth hurt sometimes.

[Yaunfen] Giggles-

[Mirabella] Looks down into her steaming cup-

[Splender] Happily takes his tea and thanks Yaunfen- It is good mother, just try it

[Yaunfen] Pulls out a sponge cake block-

[TLOT] How many of those are you carrying kiddo?

[Yaunfen] Ummm.... I had five this morning, looks like seven now!

-There's a tearing sound as Mirabella opens her mouth, revealing a mouth full of needle like teeth as a bit of black blood dribbles from the corner of her mouth-

[Splender] Is just happily humming-

[Yaunfen] Is a little startled but offers her a wool square [as a napkin] -

[Mirabella] - Oh, thank you...- She dabs at the blood- It's been a long time since I last opened my mouth

[Yaunfen] Whoah.... so you don't need to breathe?

[TLOT] So... how are you finding our little corner of the world?

[Mirabella] - No, breathing isn't a necessity for us. And it is, odd, at least compared to what I have lived with my entire life

[TLOT] Yeah, even some of the brines aren't used to the low resolution. The server is set to defaults, Doc says it makes things run smoother if the loading distance isn't too high either.

[Yaunfen] So if you go really fast and suddenly see down into the ground, it's okay! - They're cutting cake and pie and making little plates to pass around.

[Mirabella] - Seeing into the ground?

[Yaunfen] Yeah! The world will just go invisible for a moment. But it's okay, it's still there.

[TLOT] It's a digital enviroment. If there's no one around, the world kind of... well it doesn't cease to exist really. Just kinda... rests. And it springs back up again when someone gets close.

[Deer] - It feels a little weird when somebody loads new chunks

[TLOT] If you want we can show you the map later. It's pretty extensive. We've done a decent amount of exploring but it's still a drop in the bucket compared to how big this world is. You could walk for years and never reach one edge.

[Mirabella] - I see- She tries a small sip of the tea

[TLOT] Have you shown your mom around at all Splender?

[Splender] - Not yet, Offender has said to wait so she doesn't get overwhelmed

[Yaunfen] Overwhelmed?

[TLOT] Is it just too different of an enviroment?

[Mirabella] - Partially, and it's such a different atmosphere than I'm used to...

[TLOT] Ah.... I take it your home... dimension? [he's unsure of the term] Is not so... relaxed?

[Mirabella] - Not at all. The rules are so very strict, especially for a household with our status

[Yaunfen] We have rules here too. -big grin because they've memorized them - No griefing and no stealing!

[TLOT] That is correct.

[Mirabella] - Why would anybody do that?

[TLOT] Well... we are a server full of Herobrines. Our kind has a reputation for malcious mischief.

[Yaunfen] Mada says Cp was really 'murdery' when he came in.

[TLOT] He was... Herobrines are... not generally liked. We're usually shunned and many of us delight in killing players. But the players aren't really here? Their avatars are killed and they are inconvenienced and possibly fightened, but they continue to exist out in the real world. Cp is the only Herobrine we know of who could leave the digital sphere and travel to the real world. He's used this talent to make many of us able to preform the same trick.

[Splender] - He was taught that by BEN! One of the entities that brother looks after!

[Mirabella] - Oh, I see

[Yaunfen] BEN is stinky. But he's pretty cool otherwise.

[TLOT] Laughs-

[Mirabella] - Stinky?

[TLOT] He's afraid of water. And human enough to get dirty because of it. Getting him to bathe is a nightmare.

[Mirabella] - Oh, I see

[Splender] - Try some of the cake mother!

[Yaunfen] It's from my home seed!

[TLOT] A big chunk of it actually. Yaunfen's home seed is mostly edible. The ground itself is a type of cake.

[Mirabella] Breaks off a tiny piece and tries it- It is certainly... Flavorful...

[Yaunfen] Big grin- Yep! Oh, Splender! I have a neat thing to show you! - They rustle around and take out two of the mushrollems- I revived fossils! - The smell of cinnamon and sugary orange is thick around the small fungi.

[TLOT] Yaunfen is really taking after Doc. We have a machine that takes things apart and will give spores and seeds from fossils.

[Splender] - Those are so wonderful! I love them Yaunfen!

[Yaunfen] I've got more! They're really tasty. - Sets a few on a plate-

[Waffles] wanders upstairs with a sleepy yawn.

[Mirabella] Grows tense at the sight of the large cat, having flashbacks to some of the creatures in her home dimension-

[Yaunfen] Gets up and hugs Waffles around the neck - This is my kitty Waffles! They're candy colored like me! - Pats the swirly white curls of fur on their back with little rainbow sprinkle spots.

[Waffles] Loud purr.

[TLOT] Another revival. Doc found a fossil tooth and we got DNA from it.

[Mirabella] - It... It's like a Doodverskaffer

[Yaunfen] That's a funny word. - Xe's rubbing the big cats cheeks and making their whiskers go up and down-

[TLOT] They're pretty harmless. Their diet is exclusively chocolate, and various sweets. It's just that their home is full of gummy fish, chocolate chickens, and cows that give sweet vanilla milk.

[Mirabella] - Doodverskaffer's are horrible creatures... They... They stalk the realm, devouring what ever they can and are commonly used as guard animals. They stalk the yards non stop and if you are not their master...

[Yaunfen] That's so mean! Waffles doesn't stalk anything. Well, except my feather pen.

[TLOT] That is rather grim. It's no wonder Slender is so serious. As the oldest he likely remembers this all the most vividly.

[Deer] - Yaunfen, why don't you take Waffles down stairs and feed them

[Yaunfen] Okay mama. - at the cat- Do you want some fishies?

[Waffles] happy purrs, super loud-

[Yaunfen] I'll be right back! - Takes the cat downstairs-

[Mirabella] - Thank you

[Deer] - We don't want you to be uncomfortable Mirabella

[TLOT] Same. There's no one here who would harm you. And while the wild mobs can be a threat, you're far too tall and intimidating for any to even try.

[Mirabella] - I'm sorry, there's still so much for me to get used to

[TLOT] Sits back comfortably -Ah, it's okay. This is a pretty calm enviroment. The name of the game is survival, but once you get a decent house and a garden set up it becomes pretty easy.

[Splender] - The only problem may be finding food for you mother, there aren't many people who are lonely here...

[TLOT] Lonely? Well there are a few. There's the male server... he's perpetually lonely. And Steffan, forever unlucky in love. Alexsezia has her occasional bad days too.

[Splender] - I'll keep them in mind

[Mirabella] - No need to rush, I'm not terribly hungry at the moment

[TLOT] I could muster a little.... - he focuses on his want for Steve- My mate noped for the day because I was making something that... offends his senses.

[Yaunfen] Comes back up- TLOT made the stinky cheese!

[Mirabella] Can taste the loneliness and takes small amounts. It feels different then when Splender feeds-

[TLOT] Lets his feelings overwhelm him a little - I'm psychic, it's okay.

[Mirabella] Only takes a little more before stopping-

[Steve] Over chat- TLOT..? Are you okay?

[TLOT] Answers him mentally to reassure him-

[Yaunfen] Aww.

[Splender] - The kids in the village are not terribly happy today, they can't play much out in the rain

[Yaunfen] But I'm happy! You can have it. - They hug Splenders arm- It's been a pretty good day!

[Splender] Laughs and picks Yaunfen up to hug them better- Yes you have! I can feel it!

[Yaunfen] Flicks their little tail around. - Yes!

[TLOT] Oh! Mirabella. Let me show you something. Usually Doc does this, but I think I know how to do it now. - He tweaks a little coding and turns her display on-

[Mirabella] Is surprised- What is this?

[TLOT] It keeps track of your heath and what you're carrying. Part of the game is gathering raw materials and crafting them into tools, food and other useful things.

[Mirabella] - I see...

[TLOT] I know you've met Doc already. They built this house. Every chunk of stone was mined with a pickaxe and placed deliberately. The glass was sand from the nearby desert, the wool in the floor sheared from sheep and on and on.

[Mirabella] - Such work, and so much for one person to do

[Yaunfen] It's fun! It's like a big treasure hunt.

[TLOT] It's like life really. Little things add up. And the ones who live here, we like to create.

[Mirabella] - That's good

[Splender] Puts Yaunfen down- Well I'm stuffed now!

[Yaunfen] Yay!

[TLOT] Maybe we could think of something relaxing for you to do? Splender lives by the water. You should try going fishing. It's pretty simple, and if you don't want the fish it gives you an excuse to be introduced to our friend Alexsezia.

[Yaunfen] And play with the kittens, they're super tiny!

[Mirabella] - Fishing? I... I don't know what that is

[TLOT] All the more reason to try it. - He goes to one of the crafting tables and makes a quick rod from one of the random junk trunks around the walls. - You shouldn't try to cast it in here. But take it for later. - Offers it to her.

[Mirabella] Takes it and turns it over in her hands-

[Deer] - I'm sure your son would be more than happy to show you how to use it

[Yaunfen] You can do mom and kid stuff! That'll be cool.

[Mirabella] - Mom and kid stuff?

[TLOT] Yaunfen means like bonding.

[Yaunfen] Mom and I do lots of stuff together, me and mada too. It's fun.

[Deer] - It's fun, I promise

[Yaunfen] Oh! I could show you my seed too, it's really neat!

[TLOT] Provided you like sugar of course. Heh.

[Mirabella] - I think I've had enough excitement for today

[Yaunfen] It's okay, days are short and theres always lots of them. - nod nod-

[TLOT] I'm not sure what kind of timescale you're used too, but Yaunfen is right. Days and nights are shorter then on Earth, but time itself affects us a lot less,

[Mirabella] - There is barely a difference between night and day in our dimension

[TLOT] Is it perhaps like our End? The ground is lit, but the sky is perpetually darkened.

[Mirabella] Is unsure how to describe it and so gives a weak mental burst showing what looks like a dark overcast day in a dull gray world-

[TLOT] That would make for a grim state of mind... It's good to get out in the sun now and then.

[Mirabella] - There is no sun there

[TLOT] Maybe that's why you don't have eyes most of the time? Because you're not attuned to having much light to begin with?

[Mirabella] - I do not know

[Yaunfen] Ooo, does that mean you can do the echo locator noise? Like Ashe and our pet bats? They see with noises.

[Splender] - Well, we still have eyes, they're just usually hidden. Our sight, well, I'm not really sure how to explain it

[TLOT] You know I can read you easily if you want to show me.

[Yaunfen] Do you have weird heat vision or something? Ooh! Tell me if I look weird!

[Splender] Opens his mind to TLOT to see-

[TLOT] Ah, so just very focused. And open in a way that's preternatural. I understand. Yaunfen, it's... just a hunters vision, very forward and precise for whats right in front.

[Yaunfen] Oh, that makes sense. Anybody want a cattail? - pulls out some of the peppermint cattails and snaps one off to suck on idly-

[Mirabella] Puts down her cup- Our eyes all vary in color, and they are usually only visible when we are angry

[TLOT] Herobrines often keep their eyes hidden most of the time as well. Either for sneaking purposes since the light can give us away, or more personal reasons.

[Yaunfen] Cp has green eyes. TLOT has gold!

[Splender] - I prefer your bright eyes!

[TLOT] Me too. I feel like I can't see as well if I move my glow. But it is what it is underneath.

[Splender] - My eyes are red!

[TLOT] smiles- I haven't seen them myself, but Doc did give me a very vivid view of your heroic battle against my NOTCH.

[Splender] Laughs a bit nervously over that-

[Yaunfen] You helped get rid of the huge meanie. That was so cool. And Lie's plant bit him and dragged him like that and that! - Is swinging around a mushrollem for emphasis.

[TLOT] At Mirabella- We have other entities that are supposed to check our individual powers. Sometimes they are... unkind. Thankfully his replacement seems to be merely frustrated with me and not actually harmful.

[Mirabella] - I know all to well how it is to be in the shadow of something terrifying

[Yaunfen] That's when you get big! Then the meanies back off. Or you get your friends to help you.

[TLOT] Just don't be big in here please.

[Yaunfen] I know. I can't go through the walls like mada...

[Mirabella] - Sometimes it's not so easy

[TLOT] We shall see. I'm aware of what we're facing. But the wicker man doesn't realize that this is veritible touchie hive that shouldn't be kicked.

[Yaunfen] Those guys can pinch!

[Mirabella] Just kinda shrinks into herself in uncertainty-

[TLOT] Yaunfen makes a good point. Touchies are very small. They buzz around and touch things to make them grow, they also make a very sweet syrup that can be fermented. They're peaceful creatures. But there are also a lot of them. Each individual can deliver a stinging pinch. Just one can hurt, and several can make an animal go running mad from the pain, but all at once... they can kill. Little things can be important.

[Splender] - Don't worry, we'll deal with father when it comes time for it

[TLOT] And we'll do it together.

[Yaunfen] We'll kick his butt!

[Mirabella] - We shall see

-There's a whoosh far above and the flames above the glass ceiling flicker as the air passes over them-

[Splender] Looks up- Hm?

[Yaunfen] Was looking up- Mada!

[TLOT] Heh. Looks like Doc is home.

-there's some thumping far above as they phase into the ceiling and transform as they accordian into the hallway by the horse pen one floor up-

[Deer] - We're in here love!

[Doc] Comes down the steps- Oh! Did I inturrupt something?

[Yaunfen] Runs over to hug them - we're having a tea party!

[Doc] Awww. That's sweet. - looks- And Splender gets some actual tea. I found out that Sally just likes the pretend type.

[Splender] - Or juice! Sometimes I'll treat her with that!

[Doc] Chuckles- I tried to play with her and made her some real tea. She said it was yucky. I guess it's just a matter of preference.

[Yaunfen] Wanna mushrollem? - Xe still holding it-

[Doc] Sure. - Xe takes it and munches on it before approaching- This was certainly a good idea for a dreary day. I think it's going to really storm tonight.

[Splender] - Oh, I hope Pinwheel doesn't try to go out then...

[TLOT] Was she there? I didn't see her so I thought she might be out playing with Crim again.

[Splender] - No, since Offender is here she's been staying with Lie's friend!

[Doc] I heard she was getting along with Karla. It's nice to see her making another friend.

[TLOT] At Mirabella - Have you met Pinwheel yet? She's adopted but kind of Splender's daughter.

[Splender] Happily nods-

[Mirabella] - No, I have not, although I have heard about them

[Yaunfen] She's a dragon like me, only way fluffier.

[Doc] Just be careful, she's bitey.

[Splender] - But her venom doesn't effect our type

[Doc] Well, if you want to befriend her, it's best to not do things that make her bite you anyway. She gets overstimulated and lashes out. It's better to talk quietly to her and telegraph your movements so she isn't startled.

[Mirabella] - I see

[Doc] Also if you scratch her neck fluff she'll flop over and purr.

[TLOT] She's still young.

[Splender] - I love when she purrs!

[Doc] She's a fine dragon. And you're shaping up to be a good dad.

[Splender] Radiates happy energy-

[Mirabella] Releases a calm energy-

[TLOT] It's one of Doc's little projects that's really spread a lot of joy around the seed. One of our meanest Herobrines has calmed down immensely under the responsibility of caring for a small dragon. He still doesn't smile often, but if someone touched one scale on Celine with intent to harm he'd rip them to bits.

[Doc] Leans toward Yaunfen and ruffles their hair lovingly.

[Yaunfen] hehe.

[Deer] - Everyone one here is rescued in one way or another, even the children in the village

[TLOT] Even me. - glances at Doc.

[Doc] Little blush. - I just wanted some place to call home, and sharing it with others who have the same wish, well... that makes me even happier.

[Splender] - And it shows!

[Doc] Pulls up a chair for Yaunfen and sits down as well. - The more time I spend out there, the more I just want to be here. I like simple things.

[TLOT] Like cheesemaking?

[Doc] What? Yes, I suppose so.

[TLOT] Then you should take a turn. Steve is not happy with the stink I've been brewing up.

[Doc] I heard Lie was eating it a lot....

[Yaunfen] It's for the baby right?

[Mirabella] - Baby?

[TLOT] Babies don't normally like cheese, at least, I don't think they do?

[Doc] One of our friends is having a child of her own. The first we know of concieved between two Herobrine type entities. It's a really special thing.

[Mirabella] - I see- She rests a hand on her own stomach- I remember only a few of the cravings I had

[TLOT] Well Lie has been all about a type of special cheese that only smells good to our type of entity.

[Yaunfen] It's sparkly but it smells terrible!

[TLOT] My point exactly.

[Mirabella] - There was a plant in our dimension which could curb the urgings of the craving...

[Doc] Ah, it's a harmless thing. We can provide easily.

[TLOT] Lifts a finger-

[Doc] Yes, I will take a turn.

[TLOT] Thank you.

[Splender] Looks up at the sky- It's getting dark, we should probably be getting back home...

[TLOT] I can Tp you both to Offender if you don't want to walk...?

[Splender] - That would be nice, thank you

[Yaunfen] It was nice to meet you slendermom! -more politely- Thank you Splender for bringing Mirabella over. I had fun!

[TLOT] Me as well. - He's typing out the teleport-

[Splender] - You're very welcome! It was a wonderful tea party Yaunfen!- The teleport then takes them and they are gone

[Deer] - Well that was a nice visit

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