#cusorytechnomancer

JACE: -it's never too late to visit him, honestly!! he's usually awake anyhow, but he'd get out of bed just to entertain this particular guest. he eagerly opens up the door when he hears the knock and smiles brightly at his visitor.- Hi!

KOUGAH: =A cute smile on a cute boy= Hell0. Thank y0u f0r all0w1ng me 0ver. =nods to him and also... soft face touch. The affectionate one. He'd nuzzle his face but that'd probably be weird???=

JACE: -gosh... he touches kougah's hand in return before he takes it up in his own to guide him inside.- Of course... Youre always welcome over!

KOUGAH: =Yess... holds his hand= 1 apprec1ate that. 

KOUGAH: 1've als0 begun tak1ng measures t0 better pr0tect y0ur h0me as well as y0u... th0ugh t0 d0 well. 

KOUGAH: 1t 1s m0stly. The th0ught. Beh1nd 1t.

JACE: -blinks at him.- Youve been... protecting my apartment???? -what does he mean...-

KOUGAH: T0 the best 0f my ab1l1t1es. 

KOUGAH: 1've el1m1nated the p0ss1b1l1ty 0f a few phys1cal threats.... th0ugh 1 supp0se n0t very many pe0ple here have sens1t1ve n0ses. And 1 d0n't th1nk traps w001d be acceptable. Th0ugh f0r th0se wh0 may reg1ster the d0m1nate scent 0f a predat0r they w0n't trespass. 

KOUGAH: =Turns to the door then pauses..... this is one of those... temporary lodgings= 

KOUGAH: Hm.... am 1 perm1tted t0 etch runes 1nt0 y0ur d00r?

JACE: ....... - WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY DOMINANT SCENT. - 

JACE: Uhhh. 

JACE: I dont think my landlord would be okay with that........

KOUGAH: =HE IS DOMINANT AND IT IS HIS SCENT= 

KOUGAH: Hm.... 

KOUGAH: That was the preferred meth0d. But 1 als0 have th1s cl0th 1've sewn them into. 1 have c0me prepared. =Puts the basket down and offers Jace the grey cloth and it does have all sorts of symbols sewn with black thread= 

KOUGAH: =He also hands Jace a sizable tooth. It's the half the size of his forearm= Th1s 1s fr0m a k1ll 1 w1ll br1ng t0 y0u later. I'm aware humans d0n't eat raw meat s0 1'm prepar1ng 1t f0r y0u. =Yes... a good provider=

JACE: :o -he's admiring the runes on the cloth with much interest and then...- 

JACE: ... O h hhh.... Oh. Wow. Would you look at that. -takes it??? holds it in his hand???? screams internally.- 

JACE: Ummm. Thank you.  I really appreciate the effort that you went through. 

JACE: .... -mutter mumble- (But I dont...) 

JACE: (Eat meat at all...) -mumble mutter-

KOUGAH: =He has good hearing so he catches the mutter, one ear lowers and he slowly puts a wrapped parcel back into the basket and nods deeply at Jace. Wheezing internally= 0h.... 1. Am very s0rry... 

KOUGAH: 1 sh001d have 1nqu1red that bef0re. Tell1ng y0u. 

KOUGAH: Everyth1ng... 1 w1ll st1ll make use 0f the-- 

KOUGAH: Ah... 1 can. take the t00th. 1f y0u w1sh. =hhhhhh=

JACE: ........... Yes. -casually shoves it back at him.-

JACE: Im sorry!! You went to all that trouble. :(

KOUGAH: =He's quick to put it out of sight and lifts his hands, sweating= N0. 1 h0nestly. Had assumed. 1t was wr0ng 0f me. 

KOUGAH: 1'm aware 0f. Alternat1ve l1festyles. Th0ugh 1 d1d n0t ask 1f y0u ate meat. 

KOUGAH: That was a blunder 0n my part and 1 accept full resp0ns1b1lty.

JACE: Well... I dont mind. Most people dont ask anyway... 

JACE: Im just glad you thought of me. And... Uhhh. Prepared a meal for me! Thats really sweet. Honest.

KOUGAH: 0f c0urse... 1 seek t0 sh0w y0u that 1 am a pr0f1c1ent meal pr0v1der as well as sh0w1ng my strength. 

KOUGAH: 1nstead 1 w1ll.... f0rage. =Yes.... he's gonna... gather so many things=

JACE: ... -grins a little about that.- Thats... definitely a desirable skill. Hehehe. -kougah's cute.- 

JACE: What else would you like to show me...? -:eyes:-

KOUGAH: 1 als0 have br0ught y0u s0me freshly made med1c1nal herbs... and 1. Am h0nestly unsure ab0ut 1f th1s w1ll w0rk away fr0m the m0unta1n. 

KOUGAH: But... hm. Well. Usually c0urters and c0uples w001d release themselves t0 run un1nh1b1ted. Unt1ed t0 anyth1ng phys1cal. 0nly all0w1ng the purest and m0st vulnerable parts 0f themselves play and bec0me fam1l1ar... but w d0 n0t kn0w 1f y0u can pr0ject y0ur c0nsc0usness fr0m y0ur b0dy.

JACE: -calculating meme as he explains until it all comes together at the end.- Oh! ... 

JACE: Yeah ummm. I cant say Ive ever astral projected before. But... that doesnt necessarily mean I cant??? Stranger things have happened...

KOUGAH: Y0u're very smart. 1 bel1eve y0u w1ll be able t0. 

KOUGAH: 0nce d0ne 1t 1s a useful sk1ll f0r l1ghter med1tat10n. 

KOUGAH: =stares at Jace from his squat= D0 y0u med1tate?

JACE: Oh, yeah! Sometimes... It helps with the anxiety... Um. You know, whenever I can focus on sitting down and actually doing it...

KOUGAH: =nods= Then that w1ll be useful. As y0u are already tra1ned trained 1n 1t. 

KOUGAH: 1t 1s a g00d pract1ce. 1n detach1ng y0ur sp1rt fr0m y0ur phys1cal f0rm y0u channel y0ur aur1c energ1es t0 man1fest 1n an appar1tion-l1ke 1mage.

JACE: -looks around thoughtfully, then starts picking up some things from the floor to dump into his sylladex.- Can we do that now? Can you show me how to do that? :O 

JACE: -after clearing a spot, he sits down crosslegged on the floor.- :)

KOUGAH: =Watches him clean then sets the basket to the side, nodding once= Yes. 1'm glad y0u're s0 eager. =He really is though.... it's really a vulnerable thing, not only leaving yourself utterly defenseless with the trust that you won't be attacked but also baring your form where it can be manipulated.... He's a little sweaty though he's supposed to be relaxing.= 

KOUGAH: 1t's c0ns1derably stra1ght f0rward. 

KOUGAH: Relax1ng y0urself then f0cus1ng 0n the energy that res1des 1n the c0re 0f y0ur be1ng, w1ll1ng that t0 man1fest 1nt0 the f0rm y0u des1re th0ugh 1t 1s eas1est t0 all0w 1t t0 f0rm naturally. =Exhales and lets his shoulders fall, moving from his squat to sit on his legs. A small moment of silence passes but then a light blue luminous light floats out of Kougah like smoke, taking the form of a wolf of course. One that sits before his body and watches Jace, it seems (and is) tangible by the depths and details of the shadows in its fur=

JACE: -eyes widen at the sight of the apparition. wow, kougah makes it look so easy... he's tempted to reach out to touch the spirit beast, it looks so inviting. and though he's a little hesitant at first, he does splay his fingers out over it's fur.- Oh... Wow... -looks past it at kougah, HOPING that's alright.-

KOUGAH: =The fur is soft, very soft and it's deceptively warm to the touch despite the cool, icy blue of it. As Jace looks past him though the wolf huffs out it's nose and sits up straighter. Hello. It is I. In the form I would be in if I weren't such an unfortunate creature=

JACE: -wow... looks at wolf kougah with shiny eyes, a smile spreading across his face.- Wow... Youre a beautiful wolf. Hehe. -pets him up, taking advantage of this before he gives it a try himself.-

KOUGAH: =What is this feeling? .... Confidence. Yes, he is feeling prideful because this form is absolutely gorgeous and large and majestic and he's only one of those things and not so much the other's as a troll. The wolf  drinks in all this affection readily, the energy thrumming and pulsing  under Jace's hand. A little warmer and just the yellow creeping into the edges of this light. A good, warm happy feeling=

JACE: -the warmth tingles at his fingertips and up his arm until it settles in his stomach with a happy flutter. it's relaxing enough that he feels he can give this a shot too, drawing his hand back and closing his eyes so he can focus.- 

JACE: -honestly, he isn't even sure what his spirit would manifest in the form of... he knows he LIKES monkeys best, but does that mean they ARE him? okay, he probably shouldn't overthink that... it'll only make things more difficult. instead, he thinks of that proud look about kougah as he took on this new form. jace knows deep down there's a part of him he's proud of too, the part of him that represents him in ways more powerful than all the things he finds ugly about himself...- 

JACE: -there's a long moment of silence before he finally shows results. the tendrils of his inner self slowly creep from his body, twisting and turning with uncertainty until they form a spindly limbed, prehensile tailed spider monkey. and the cute little monkey is surprised he exists!- :O

KOUGAH: =Intently watches as Jace concentrates and gives him space to focus, it isn't easy letting go and just allowing things to happen and it was also something easily disrupted. Kougah just sits and stares, his ears perk as the energy starts to creep out. Honestly he is curious as to which form Jace takes on. He won't use it to judge character or read (too much) into it but every shape is interesting and has a purpose of its own= 

KOUGAH: =The monkey is greeted with a NOBLE lowering of the wolf's head, tail wagging happily. A monkey is very good, a nice reflection of Jace's intellect and gleeful personality. More warm yellow is shown in the blue, good job.=

JACE: -a happy warm glow eminates from him as well at the perceived praise and he romps on over to kougah again, a little awkwardly as he tries to understand this form, but ultimately winds up in kougah's space again. he paws at his bowed head and just... kinda hugs his snoot. this is so surreal and amazing and he's grateful for this new experience.-

KOUGAH: =He's always here. But he has been taking care of his usual rancher duties, having combed the entire forest twice with not a sign of Kikiyo he wonders what to even do. Something. Surely. The devices made to calm the spirits have, thus far, been mere bandages with numbing salve covering angry wounds.= 

KOUGAH: =There is a rustle in some shrubbery and Kougah approaches. Silent and hanging by the treeline, waiting to be acknowledged so to not disturb anything=

JACE: -flinches at the sound, like he always does at sudden noises, but his peripheral vision shows him that it's just kougah... he wasn't expecting to feel indigant at the sight of him, but here he is, lifting his head and huffing a sigh in acknowledgement. sometimes he forgets he has those petty strider genes. he doesn't want to look at him directly yet. but he will steal a quick glance... you know, just to make sure it really is him.- 

JACE: Hi Kougah.

KOUGAH: ... =This is an unusual greeting from Jace but he likely deserves this. Actually context clues from their last encounter gives him a good idea so he stays where he is= Hello Jace.

JACE: ... 

JACE: How are you??? -exchanges pleasantries in the most passive aggressive way he can manage. he's not very good at it.-

KOUGAH: ... 

KOUGAH: 1 am... Hm. 

 KOUGAH: =Eyeballs Jace= 

KOUGAH: Pard0n my g01ng 0ff the s0c1al scr1pt but, h0w are y0u. 1nstead.

JACE: Im fine!! 

 JACE: ... No Im not!!! -sighs and turns to look at him, but his expression falls to an imploring one.- 

JACE: Joel... He told me what you did... To Rammie...

KOUGAH: =Nods= 1 suspected as much.... 1 sh0uld've asked clearly up0n meet1ng y0u 1f y0u were 0f cl0se relat10ns w1th her. 

KOUGAH: 1 ap0l0g1ze f0r n0t d01ng s0. =deeper nod=

JACE: Yeah, you should have! 

JACE: Because you knew Joel was my brother, and you must have known they were close with the way you were acting around him...! I... -looks down at the ground, brows knit.- 

JACE: I dont know what to think now... I dont really understand.

KOUGAH: Y0ur frustrat10n 1s understandable and enc0uraged. 

KOUGAH: ...Anger. 

KOUGAH: 1 ap0l0g1ze f0r c0nfus1ng y0u.

JACE: -continues to avoid looking at him.- I really liked-- 

JACE: -covers his face with one hand. hhhh.- 

JACE: I like hanging out with you... And working on these projects with you! I want to be able to do that still. But I cant if... 

JACE: If I dont know what happened, at least...

KOUGAH: =Silent for a moment= 

KOUGAH: She wandered 1nt0 the f0rest, presumably t0 hunt. 

KOUGAH: She hunted and k1lled my br0ther. 

KOUGAH: I r1ghted the wr0ng w1th her 0wn bl00d.

JACE: -looks at him then with wide eyes. joel said it was a misunderstanding...- Your brother?

KOUGAH: Yes. 

KOUGAH: As alpha, as a fam1ly member, 1 refused t0 n0t seek 1mmed1ate vengence.

JACE: But thats--!! 

JACE: Thats not how that should work???? -starts getting more visably upset.- Shes a person! Not an animal! Its different! 

JACE: -immediately regrets his words and quiets, eyes downcast again. that's probably not a very sensitive thing to say.-

KOUGAH: =If Kougah was offended by it he doesn't act like it. His voice is still even though his expression does falter from stoicism. Inhales softly and exhales= ........ S0 1've been t0ld. 

KOUGAH: But 1 stand by 1t.

JACE: I just... I just mean... -rubs at his eyes.- 

JACE: I dont know what I mean...

KOUGAH: 1t's s0meth1ng y0u're n0t used t0. =He needs a tissue.... but Kougah is hesitant to approach still= 

KOUGAH: Y0u weren't ra1sed w1th the same bel1efs and standards as 1 was. N0r 1 y0ur standards and bel1efs. 

KOUGAH: 1 understand the an1m0s1ty t0wards me and 1 w1ll n0t deny y0u that r1ght.

JACE: -sniffles- Thats not how I feel. 

JACE: I want to be angry... Mostly Im just sad. 

JACE: I want to be your... friend. But I dont know if I can be if you think that kind of thing is okay! Or that its necessary, I guess.

KOUGAH: 1'm s0rry f0r that..... 

KOUGAH: ...Currently 1 am b0und by man's law. 

KOUGAH: G1ven my status t0... the t0wn. 

KOUGAH: All 0f the rangers are c1t1zens 0f Aval0n by law. Regardless 0f h0w 1 feel, what 1 bel1eve, 1 am unable t0 act acc0rd1ngly. =They made that very clear... he even has to change his pelt for roaming town. Closer to the knee. Bah.=

JACE: -now THAT is a crime.- 

JACE: -but no, that's hardly a reassurance, and he's upset all over again.- Well, thats great!! Id murder people if I could, but alas!!!

KOUGAH: 1 d0n't seek any0ne 0ut f0r any reas0n. =Murder is an ugly word.... that's something that happens without provocation= 

KOUGAH: My fam1ly was wr0ng and 1 avenged my br0ther. 

KOUGAH: Wh0 1s st1ll g0ne wh1le she r0ams. 1mpress1ve as 1t 1s 1 feel 1 had fa1led 1n s0me aspect.

JACE: You didnt fail!! She still died! She still had to go through that! 

JACE: Ugh... Were just going in circles now... -sniffles and starts to gather up his things. but even as he does so, he feels hesitant to leave, strangly enough. or maybe it isn't so strange, given what poor judgement he clearly has. but he can't help feeling like there's still something that can make this okay... though, that might just be what he wants to believe.- 

JACE: It doesnt make any difference to you, does it?

KOUGAH: 1t d0es. 1 adm1re her return... but. Truthfully. 1t st1ll makes me angry. 

KOUGAH: As 1 sa1d 1 d0n't expect y0u t0 understand 0r relate, but my br0ther's rest feels r0bbed. 

KOUGAH: The dues were pa1d. But... 1t's n0t fa1r. H0wever that's..... wh1n1ng. And 1 d0n't 1ntend 0n caus1ng m0re pa1in.

JACE: -turns towards him again once his belongings are tucked away.- ... 

JACE: Im sorry about your brother.

KOUGAH: =Watches him... then nods= ..Thank y0u. 

KOUGAH: 1'm s0rry f0r upsett1ng y0u.

JACE: -shuffles his feet, lingering still.- Its... All pretty complicated, huh?

KOUGAH: 1t 1s. 

KOUGAH: S0 1 d0n't expect y0u t0 c0me t0 any c0nclus10n 0ne way 0r the 0ther. 

KOUGAH: 0nly that 1 respect y0ur ch01ce. 

KOUGAH: =Watches Jace silently then grunts softly= S1mply d0 what y0u feel w0uld put y0u m0st at ease.

JACE: -wringes his hands together.- Truth be told, Im very at ease! So its hard for me to know what makes me feel... most at ease!

KOUGAH: ...D0 y0u n0t exper1ence var1ed levers 0f anx1ety when c0ns1der1ng y0ur 0pt10ns 0r be1ng 1n certa1n s1tuat10ns? =Sniffs the air a bit... he could've sworn he smelled it a few times=

JACE: Well... Sure... But something like this? 

JACE: Logic tells me I shouldnt... be your friend but... -pauses to glance away.- 

JACE: When I think about that, I just feel worse.

KOUGAH: Ah..... 

KOUGAH: Hm. 

KOUGAH: There 1s n0th1ng that can be d0ne f0r what 1 d1d...but. 

KOUGAH: 1n 0rder t0... make y0u feel. Better... ab0ut what 1t 1s y0u may want. 1 w0uld 0ffer t0. D0 what 1 can. 

KOUGAH: =Something shifts in the forest and he watches but it's nothing.= 1 w0uld, truthfully and self1shly, enj0y c0nt1nu1ng t0 see y0u.

JACE: -usually he'd be spooked by the noises of the forest, but he's too distracted listening to kougah. his heart is racing all the same.- Ill have to think about that. 

JACE: I guess Ill have some time to do that... 

JACE: Oh. I should mention, Im going away for a little while.

KOUGAH: ...0h? 

KOUGAH: May 1 ask where? =Looks back to Jace=

JACE: -nods- Sure. Um... Im going to study some temples on LOFAF. 

JACE: Do you know of it?

KOUGAH: N0. 1'm unfam1l1ar w1th 1t. 

KOUGAH: But 1 can read up 0n 1t.

JACE: -brightens up a little, taking this as an opportunity to explain the culture of the place.- Its a small consort planet... Its mainly seen as a pit stop on the way to bigger planets like Earth or Lauctis, but there are some tourist traps there as well... LOFAF as the abbrevation for the colloquial name Land of Frost and Frogs... Um, the technical, documented name escapes me... 

JACE: But anyway, it snows there almost all year long. So there are ski resorts and stuff. Theres a dormant volcano there though... And during the warmer months, when the snow melts, its easier to access these temples around that area. Theyre shrines dedicated to a legendary beast named Echidna. Shes supposed to be uh-- 

JACE: -stops suddenly and looks embarrassed about his rambling. he almost forgot he's supposed to be UPSET with him still.- Well... You can probably read about that yourself.

KOUGAH: =As Jace spoke and explained things Kougah watches with the same stern expression but his eye light a little= 

KOUGAH: 1 w1ll d0 that. 

KOUGAH: M0st def1n1tely.

JACE: Okay. 

JACE: ... Yeah. Okay. Um. Im just going to... Go back to work now. I should hurry and finish my shift anyway because I have plans tonight too. 

JACE: Kind of like a date thing. 

JACE: Or something. -why did he say that... he knows why... he wants to see his reaction... that's so shitty. or is it? he really can't tell in this situation.-

KOUGAH: =HE IS STONE. But the light does fade back to normal and he nods. He's not allowed to react it's not like he's even on the same tier as Jace though= 

KOUGAH: 1 h0pe that g0es well. Y0u deserve t0 have a g00d t1me. 

KOUGAH: Have a safe tr1p, Jace. =Disappears on a small tornado... only that's just him running back into the treeline and disappearing=

CT: ... 1 h0pe 1 am n0t 1ntrud1ng up0n anyth1ng. N0netheless 1 ap0l0g1ze f0r my sudden appearance.

CT: Ah.

CT: Th1s 1s K0ugah.

CT: Just t0 1nf0rm y0u as t0 why 1 sh0uld be ap0l0g1z1ng. Hell0.

DF: Oh!! Hi Kougah.

DF: Whats up? :)

CT: N0th1ng 0f 1mp0rt. 1 0nly w1shed t0 1nf0rm y0u that 1 have bu1lt s0meth1ng that may warrent further test1ng but c0uld pr0ve useful.

CT: Pr0v1d1ng Ska1a w1th s0me 0f my research has g1ven me access t0...

CT: N0t better, but m0re. M0re techn0l0gy.

CT: A w1der range 0f mater1als t0 w0rk w1th.

DF: Oh, yeah. Weve got all sorts of cool gadgets at Skaianet.

DF: I guess we ought to... Being the biggest research facility in the universe and stuff.

DF: What did you make??

CT: 1 have deemed 1t an Aur1c Man1pulat10n T0wer.

CT: Regretfully clunky but 1t sh0uld take s0me 0f my backl0gged em0t10n essense 1've c0llected 0ver the sweeps and apply 1t t0 a rad1us surr0und1ng 1t.

CT: H0wever 1 have yet t0 test 1t.

DF: Ohh... Sounds neat.

DF: Are you going to use it to keep the spirits settled?

CT: Yes 1 plan t0. L1kely wh1le y0u and 0thers are n0t 1n the w00d as 1t c0uld always acc1dently earn the1r 1re.

CT: S0. Yes. 1 w1shed t0 let y0u kn0w 0f th1s p00s1b1l1ty. T0 better plan.

CT: T1mes.

CT: T0 d0 th1s.

CT: S0 1 messaged y0u unrp0v0ked.

DF: That makes sense...

DF: Umm well, I can stay away for now if you need to. I probably wont be on Avalon tomorrow anyway.

DF: No post on Sunday! :O

CT: Yes.... h0w f00l1sh 0f me t0 f0rget th1s fact.

CT: 1t seems 1 have run a f00l's errand. But th1s 1s t0 be expected, s0 1 am at peace w1th 1t.

CT: 1n 0rder t0 turn the c0nversat10n t0 a pr0duct1ve place h0w are y0u been fa1r1ng?

DF: Ive been alright I guess...

CT: That. 1s g00d. Alth0ugh 1 h0pe 1 d0n't pr0d t00 much 1n say1ng the el1pses d0n't make 1t seem very c0nv1nc1ng.

DF: No... I guess I was kind of leading you with that...

DF: Ive been a little melancholy. Um... But its alright. Im just lonely I think.

DF: And Im worried about my brothers... Theyve both been sick. :(

CT: 1 understand, 1t's 0nly natural but 1f 1t's any c0ns0lat10n f0r y0ur w0rr1es they are sure t0 surv1ve what 1s a1l1ng them.

CT: H0wever they are g01ng t0 be d1fferent f0r the rest 0f the1r days.

DF: Ummm...

CT: Th1s energy has ch0sen... Hm. "Ch0sen" t0 t0uch them. 1t 1s a c0mpl1ment 1 th1nk.

DF: You really think so? That its a good thing?

CT: Yes. 1t has 1mb1bed them w1th p0wer.

CT: As the m0unta1n has d0ne w1th the surr0und1ng fauna.

CT: H0wever n0t all th1ngs are d1rectly affect, they are certa1n th1ngs.

DF: Well... I hope they adjust okay...

CT: They m0st l1kely w1ll, n0t t0 w0rry... as f0r y0ur l0nel1ness 1s the rest 0f y0ur tr1be 1ncapac1tated as well?

CT: There are a great many 0f them 1 understand.

DF: Haha yeah! Ive got a big family.

DF: Umm. I guess it might sound silly to complain about loneliness when I do have so many people around but I also get a little... anxious around people???

DF: You might have noticed.

DF: Id like a certain kind of company... But I know its not something I can have right now...

CT: Hm. 1 d0n't bel1eve 1t t0 be s1lly.

CT: Whatever 1t 1s y0u crave y0u sh0uld be able t0 0bta1n.

CT: 1nclud1ng y0ur want f0r c0mpany as well as y0ur space when y0u need 1t.

DF: Aw... Thanks for saying so.

DF: But I dont know...

DF: I think Im bad at picking the kind of company I wanna keep... Not that theyre bad people! Its just um...

DF: Its complicated I guess.

CT: Hm. 1f 1 may, then 1 w0uld enc0urage y0u t0 delve further 1nt0 the t0p1c.

CT: 1 am n0t very talented at 1nterpers0nal relat10nsh1ps but a new perspect1ve may make 1tself v1s1ble t0 y0u.

DF: Oh, gosh..... Its a little embarrassing...

DF: Ive been uh... interested?? In this guy for... quite a long time.

DF: But hes not interested in me like that. Even if he was, it wouldnt be a very smart match. I dont think people would approve.

DF: Sometimes I feel like Im cursed like that... Or I just have bad judgement for whats good for me. Do you know what I mean?

CT: Ah... 1 see.... hm. 1 th1nk 1 may.

CT: 1 can sympath1ze w1th the feel1ng 0f s0meth1ng y0u may w1sh n0t be1ng s0.

CT: Kn0w1ng where l1nes are drawn 1s 1mp0rtant but 1t 1s n0t always easy.

CT: 1 am s0rry that y0u are exper1enc1ng these feel1ngs, they aren't very pleasant t0 manage.

DF: Thank you... I guess its just something Ill have to deal with.

DF: But... its nice knowing that someone understands.

CT: 1'm glad 1 can pr0v1de s0me f0rm 0f c0mf0rt t0 y0u.

CT: 1f 1 can be helpful 1n any 0ther manner d0n't hes1tate t0 let me kn0w.

CT: 1t w0uld be an h0n0r t0 be 0f use t0 y0u.

DF: Thats

DF: Yes...

DF: Thats yes? What?

DF: Thank you. I might take you up on that! If I could ever possibly think of something??? But I cant really!!

DF: I mean Im happy just having your company!

CT: 0h. Then that 1s m0re than 1 c0uld have asked f0r, t0 make y0u happy. 1 w1ll, attempt t0 d0 th1s m0re 0ften.

CT: T0 help 1mpr0ve y0ur m00d, 0f c0urse.

DF: Yeah!! Of course... Um... But I hope you just like to have me around too?

DF: That its mutually beneficial.

CT: 0h. Yes. 1 d0... enj0y y0ur c0mpany. Alth0ugh 1t may be 1mpr0per 1 enj0y the t1me 1 spend by y0ur s1de. S0 1 apprec1ate y0u all0w1ng 1t.

DF: I really dont understand what you mean when you say stuff like that... Im nothing special.

CT: 1 have t0 d1sagree w1th y0u.

CT: Str0ngly.

DF: Hehe... Well, um... I guess I wont argue with you about it.

CT: G00d, 1 have c0me prepared 1f y0u sh0uld feel the urged.

CT: A l1st can eas1ly be f0rmulated.

DF: Oh, wow. Thats... an overwhelming thing to consider.

DF: I wont make you list things off!

DF: Actually, I should get going to bed anyway.

CT: Yes, please get s0me rest. 1 h0pe 1 d1d n0t keep y0u.

CT: Sleep well, Jace.

DF: Thanks, Kougah... Goodnight. :)

KOUGAH: *The cameras may not catch something but there's a loud ribbit at all this bugging and stepping about. The frog watches with all three eyes. All three solid blue eyes*

JACE: ... *looks around for the source of the ribbit. it's just a frog, right?? nothing to worry about, but he's got a bad feel anyway. and he feels justified when he catches a glimpse of three spooky blue eyes. time to carefully... slowly... climb down from this tree...*

KOUGAH: *No need to leave. Here's another frog. Two more. Five..... ten sets of spooky eyes. And then a much larger set of three eyes on the ground. Staring up at Jace.*

KOUGAH: *RIBBIT, but you know.... in a satanic fashion*

KOUGAH: *the nearest frog is gonna give him a good frenching on the arm with a poison tongue*

JACE: O_O AH!

JACE: *tries to hop out of the way, but alas, he's tongued.* Eeewwww... *and ow? the pain is apparently an afterthought, giving way to a small yelp and a punt of his boot in a frog's direction before he tries to make a break for it. sorry, nature.*

KOUGAH: *This is an extremely rude child meal, one frog is punted away but there are at least 14 more plus the Big Mamma. The frogs jump from tree to tree, wanting to slorp up Jace's spiritual essense. After the adrenaline fades his arm is going to sting and burn like heck. Like a frost burn. More tongues lick out at his legs. This is what happens when you wear shorts in the forest*

JACE: *oh yeah?? well his adrenaline is ALWAYS pumping, take THAT frogs. he can and will run from most everything in life. but in reality, it's hard to maintain momentum when he's being assaulted as he is. he makes an attempt to fight while he flights, turning to deflect tongues with swords.*

KOUGAH: *Can he deflect the Big Mamma tongue though? She jabs it out at him. Let Mamma slorp ya boy*

JACE: *doubtful, as the frog tongue does it's frog tongue thing and congeals around his sword. there it goes. and there he goes, yanked because he doesn't want to lose his sword. YOINK.* ACK!

KOUGAH: *Swords don't belong in mouths but it's worth it as her babies can now feast on boy fleshence. Or so they thought. Here comes the Awoo Crew. Lorge wolves springing on the boy fleshence to protect it. The awoos are covered with rock and moss and bark with yellow blank eyes of their own. they bite. A small tornado at the heels of a neon painted Koug arrive. Somehow his sweat doesn't effect the paint

KOUGAH: in the grooves of his musculature*

JACE: *wow okay, but the grooves of his musculature are sure effecting jace's sweat. IT'S HAPPENING. but everything else is also happening as he's swarmed by wolves, too... to protect him? he's confused, unsure of what's happening right now.* K... Kougah??

KOUGAH: *flexes gently at being mentioned, he's crouched partially and glances to Jace* ...Hell0.... pard0n me. *growls with the pack at the frogs. Sorry Jace he knows this is exremely rude but it's necessary*

JACE: *oh, that's just... that's just FINE. he's overwhelmed by everything and decides to quit squirming and struggling with the frogs now that the wolves are also here to FIGHT. he sits. right on the forest floor. the sting of his skin finally catching up to him.*

KOUGAH: *The frogs are chased back whythe awoos so Koug looks to Jace.... stoops.* Y0u were 1njured. Hm. That 1s expected....

KOUGAH: 1f. 1 may.

KOUGAH: *holds out hand*

JACE: *SHINY EYED... he places his hand in kougah's.*

KOUGAH: *Oh.... he wanted the whole arm. Um. Sweats. Okay. He just. Looks it over and digs in his fur fanny pack also known as his loincloth.* Th1s 1s n0th1ng ser10us. Th0ugh y0u w0n't feel y0ur arm t0m0rr0w 1t w0n't bec0me encase w1th black fr0st.

JACE: ... I wont feel my arm???

KOUGAH: N0. 1 ap0l0g1ze th1s 1s the best 1 can d0. *Produces a small jar and rubs salve on the frost burn*

JACE: Oh....... Sorry, I dont mean to sound like I dont appreciate it...

JACE: Because I do! A lot. Temporary numbness is definitely preferable to um... Black frost. *watches him LATHER HIM UP... and then glances away.*

KOUGAH: *Please..... but also he's wheezing internally he doesn't deserve touching this precious creature with his filthy rough peasant paws. Hands. Paws.* Yes... true.

KOUGAH: ....

KOUGAH: 1f they d1d k1ll y0u y0u w0uld be rev1ved as 0ne 0f them.

KOUGAH: An essence t0ad.

KOUGAH: That 1s the name 0f the creature.

JACE: *stares at him with wide eyes.* ... /Oh./

JACE: Then Im especially grateful?? I dont think I would have made it without you...

JACE: Thank you. Really.

KOUGAH: *Grateful? But he was injured. Truly Jace is too forgiving and kind. He goes blue under the lines of neon paint on his face* 1f y0u 1ns1st 0n thank1ng me.... then 1 am deeply apprec1at1ve.

KOUGAH: 1 w1ll d0 my best t0 serv1ce y0u t0 the best 0f my ab1l1t1es.

JACE: Service... Me... *stares at him some more. don't mind him if his mind wanders for a second.*

JACE: Thanks!! Again!! Hahaha!!

JACE: Am I saying thank you too much?? Im sorry!!

JACE: Aaahhh... Should my arm be feeling numb now?? It feels numb. Actually everything feels numb. Wait, thats probably just me. Nevermind.

KOUGAH: *Tilts head, he wonders if Jace is considering his competence. He doesn't blame him* N0 need t0 be s0rry.

KOUGAH: But 1f y0u are numb all0w me t0 help y0u h0me....1f y0u d0 n0t m1nd.

JACE: No!! I mean yes.

JACE: If you insist??? Also because I probably need it. *he's had a difficult day... he feels weak.*

KOUGAH: 1 d0.... Pard0n my hands. And self. *He's sorry. But scoops and stands* May 1 1nqu1re what y0u were d01ng th1s deep 1n the f0rest?

JACE: *WHOOP there he goes. he curls up a little in kougah's arms, fists balled up against his chest.* Oh... I was putting in some cameras and things.

JACE: So that I could monitor the activity here when I cant... physically be here.

JACE: Which I guess should be most of the time... I know its dangerous and all but I really want to understand how this stuff works!

KOUGAH: *Looks at him briefly.... tries to not sweat.... fails* 1 see.....

KOUGAH: 1 adm1re y0ur 1n1tat1ve.

JACE: *blinks up at him* Really? You dont think its... reckless?

KOUGAH: 1t 1s. But we learn thr0ugh s0me reckless dec1s10ns we make.

KOUGAH: We may als0 get ma1med but. That's why 1t's.

KOUGAH: Reckless.

KOUGAH: S0 1 apprec1ate y0ur th1rst f0r kn0wledge.

KOUGAH: Alth0ugh 1 d0 h0pe y0u are careful.

JACE: *well, dang, if he wasn't flushed before...* Hehehe uh... I do try to be careful! I think Im used to danger enough by now that I can usually get out of it.

JACE: I dont usually deal with spirit creatures, though...

KOUGAH: 1 can teach y0u 1f y0u'd l1ke.

KOUGAH: M0stly hands 0n teach1ngs.

KOUGAH: As 1 am st1ll l00k1ng f0r Y0y0.

KOUGAH: K1k1y0.

KOUGAH: The p0stal w0rker.

JACE: *HANDS ON... but then he brings up kikiyo, and he puts those thoughts to rest.* Right... Well, thats fine. Whatever you can do, Id really appreciate.

JACE: Hey... Ive been wondering...

JACE: You said she isnt missing... But I heard that there have been other disappearances around here? Do you know if thats true?

KOUGAH: .....Yes. There are 0thers that have g0ne m1ss1ng. *gently flex.... he'd rather not think of her as missing... just. Goofing off somewhere*

JACE: Oh... *he goes quiet, figuring it's probably not something he wants to think about. but he's curious what he knows. maybe he can help?*

JACE: Do you know if theres anything connecting the disappearances?

KOUGAH: There l1kely are.... but 1 can't track the scents 1f there 1s a culpr1t.

KOUGAH: There are... s0 many pe0ple 1n and 0ut 0f the f0rest n0w.

KOUGAH: Th1s c0ntract all0ws pe0ple 1nt0 the w00ds. The superf1c1al levels... but pe0ple take a m1le w1th every 1nch all0wed.

KOUGAH: Many 1 have had t0 turn back.

KOUGAH: 1t 1s frustrat1ng.

JACE: Oh... *now he feels guilty for wandering around like he does.* That sounds stressful... Im sorry.

JACE: Maybe my cameras will find something?

KOUGAH: 1t 1s n0t y0ur d01ng. N0 need t0 ap0l0g1ze..... but cameras...

KOUGAH: Yes.

KOUGAH: That... 1s helpful.

KOUGAH: 1t's shameful 1 had n0t th0ught 0f that.

KOUGAH: *looks down to him* Thank y0u.

JACE: Its okay! Youve had a lot on your mind. Hehe... Sometimes these things dont occur to me immediately either when they should. *smiles up at him reassuringly. he just hopes they find all these poor people... he wonders if the search and rescue team is investigating it? as a skaianet heir, he really should be on top of these things...*

KOUGAH: H0w understand1ng y0u are... *Not sarcastic just... these people amaze him*

KOUGAH: Thank y0u f0r the undeserved reassurance.

JACE: *blinks* Its not undeserved! Youve helped me a bunch. Reassurance is really the least I can do...

KOUGAH: 1f y0u 1ns1st.... pard0n. 1 am n0t cast1ng a l1ne f0r y0ur attent10ns. 1 am 0nly be1ng honest.

KOUGAH: Y0u seem t0 be a k1nd pers0n. S0 1 kn0w y0u are be1ng genu1ne.

KOUGAH: 1 w1ll n0t ask y0u t0 st0p but rather let y0u bec0me aware 0f the d1fferences between us. 1t 1s 0nly r1ght.

JACE: *he really doesn't understand... how could someone so cool and heroic like kougah feel the way he does?* I dont understand...

KOUGAH: *hums deeply while walking, headed for the telepads* S1mply put: 1 bel1eve y0u are a w0ndr0us creature. 0ne that 1s grac10us en0ugh t0 all0w me 1n y0ur presense.

KOUGAH: Alth0ugh 1 am pleased t0 kn0w 1've been 0f s0mewhat g00d use t0 y0u.

JACE: *heat floods his face again, leaving him speechless after that. but he notices they're almost to the telepads.*

JACE: I dont know what to say... No ones ever referred to me as wondrous or gracious before...

JACE: I just know I think youre very nice.

JACE: ... And cool.

JACE: And... I wont make you carry me anymore. I can make it the rest of the way home.

KOUGAH: 0h... *Sweats.... sorry about dampening your clothes Jace. That makes him sweat more* .... P1ty. That they d0n't d0 that.

KOUGAH: They sh0uld.

KOUGAH: *puts him down gently and steps back still blue in the cheek area. clears throat* Well.

KOUGAH: 1. h0pe y0u feel better.

KOUGAH: And y0ur arm isn't numb f0r the full 16 h0urs 1 ant1c1pate.

KOUGAH: Maybe. 1t w0n't be.

JACE: Yeah... *bashful feet shuffling.* Thanks, Kougah.

JACE: Ill see you around, okay? *smiles goofily, then ducks his head... and then absconds quickly through the transportalizer, screaming internally.*

[10:00] LP: -Baldur, though more than a bit frightened by the woods, he's out tonight with a little flashlight and his camera in hand. On some level he kind of hopes he can run into something that makes sense of that night, but really, he's been having a harder time falling asleep. Spooky catgirls will do that to a troll.-

[10:04] CT: *Whether or not Baldur is holding the camera up to his face or not a flash of neon zips by in the distance. Sticks and rocks clutter from the disturbance, like it skid to a stop and it's body visibly turns. Likely to face Baldur. It approaches rather quickly but not nearly as fast as it had been going. Once it got closer Baldur would be able to see the familiar patterns of the paint Kougah puts on

[10:04] CT: his chest and face*

[10:04] LP: O-O

[10:05] LP: -he just sort of stands there frozen as this nyoom zoom happens RIGHT UP TO HIM. he's kinda... well, not used to it, but he's aware that this is what Kougah does, at least. So he just holds up a hand.-

[10:05] LP: hi

[10:05] LP: i guess you are awake

[10:05] LP: to-o

[10:05] LP: thats ok o-o

[10:05] CT: Baldur. *A greeting as he steps closer, squinting at the light and then the camera* Yes, 1 am a creature 0f the n1ght.

[10:05] CT: Be1ng awake 1s appr0pr1ate f0r me.

[10:06] CT: 1 see y0u are expl0r1ng.

[10:06] LP: a little

[10:06] LP: is that to-o dangerous

[10:06] LP: i guess i didnt really think about that as a big thing to be worried about

[10:06] LP: until i said it out loud

[10:06] LP: oxo

[10:07] CT: *Hums deeply and looks around* N0t 0n th1s n1ght, n0 m0re than usual.

[10:08] CT: 1t 1s 0nly m0derately danger0us t0n1ght.

[10:08] CT: Are y0u prepared f0r a m0derate level 0f danger?

[10:09] LP: i am pretty go-od at running from things

[10:10] CT: ... 1 w1ll esc0rt y0u.

[10:10] CT: 0r, expl0re w1th y0u. S0 y0u may be better prepared.

[10:11] LP: oh um

[10:11] LP: yes o-o

[10:11] LP: i am ok with that i mean

[10:11] LP: i just

[10:11] LP: ...

[10:11] LP: were you

[10:11] LP: lo-oking for her again

[10:12] CT: *Nods* 1 was check1ng my 1nstruments as well as l00k1ng 1nt0 spellw0rk that may ass1st her 1f Pascal's the0ry 1s c0rrect.

[10:13] LP: oh

[10:13] LP: what um

[10:13] LP: was

[10:13] LP: her theory again

[10:13] LP: i mostly just remember her

[10:13] LP: ...

[10:13] LP: being

[10:13] LP: pascal

[10:13] CT: Yes, 1t 1s hard t0 f0rget her t0mf00lery alth0ugh she s0met1mes says val1d th1ngs 1n her 0wn strange way.

[10:14] LP: maybe you could tell me about it a little bit

[10:14] LP: i would really like that oxo

[10:14] LP: while we walk together

[10:14] CT: She pr0p0sed that rather than steal1ng 0ur s0uls the art1culate nymph Lyra merely asked f0r ass1stance 1nt0 0ur realm.

[10:14] CT: Yes.

[10:14] CT: Let us c0nt1nue 0n y0ur path.

[10:14] LP: ok

[10:15] LP: -he is kind of using his umbrella like a cane, nodding a little bit.- do you have any way of knowing

[10:15] LP: if weve lost something

[10:15] LP: i mean

[10:15] LP: how would anyone ever know

[10:22] CT: *walks 0n w1th Baldur* Yes. There are tests that may be c0nducted h0wever 1 am wa1t1ng f0r the 0pt1mum chance t0 d0 such deep and accurate read1ng 0n 0ur sp1r1tual strength.

[10:22] CT: 1t 1s tr0ubl1ng t0 lack a s0ul. H0wever we w1ll have them back 1f th1s 1s the case.

[10:22] CT: Even 1f they have been c0nsumed.

[10:24] LP: i

[10:24] LP: hope so yes oxo

[10:24] LP: -he sighs a little and looks up at him.- youre so

[10:25] LP: ok with all of this

[10:25] LP: did this ever frighten you

[10:27] CT: Mn. Adm1ttedly, yes. H0wever th1s was when 1 was new t0 be1ng a pup. C0m1ng 1nt0 my 0wn 1n th1s unfam1l1ar place.

[10:27] CT: *glances to Baldur* S1nce 1 have spent many sweeps here.

[10:27] LP: did you always live here?

[10:27] LP: i mean

[10:27] LP: weve been staying together a while

[10:27] LP: i just

[10:27] LP: dont know muxh about you

[10:29] CT: My past bey0nd the w00ds are t0rmented and blurred. 1 am... truthfully n0t certa1n 0n much but fr0m what 1 recall bef0re runn1ng 1nt0 the Mem0ry Dev0urer 0f the l0wer m0unta1n w00ds 1t was n0t. A happy t1me 1 th1nk.

[10:30] CT: 1 can 0nly recall a d1splaced fear. An 0ut-0f-placeness.

[10:30] LP: -gently hands to mouth. he's TORMENTED oh noooo-

[10:30] LP: the

[10:30] LP: memory devourer

[10:30] LP: what is that

[10:31] CT: *Looks at Baldur very seriously* 1 cann0t recall.

[10:31] CT: My m0ther t0ld me 1t 1s what she saved me fr0m. She has n0 reas0n t0 l1e.

[10:32] LP: oh

[10:32] LP: i wouldnt really doubt that either no o-o

[10:33] LP: i um

[10:33] LP: i apologize

[10:33] LP: i guess thats stuff that isnt the best to talk about

[10:34] CT: N0 need t0 ap0l0g1ze, the Dev0urer 1s l0ng dead.

[10:34] LP: did she kill it

[10:35] CT: Yes. 1t 1nsp1red me. She 1s the m1ghtest b1tch 1 have ever seen.

[10:35] CT: *lips twitch* She taught me h0w t0 hunt.

[10:36] LP:

[10:36] LP: you mean that like the dog way i guess

[10:36] CT: W0lf, yes..

[10:37] LP: oh

[10:37] LP: yes

[10:38] LP: o///o -he's more embarrassed than anything, really.-

[10:38] LP: um

[10:38] LP: this is an important question

[10:38] LP: was she like

[10:38] LP: actually a wolf

[10:41] CT: *Chuckles shortly* Y0u are catch1ng 0nt0 th1s place. N0, she was n0t.

[10:41] CT: She was m0nstrous.

[10:42] CT: And turned t0 lake st0ne 1n her pass1ng.

[10:43] LP: O-O

[10:43] LP: thats

[10:43] LP: pretty incredible

[10:44] LP: -he takes in a deep breath. it's... unusually shuddery, for baldur, shoulders shaking a bit. it's hard to place just what that emotion may be, and his face reveals little, even after he slips his sunglasses off and pockets them.-

[10:44] LP: i always really

[10:44] LP: thought about things

[10:44] LP: the stuff my mom didnt tell me

[10:44] LP: about her and about how things worked a layer beneath

[10:44] LP: its really different from what i always expected

[10:45] LP: i guess because its like

[10:45] LP: sort of like when you try to lo-ok at the stars on a differnet planet

[10:45] LP: and you know what your stars lo-ok like

[10:45] LP: but its all different O-O

[10:47] CT: *Looks at Baldur as he takes the breath, even in the dark Kougah can see the shudders. He removes the shirt he'd acquired from Pascal and wraps it around Baldur's shoulders. It is very warm from Kougah's body heat* Hm.... 1 see.

[10:47] CT: Why d1d she n0t tell y0u th1ngs?

[10:48] LP: O-O she didnt tell me that either

[10:48] CT: That 1s.... untrustw0rthy. 1n all due respect t0 y0ur l1fe-g1ver.

[10:49] LP: yes

[10:49] LP: i guess so

[10:49] CT: Mh. 1s th1s the cause 0f y0ur apprehens10n?

[10:51] LP: -he blinks a few times, stopping at what seems to be a decent clearing.- ... no

[10:51] LP: maybe its not fair to say its the only thing

[10:52] LP: i kind of thought i didnt have the power to change this stuff

[10:52] LP: but then it became true

[10:52] LP: ...that this is all real

[10:52] LP: and that there is a power

[10:52] LP: inherent in out very will

[10:53] LP: and i wasnt really sure what to do with that knowledge

[10:53] LP: until i was brought here O-O

[10:55] CT: *Glances around the clearing while listening to Baldur* 1t s0unds as th0ugh y0u were qu1te l0st y0urself unt1l c0m1ng t0 th1s f0rest.

[10:56] CT: H0pefully y0ur prev10us travels were n0t sadden1ng.

[10:56] CT: But 1 am glad th1s place c0uld ass1st y0u.

[10:57] LP: maybe

[10:57] LP: i dont know if id call them that O-O

[10:57] LP: more um

[10:57] LP: silly

[10:57] LP: -he's just gonna poke around. l ooking at the trees and under rocks and stuff, maybe taking the occasional picture.-

[11:00] CT: *Takes jerky fr0m h1s satchel and b1tes 1nt0 1t wh1le he l00ks ar0und* S1lly...

[11:00] CT: That 1s what y0ur dwell1ng 1s l1ke?

[11:02] LP: well

[11:02] LP: yes O-O

[11:02] LP: people used to argue with me a lot because it didnt ever sound very true

[11:05] LP: i um

[11:05] LP: ...

[11:05] LP: do you know frosty

[11:05] LP: and the ice that they sell

[11:06] LP: i had an argument with my friends

[11:06] LP: about what ice was composed of

[11:06] LP: and i said that iceburgs were made of frozen memories and spirits

[11:06] LP: ...

[11:06] LP: and

[11:06] LP: then theres frosty and his ice

[11:06] LP: six years later

[11:06] LP: O-O

[11:07] CT: *furr0ws h1s eyebr0ws because that d0esn't s0und s1lly* And... y0ur fr1ends (alth0ugh 1 use the term l00sely), they felt shame c0rrect?

[11:07] LP: well

[11:07] LP: i didnt really talk to them

[11:07] LP: because then i was immediately taken here

[11:07] LP: and they dont have to be ashamed O-O

[11:07] LP: it is a learning experience

[11:07] LP: ouo

[11:08] CT: 1 supp0se. *glances t0 the s1de* Y0u have an adm1rable t0lerance.

[11:08] CT: Alth0ugh 1f y0u d0 w1sh t0 c0rrect them... f0r learn1ng sakes 1 c0uld take y0u.

[11:09] CT: S0 y0u may exper1ence them hav1ng learned.

[11:09] LP: i appreciate your emotional support ouo

[11:10] LP: -he sits up and hurries over to show him the screen on the camera, pointing to it. it APPEARS to be a mushroom, but there is a weird blue glow around it, despite the rest of the picture being in near-total darkness-

[11:10] LP: lo-ok o-o

[11:13] CT: *Leans 1n t0 l00k at the screen* Ah, that 1s a f1ne d1sc0very.

[11:13] CT: D0 y0u recall th1s aura?

[11:15] LP: um

[11:15] LP: i do not believe so no

[11:17] LP: do you think maybe we should try to take some spores

[11:17] LP: and find out O-O

[11:18] CT: *p01nts a claw t0 the screen, ar0und the edges* The l1ghtness 0f th1s blue 1nd1cates an 0penness. A fung1 h0us1ng a truthful energy.

[11:18] CT: *n0ds* C0llect sp0res and d0 s0 gently.

[11:18] CT: 1t 1s at peace.

[11:19] LP: oh

[11:19] LP: yes

[11:19] LP: ok

[11:20] LP: -he does as instructed. only the lightest tap to the cap of the mushroom...-

[11:20] LP: -so gentle the mushroom does not move or shake to even the slightest degree, with his little baggie underneath it. It's not a particularly advanced way of collecting mystic specimens, but it'll do.-

[11:21] LP: -he does another little teensy tiny tap and manages to shake out just a SMALL sample, sealing it back up as he gets up and dusts off his sweater.-

[11:21] LP: -then he walks over to offer it up to him.-

[11:21] LP: ouo

[11:23] CT: *takes the sample and exam1nes 1t, n0ds and hands 1t back t0 Baldur* 1 w1ll sh0w y0u h0w t0 analyze 1t w1th my 1nstruments.

[11:23] CT: Sh0uld an energy c0nfuse y0u 1 w1ll, up0n y0ur learn1ng, perm1t y0u access t0 us1ng s0me 0f my t00ls.

[11:23] CT: *He's d01ng s0 well, K0ug 1s pr0ud*

[11:24] LP: very well

[11:24] LP: i am ready to move on from here o-o

[11:25] CT: Alr1ght. *Nowit is his turn to lead the way, stepping onto the path*

[11:26] CT: .. 1 am cur1ous. What d0 y0u plan 0n d01ng c0me the t1me 0f y0ur departure? W1ll y0u rema1n 0r c0nt1nue y0ur stud1es and apply them elsewhere?

[11:26] LP: ouo -he is more than happy to follow now. He's kind of proud of how well this went. It definitely takes his mind off of what could potentially have happened with Lyra...-

[11:26] LP: um

[11:26] LP: am i invited to remain

[11:26] LP: ?

[11:26] LP: i do not want to assume

[11:26] LP: i guess i havent really decided for real yet

[11:27] CT: 1 have n0 reas0n t0 want y0u g0ne. Y0ur c0mpany 1s welc0me 1n my eyes.

[11:27] CT: 1 f1nd y0ur s0ft presense s00th1ng.

[11:28] CT: Y0y0 1s als0 f0nd 0f y0u 1'm certa1n.

[11:28] LP: o///o

[11:28] LP: i am glad you think so

[11:28] LP: um

[11:28] LP: im going to consider that

[11:28] LP: while i decide

[11:28] LP: ouo

[11:30] CT: 1'm glad t0 hear 1t. Even 1f y0u are n0t t0 rema1n we must lum1nate y0u 1f y0u plan 0n wander1ng at n1ghts al0ne.

[11:30] CT: 1s th1s n0t the f1rst t1me y0u d0 s0?

[11:32] LP: well

[11:32] LP: yes

[11:32] LP: it doesnt count on a ship does it

[11:34] CT: L1kely n0t. M0stly 1n the w00ds.

[11:34] CT: They have n0t been s0 adventur0us t0 g0 as far as d0ck1ng bays.

[11:34] LP: oh ah

[11:34] LP: well then

[11:34] LP: yes

[11:34] LP: this is the first time

[11:35] CT: When we return g1ve me y0ur cl0thes and 1f y0u w0uld l1ke 1 w1ll als0 pa1nt y0ur b0dy 1n pr0tect1ve patterns.

[11:36] CT: H0wever y0u are usually cl0thed. S0 1t may be unnecessary.

[11:36] LP: O-O

[11:36] LP: ah

[11:36] LP: ha

[11:36] LP: yes

[11:36] LP: we can

[11:36] LP: do that

[11:36] LP: definitely

[11:38] CT: *Brings them to a stream* Y0ur cl0th1ng 0r y0ur b0dy?

[11:38] LP: ....... -sweats-

[11:38] LP: maybe you could show me on my body so i could really learn O-O

[11:38] LP: learn it a lot so much O-O

[11:41] CT: Yes, that's a g00d p01nt... hm. 1 w1ll draw them 0ut f0r y0u and y0u may pract1ce up0n my b0dy as well.

[11:41] CT: 1 w1ll walk y0u thr0ugh the appr0pr1ate f1nger str0kes. *stoops to drink from stream*

[11:42] LP: -welp. that's definitely gonna be what kills him-

[11:42] LP: O////O

[11:42] LP: ok

[11:44] CT: *Nods, it's settled* D0 y0u w1sh t0 expl0re th1s area 0r w0uld y0u prefer t0 head back? *Watches him*

[11:46] LP: we can go back

[11:46] LP: its getting kind of late

[11:46] LP: isnt it

[11:46] LP: when do you sleep anyways o-o

[11:48] CT: Rarely.

[11:48] LP: oh

[11:48] LP: is that

[11:48] LP: ...

[11:48] LP: healthy?

[11:49] CT: My b0dy 1s well rested, at t1mes 1 may nap. 0r l1e there and let my b0dy relax.

[11:49] LP: yes but

[11:49] CT: Sleep s1mply d0es n0t always c0me easy.

[11:49] LP: your minds need rest to-o

[11:49] LP: ...

[11:49] LP: oh

[11:49] LP: right

[11:49] LP: i understand taht

[11:49] LP: that*))

[11:50] CT: *Stands up after another slorp of water* Are y0u c0ncerned?

[11:50] LP: i dont know

[11:50] LP: i do not think so

[11:50] LP: i mean

[11:50] LP: i dont usually have easy nights of sleep either

[11:50] LP: and neither does mirakl

[11:51] LP: at least

[11:51] LP: i wouldnt think so

[11:51] LP: there is stuff that gets in the head o-o

[11:52] CT: That 1s true, s0met1mes l1terally. Y0u tw0 are.... str0ng 1 w0uld say. T0 rema1n.

[11:52] CT: N0t many accept the w00ds as they are.

[11:52] CT: 0nly pass thr0ugh and very qu1ckly.

[11:53] LP: o-o

[11:53] LP: it is really difficult to see myself as something strong

[11:55] CT: ...Why 1s that?

[11:55] CT: Th0ugh lack1ng 1n strength there 1s m0re t0 1t than phys1cal1t1es. *approaches Baldur*

[11:55] LP: thats what quinne told me to-o

[11:56] LP: i guess in different words though

[11:56] LP: ...

[11:56] LP: i dont know if i actually am strong

[11:56] LP: but i do want to find out

[11:56] LP: and this is a go-od place to do it

[11:58] CT: 0f m1nd, 0r b0dy, sp1r1t, 0r presense. Y0u w1ll have a str0ngness 0thers d0 n0t have and they w1ll have a str0ngness y0u d0 n0t.

[11:58] CT: 1 h0pe y0u f1nd answers wh1ch please y0u.

[11:58] LP: ouo

[11:58] LP: maybe ive already found a few

[12:00] CT: ... *He is very soft and friendly looking. Don't smile at this sweaty beast like that* ...Yes. G00d. *Gestures t0 the path* We.. shall return. T0 th1s sp0t.

[12:07] LP: -he sorta tries to LOOP HIS ARM-

[12:07] LP: that sounds nice to-o

[12:09] CT: *Oh, sweats and holds this arm gently. Clears throat* Yes... very n1ce. *Leads them on the path back. On the path home however temporary it may be*

[12:09] LP: -he leans into him. he is VERY WARM-

[12:10] CT: *Warm and damp*