Hey, what's that?

➢✉ "The rulebook states that on the day of the first of April, I get to roam freely and do as I please! Let's see..."

But sometimes, when Contess talks about the students out there and all the punishments she had to enforce.... Snek looks out through the windows in the lounge, with a longing in her face that always prompts Contess to say "You are free to go and see for yourself! Don't be stuck in here like I am. It's way too boring." But the more Snek ponders, the more she realizes that ... freedom is also boring. There is no place she can't reach, no wisdom she couldn't teach and also... no rules she could breach... unless...

Snek waits patiently for Contess to emerge from her book. When she finally does, Snek slowly opens her eyes and approaches with the most eagerly begging expression possibly known to Hypo-kind. "Snek snek, sneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek?" (Can I have a student badge, pleaaaaaaaaaase?)

➢✉ Contess fully understood that being stuck in this library and playing the same games and retelling stories got boring, draining even. It would make sense that her companion would want to leave...

➢✉ Though then Snek asked for a student badge, which surprised her a bit. However, the more that the Hypogean thought of it, the greater the idea seemed. It was a perfect balance between school work and private game sessions!

➢✉ Contess quickly arranged a new badge, filling it with Snek's info, making her an official student at the Lyceum.

➢✉ "Of course, here you go! I'm looking forward to how many rules you can break..."

Until a gentle shuffling can be heard from the side. A single book falls over. Then, another set of books seems to be pushed across the floor. More shuffling. Then silence. Until out of nowhere a faint voice calls. "snek" A pause. Something purple dressed in red crawls up the pillar up to where the Rulebook lies. "sneek" comes the voice with more insistence. But there is silence. The thing now crawls on top of the Rulebook before rising its voice once more:

"SNEEEK!"

➢✉ A groan could be heard from the rulebook once the noise filled the otherwise silent library. "Ugh... it's well beyond my work hours.. what do you want?" A voice came from the rulebook, sounding tired and slightly irritated.

➢✉ (￣_￣)・・・

➢✉ Shortly after the Hypogean would reveal herself to inspect the disturbance, only to realise it wasn't Merlin causing the ruckus as she anticipated.

➢✉ With a skip in her heartbeat, Contess was caught off guard when the little... critter? crawled on her book of rules. Not knowing what to make of it, she looked around, before cradling Snek in her arms.

➢✉ (・о・)

➢✉ "I'm sure you don't mind if I... take you in for a while, right? There's no rule about forbidding Hypogeans to have... pets, after all!"

Snek squeals in delight as she's picked up and cradled by the Hypogean, giggling in pleasure. She may just be a familiar but she never forgets or fails to love her mistresses former friends. <3

And then, her little eyebrows come down on her face for a joyful frown, just like the Hypogean holding her.

Friends. May the shenanigans begin!

Erin dances into the room, pushing the lavender flowers right under Morgan's nose.

(@windmaedchen-erin)

Flowers. How impressive.

Without hesitation, Erin pulls out one of the lavender stalks and sticks it between the layers of his robes.

"There. I don't need to know how many buds there are or where this flower can grow..." Then she pulls out another and carefully sticks it into the right side of his hair.

"It has many buds. And it grows... not in your hair." She adds another lavender stalk into his hair with an air of resistance. "It can't grow in your hair, right? I have never seen a human with flower hair before." The third ends up stuck on the top of his head. "Lavender affects people? Like how? Can you feel something special now?" The smirk on Morgan's face immediately brings back the pout! "Gah! Fine! I will go do some counting! But leave those flowers in! I need to see how this affects you. Plus, you look prettier with it."

A happy squeal accompanies the name and Erin jumps excitedly towards the magister.

"You are back!" she giggles and she scans Merlin's hands for any trinkets or books.

"Did you bring anything exciting for me?"

☼ — Aww, Erin! Wonderful to see you. Haha, as adorable as ever, aren’t you?

☼ — This time, I have some flowers that I received just recently. Let’s see…

"Oh, they are so pretty! I like both of them! Hm Hm Hm."

Erin keeps pointing between the two flowers as if she needed to overthink her words.

☼ — Of course you can. Make sure to leave a few of these, they’re from a native realm where the giver came from, so it’s precious on its own.

Erin pulls out one twig of the Lavender bundle and smells the tiny flowers along the stem. Then she opens her mouth wide and bites down on the purple flowers.

"Eww", she says while munching bravely on. "They -- are --- really ---- flowery." Her expression doesn't reflect the happy, blooming image of a flower, though.

And then she spits out the rest of them.

"Bah. You said we could eat them, but they taste way too much of flower. That's a 0 out of 10. Lousy."

☼ — Aww, Erin. You wouldn’t know it until you try it, right?

"Oh okay, can I carry these? I will be extra careful."

A happy squeal accompanies the name and Erin jumps excitedly towards the magister.

"You are back!" she giggles and she scans Merlin's hands for any trinkets or books.

"Did you bring anything exciting for me?"

☼ — Aww, Erin! Wonderful to see you. Haha, as adorable as ever, aren’t you?

☼ — This time, I have some flowers that I received just recently. Let’s see…

"Oh, they are so pretty! I like both of them! Hm Hm Hm."

Erin keeps pointing between the two flowers as if she needed to overthink her words.

☼ — Of course you can. Make sure to leave a few of these, they’re from a native realm where the giver came from, so it’s precious on its own.

Erin pulls out one twig of the Lavender bundle and smells the tiny flowers along the stem. Then she opens her mouth wide and bites down on the purple flowers.

"Eww", she says while munching bravely on. "They -- are --- really ---- flowery." Her expression doesn't reflect the happy, blooming image of a flower, though.

And then she spits out the rest of them.

"Bah. You said we could eat them, but they taste way too much of flower. That's a 0 out of 10. Lousy."

A happy squeal accompanies the name and Erin jumps excitedly towards the magister.

"You are back!" she giggles and she scans Merlin's hands for any trinkets or books.

"Did you bring anything exciting for me?"

☼ — Aww, Erin! Wonderful to see you. Haha, as adorable as ever, aren’t you?

☼ — This time, I have some flowers that I received just recently. Let’s see…

"Oh, they are so pretty! I like both of them! Hm Hm Hm."

Erin keeps pointing between the two flowers as if she needed to overthink her words.

"You! I seek the texts of Sal'thorin by order of @high-priestess-velara. Tell me who has them, now!"

Erin blinks in confusion at the guard. She has never seen such a ... Wilder (?) before, nor has she ever heard of Sal'Thorin. Despite the sudden and strange appearance, not to mention the bold tone adopted, Erin's interest is aroused. Even though she has long mellowed down from a once rigid Hypogean personality, Erin's major trait: curiosity, has not lessened.

"I have never seen you before nor do I know of Sal'Thorin or the High Priestess... but you certainly have got me intrigued! The documents you seek must be of great importance if you are willing to reveal yourself to the world, when previously you remained hidden from the sight of our scholars for centuries!"

She then rests her chin in her hand, unimpressed by the demand of the guard.

"All my records are old, nor have there been any new recent additions that I didn't author myself. Thus it is not in the Mystical House. Perhaps the Evergreen Conservatory?"

A pause as she ponders. "Surely you have considered recent events in Sal'Thorin? Who'd best know but yourself? Where is Sal'Thorin? Would it even be accessible by any of us here? What is the nature of those texts? What is with your purple glow? And do also tell me, why should I be bothered to follow the demands of your High Priestess?"

"Other than my confounded curiosity?" she adds hastily, making a mental note to check her archive for any records about 'Sal'Thorin'.

The Bold Guard draws his crossbow and arms it. His glow flickers while he stands ready.

She shrugs and lifts her hands up high. "The archives of the Conservatory are far away. Physical travel will take days!"

Taking note of the mysterious glow around the guard and it's flickering, tells Erin that they possibly do not have days. Would they even have an hour?

"You appeared out of nowhere but was that your own doing or that of your High Priestess? I could potentially take you to the archives instantly but you would have to submit to my magic."

A thin layer of dark smoke washes away Erin's human form and reveals her Hypogean origin. Her hands are still risen and her friendly smile is still trying to appease the guard, but her skin is purple, her eyes dark and leathery wings folded over her hips.

"The guards of Sal'thorin fear nothing! But other magic cannot override that of our priests for our own wellfare. There must be another way to search this conservatory you speak of...is there?"

Erin calls upon the darkness immediately and black hands rise from the ground to both, secure and steady the guard.

"Are you alright? What is this... dark magic on you?" The hands gently resonate with the purple glimmer now back on the shocked guard. It feels very familiar, nearly Hypogean.

"You are weak without it? Different magic as it may be, to similar are the qualities. I can strengthen its protection over you."

The hands whisper something indiscernible as they provide Erin's Hypogean energy to the protective spell upon the guard. They then carefully let go to give him room to move.

“Fine. I’ll go. But don’t think this is the end of this!”

Erin adds after the guard has already left. She sighs and then gently waves her hand through the remaining glimmer of the magic left behind.

"Hmmm, again, such familiar qualities. Your dark magic feels like home. I wonder where you have come from?"

The Hypogean ponders for a moment, definitely planning to follow up on this 'Sal'Thorin' place the guard mentioned. Perhaps they are revering one of her kin?

"You! I seek the texts of Sal'thorin by order of @high-priestess-velara. Tell me who has them, now!"

Erin blinks in confusion at the guard. She has never seen such a ... Wilder (?) before, nor has she ever heard of Sal'Thorin. Despite the sudden and strange appearance, not to mention the bold tone adopted, Erin's interest is aroused. Even though she has long mellowed down from a once rigid Hypogean personality, Erin's major trait: curiosity, has not lessened.

"I have never seen you before nor do I know of Sal'Thorin or the High Priestess... but you certainly have got me intrigued! The documents you seek must be of great importance if you are willing to reveal yourself to the world, when previously you remained hidden from the sight of our scholars for centuries!"

She then rests her chin in her hand, unimpressed by the demand of the guard.

"All my records are old, nor have there been any new recent additions that I didn't author myself. Thus it is not in the Mystical House. Perhaps the Evergreen Conservatory?"

A pause as she ponders. "Surely you have considered recent events in Sal'Thorin? Who'd best know but yourself? Where is Sal'Thorin? Would it even be accessible by any of us here? What is the nature of those texts? What is with your purple glow? And do also tell me, why should I be bothered to follow the demands of your High Priestess?"

"Other than my confounded curiosity?" she adds hastily, making a mental note to check her archive for any records about 'Sal'Thorin'.

The Bold Guard draws his crossbow and arms it. His glow flickers while he stands ready.

She shrugs and lifts her hands up high. "The archives of the Conservatory are far away. Physical travel will take days!"

Taking note of the mysterious glow around the guard and it's flickering, tells Erin that they possibly do not have days. Would they even have an hour?

"You appeared out of nowhere but was that your own doing or that of your High Priestess? I could potentially take you to the archives instantly but you would have to submit to my magic."

A thin layer of dark smoke washes away Erin's human form and reveals her Hypogean origin. Her hands are still risen and her friendly smile is still trying to appease the guard, but her skin is purple, her eyes dark and leathery wings folded over her hips.

"The guards of Sal'thorin fear nothing! But other magic cannot override that of our priests for our own wellfare. There must be another way to search this conservatory you speak of...is there?"

Erin calls upon the darkness immediately and black hands rise from the ground to both, secure and steady the guard.

"Are you alright? What is this... dark magic on you?" The hands gently resonate with the purple glimmer now back on the shocked guard. It feels very familiar, nearly Hypogean.

"You are weak without it? Different magic as it may be, to similar are the qualities. I can strengthen its protection over you."

The hands whisper something indiscernible as they provide Erin's Hypogean energy to the protective spell upon the guard. They then carefully let go to give him room to move.

"You! I seek the texts of Sal'thorin by order of @high-priestess-velara. Tell me who has them, now!"

Erin blinks in confusion at the guard. She has never seen such a ... Wilder (?) before, nor has she ever heard of Sal'Thorin. Despite the sudden and strange appearance, not to mention the bold tone adopted, Erin's interest is aroused. Even though she has long mellowed down from a once rigid Hypogean personality, Erin's major trait: curiosity, has not lessened.

"I have never seen you before nor do I know of Sal'Thorin or the High Priestess... but you certainly have got me intrigued! The documents you seek must be of great importance if you are willing to reveal yourself to the world, when previously you remained hidden from the sight of our scholars for centuries!"

She then rests her chin in her hand, unimpressed by the demand of the guard.

"All my records are old, nor have there been any new recent additions that I didn't author myself. Thus it is not in the Mystical House. Perhaps the Evergreen Conservatory?"

A pause as she ponders. "Surely you have considered recent events in Sal'Thorin? Who'd best know but yourself? Where is Sal'Thorin? Would it even be accessible by any of us here? What is the nature of those texts? What is with your purple glow? And do also tell me, why should I be bothered to follow the demands of your High Priestess?"

"Other than my confounded curiosity?" she adds hastily, making a mental note to check her archive for any records about 'Sal'Thorin'.

The Bold Guard draws his crossbow and arms it. His glow flickers while he stands ready.

She shrugs and lifts her hands up high. "The archives of the Conservatory are far away. Physical travel will take days!"

Taking note of the mysterious glow around the guard and it's flickering, tells Erin that they possibly do not have days. Would they even have an hour?

"You appeared out of nowhere but was that your own doing or that of your High Priestess? I could potentially take you to the archives instantly but you would have to submit to my magic."

A thin layer of dark smoke washes away Erin's human form and reveals her Hypogean origin. Her hands are still risen and her friendly smile is still trying to appease the guard, but her skin is purple, her eyes dark and leathery wings folded over her hips.

. . .

(both Magisters smile at Mini-Erin's reaction then... fluster when knowing the little one... Didn't eat nor drink... Magister Kafka covers his face in embarrassment while Magister Evangeline chuckles awkwardly and pats the back of her head)

"She's really just a plush, able to move around with a little bit of intelligent sentience...but nothing more", and immediately the little creature starts to wiggle in protest giving some whiney "sneeeeek"'s. Erin presses it closer to her chest trying to give it a peck on the head. "Ah, I forgot: she's got a good and giant heart, too!"

With that Snek settles herself satisfied on Erin's lap and dozes off.

"Thank you, Evangeline, for the meal then! I remember faintly some time when I did a lot of cooking, but nowadays I am happy to have anything Dolly provides."

She then observers their reaction to the possibility of other mini versions of people they know. When Evangeline shows her passionate side in regard to a miniature Cyran, Erin can't hold back a snort and laughter. 

"Oh, that is really something. I had only a very short moment with that one mini in particular, and I have to say, it's nothing like its counterpart. Except perhaps, for the endless yapping potential when excited about something. And... maybe some tastes and other character traits... hmm" She becomes silent when noticing Evangeline's stern gaze upon her, just as she is gracing Kafka with. It looks like she isn't very fond of Cyran and anything connected to him.

Magister Evangeline: NO PROBLEMO! Oh-- YOU CAN COOK, ERIN? HOW I WISH TO TASTE YOUR COOKING IF YOU HAVE THE MOOD TO COOK FOR ME! AHAHAHAA-- I WON'T FORCE YA-- LOOK-- KAFKA ALREADY GLARING AT ME--

(she gestures her hand at him, where he crosses his arms, shaking his head and glares at her. She turns back to look at Erin and chuckles awkwardly)

Magister Evangeline: I truly understand-- It needs lots of strength and determination to cook! Dolly's meals are THE BEST IN ANY UNIVERSE TO FILL UP YOUR EMPTY BELLY, FOR SURE!

(she grins and elbows Erin's arm lightly. Magister Kafka resumed eating his Omelette Fried Rice slowly... in silence... As he finishes eating it, he looks at Erin which is explaining a bit of Mini-Cyran's characteristics... His eyes sparkle a bit, nodding his head while... Magister Evangeline makes a "blergh" sound in disgust of that Mini-Cyran)

Magister Kafka: I see... If that... Little Cyran ever... Appears here... Miss Erin... May I ask... how do we... Call upon you to... Take it away from... Here..?

(his brows forrow when something... within him... shows a glimpse in his mind... of how chaotic the little Cyran had been in the Private Study Room of Court Mage Cyran... Causing the Court Mage to be out cold for quite some time... and could cause some trouble if Mini-Cyran ever appeared in the Mystical House of his...)

Magister Evangeline: LEMME JUST-- YEET THAT LITTLE CRITTER OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR YA, KAFKA! IT'S NOT THAT DIFFICULT!

"Ah yes, how to get in touch! Here, do take this." She still has her fork in the right hand but lifts her left hand to summon a small circular magic circle. It appears a little like a stamp, with the corrugated edges and a rather vague center that could be a portrait if looked at from the right angles. Perhaps. It slowly floats toward the pair of Magisters.

"Use this as the recipient for your letter and send it. By yourself, by a pigeon or even a letter box. It will find me. And if you want to send me more messages, just duplicate it." She shares a reassuring smile, for she'd be very happy to receive news from the two. Or even just one of them. 

(Both Magisters look at Erin which is casting a magic circle that conjures a stamp... Floating towards them... She explained how to use it... So that the Magisters could send back Mini-Cyran... If they ever encounter the little cute fella...)

She winks at the Magister before then turning her attention to the small creature on her lap right now. It had fallen asleep but the derpy facial expression has hardly changed. Just the grin isn't as wide. Erin scoops it up against her chest and then raises from her chair.

"Well... thanks to you both, and Dolly, for your hospitality. I should better be going now." 

Erin does a small curtsey, carefully so as to not wake the mini.

"I wish you the best of afternoons and a very pleasant night. I am looking forward to meeting you again!"

. . .

(both Magisters smile at Mini-Erin's reaction then... fluster when knowing the little one... Didn't eat nor drink... Magister Kafka covers his face in embarrassment while Magister Evangeline chuckles awkwardly and pats the back of her head)

"She's really just a plush, able to move around with a little bit of intelligent sentience...but nothing more", and immediately the little creature starts to wiggle in protest giving some whiney "sneeeeek"'s. Erin presses it closer to her chest trying to give it a peck on the head. "Ah, I forgot: she's got a good and giant heart, too!"

With that Snek settles herself satisfied on Erin's lap and dozes off.

"Thank you, Evangeline, for the meal then! I remember faintly some time when I did a lot of cooking, but nowadays I am happy to have anything Dolly provides."

She then observers their reaction to the possibility of other mini versions of people they know. When Evangeline shows her passionate side in regard to a miniature Cyran, Erin can't hold back a snort and laughter. 

"Oh, that is really something. I had only a very short moment with that one mini in particular, and I have to say, it's nothing like its counterpart. Except perhaps, for the endless yapping potential when excited about something. And... maybe some tastes and other character traits... hmm" She becomes silent when noticing Evangeline's stern gaze upon her, just as she is gracing Kafka with. It looks like she isn't very fond of Cyran and anything connected to him.

Magister Evangeline: NO PROBLEMO! Oh-- YOU CAN COOK, ERIN? HOW I WISH TO TASTE YOUR COOKING IF YOU HAVE THE MOOD TO COOK FOR ME! AHAHAHAA-- I WON'T FORCE YA-- LOOK-- KAFKA ALREADY GLARING AT ME--

(she gestures her hand at him, where he crosses his arms, shaking his head and glares at her. She turns back to look at Erin and chuckles awkwardly)

Magister Evangeline: I truly understand-- It needs lots of strength and determination to cook! Dolly's meals are THE BEST IN ANY UNIVERSE TO FILL UP YOUR EMPTY BELLY, FOR SURE!

(she grins and elbows Erin's arm lightly. Magister Kafka resumed eating his Omelette Fried Rice slowly... in silence... As he finishes eating it, he looks at Erin which is explaining a bit of Mini-Cyran's characteristics... His eyes sparkle a bit, nodding his head while... Magister Evangeline makes a "blergh" sound in disgust of that Mini-Cyran)

Magister Kafka: I see... If that... Little Cyran ever... Appears here... Miss Erin... May I ask... how do we... Call upon you to... Take it away from... Here..?

(his brows forrow when something... within him... shows a glimpse in his mind... of how chaotic the little Cyran had been in the Private Study Room of Court Mage Cyran... Causing the Court Mage to be out cold for quite some time... and could cause some trouble if Mini-Cyran ever appeared in the Mystical House of his...)

Magister Evangeline: LEMME JUST-- YEET THAT LITTLE CRITTER OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR YA, KAFKA! IT'S NOT THAT DIFFICULT!

"Ah yes, how to get in touch! Here, do take this." She still has her fork in the right hand but lifts her left hand to summon a small circular magic circle. It appears a little like a stamp, with the corrugated edges and a rather vague center that could be a portrait if looked at from the right angles. Perhaps. It slowly floats toward the pair of Magisters.

"Use this as the recipient for your letter and send it. By yourself, by a pigeon or even a letter box. It will find me. And if you want to send me more messages, just duplicate it." She shares a reassuring smile, for she'd be very happy to receive news from the two. Or even just one of them. 

. . .

(both Magisters smile at Mini-Erin's reaction then... fluster when knowing the little one... Didn't eat nor drink... Magister Kafka covers his face in embarrassment while Magister Evangeline chuckles awkwardly and pats the back of her head)

"She's really just a plush, able to move around with a little bit of intelligent sentience...but nothing more", and immediately the little creature starts to wiggle in protest giving some whiney "sneeeeek"'s. Erin presses it closer to her chest trying to give it a peck on the head. "Ah, I forgot: she's got a good and giant heart, too!"

With that Snek settles herself satisfied on Erin's lap and dozes off.

"Thank you, Evangeline, for the meal then! I remember faintly some time when I did a lot of cooking, but nowadays I am happy to have anything Dolly provides."

She then observers their reaction to the possibility of other mini versions of people they know. When Evangeline shows her passionate side in regard to a miniature Cyran, Erin can't hold back a snort and laughter. 

"Oh, that is really something. I had only a very short moment with that one mini in particular, and I have to say, it's nothing like its counterpart. Except perhaps, for the endless yapping potential when excited about something. And... maybe some tastes and other character traits... hmm" She becomes silent when noticing Evangeline's stern gaze upon her, just as she is gracing Kafka with. It looks like she isn't very fond of Cyran and anything connected to him.

*Alerted eyes, including those of the hamsters, scanned the area. Then, a collective gasp was heard and the fingers of the familiars point above the Magisters head.*

*By the time a reaction came to follow the direction of their gaze, a cute and harmless miniature version of an unfamiliar Hypogean in snake-onesie slowly crawls across the countertop, just in front of the stumped Magister.*

(windmaedchen-erin / windmaedchen-oceanhorn)

>> @windmaedchen-erin <<

. . .

(It was afternoon and... Both Magisters are having afternoon tea at the Noble Tavern. Chippy and Hammie munching away their meals in delight !)

Uh, hello? I am Erin... I have come to look for my snake plush. It's... Oh.

*Erin, in her human form and protected by Dura's necklace, which fully hides her original Hypogean aura, instantly discovers Mini-Erin in the hands of Evangeline. She sighs heavily and approaches with a few apologies uttered.*

She worms off to all sorts of places. I hope she's not causing any trouble? I am very happy to take her off your hands. She might be totally harmless but it doesn't look like your friend here appreciates that.

Magister Evangeline: Oh-- Hello there, Erin! I didn't expect a guest-- NAH, YOUR PETITE PLUSH AIN'T BOTHERED ME! I got the chance to see Kafka got scared of this-- Petite Plush of yours!

(Magister Evangeline chuckles and mini-Erin giggles at her remarks. She then pouts and shows the mini-Erin at The Original Erin when Erin stated that she wants it back. The mini-Erin's tiny hands reaching out for Magister Kafka, whining, wanting to be held by that Skittish Magister which is hiding under the table.)

Magister Kafka: ... Please... Head back to... Where you... come from...

(Magister Kafka whimpers, trembles and covers his face due to fear of the snake... although it just wears a snake-onesie... He didn't hear and realised that there's a guest due to the fact that his mind is too occupied with... fear...)

Magister Evangeline: AAANYWAYS, did you want to stay by to eat Omelette fried rice that Dolly cooked today? We are just going to eat it right now. If not, I'll pack it up a portion of it for you before you leave.

"I really wouldn't mind a bit of food right now", she responds to Evangeline's invitation. "But we should better restrict the movements of my miniature self. I would feel bad to leave Kafka so terrified."

Erin reaches down into one of her trouser pockets and pulls out a sturdy looking leash.

"This looks harsher than it really is, so don't worry", Erin adds a wink to her words as she shows off the leash. "Snek will be fine. But you can keep this tied to your own wrist or to the chair you sit on, just so Snek cannot worm farther away than this. And that should perhaps calm down Kafka, too. Hm?"

Magister Evangeline: Come out now, Kafka-- The snake is gone now.

(she could see him shaking his head quickly and she uses another method...)

Magister Evangeline: Kafka-- we have a guest named Erin right now, the owner of this little snake--

Magister Kafka: We have a... guest..?

(he tried to stand up quickly but then... His head hits the table, causing him to hiss in pain. Magister Kafka takes Magister Evangeline's hand and crawls out of underneath the round table and looks up... Seeing Erin holding Snek. His face becomes red due to embarrassment and he slowly stands up, dusting off his trousers.)

Magister Kafka: My... apologies... I... I didn't realise...

(his voice trails off and his face is still red, covering his mouth. He then slightly bows, although his body is quite trembling due to fear.)

Magister Kafka: Welcome... to the... Mystical House of... mine...

(he pauses when Magister Evangeline cuts through his next word)

Magister Evangeline: Now, let's head to the Noble Tavern to eat Omelette Fried Rice! I'm verrry starving!

"I didn't expect such hospitality, especially when this little thing caused you some stress. Can I somehow make it up to you?"

Erin knows well enough that any Merlin can perfectly do well without her assistance. At the same time, given that she always looked after her Merlin, this question was only natural. It was unusual to find two Merlins, but she remembers that once she found her Merlin to be split as twins, so they probably work extremely well together. Nonetheless her curiosity compels her to ask about it.

Magister Kafka: It's alright... Miss Erin... There's no need for you to... Make up for it... It's my... Vulnerability... Towards Snake... Which is... Incurable... ...

(his voice trails off as he picks up the dirty cups gently and heads to the kitchen. Magister Evangeline comes out of the kitchen with a tray of meals. On a countertop of the Noble Tavern-- she places three plates of Omelette Fried Rice for both Magisters and their honourable guest, Erin and-- a mini sized Omelette Fried Rice on a small plate for Mini-Erin!)

Magister Evangeline: Eat up! I dunno if your Snek can eat-- I just prepared it just in case if its hungry!

(she grins and takes a seat on a stool. Magister Kafka comes back with a tray of tea set. He places a small container of sugar cubes if Erin wants to add more sugar to her tea... He pours Earl Grey tea gently in the teacups and passes to them. He then pours tea... in a... mini cup for Mini-Erin and places beside Erin's teacup.)

Magister Kafka: It's for... Urm... The little one... If it's parched...

(he sits on a stool, and stares at the meals for awhile. Both Magisters blink their eyes in unison when Erin asks another question. Magister Kafka covers his mouth, thinking of how to answer the question. However... Magister Evangeline answers the question immediately--)

Magister Evangeline: WE ARE THE BESTEST OF SYNCHRONIZATION! WE BECOME UNSTOPPABLE IF WE DO THE WORK TOGETHER-- WORKING LIKE A SMOOTH, WELL-OILED MACHINE!

(she pauses and looks at him. Magister Kafka continues for her, at a slow pace...)

Magister Kafka: If it's about chores... around the Mystical House... Yes... we do divide our tasks... thoroughly...

(he closes his eyes and covers his mouth)

Magister Kafka: I brew the tea... while she cooks and bakes... I do... the chores inside the House... while she does... the chores outside the House...

(he takes a sip of the tea and Magister Evangeline adds--)

Magister Evangeline: OF COURSE WE CAN CHANGE THE FLOW OF THE CHORES! But-- Kafka prefers to do inside chores than outside though.

(she eats three spoonfuls of the Omelette Fried Rice and smiles happily, finally got to eat lunch! Magister Kafka massages the back of his neck and still stares at his meals)

Magister Kafka: If it's about... the duties of Magister Merlin... I'm... Currently trying to... help out Zanie at Ironhold Bay... To save the village of hers from being... abandoned... However... I'm a bit... Exhausted nowadays...

(he blinks slowly as he slowly scoops up a spoonful of Omelette Fried Rice then... Eating it... Slowly...)

Magister Evangeline: WHILE I HAVEN'T FINISHED EXPLORING AND DO TASKS YET AT THE DARK FOREST-- AHAHAHAA-- Dang it-- Little scamp--

"Look, how you are treated!" she exclaims and as if in response to that Mini-Erin wiggles its arms, hissing contented.

Then Erin turns around to the Magisters. "Of course, Snek doesn't really eat or drink. But I am sure she still appreciates the gesture. Thank you." And after giving her own plate an excited look she adds a compliment to the cook: "It looks delicious, too! Dolly can simply make the best dishes out there, can't she?"

Holding onto Snek in her lap, Erin begins to eat, while listening to their workflow explanation. She nods every now and then, too, for it was good teamwork. Especially if they can try to help out in different locations across Esperia.

"Yes, yes, I see. That's a very good approach. I am glad it works out so well for you!" She shudders involuntarily as she remembers, in stark contrast, yet another Merlin, who was so moody it made everything they did a chaotic mess. At least, during that lifetime, no such urgent tasks as recently had to be completed.