Journey Day 05 Night Bandit Aftermath

The small party managed to make most of the rest of the day's travel following the incident before making camp once more. Throughout the day's travel Syval and Honoria were able to continue conversing between one another, and Neosodos would join now and then. But unlike previous days' travel it became very clear that Jyslin and Andie were not talking amongst one another. In fact, they have not spoken to one another since Jyslin was successfully extracted. The tiny drake's bristling mannerisms make it clear he is feeling very, very uncomfortable right now. It does not appear that he is being tarred with whatever brush of distaste or fury that is directed from the priestess towards the witch, but clearly he cannot help being associated with her, and so is finding himself 'trapped in the middle', not unlike the other two party members.

Thankfully everyone are capable professionals in their travels and journeys, and so they are making things work while minimizing communication. They largely know exactly where to be and what to do to keep things going, without even once needing to speak to one another. But it's a challenge to say the last.

<OOC> Syval says, "Long phone. Murphy's Law..."

<OOC> Syval says, "Oy vey and now it is a busy night. Back from phone. One moment more while I tie up a loose end. 9_9"

<OOC> Syval says, "Okay, now to catch up here. Sorry that after setting things up my night got instantly torpedoed."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li shrugs. "Crud happens, hon."

<OOC> Syval says, "Ah yes and I was meaning to practice mind-speak with Neos too. Still catching up on my notes a little."

<OOC> Syval says, "Agh and I forgot the polite term I'd started using for Neos when we're speaking dragon to dragon. Not his title Eldritch Wyrm but like how he refers to me as "little brother"."

<OOC> Syval vaguely recalls having some kind of deferent address for that.

Hanging towards the back of their group, Syval hasn't seemed to mind the shift to silence greatly and has filled a modest amount of it with conversations in Maenast. As in his earlier travels with the witchy pair, the dragonoid seems content to observe more than draw attention to himself. The sobering challenges they've faced in the past days have further cemented his attitude and added a fresh wariness to how his sand-colored eyes regard the woods around them.

<You seem even worse at ease than Jyslin, brother. Do we need to give Andie and Jyslin time in the portal to talk through... whatever this is?> he thinks towards the Eldritch Wyrm while making eye contact. Absent any developed skill in Mindspeech, he's hoping Neos picks it up for him.

Hanging towards the back of their group, Syval hasn't seemed to mind the shift to silence greatly and has filled a modest amount of it with conversations in Maenast. As in his earlier travels with the witchy pair, the dragonoid seems content to observe more than draw attention to himself. The sobering challenges they've faced in the past days have further cemented his attitude and added a fresh wariness to how his sand-colored eyes regard the woods around them.

<You seem even worse at ease than Jyslin, brother. Do we need to give her and Andie time in the portal to talk through... whatever this is?> he thinks towards the Eldritch Wyrm while making eye contact. Absent any developed skill in Mindspeech, he's hoping Neos picks it up for him.

<OOC> Syval says, "Fixed a typo. *her and Andie, not Andie and Jyslin."

<OOC> Syval tries to remember if he's wearing some kind of robe above his waist again or if he's still topless.

<OOC> Syval says, "The little things I didn't notate for myself."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I think you were still at this point topless. Though that may be something discussed and addressed now that we've made camp. Someone with sewing skills could modify something so you can have a top?"

<OOC> Syval says, "A good thought, particularly since I've got my existing robes and we "find" new clothes occasionally." When the tensions are addressed, Neosodos sighs mentally. Yes, he picked it up since he and Syval have been working on his mindspeech, even if not perhaps with the level of success either would prefer just yet. << I do not know that giving them a private space to talk will actually convince them to do so. Andie is thoroughly convinced that she has done nothing wrong. From what little I can tell, Jyslin is rather furious, and hurt all in one. And I believe emotionally she has somehow decided that it is a test of Andie's love for her to realize why she is upset and speak to it, address it. >> The tiny wyrm's dry tone on this makes clear his feelings on the matter: this is dumb human emotional cruft, and he is only addressing it because it is screwing with his bonded person, and one of his best friends. He would much prefer it all go the Hells away.

Syval glances briefly skyward at the notion, so much for his thoughts on the matter as well. << In human language that's called the "silent treatment". Was it the fire she summoned? I've not seen her cast a spell so large before, and that manipulating voice is... troubling. >> There's much more the young dragonoid could say about a far-off and powerful voice able to control the minds of a bandit gang from miles away but without knowing more about it there isn't much to do but hope to go unnoticed.

The drake looks heavenward and sighs. << I do not know, really. She refuses to tell me, likely because she knows the moment I know Andie will as well. So this has become a test, and I am not allowed to help Andie 'cheat'. >> More dry frustration with humans is rolled up in all of that.

<< I agree that the Voice is troubling. So does Andie. But for some reason Jyslin, though probably worried about it, is too fixated on her anger with Andie to discuss it much. >> Such a tired drake.

Syval shifts the pack on his shoulder and his thoughts are quiet at first in response, turned inwards until he broaches the dangerous question, << Could that be more manipulation from the Voice? We do have a spell to block it out but no charms yet. >>

<OOC> Syval says, "Still there?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry. My fault. I should have said something. I got a call. It's over now. Apologies. :(" Honoria does not interrupt, but is clearly aware that Syval and Neosodos are conversing, as she seems to be watching first one and then the other back and forth, perhaps attempting to judge the topic of their conversation or how it's going. She's just not used to reading emotional context from draconic features.

<< I do not believe it is more manipulation. The spell is active. The talismans will take time once we have settled for the evening. Andie will likely need to use the cavern for the night. Hopefully she can manage to create talismans for all in a single night, but I do not know. >> Which proves the drake's conversations with his mistress have been similarly strained; he clearly has not already asked, which shows he is distracted.

<< I do not sense any manipulation effect upon Andie. >> Whether Neo would sense it might be a question; and there is the possibility that she herelf might be more resistant to such things than others. But he clearly feels ill-equipped to discuss the heightened and very human emotions of the human women, no matter how well he would normally say he knows them.

<OOC> Syval says, "That's okay. Welcome back. :)"

<< Well, then we will manage with what we have, >> Syval concludes after another pause for thought. While he might not like the new rift between the witch and her companion, human emotions are something he's plenty familiar with. The neophyte dragonoid isn't turning down another chance for meditation either, even if he'll likely be doing it outside Andie's cavern.

His sandy eyes glance to Honoria and the green drake smiles apologetically. "<Sorry, still learning mind-speak. I cannot do three people at once yet.>" Or even one person besides Neos. Baby steps.

Big, massive scaled and clawed baby steps. Neosodos turns his head towards the lady knight and his irridescent eyes get a swirling look as he reaches out to instead make contact with her mind, filling her in on the basics of the discussion thus far. Real consternation and concern shows in the lady knight's face, but the beter part of valor clearly takes precedence; even as another human woman she does not try to step in or mediate between the two whom she presumes to be lovers. Oh no, not dancing in that minefield.

"< Are we close, then, to where we should halt for the evening? >" Honoria instead inquires, aloud. She would ask in Shaaren, but she does not know the langauge; she realizes Jyslin is the one person being excluded here, but she cannot help that. Neosodos helps out, translating for the priestess, who turns and looks around, then nods. She then takes off her big backpack and starts extracting cookware and tent and the like as if it is any other night on the trail.

As before, the habits of camp take precedence without conversation or interrogation. Andie removes her satchel and sets it down, commanding it open once more as she has been. "Given our intention of the protective talismans, Syval, I will need the use of the cavern this evening. Would you and Honoria be so kind as to assist Jyslin with the preparations for camp and the meal?" She seems to barely wait for acknowledgement or response before she slips into the cavern and begins her work there. Neosodos gives the other three a long look before his perch upon her shoulder takes him out of sight.

"I realize my own lighting of the fire will not be nearly as effortless. But I can manage." Jyslin explains to Syval as she digs the fire pit manually, clearly going to the effort of setting up the more stealthy pit that will be almost invisible beyond this camp. Her past lifetime as a roamer is clear as her comfort in the wilds and with such preparations is frankly without question. She does not bother with hunting for dinner, however, and instead pulls out some supplies and rations, starting to cook up a soup for dinner.

"How does the new body feel after a day of travel spent?" Jyslin inquires of Syval while she works on all of this.

"Sure Andie. I'll be in to retrieve my bag when dinner is ready," Syval replies to the witch, lingering his eyes last on Neos before the pseudodragon disappears. It's been helpful not having his very human backpack not pressing against his new wings all day and as the group stops to make camp the dragonoid takes an opportunity to stretch out, turning enough to extend his full verdant span between a couple spindly trees. If the young man looked large walking around, it's dwarfed by his presence with wings out and a relieved grunt reveals he's not doing it just for show.

"Energized," he answers honestly as assessing himself turns to helping around their burgeoning campsite. While Jyslin starts on the fire pit, he begins setting up the tents. "My legs feel more normal now. Still a little weird, but everything is... a little sharper. I think this will be the safer form to keep once I get used to the wings too - as long as we don't have to pass among humans." In the middle of the wilderness north of the Toadsquat Range? Not likely.

<OOC> TEST There are a few small errant villages here and there, but they are small, transient, and easily avoided. The group need not interact with any of them. THe most challenging is likely to be towards the end of the journey as they approach the White Bog Wood, for there lies Wishwell. A unique reputation, that place. "Unlikely to be an issue for a while, yet." Jyslin answers simply.

Honoria nods in agreement.

"Well then, at least you should have plenty of time to find your own balance in it." As a werebeast herself, Jyslin clearly has a perspective on such things, but her own nature is different twice over; she was infected, rather than born, for all that she now enjoys all of the benefits of a natural born werebeast. Also, her beast is ... a beast. Not a dragon. There must needs be differences there, surely.

"As a matter of perspective, I do recommend that you try out changing in both directions while you can do so with minimal threat. Then you can figure out how to do it when you want or need to, how it will feel, what challenges you will face, and how long the changes will take, before your life or anyone else's hang in the balance." Voice of experience, there

Honoria grimaces, forced to rely on Syval for translation before she can join the conversation still. "< Not that you need my advice, but I would agree with her. That does make some sense. I also suggest we try some sparring, tonight or tomorrow morning, to let you get the feeling for how this body will react and how you need to control it. >"

It takes a look from Honoria for Syval to remember to translate for the knight while he sets the first of their tents then glances skyward to decide if the watch tent is called for. "We have a long journey yet and honestly I look forward to spending more time learning about myself. I only worry about what dangers won't wait. That's good advice - both of you. Perhaps we can spar while supper boils then I'll sleep human and transform back in the morning," the young dragonoid offers before a thought strikes him and he scratches pensively at the scales of his jawline. "But I can see better at night like this..."

"< Your counsel is always welcome, Honoria. You're as much part of this band as the rest of us, >" he asides supportively to the blonde knight-errant.

Trust the lady knight to think about the martial implications; she is a professional soldier, after all. Not just a princess, this one, oh no. She does not bother to explain to the dragonoid exactly the shades thrown in her earlier comment; he will have to learn such things, eventually, but experience is in her estimation the best teacher. "< If you've a wish to spar, then we can make it so. You should ask Jyslin if she minds; the sounds of clashing may upset her if given without warning. >"

Jyslin gets dinner started and then moves to start setting up the tent she usually shares with Andie; whether the witch will be coming tonight or not, there will be a place for her regardless.

For Syval there is a sense - a stink - of strong magic building, wafting from the cavern.

The green-scaled young man flits his gaze to the portal and wrinkles his nose. Trust strong magic to distract the mage turned were-dragon. "< Wow, I hadn't realized Art could leak from that portal. Andie is working on a big enchantment... >" Once his own tent is pitched and some small prep is done to help the campsite Syval moves over to Jyslin's larger two-person tent and wordlessly starts to help her as well.

"Honoria suggested more sparring to help me get used to this body. Do you mind? You're welcome to join in," he explains casually.

"< When the portal is open, it is a doorway like any other, is it not? >" Honoria answers, since by speaking Maenast the dragonoid was obviously addressing her with the question. "< She did promise to work on talismans to protect us from the Voice. One presumes such talismans would be moderately major workings, as apparently the spell she was using to protect us was substantial in power. >" The lady knight from the distant past does not seem at all discomfited by the implication of Andie's level of power and experience.

Jyslin considers Syval for a few moments as they work on the tent together. "You are getting much better at speaking with your differently-shaped jaw. Well done." Hey, he has only had a day to work at this, so it's worth noting the success he is having. It helps that he has been talking all day, though, and in two languages. "I am sure Honoria is far better a warrior than I. I would not want to force you to face two opponents at once. But I may come over now and again." Of course Syval has seen Jyslin fight; she's no slouch to be sure. But she clearly considers herself not to be anywhere near on-par with the lady knight.

"< I guess it is so. I thought there would still be some kind of separation. I can't normally sense through it,>" Syval asides back to Honoria before turning his attention back to Jyslin and mentally switching languages again. "Thank you. It's ssstill awkward. I hope I can learn mind-speak quickly," he admits, accidentally letting slip a hiss as the compliment makes him self-conscious. "I would think she'll welcome you sparring her too. I don't think I'm a challenge for her in either form."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "You have been able to sense things through it. Smelled food on the cook fires from inside; sensed dragons through the doorway; etc."

<OOC> Syval says, "Thank you. That's my faulty memory at work then."

<OOC> Syval says, "How about we just leave that exchange as-is and move on? It'd be a bit messy to correct." Jyslin chuckles wryly. "I rather doubt either of will be much of a challenge for her. But I can give it a try; at least I heal quickly." Clearly the priestess is expecting to be trounced throughly, even painfully. But she is not afraid of it.

Once the largest of the tents is fully assembled, Jyslin climbs inside to prepare things for a bit. After she emerges she makes her way to the fire to check on dinner's progress and do some stirring before approaching the sparring session already in progress.

Once the assembly of camp is complete Honoria gathers up Syval and takes him aside for sparring. The one clear benefit here is that she is such a professional, consumate warrior that she is not going to lose control of herself or her weapon; Syval's body is in no danger here. But his pride, if he had any in matters of melee, would definitely be at stake if not mortally wounded. Nevertheless a day spent moving about on those legs and with that body has given him better instincts than he had; so long as he does not let himself think too much or dwell upon his movements, everything at least goes where he intends without tangling tail with feet or worse.

When the sparring begins it becomes instantly clear the gap in skill between the pair, though for all the bookish reputation of wizards, Syval seems at least to know which end of his bardiche to swing with. His movements are comfortable, purposeful, and moving naturally enough between stances that it's clear he's had some formal training, or else a lot of practice mimicking someone who did. Of course the sheer size difference in sword versus polearm should favor the lady knight in agility but from pure physicality, the green dragonoid keeps up far better than his 14 pound weapon should allow. While his footwork seems to have suffered some from his transformation, occasionally put off balance or glanced by an out of place tail or wing, if anything his polearm has gotten even faster - and Lathander help her if Honoria's shield isn't up to intercept a two-handed swing.

Honoria actually takes the time to pull out her lance and drill Syval on some movements. Hers is not a bardiche, but it is long enough to give the impression of such, and that should be enough to help as she drills the draconoid wizard on the physicalities of wielding the bardiche in melee. "Remember: reach is wonderful, and keeping your enemy out and away from you is ideal. But you have to be prepared for how to choke up on the haft and take things in direct efficiently, rather than being overbalanced and just banging about helplessly with just the shaft. And that weapon is just as capable of defending you as it is of hurting your enemies."

Yes, Honoria even shows how to take her sword's blade in hand to do similar parries and shoves where appropriate, though she vastly prefers her shield. And well she should.

Jyslin does come over a bit later to watch the two of them practice. She does not interfere, nor involve herself, but she avidly pays attention, as both fight in ways she never much bothered to do in her own career. She was never much for shields, or anything but the lightest armor, and polearms would be worth nothing to her save as a means for a stretcher or a carry pole. But she is always avid to learn more, and is.

During a break, while Syval is drinking water Jyslin approaches to speak to him. "You should spend some time adjusting your mind to your expanded senses in this form. It may offer you advantages in combat. A heightened awareness of your surroundings that does not rely on human eyes can be a great asset. Especially given you have a weapon that is attached to you and behind, where eyes would find it hard to see." <re>

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh right, green dragons have pretty big tails don't they?"

<OOC> Syval should refine his dragon form notes.

<OOC> Syval says, "Do you recall how big we decided my dragon form is? Was it 7' plus bulk?"

<OOC> Syval can't recall if it shot up a foot or stayed roughly the same. He vaguely recalls the latter.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Around 7 foot plus bulk. Still size medium, but right up against the edge of that."

Like his fellow therianthrope it's a help for Syval that the unarmored young man heals quickly as even Honoria's more solid hits across their session didn't keep him down for long. With their respective stamina, the pair go at each other for quite a while, even after a day of trekking. By the time they call a break Syval's out of breath and dirtied up but otherwise doesn't look any worse for wear. Though if he had any bruises they'd be hard to see through scales anyway.

"That's a good idea Jyslin," he replies to the ashen blonde tigress before offering some of his water. "I do want to explore this body more - I can feel there's a lot I haven't tapped into yet. Is there a training method you recommend?"

<OOC> Syval ^_^ "Private expert training in the woods by pretty women. If trolls don't get us before we reach White Bog, this ain't a bad gig."

<OOC> Syval is a happy dragon. He's got his arms expert and his therianthrope expert, and how rare is /that/ one these days? And he's even getting paid to learn instead of shelling out heaping piles of silver for the privilege.

<OOC> Syval says, "Jeepers I'm as big as a tree now. Without adding any extra bulk for the +2/2/2 STR/DEX/CON or the wings and tail, the height difference alone puts me at 285 lb."

<OOC> Syval says, "Which, for reference, is still 50 pounds less than the 6'9" Halfthor Bjornsson because RL human size ranges are enormous."

<OOC> Syval says, "And that man's even got abs. He's just thick like an oak tree."

<OOC> Syval is going to be leaving deep footprints if he's not careful.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li rolls to track dragonoid with advantage!

<OOC> Syval says, "Careful, you may instead find a dire chicken."

<OOC> Syval says, "Those birds can cluck you up. u_u"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li giggles. The weretigress priestess accepts the offered water and drinks some, then returns it as she walks towards the campfire so that she can check on their still-cooking meal. It's almost ready. "Mmmm. Given that your form is a dragon, there's likely more to explore than there is with that of the tiger. I would recommend movement first: experiment with modes of movement on all-fours, especially galloping and jumping. Experiment with rolling, as that can be vital in mobile fights and when falling. Then work your way up to gliding and flying. Neosodos will be your best coach on that stuff." Obviously.

Honoria adds her own to this. "I would recommend we experiemnt later with using your limbs in combat. See what your claws can do, and what they cannot. See how strong your tail is and how well you can coordinate it. Then add regular exercises of those." She's not recommending practicing bite attacks just now, but that really should end up in the rotation somewhere.

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh right, I moved my inventory to OneNote!"

<OOC> Syval says, "...and despite adding all the weights forgot to include the bardiche altogether. D'oh."

<OOC> Syval says, "I think I copied this back into Word too so it would tally up, or at least was partway into that. 6.6"

Syval nods along as he considers the ideas. "Galloping around on all fours doesn't sound very dignified, especially with a pair of good wings on my back, but I think I understand. And I have been meaning to test my claws out..." The dragonoid looks over one of his sets of dagger-like talons and smiles toothily as his wings stretch out proudly. "I was going to do that over lunch, but I have a metal file I can play with while we eat."

"Most animals with digitigrade rear legs like yours can manage a galloping gait that is much faster than they can manage upright on only their hide legs. Given that you may only be able to glide, rather than truly fly, you'll likely find it easier to take off at higher speeds." Jyslin offers. Because yes, the former roamer and daughter of a druidess grew up understanding how it is animals function, and she shares that wisdom and knowledge unstintingly. "Dinner is almost ready."

Syval snorts lightly, still finding the idea a bit distasteful but taking the experienced young woman's council. "Then I will try that later. My mouth is more of a weapon than it used to be too, so maybe being empty-handed isn't so bad..." The grip on his bardiche tightens unconsciously as he says that. No doubt the adventurous wizard has become attached to his polearm in more ways than one. Looping the water skin back through his belt, the dragonoid stands back up and dusts at his robes. "Good timing. I'll clean up and grab my dish."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry for the delay. Struggling with headache at the moment."

<OOC> Syval says, "SOrry to hear that. Any idea what brought it on?" When Syval reaches the fire Jyslin is ready to ladle up food for him, as well as for Honoria and herself. She then ladles out a portion into a wooden bowl and carries it to the threshold of the cavern, where she sets it before returning with everyone else, thusly avoiding any actual interruptions of Andie's work. "I suspect they will be working much of the night." she murmurs quietly as she settles back down and starts eating. "We'll see how things are doing in the morning. There should be enough for some seconds, if either of you is still hungry."

With the aid of a little Art the apprentice wizard cleans up quickly and returns with his wooden bowl and utensils to eat. The claws do seem to cause Syval some small trouble in holding his spoon but the young man manages with a looser grip that lets his talons curl safely around his palm. Sitting takes a little more work but here the dragonoid has the benefit of practice and manages a mostly comfortable spot on the ground with his tail curled to one side as he tucks into his food.

"Thank you, Jyslin," he replies politely, letting the start of the meal otherwise pass quietly to focus on eating.

The priestess merely nods, offering a little smile, while all three seem to focus largely on the meal. Perhaps this is only to avoid the prickly subject of the two absent from around the campfire and the meal, but perhaps that is for the best? What else is there to say, after all?

"< Glad you are adapting well. >" Honoria offers after a bit, clearly having been watching Syval adjusting his habits, pose and posture for his new form and the needs of even sharing a simple meal having changed as a result. The lady knight herself as always acts cleanly and precisely with that oddly measured blend of precise courtly manners and the efficiency of a professional soldier.

"< I need much more practice to pull my weight, >" Syval answers with a rare candidness, perhaps from knowing Honoria is the only one who'll understand him. "< And to learn Neos' mind-speech so we can communicate together. I only hope the wilderness here, and that Voice, give us the time for that. >" A glance is given towards Jyslin though the green-scaled wizard doesn't offer to translate. Particularly without the Eldritch Wyrm's presence, he's conscious of being part of two disconnected worlds between the modern roamer and ancient knight.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li applauds.

<OOC> Syval says, "What? <.<"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I like that Syval is feeling his way through how to deal with 'all this' in the social dynamics, not just his newfound abilities." Jyslin just gazes at the dragonoid for a bit and then shrugs, assuming that if it were important that she knows Syval would feel more inclined to translate for her. Instead she just continues slowly eating her way through her dinner.

Honoria mmms. "< Probably best that I continue working to learn this modern tongue, as well, rather than assuming that translation will always be found. >" And Honoria has been trying, but it will take a lot of effort. It does not help that conversation amongst the group has become a bit stilted, and Honoria has only been around a few days as yet. This is going to be a while.

<OOC> Syval returns from starting soup dinner.

<OOC> Syval says, "Honestly this feels like a fated time to get to know Jyslin better like I'd planned to do before discovering Honoria and I'm OOCly kicking myself for forgetting so much of our past conversations. I feel like we've already discussed what most of my openers would be and I just can't recall them well enough to pick back up. >.<"

<OOC> Syval says, "ICly it's been what, 5 days? It'd all be fresh in Syval's own memory."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li nods. "Yeah. Six days at most."

"< That or get jewelry with a permanent translation enchantment. Knowing some Common will help you but both solutions would be appropriate for the Queen of Falkirk, >" Syval replies smoothly between bites, as if such an artifact were easily obtainable. It's a small blessing but the older Maenast seems a bit easier on his draconic tongue. The shifted wizard doesn't come across quite as strongly accented.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I'm mostly kidding. But, you could always ask Jyslin why she's so darned mad at Andie. ^_^"

<OOC> Syval says, "You joke but Syval is (1) a guy, (2) part dragon, and (3) wholly uninvolved in whatever fracas that is, so he very well could waltz right into that china closet like a big scaly green bull."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "This is quite true. He could do that."

<OOC> Syval says, "That said I don't think he'll open with it. Peek behind the curtain, he's thinking start the meal conversation with Honoria then switch to Jyslin and chat her up starting with therianthrope or personal stuff. He's got this feeling that thorn in the tiger's paw will present itself if she's given some room to talk 1-on-1." Honoria pauses to allow herself a soft chuckle of wry amusement as Syval names her so, shaking her head after a bit. "< Given that my city barely exists as more than a ruin in this age, my people long since scattered or dead, I am no queen. At best I am a princess long in exile. But thank you. >" But even the lady knight and princess in exile seems hesitant to further impose herself upon the likes of their witchly companion for yet another magical favor for the simple task of translation. "< I think I will continue my efforts to learn the new language. >" She does seem content, then, to spend some time questioning Syval on the modern Shaaren translations of various words she deems important to know. 'Danger', 'Enemy', 'Trap', 'Stop' and such.

"< Do you not plan then, once our journey is complete, to journey north and retake Falkirk? That may be fated, and what comes after will come, >" Syval responds with some amusement in turn, then allows the heavy subject to fall away for more mundane experience playing dictionary for the regal blonde. The dragonoid makes sure to speak the words in both languages clearly with another look towards Jyslin to draw the ashen blonde's attention. The lessons work in both directions, after all.

After covering some basics and eating through his bowl, Syval serves himself another ladle of food and gets settled again for more. This time his sand-brown eyes fall to Jyslin and the young man switches to Common. "What does it feel like for you being a therianthrope?" he asks. Tonight's the night for big questions it seems.

<OOC> Syval says, "FYI I'm resuming another scene on Jaden in parallel so I may slow down. Dinner's also coming up from the toaster but I botched the soup so it'll likely be piece-meal." Honoria shrugs her metal-clad shoulders a bit at the question. "< I am not given to vision of prophecy. >" she begins. "< I cannot know what lies ahead. But if I can achieve the destiny for which I was bound to the statue and gain the opportunity to break the curse of damnation laid upon Falkirk, I will gladly do so with all due haste and joy. And if so doing manages to bring others to the city, that it might be rebuilt and reclaimed for people, not just a crown, that would be one of my greatest joys. Not for my own position, but to have been a part of such hope and purpose for others. >"

Jyslin makes a point, as the lesson goes on, to instead demonstrate handsigns for Honoria and Syval, showing them how she would communicate these things subtly when they are on the trail. She definitely seems to approve of Honoria's choices of terms she wants to learn and supports the effort, repeating each word in modern Shaaren so that the lady knight can hear it spoken without the dragonoid's 'accent.'

When asked Jyslin considers Syval for a bit, as if mulling over quite what he means and how best to answer. "There are a lot of answers to that question, depending on point of view." she begins. "There's the question of what it felt like when I began, when I realized what I had become. There's the question of what it feels like now, having come to the priesthood and fullest acceptance of my calling. Or there is the more pointed question of how it feels when I shed my human seeming and embrace the form of the tigress."

Jyslin considers a bit longer, and then resumes speaking. "Starting with the first, it was very isolating. Lonely, and a bit terrifying. I was pretty consumed with fear that I would lose myself. Only my determination to keep moving forward really kept the panic at bay. That and the hope that when I reached the Temple, they could cure me." But of course that did not happen.

"What it feels like now that I have come to my calling is much more peaceful. I have reached acceptance, and been accepted in return. It is rather warm-hearted, really, as if I am constantly embraced by The Mother, welcomed as a wonder and bestowed as a blessing." Jyslin at least has the grace to look a little embarrassed by how flowery her language gets, but clearly this is the truth of her feelings.

"As for how it feels when I am the tigress, there is a clarity that comes of it. The tigress has less patience for the vagaries of human life and concerns. What others might think of her means nothing to her. How others might judge is pointless. Her senses are transcendant, and there is an incisive wisdom to the tigress that is hard to put into human words. She is also completely comfortable with being indolently lazy, without shame at all."

<OOC> Syval sits down with slaw. "Oh my." o.o

<OOC> Syval says, "Goodness you showed up to play."

Syval smiles at the full and thoughtful answer he receives, and manages not to tease at the ashen blonde's choice of words. "That sounds exactly like a very big cat and it's... similar for me too, I think." Here he turns pensive over his bowl of stew, drawing upon the memories of his spark flooding his body and the rope-like hold he's keeping upon it for his current form. Half-shifted, it feels near and alive. "I won't bore you with my growing up but there's a connection right? You feel something like a warm glow inside?" he asks, touching upon his head before chuckling softly. "I think on humans, dragons and tigers agree. Neos certainly does. Too silly and focused on small things. The world is much too big for that."

Jyslin chuckles wrly as Syval comments on tigers and dragons' opinions of humanity and human things. "Humans are humans. It is who and what we are. We will think, and feel, about the things that touch us. I could pretend those things don't matter to me, but they do. Only the tigress does not care, and I am not only her." There is a slight downturn to her voice. It would not be hard to guess that she is thinking of what the tigress would feel about her tiff with Andie, and clearly deciding it does not matter the opinion of the tigress, for she is not only tigress.

"There is a connection. Mine is as much one of faith as it is of just being. But even before I accepted my calling, I had a connection to the tigress even in human form. It was a bit more fraught, more challenging and uncertain." Jyslin explains. "It is part of why even as a human I am stronger, faster, healthier, with better senses. But nothing really compared to the tigress herself."

"And you can shift like this, halfway between the two?" Syval questions, taking a small point to poke at amongst the larger subjects. "I don't feel any kind of 'faith' with mine, but maybe that's Selune's work. You and anyone else who's seen me for twenty-and-some years knows I'm not all human normal, but I can't really tell what "normal" was - I never had it. And I know who I have to thank and blame for it..."

<OOC> Syval trims back a longer pose to fit Syval's pattern better. He'll respond to questions but hadn't intended to ramble back.

<OOC> Syval says, "You two also posed within 10 seconds of one another, believe it or not. <.<" Jyslin tilts her head, letting Syval speak uninterrupted as he spews his vitriol and fury in calm, incisive manner. Then, at last, she speaks up. "Yes. I can take a hybrid form. I rarely do, but it can be done." She shrugs. "I assume that my connection of faith to my shifting comes from the fact that this was Selune's intent for me, and because she has entwined my Calling to my therianthropy. It is why I can shift as a natural-born therianthrope, much more easily than I could before I accepted my Calling."

<OOC> Syval says, "Ah, in case my reply was confused, I meant it's Selune's work that yours has faith, like you assume. Not her fault mine doesn't feel like it. :)"

"That makes me wonder if the gods had any influence upon me. Do gods mettle in the affairs of dragons?" Syval admits. All his time among wizards and all his time alone besides have fostered an interest in big thoughts and self-reflection. It's a natural outcome perhaps, maybe even one the former roamer can relate to. The dragonoid seems prepared to say more but then thinks better of it, closing his mouth and turning back down to his bowl.

<OOC> Syval recalls Andie being essentially a witch of humans. He doesn't recall the pantheon itself coming up. "Human gods? Rarely if ever." Jyslin answers with a bit of a shrug. "After all, if human gods get themselves involved in the affairs of dragons, dragon gods can then involve themselves in the affairs of humans." And though Jyslin does not say it, the principle of 'first is eldest, strongest and most powerful' would dictate that in a fight human deities would be grossly outclassed by the draconic deities.

"Well, I'm also a human am I not? But..." Syval pauses to consider as he inwardly confers with the thrum of his spark and what scant draconic knowledge he'd perhaps acquired in Delzimmer. "On second thought dragon gods probably don't care about those rules. Nor would most of them be flattered to have me as a devotee." Jyslin nods. "Yes, you are human. And because you are human, that means that both I and Andie have some ability to help you. But not so much with your draconic nature, as that largely lies beyond our purview." Though Jyslin clearly does not avoid offering what insight and advice she can in hopes it proves to be of some use. "No, I do not imagine dragon gods care much to have a human devotee, one way or the other. I do know that I was told there are rules. Consequences that lie ahead for those that dedicate their hearts and souls to deties not meant for them. I am afraid you would have to ask Andie if she knows what that would mean. I do not know the specifics."

"She need not worry much then. I'm not eager to supplicate myself before some divinity for breadcrumbs of favors. That feels... unseemly," Syval replies bluntly, though pausing to find the word. "I have a feeling most dragons aren't very religious."

Jyslin just snorts and shrugs. "You would have to ask Neosodos about that. I've no idea. I know the dragons have gods, not what their individual and personal relationships are with those august powers." One thing about Jyslin is that she will not lay claim to knowledge or wisdom she does not have. SHe would rather declare her ignorance than overstep. "And I will not tell anyone how he or she should believe. I may have my opinions, but they are mine. Each person must find what feels right to them."

"That's a sound way to live. You'll start less fights that way," Syval replies with an approving nod. "What's that 'we' you said about helping me as a human? You're no witch, right? I thought only Andie was bound to those obscure rules?"

"I have some ability to help you. I am limited not so much by obscure rules as by my own lack of knowledge and experience." Jyslin explains. "I can tell you what I know, give you my own short-sighted experiences and viewpoints. But what I have to offer is limited by that and the insights Selune grants me as her priestess. And those where they relate specifically to you and your challenges are likely to be as limited as things are for Andie, for similar reasons."

"You're at least a fellow therianthrope," the dragonoid points out, and seems mollified by the blonde's explanation. His second bowl by now is nearly empty and Syval's reduced to slowly picking at the remnants as they chat. "How are you feeling since this morning? You seem fine moving around camp."

"I am fully healed. Physically." Jyslin answers. It's not quite so incisively angry as it likely would have been to Andie. But it makes the clear point that there are other injuries. Harms done. And some of those have not been healed.

"We both heal fast," Syval nods. "I like to climb around Delzimmer because the falls never hurt for long." He pauses yet doesn't ask for more. It's likely the dragonoid wasn't concerned for Jyslin physically in the first place.

"Sorry that it took us so long to reach you," he apologies instead, trying a rarely used tact and flicking a talon against the sapphire band around his arm. "I'm partly to blame for that. We took precautions first in case we were rushing into a trap."

"The one caution I can give you is watch out for bone breaks or socket failures." Jyslin advises. "Your body heals. But it will not necessarily move a piece that is out of place into the right place, which can cause more damage, as well as restricted movement and limited capability."

Jyslin just shakes her head. "I would expect nothing less than caution, Syval. No apology is necessary." That isn't what bothers her. Isn't what has made her upset with Andie.

"Good advice," Syval accepts. The dragonoid doesn't press further, leaving it to Jyslin to speak if she chooses to as he returns his focus to his food.

It is quite late that night, the middle of the mid-watch, before Andie and Neosodos emerge from the portal of the cavern. The scent of the Art hangs thick upon them both as they do so, the young woman leaning heavily upon her staff, visibly drained and obviously exhausted. She glances up at the heavens above, signing the height of the moon in the sky, and then glances towards the tent where she would normally be resting.

With a put-upon sigh the tiny dragon on her shoulder launches himself from her and flaps over to the tent, nosing under the flap to investigate. In the meantime his tired mistress wobbles her way to the fireside and laboriously lowers herself onto one of the seats arranged there. Then she turns her gaze finally upon the quiescent dragonoid keeping the watch at this hour. "All is well enough, I take it, since no alarm was raised?" Her voice seems wispy and weak, just as wrung out as the rest of her physicality.

Syval looks up from brushing a metal file against his talons as the witch returns from her portal. The cooking fire has burned down nearly to embers and sheds a dim light that's bolstered by pale moonbeams, leaving the young wizard more freedom in where to take his watch. The night air is cool but dampened from its usual buzz of insect life by the presence of two therianthropes in the camp, but he doesn't seem to mind the eerie quiet. No doubt Syval is used to it.

Sandy eyes hang on Andie's silhouette as the dragonoid's nostrils flare, gulping the spicy stench of so much Art. He reaches over and offers a strong, thick arm for support before taking his seat again. "All is quiet," he affirms in the gruffly hissing sort of accent that marks his speech and Neos' in kind. "Dinner with the others was comfortable. You look completely exhausted."

<OOC> Syval says, "Whoops, timed out."

The auburn-haired young-seeming woman nods a bit jerkily, lacking her usual finesse and grace. "Yes. I am, indeed." she answers then aloud, if softly. Neosodos returns to her from the tent, laying himself across her lap as his mindspeech reaches her. << She is sleeping lightly. Since you asked: yes, your bedroll was laid out as normal, within. >>

Andie nods her head slowly. She is frankly ready to dismiss the tired drake to take himself off to sleep when she realizes, a bit belatedly, that he might instead prefer to remain if she is going to while the dranonoid is also awake. "Very well. Thank you." she answers. Then she reaches into the pouch at her waist and extracts a beaten bronze disc on a beaded thong. She offers the thing towards Syval, her own scent and that of her magic hanging over the thing palpably. "As promised, Syval of Amlar: a talisman to ward off the mindvoice and its intentions. Please pardon my presumption in borrowing a sliver of one of your talons to bind it properly to you."

Taken from her hand, there is a spark as the energy of the talisman touches Syval and then synchronizes with him. There is then a shudder and shiver from Andie, as the burden of maintaining the spell that has been shielding him is released.

<OOC> Syval says, "I still have that spellbook to study too, goodness..."

<OOC> Syval says, "This is long enough for a necklace or more for wrist wear?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Necklace."

A dragon, even a diluted one, needn't be offered an enchantment more than once. Syval reaches out and accepts the talisman, pausing with a brief start as magic arcs between them before bringing it curiously to his nose. Smells like Art and... yup, smells like witch. "How formal... is this how witches give gifts?" he asks with a little tease in his voice as he looks the talisman over before tilting his head to slip it on around his frills, settling the bronze disk against his chest. "We could have found better working material for you. Did you have what you needed for good enchantments?"

And with a glance down to the Eldritch Wyrm, Syval quirks a brow quietly. <How are you feeling, Elder Brother? You seem less exhausted than your witch.>

The witch offers a tired chuckle at Syval's questions. "I cannot speak for all for all witches. But it is how this witch gives gifts." So yes. Sorta. "Thank you for asking, Syval. But I had what was necessary. The amulets will maintain their effect only for the intended bearer, and they should remain effective for about six months without issue. I can recharge them far more easily than to create them from whole cloth as I did tonight." So the amulets are not permanent magic. Likely part of how they can still function at this level on such seemingly inferior materials.

Curled up comfortably on his Mistress' lap, Neosodos adjusts his head position so that he is looking more directly towards Syval. << I am feeling fine. By the nature of witches, performing magicks they have not studied requires the presence of their familiar. But beyond helping to augment her, I was not contributing much of my own energy to the working. She will be fine. But she was already running herself down today, with the conflict ongoing, and the magicks used this morning. >>

<OOC> Syval says, "That one I got. :)"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "That was the last pose."

"That's more than long enough for our journey," Syval responds to the witch gratefully as he fiddles a little with the bronze disk. The young red-head did good, though not quite enough to keep the dragonoid's ears from pricking. "And when did you gather a sliver from my talons? You could have asked first," he points out with a light narrowing of his sandy eyes.

Andie merely shrugs her shoulders. "You trimmed them yourself. I merely gathered a bit of the remnant, as I did for each of us. Magic is as much about sympathy as it is antipathy, Syval of Amlar. With a bit of you mixed in, the magic can bind to you, and know you, and thusly can work for you and not for others."

Syval snorts a breath out his nose. "Well, thank you for the amulet in any case. How long until you've made the rest?"

<OOC> Syval settles back in, tail flick. Andie smiles warmly and reaches into the pouch at her waist, extracting additional amulets. "They are complete. Hence having taken so long. You are simply the only one awake just now." Her head turns, as if drawn by lodestone, back towards the tent where Jyslin lies. Then she pulls herself back and turns to the dragonoid. "I hope you are adapting well?" she inquires.

Syval's nostrils flare at the sight of more amulets. Even lost in the scent rolling off the witch herself, the Art hanging on them entices the green-scaled mage. He smiles, then looks back to the witch-colored young woman and shakes his frills. "Were we anywhere else I would say I am adapting quickly. You know Jyslin asked me the same thing. I cannot fly, I cannot weave a dragon's art, and I can't yet touch my other powers without slow and focused channeling. Thankfully better senses and raw strength only call for maintaining this form, and it's shifting that's the hard part." Stretching his wings out behind him into the night air, the therianthrope - already a large human - is even larger in his transformed state.

"I imagine part of the next step for you will be spiritual inhabitation." Andie offers, as if it is the most natural turn of phrase in the world, rather than some near-alien jibberish Syval has never heard before.

The drake in her lap lifts his head slightly, then nods. << Likely true, such as it is. There are other paths forward, of course. Little Brother will need a meditation partner, I suspect, to pull that off at this juncture. But we may be able to do it. >>

Syval's head tips to one side as his wings curl back in, puzzled. "What is spiritual inhabitation? That sounds like... possession?"

Andie makes a handwobble sort of gesture. "In a way. But not an external possession." Neo continues. << The point of spiritual inhabitation is to find and merge with your draconic spark, your Core essence. To not simply grasp it with your mind and will, but to actually place your mind and will inside it and become one with it. When you can achieve that, you should have full possession of your draconic abilities at their current extent, without the need for such meditation and concentration; they should be mere manifestations of instinct and will. >>

Syval's jaw slackens as his sand-colored eyes fall onto the Eldritch Wyrm and stare. "Merge with /that/?" he repeats dumbstruck. "That sounds... like no minor feat. And every dragon for a hundred miles would notice me doing that, no?"

<OOC> Neosodos didn't mean to distress Syval quite so much. Sorry. *wingfold*

<OOC> Syval says, "Heh! Give him a moment. That was good news you shared, the spark's just left an impression." Since this is a thing of dragons, Andie sits quietly and lets Neosodos lead. And the Eldritch Wyrm does not disappoint. He even beams with pride as his Little Brother gets it completely! << Exactly so! >> Is Neo preening? Yes, yes, he might be doing just that. << There would not really be any way to hide your draconic aura once you merge. Hiding that aura is a thing that takes most dragons hundreds of years to learn. >> Given that Syval would not be a full dragon he could likely learn it faster and more easily, but it would still be a challenge and not at all instantaneous.

<< And yes, that would mean that we would need to pay closer attention to the ranges of the various dragons in the vicinity, so as to avoid territorial incursions. >> Neo adds, as if it is some simple thing and not life or death. He might be downplaying things to come off more reassuring. Maybe.

"So I will need to know how to use my spark both ways," Syval considers as he collects himself again and the initial shock gives way to a wizard's thinking. His tail curls around one side and its frilled end taps against the ground. "Hiding in the cave won't help unless the portal's closed, but perhaps it's safer in there anyway. Are we far enough from that great old dragon now?" he asks while turning his head unerringly towards the peak of the Toadsquat range, a black void in the starry ceiling beyond the trees and foothills.

<< It's white, isn't it, Elder Brother? >> Syval gravely thinks rather than says to the wyrm.

Neosodos continues to answer as Andie remains tuned in, listening, but not interjecting unless addressed. << Currently, I would venture to say we are far enough away from that one, outside their territory. >> he answers. << The one potential rub might be the one that seems to be in the void between the range. That one is closer currently. It feels like it is deep below ground, but there is no guarantee that it is trapped there. It could have the means to come out, and interest enough to do so. >> Neo then nods. << Yes, Little Brother. The one high up in the mountains, in that direction, is a white. Colloquially it is known as Chill. It is quite old and powerful, though I do not believe it has yet reached wyrm status. >>

<< You think that as if a dragon below the pinnacle of its power is tolerable, >> Syval notes with dry amusement at the Eldritch Wyrm's calm. << What a bitter irony that the human lands would be safer. I don't sense dragons near Delzimmer and with their... temperaments, I wouldn't expect humans and chromatics to co-habitat. Except for perhaps a very well-tuned mage from the Academy all it would take is some thick walls to hide my spark in the middle of the city... >>

Huffing a breath out his nose in mild irritation, the dragonoid guides his thoughts back to the present. "In any case, my spark is a matter for after we've rested. You should sleep while you can, Andie," he suggests as he shifts his sandy eyes sympathetically back to the wyrm's exhausted witch.

<OOC> Syval waves. "Hi there." :D The redhaired witch sighs softly, nodding. "I should, it is true. But I fear when I go into that tent sleep will not be forthcoming any time soon. And that I will be far more exhausted, yet, before I am allowed to sleep." Even so, she lifts Neosodos from her lap and lays him down on her spot as she vacates it. "You needn't join me for this. 'Twas my choice, and I must face it. Besides, you two can converse out here without drawing attention or awakening anyone."

<< Good luck. >> the little dragon offers, as he watches his mistress go. Then he snorts as even this tired she invokes a sound bubble around the tent before slipping inside, apparently having no intention of sharing what is about to unfold with anyone not inside said tent.

Instead Neosodos turns back to Syval and settles down again, nodding a bit. << As dragons age into various degrees, the range of their senses, and the breadth of their claimed territories, increase. >> He shrugs, ruffling his wings until they settle once more in almost - but not quite - the exact same arrangement. << It is rare to find a chromatic that willingly cohabitates with humans, unless those humans have sworn felty to the dragon and serve them. >>

See? Always exceptions.

<< Thick stone, by itself, will not dampen the notice of a draconic aura. But there are some things that can. I have never done it, but I have heard that an unbroken sheeting of lead can do it. I suspect that an empowered lattice of true silver could as well. And there are spells that can mute an aura. Even one I know of that can blot it from scent, but only for brief periods of time. >>

"Do what you must," Syval replies to Andie and allows the witch to leave with a somewhat dry gaze. The young dragonoid knows nothing of the conflict between the two women, nor does he approve of it disrupting their journey, whatever it is. Idly fingering the new sapphire artifact around his bicep, he leans against his bardiche and shifts in his seat, loosely mirroring the Eldritch Wyrm getting comfortable anew before him.

<< Then perhaps someday I'll have a leaden cloak, but I mean because so few humans even notice a draconic aura. You would only need to hide from sight and sound and to most of a city be invisible, >> he clarifies with something resembling arrogance towards those unaware masses. << Magic for that would be a powerful tool if it could cloak me at length, but it's better not to impose too much upon our witch - and dragon arts aren't her specialty. >>

<< You already possess the Art necessary to hide yourself amongst the humans, without any leaden cloak required. >> Neosodos responds. << Other than some like Jyslin, and a few with exceptional magical skills, none would ever notice your human form, Little Brother. >>

<< Of course, but like this or when meditating on my spark, >> Syval answers. << It would be good to journey through territories safely, and even if I do not rouse them from their lairs other dragons may be aware of my presence. At best a wandering green is no welcome guest and be honest to me, Elder Brother, >> the dragonoid bids seriously as sandy eyes hang upon burnished gold. << Whatever I am in dragon terms is not welcome by a chromatic and your kind manners aside, my flickering spark doesn't 'sense' like one either. >>

Neosodos shakes his head just a bit. << No. You would not be welcome in any chromatic's territory, though some would be more bothered or annoyed than others. All would consider you a rogue, by draconic tradition. It would be rare for one to treat with you, and most would just smite you out of existence. >> Hey, the young dragonoid did ask for Neosodos to be honest with him.

<< Most metallics and others would be uncertain and very attentive. So long as you stayed at a distance they would let you go about your business unless you threatened something or someone of value to them. You might manage to treat with one if you approached carefully. >> the Eldritch Wyrm explains. << But no full dragon would ever mistake your aura for that of a full dragon. >>

Syval nods, filing the important lesson away but not seeming to take it personally. << I do feel Magesandros and I could treat, at least. We do share a home after all, but that meeting is for far in the future. I don't plan to present myself before him as less than a fully realized dragon, half or not. Others I hope to avoid. You, Elder Brother, are plenty. >>

<OOC> Syval updates notes. "It took me far too long to find that name again."

<OOC> Syval says, "Left unsaid, "And your mouth's a little too small to bite my head off.""

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li giggles. Neosodos chuckles wryly, almost as if the tiny drake can hear those unspoken words in his little brother's thoughts. << Someday, Little Brother, I do hope you get a chance to treat with Magesandros. But you'll be hard-pressed to avoid an encounter with Charindol on your way there. One of the difficulties of our kind is that dragons tend to ... cluster. >>

THe little dragon unfurls a bit, sitting up to face Syval in a less relaxed fashion. This, it seems, is important to him. << Most call it the Draconic Balance. I do not myself ascribe quite that profundity to it all. But in most locales there will be not one dragon, but three: one of good, a metallic; one of evil, a chromatic; and one of neutrality. >> Oddly enough Neodos does not actually explain what the dragons of neutrality are like, what groups them together. It's a pregnant pause of a miss.

<< And how their local sphere works out has a lot to do with not just their personalities, but their relative ages. In the High Peaks young Shivermoure is only a young adult, whilst the titular Brimstone Dragon is himself held to be the greatest of great wyrms. And few even seem to know their neutral brethren even exists. In the Forest of Amlar both Magesandros and Charindol are Great Wyrms, and so too is their neutral counterpart. They keep things must more civilized in most respects. >>

Syval snorts lightly and cracks a smile. << I should feel honored then to come from a place with such a profound lineage. I didn't realize Charindol was so great. It will truly be a long time before I face him then. >> Flicking his tongue briefly in the air, the young dragonoid thinks then questions, << If locales don't always have balanced dragons why don't the chromatics kill their metallic counterparts? >> A glance is given back towards the mountains. <<And who is the metallic dragon here?>>

Neosodos considers for a bit just how to answer, knowing that how he describes this will make a huge difference for the future of his 'little brother', long after they are no longer traveling together. << They can, and sometimes do. Shivermoure is the second silver to take up in the High Peaks; his predecessor was in fact slaughtered by Xekhydius just halfway through his terrible reign. But they will not claim actually overlapping territories. Each knows the sphere of influence of the others, and they will tend to avoid one another unless pushed for one reason or another. >>

Neosodos considers for a bit, and then explains, << The urge to minimize most conflicts comes from the fact that dragons are ... few. Beyond the least - drakes and such - dragons were nearly slaughtered to extinction in a time long before human history. They were faced by a fearsome and implacable foe summoned from the Beyond. It is from this cataclysmic war that the first of the giants were born, as well as many other creatures. Their enemies were eventually defeated ... but dragons live so long, and breed so slowly that they have only barely rebuilt from their near-extinction. >>

<< Before the war, dragons were the first race upon the world, and were thick over the surface. Rather than just a few hundred, tens of thousands lived across the world. A rare few other intelligent races had come, but only a few and only very recently, before the Enemy came. >>

<OOC> Syval shakes off post-dinner drowsiness and gets to replying.

Syval stares in reverent shock down at the mottled pseudodragon and a hand brushes the thin book hanging from his belt. << That is certainly in no human history I have read, in Common or Maenast... So then even dragons of different scales have some kinship? To say that of Xekhydius I think the archmage would choke on his own beard. >>

<< Aye. >> the little dragon offers wisely, nodding that tiny head of his. << For all faced extinction, and so they joined to act together, all as one. Not that it lasted long after the defeat of the Enemy. But the reason it is in no human history you've ever read is that humanity had not even been born yet. Not even the Daerynae had yet set foot out of the Heavens upon the Shaar. >>

Syval's attention turns to his own scales, looking over the slippery emerald surface of his exposed arms. << That... is no minor magic which created me then, >> he slowly realizes. << Can it even be called magic if it's not of Selune? >> The young dragonoid's eyes lift back to Neosodos and he asks as neophyte to his long-lived mentor, << How rare am I in the history of humans? >>

The imperious little wyrm snorts and then coughs, shaking his head. << Jyslin's Selune may be the font of magic for humanity, Little Brother, but surely you do understand humans were not the first with magic? Magic existed before them, and first with Aurum's great sacrifice did magic tome to dragons. From Kyreska does magic flow to all of the world, and all other pantheons treat with Kyreska to accept her Gift. >> He does not go into exactly how that is done, though Neosodos does know. It's just not germane right now.

<< First after dragons came the elves. The lizzaril, the shaugrunda. Then the giants. The goblinoids. And then the humans, as the Sisters were born. >> Neosodos explains. And who or what are some of those? That he does not explain.

That does finally break the green dragonoid's attention and he pulls the travel book from his belt, opening to a blank page to quickly scratch notes. << Lizzaril and shaugrunda...? >> he echoes while attempting to render them in Common. A few other words are briefly penned with his quill as reminders for later, then Syval's eyes return to the mottled Eldritch Wyrm. << And how much of that time have you lived through, Elder Brother? >>

<OOC> Neosodos scuffs a taloned paw against the turf and looks away innocently.

<OOC> Syval says, "You are begging the question, Elder Brother. :)" << The lizzaril would be an ancient reptilian people. There are theories that imply that modern lizard kings are descended of them, and that Yavin-Darris may in fact have been one of their foul deities who managed to survive their fall to then infest humanity. >> Of course Syval has heard of lizard //men//, but not lizard //kings//, so this does beg some questions to be sure. << Shougrunda are extinct, so far as I know, an ancient mammalian people. I have read that the seldom-seen quaggoth are supposedly descended from some that were magically altered by cruel sorcerous masters in those ancient times. >>

The mottled pseudodragon looks up at the emerald-hued dragonoid and blinks almost owlishly, as if he somehow never quite so that question coming. It takes him a few moments to formulate a response. << Not nearly so much as all of that, I assure you. >> he confesses. << Remember that the eldest true dragons known survive less than six thousand years, becoming the greatest of wyrms at three thousand. >> Which ... does not really answer the question of how old he is. Like, at all, with any concrete boundaries. << I can tell you that I am far and away the eldest pseudodragon I am aware of, ever, thanks to the magical influences of my mistress and her power. >>

<OOC> Syval says, "Can you remind me what the typical lifespan of a pseudodragon is?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I have found some sources that say they generally live 100-200 years."

More names and new words get penned into the mage's journal as Syval seems to give up on keeping all of the new information in his head. It is second watch.

The unnaturally tranquil campsite is filled with the soft scratching of a feather quill on parchment only to stop soon again. Years of practice have taught the dragonoid how to write while listening. << Not from the Pool of Stars? >> Syval pauses and his brow knits together as he turns his head away and snorts a faintly acrid breath. The mind-speech stops though the agitated flick of his tail betrays a mind in motion.

Then a look of realization dawns upon the dragonoid's face. His large sandy eyes fall back upon Neosodos then flit up to Jyslin's tent. << So that's how it is... And it's okay for you to tell me all this, Elder Brother - about you, and her? >>

<OOC> Syval has realized A Thing (tm).

<OOC> Syval says, "Which as usual, means more questions than answers." << My magic comes from the Pool of Stars, as does all magic. But without my bond to Andie, I would not have found the Pool, and would normally not have survived long enough in the first place. >> Neosodos mentions. But he seems genuinely non-plussed by the rest. << I am not sure exactly what it is you think I am telling you. Most is simply the knowledge passed down to dragons. >> As the oldest-living intelligent race in the Shaar it is not hard to imagine they have the largest store of knowledge of ancient times, and the means to preserve that knowledge and pass it down.

<< It also sounds like you called Andie a Sister, but perhaps I'm only hearing things, Elder Brother, >> Syval responds as he spins the quill between his fingers then flips a couple pages back and scans over his journal with indifference to the darkness of 2nd watch.

<OOC> Neosodos asks in a sing-song voice, << Would I do that? >>

<OOC> Syval says, "Perhaps not where the women can hear you, mischievous brother." << A Sister? >> Neosodos questions, ruffling his wings a bit. << The Sisters are well known, Little Brother. Surely one such as that could not be tooling around all unknown like this? >> Which is not, in fact, a denial though it surely sounds like one. << If you want to know about the Sisters, Little Brother, you should talk with Lady Honoria tomorrow. She said, when we talked, that she knew several of them before becoming the statue, long ago. And she is, after all, a human woman. That would seem quite a natural connection, yes? >> @emit << I may ask her later, though if the Sisters are as powerful as Honoria and legends say, it may not do me well to know too much about them, >> Syval considers as he taps a line with the feather of his quill. << And you do speak Maenast, a language dead for a thousand years, from your first mistress. >>

<< I may ask her later, though if the Sisters are as powerful as Honoria and legends say, it may not do me well to know too much about them, >> Syval considers as he taps a line with the feather of his quill. << And you do speak Maenast, a language dead for a thousand years, from your first mistress. Give me some credit, Elder Brother. I know pseudodragons do not live so long naturally. >> << All true, Little Brother. But I have said as much. >> Neosodos responds. He has not been caught out on anything, really, but he's also not admitting to some things, and that seems quite deliberate.<< I know many humans hold to the belief that 'when dealing with witches, don't'. I clearly do not agree. But I understand where they come from in their fear and uncertainty. And if ever there could be the witchiest of witches, I imagine ancient and immortal witches reborn time and again from the pre-dawn of humanity would definitely be that.>> The little dragon makes an interesting lilting purring sounds. << I have often wondered if any of the other races have such as they. Elves, for instance? I know the dragons do not, but then dragons do not need such as that. >>

Syval snorts quietly at the notion. << If, Elder Brother, there were an immortal Sister and you were her enduring companion from her first life, that would make you much, much older than even the oldest of Great Wyrms. >> His eyes shift to the silenced tent across the campsite. << Whatever Andie is she clearly deals in powers and rules beyond common understanding, and judging by Jyslin's reaction - she broke one. I only hope her and Jyslin can make peace and nothing more comes of it. Our journey has enough troubles as it is. >>

Neosodos snorts and tosses his head. << Broke a rule? No. Andie broke no rule. But ... what Andie did, Jyslin did not know she could do. Jyslin did not know, and yet she learned, up close and personally in a way that is undeniable. And that forced her to confront a reality she was unprepared to face, about Andie, and about herself. The rest ... the rest is human things. >> Which means the dragon is out, and not going to give more details. Clearly, though, while he will always be on Andie's side, he understands Jyslin's upset, anger and hurt, and he feels bad for her emotional pain.

Syval sighs in relief and smiles wryly at the Eldritch Wyrm's human comment. << Good. That's a smaller matter than I'd assumed then. Whatever is between them can stay between them so long as it doesn't affect our trip. >> With Neos' odd explanation there are questions left unanswered but it's never been the apprentice mage's nature to pry deeply into personal matters. Most probably never gave him the chance to.

<OOC> Syval says, "Ack. Almost nodded off for a moment there. I was not expecting that."

<OOC> Syval says, "AFK for food. This will either perk me up or really knock me out. :P" Neosodos snorts again. << Smaller matter? You clearly have not spent much time amongst human women, Little Brother, where there emotions are involved. >> As for how it affects their trip, the dragon has no further comment. He isn't the one with the ability to see the future.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li thinks that's a good point to wrap that talk and fade to the next morning?

<OOC> Syval says, "Sure thing!"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So IIRC, Jyslin has third watch, so she comes out of the tent to relieve you. Then there's breakfast. THe question becomes: do we want to just start with the next day? Or do we want to slide forward?"

<OOC> Syval says, "I think I'm okay with a slide unless there's conversation you'd like to go through there. I've got small questions and projects with people but I don't think any are first thing in the morning urgent."

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh, and I meant to test my claws on metal at one point. I forgot the result of that..."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "In essence, your claws currently cannot cut through metal. But you are strong enough to rend and twist it, make an opening, and deliver sufficient force to the flesh behind metal to do real harm."

<OOC> Syval says, "So my claws aren't hard/sharp enough to cut through but they're strong enough not to chip and break on impact?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Thank you. ^_^"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus." After that, Neosodos goes quiet, his head turning towards the silented tent. His head lowers down on his clawed forepaws, and his wings furl around him. The little dragon has a very sad, pensive air about him. But he is not conversant. No mindspeech comes. No sounds but breathing.

An hour or so later, Jyslin emerges in human form, rather than tigress, to spell Syval and send him off to get more sleep for the night. She takes up his position silently, her eyes visibly reddened and puffy, face splotchy.