Graded [Faeremeadow Town] A Budding Friendship

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliiope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Calliope jumped in her chair as Islwyn walked in, her tail standing straight up. When she calmed down she ran over and hugged the Satyr. "Islwyn, I am so happy to see you, mmhhmm." She then blushed and released her as she realized the strangeness of her behavior with no context. "I... sorry, mmhhmm." She turned to sit back down, then immediately stood up and made a frustrated growl. "I can't keep sitting like this, mmhhmm. I'm driving myself crazy, mmhhmm. I need to work to distract myself, mmhhmm." She walked over to her desk and got out the journal. "Forgive my outburst, mmhhmm. That was not appropriate, mmhhmm. If any of you need anything, please let me know, mmhhmm." She toof a breath and smiled at Euthalia. "Euthalia, if you wouldn't mind, I could prrrobably finish one more sample tonight, mmhhmm. If you do not feel up to it, there are plenty of things I could busy myself with that I'll need to do eventually, mmhhmm."

 

[Elvario]

Islwyn Meadhra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Adventures in FFXIV: Photo

For a hugger like Islwyn to be caught by surprise from a hug. It was equally surprising as it was embarrassing. However, after dropping all the stuff she brought in as best as she could given the circumstances, she wholeheartedly returned the hug. “And I'm happy to see you too dear~” She had no clue what had happened, but figures 'something' had definitely happened, so when Calliope released and apologised, she shook her head. Then jumped at Calliope for a second hug. “Apologising for giving me a hug? That should be illegal! Come here~ I'll show you the magnificence of real Satyr hugs~”

She then looked to the other two. “Sooo.... anyone mind filling me in?”

Keone Nagendra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/780248704185350822/

“Some HISSS beast wench tried to enslave her, I managed to stop the wench, but got slashed, still hurts a bit... Euthalia heard it and managed to bluff her off. Guards are already informed...” That was a very short summary of events, but an accurate one.

“Oh dear...” Islwyn looked around the room. “That must've been quite the scare... to think they were trying that so close by whilst I was having so much fun with the townsfolk...” That was an odd thought. Luckily, she had a good remedy, as she went through the stuff she just put down and dug out a bottle, then headed for the kitchen to return with three glasses and poured a bit of the drink in each, handing them out to Keone and Calliope (and one for herself), knowing Euthalia was too planty to handle it, after having tried to get her to drink without results on multiple occasions. The other two wouldn't be spared though. “There, a glass of liquid courage! May we forever keep escaping such horrors and one day see a world without them!” She said, knocking back the drink short after and feeling the burning sensation of high alcoholic contents warm her throat and body. The taste was... what taste? It was too burning to taste much to those not too used to alcohol. Still, after all that occurred, even Keone didn't refuse. Besides, she knew it was rare for Iswlyn to share her booze, so she didn't want to deny the gesture.

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

Truth be told, she felt the same as Calliope. “That's fine. I'd welcome the distraction myself as well.” She debated her options, then a slight smile crept across her face. “I've got just the sample to keep our minds off of things.” She started unwrapping a very delicately packed plant. Or well.... it wasn't even a plant.

From: Silver Francis

“It's technically a mushroom, not a plant, but I figured it was too interesting to leave out. It's called a Glowshroom in common, but from what I've gathered, the Lune Elves that often gather these call them {Taika} as they're said to have many magic properties to them for as long as you figure out the secrets of bringing those out. They don't easily trade their secrets with outsiders though, so a lot of its usages are still hidden. They are really delicate though, they start spoiling if they're damaged or kept in conditions too warm of moist, which makes researching their usages a lot more difficult. I've had this one specifically packed by a Lune Elf to ensure it'd stay as fresh as possible, but the moment you start working on it by cutting parts off for research, it'll start spoiling, so we'll want to make the most of out it.” The latter was ideal to take their minds off of today's events with, or so she hoped.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope allowed Islwyn to embrace her. It felt good after everything that had happened. She took the glass of booze from the Satyr and sniffed it. It smelt strong. But, she wasn't going to turn it down. She took a breath and down it like she did the potions. As she swallowed, she made a face and shiver seemed to move up her body, standing her hair on end in a wave as it went. "Ohhhh, that was so strong, mmhhmm. What was it, hhhmmm?"

Calliope's eyes went wide as she excitedly, but carefully, took the sample from Euthalia. "It is really beautiful, mmhhmm. I will have to work quickly and efficiently then to insure we get as much use out of it as possible, mmhhmm." She carefully set it down and begin to ready as much equipment to be used as possible. once everything was prepped to go, she filled out her journal, then slid the tray with the sample on it in front of her.

Several hours later she had six potions in front of her. She was still working with the sample, but finally let out an exhausted sigh and leaned back in her chair. "That is it, mmhhmm. The sample has expired, mmhhmm. I can not get any more out of it, mmhhmm. We got a bit, but I believe there was still more left to uncover, mmhhmm. Perrrhaps I shall get the opporrrtunity to try again one day, mmhhmm." She slid the tray aside and lined up the potions in front of her. She picked three of them and set them aside. "Those three are not testable here, mmhhmm. They are potions that allow you to speak to the dead, create a barrier that turns weapons that strike you into water, and exhale a flame elemental, mmhhmm." She smiled at Euthalia as she spoke, then labeled the potions and prepared them for transport. Then she turned her attention to the remaining potions.

"First up, we have a potion that enables the drinker see sounds, mmhhmm." She poured it into the glass and held it up. "If everyone wouldn't mind not being too loud while I test this, it would be apprrreciated, mmhhmm." She swallowed the potion. A few moments later her eyes went wide. "Oh m-" She covered her mouth, then took a page from her notebook and wrote on it, showing it to Euthalia. [It is so strange. I can SEE the fire crackling, and my words were like an unimaginable color. I am sure of how this potion could be beneficial, but it is quite the experience.] She returned to her desk, then picked up her journal and slammed it down on he desk. Immediately, she closed her eyes tightly and hung her head. "...that... that was a mistake, mmhhmm..." She sat there with her eyes closed for another minute before opening them again. Then she labeled the potion and slid it aside. "Absolutely fascinating, mmhhmm."

"This next one I am not looking forward too, mmhhmm. It makes the drinker... uh... sprrrout feathers, mmhhmm." She poured the potion into the glass and quickly knocked it back. A few moments later she jumped in her chair. "AAAAAHHHH!" She pulled her robe off so she was in her small clothes and pants. She had a covering of rainbow colored feathers growing up her arms until they extended from her wrists to her shoulders and connected across the top of her back. "Uuuuuggggghhhhh, I do not like this, mmhhmm. It feels weird and itchy and I am embarrassed, mmhhmm." She looked to Euthalia for reassurance that it wasn't that bad. Another few moments later and the feathers began to vanish into thin air, a few of them falling out first. Soon she was back to normal. She picked up her robe and was about to throw it back on when she shrugged. "It will be time for bed soon enough, mmhhmm." She sat back down and scooted up tot he desk, labeling and setting aside the potion.

She picked up and poured the final potion. "This one is just a regular old shrinking potion, mmhhmm. It is not very strong, but will still be noticeable, mmhhmm." She raised it to her lips then paused. She had tested similar potions before, but never in someone else's company. One she took this, she would be basically defenseless. Not that she could really defend herself currently anyway. She looked at Euthalia, then smiled and downed the potion. A few moments later she shrunk down to the size of a child. "Well, it seems to have worked, mmhhmm. Nothing else to do but wait for it to wear off, mmhhmm." She sat there for a few minutes, but didn't return to her normal size. "Uhhhh, I think something may be wrong, mmhhmm. Well, not wrong, just there may have been something I missed, mmhhmm." She looked at Euthalia and laughed nervously.

 

[Elvario]

Islwyn Meadhra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Adventures in FFXIV: Photo

“Liquid courage, my dear~ It was liquid courage! Let me know if you need another glass~” She teased the cat, not revealing what she'd actually given her. (It was a strong Absinthe).

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

She watched silently as Calliope got to work. Her guess that this would get their minds off of the latest events was correct, as Calliope was at work for the next few hours. “That's an impressive amount.” Even when unaware of all the details of this process, she could see how quickly, efficiently and fast Calliope had worked on it. She nodded at the three untestable potions. It was pretty clear why those wouldn't be testable. This town probably had a graveyard, but they'd probably be better off not going there to have a chat with the deceased. The barrier one could've been useful earlier, but Euthalia wasn't eager to bring that up. Breathing fire... she didn't like fire all that much. Testing that out would probably get some things burned in here or get the entire town to chase them with pitchforks for witchcraft and arsony.

As for the ones that were testable, the first results were interesting for sure. Seeing sound? Apparently she also saw it 'loudly' so Euthalia remained silent. Honestly... Euthalia was too curious.
“Could I try it as well?” She asked. Out of all the stuff Calliope's been trying, this one, one that altered the senses in a weird yet seemingly harmless way, was the one that she was brave enough to want to experience herself.

Upon the cat's agreement, Euthalia took a sip and... realised why Caliope wanted silence. This was... really weird. The fire's sound was sort-off like... floating in the air? The sound of Islwyn and Keone breathing. She took the pen and paper, even the sound of her scribbling on it was unique. [Perhaps this might be of use to musicians or deaf people.] She wrote down, wondering if those could find a use for it. Either way, it was an experience for sure. [If not, it's a very interesting experience to try out regardless.]

When it stopped, she did give a bit of a sigh of relief. “That was really intense. I don't understand where you get the energy from to try so many potions back to back through-out the day.”

The next potion was peculiar. “They do look surprisingly good on you.” She found herself stating before even realising it. Something about the colourful feathers brought out the cat's beauty with its own unique twist. She tried to brush it off a little with her next statement. “I could see this become a fashion trend somewhere, or a way to help against male-pattern feather loss among avians.”

The last potion, however, was by far the one with the most interesting result. “That's... surprising.” She replied to the shrunk-down Calliope. Who didn't seem to return.

…

…

Keone Nagendra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/780248704185350822/

The fire was amazing. However, she caught glimpse of something even more amazing. A shrunk-down Calliope. She slithered over to come look, an almost predatory look in her eyes as she slithered around Calliope. “That'sssss amazing.” She said, as she slowly started to coil around Calliope. “I think I'll take my repayment for sssssssaving you~” She stated, as she was about to coil herself around the shrunken Calliope when Euthalia stepped in.

“Give her a break Keone, she may look adorable now, but that doesn't give you a free pass and...”

Islwyn Meadhra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Adventures in FFXIV: Photo

“AAAAHHH!!! LITTLE CALI!” Islwyn shouted, snagging Calliope up from within the encroaching snake tail and hugging her. “That's sooooo cute, can we keep her like this?” She stated, holding Calliope firmly and closely against her own furry body.

“Iswlyn!” Euthalia replied, a little shocked. “You can't just pick someone up like that! She's not an actual kid... wait, are you drunk?”

“Maaaaaayyyyybbbe?” She most definitely was.

Euthalia sighed deeply. “Just... put her back down. Give her some breathing room.”

“I don't want to.”

“Can I coil her?” Keone interrupted again.

That's when Euthalia realised this might be hopeless, so she used the ace up her sleeve. “Put her down, don't coil her and go sleep for the night or I'll not give the two of you any funds for the next week.”

That seemed to get through to them, as Keone hissed in disappointment before slithering off to the bedroom. Islwyn also seemed to back down, but not before trying one last trick... which was to shove Calliope into Euthalia's arms.

Euthalia, unable to react in time, was forced to grasp onto Calliope so she wouldn't fall to the ground. It was... sort-off nice holding her like this? Yet also really awkward.

“Now you're complicit!” Islwyn declared, sounding oddly victorious, before she headed off to the bedroom as well to sleep off her drunkenness.

Euthalia sighed deeply. “I'm so sorry about all that. I'll reprimand them more tomorrow.” She stated, unable to figure out what else to say.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope looked down at herself. "Hmmm, the most likely cause is a spell lengthening effect that I didn't have time to uncover, mmhhmm. It will likely wear off in an few hours, tomorrow at the latest, but I shall try and run tests on the potion itself... to... ummmm..." A shadow had suddenly crept over Calliope as the tail of a Snake woman begin to coil around her. She turned and stared up at the massive Keone, her heart nearly stopping in place. It was yesterday all over again, but sooo much worse. She was going to panic again, and hurt Keone's feelings. After Keone had saved her. She didn't want that. But her fear kept her from even taht. She stood there perfectly still and calm as Keone begin to coil around her. But then suddenly she was plucked from the closing snare by Islwyn. Able to react again, but still nervous, she gently tapped Islwyn's side. "I...uh...c-can I get down please, hhhmmm? I-I do not wish to stay this size, mmhhmm." She could smell the alcohol on Islwyn's breath. Her eyes went wide as Keone asked to coil her again. She sighed with relief as Euthalia took control of the situation, but suddenly was thrust into Sylvari's arms. Calliope stared up at her. Euthalia had already towered over her, but now, like this, she was colossal. She blushed and hid her face from Euthalia so she wouldn't see it. It was kind of nice. She felt safe again, as she had when Euthalia showed up in the alley way. She sat there in Euthalia's arms for a minute before finally speaking up. "...C-can I get down now, hhhmmm...?"

Once she was back on her feet, she climbed onto the desk chair and poured some more of the shrinking potion sample into a vial. She ran a few more tests on it, having to practically climb on the table at points to reach certain equipment, and a short while had an answer. "I was right, it was a prolonging effect I missed, mmhhmm. The effects should wear off in..." She thought for a moment and counted on her fingers. "...well, relatively soon I should say, mmhhmm." She made a label and slapped it on the bottle, then added some more notes to her journal. She turned and smiled up at Euthalia. "Thank you so much for helping me this evening, mmhhmm. That really did wonders to clear my head, mmhhmm. um... T-thank you again, for saving me, mmhhmm... I know you do not think you did much, but it was your quick thinking and words that ultimately drove her off, mmhhmm. H-how are you doing, hhhmmm?" She had been too nervous to ask until this point, but she genuinely wanted to know.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

She only realised she'd kept holding onto Calliope for a fair while, as the latter asked her to be put down. “Oh... oh, I'm so sorry... I, I wasn't thinking.” She stammered, pretty embarrassed by that. Seeing tiny Calliope at work was oddly adorable and it gave her some really weird thoughts... like, what raising kids with her would be like. She shook her head, trying to clear it of such weird thoughts. It must've been the long day catching up to her. Or maybe she hadn't had enough sunlight today? Yes. That was definitely it.

She smiled when she heard these effects would wear off soon enough and at being thanked. Both were good things, after all. “That's alright, I enjoyed it.” She replied, speaking truthfully. She shook her head at the compliment. “Keone's the one that really saved you, I just happened to be lucky enough to see my bluff work. If anything, you calling for the guards might've been just as effective.” She felt like she couldn't take much credit there.

She wasn't sure how to reply the last question. “I'm... tired. I guess. I'm really glad that you weren't taken, but events like these... they bring up bad memories. Islywn's family, Keone's previous life. It reminds me of just how much is wrong in the world...... and with the Humans in it. She didn't add that part. “Don't worry too much on my behalf though. I've been through a lot and I'm still going, so I'll get over this as well. Anyhow, I should go to the garden to take root. Don't worry, I'm sure Keone and Iswlyn won't try any funny things again.”

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope smiled kindly as Euthalia finished speaking. "I have not experienced enough of the world to say, and I have intentionally avoided the bad parts as often as possible, mmhhmm. There is a lot for me to learn, mmhhmm. I only hope I am able to learn before something like this happens again, mmhhmm." She looked back to her desk and sighed. "But, that is a discussion for another time, mmhhmm. It is late, mmhhmm. I have a little bit I still need to finish here before I turn, so I will say good night to you now, mmhhmm. Enjoy your rest, mmhhmm. Perrrhaps we can have that meal together tomorrow, mmhhmm." She smiled one last time at Euthalia, before getting back to writing in her journal, letting the Sylvari leave to root.

She was walking through the alley again, but she was alone. She needed to get back to the house. It wasn't safe for her to be here. She turned a corner to find the same alley stretched before her. She stared for a moment and turned back the way she came, only to come face to face withthe wolf woman from before. She smiled and backhanded Calliope again, sending her to the ground. It was just like before. The woman pulled the collar from her belt and leaned down to put it around Calliope's neck. This was the moment when Keone would save her. Calliope waited for the Naga to intervene, but she never did. The woman closed the collar around Calliope's neck and chains began to drag her down. She screamed as she was dragged into the ground by hundreds of chains. The last thing she saw was the pink of the woman's eyes and her smile plastered on her face.

Calliope sat up in the bed gasping. She was breathing heavily, and covered in sweat. She turned to make sure Islwyn and Keone were still in their bed, and slowly began to steady her breathing. She dropped from the bed to the floor, her body still shrunken, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. The last of the nightmare was fading as she finished the water. Why was she so upset about what happened? It had been worse for Keone, she was the one who got stabbed. The image of the chains dragging her down flashed through her mind. She thought of her great aunt, who had been taken when she was a child. She had never met the woman, but her family told the stories about her. If Calliope had been taken, would her family tell those same types of stories about her? Would even ever know what happened to her? She gagged and leaned overt he sink, vomiting up all the water she had just drank. Luckily she hadn't eaten dinner. She wiped her face, and started to head back to the bedroom, when she stopped. What was it Euthalia had said before about Keone and Islwyn? That they used to have sleepovers in green houses? Calliope turned and headed out the back door and to the side garden. She stood there a moment before slowly approaching. "Uhm... Eu-euthalia, hhhmmm? Are you awake, hhhmmm? I'm sorry for intruding, mmhhmm. M-might it be alright if I stayed out here with you, hhhmmm?"

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

She'd been spaced out a little, lost in meditation, when she heard the door to the backyard open. She was instantly alert again. How could she not be? After what happened today, this garden felt a lot less safe and being rooted into the ground was a rather weak position to be in. She couldn't easily retract her roots and run off, should it be needed. Luckily enough, it was just Calliope.

“It's cooled down a fair bit, so you may want to bring a blanked or coat.” That was the first thought that came to mind. Then she realised the time and place. “Did something happen?” She asked, a little worried. Then she figured out the answer to her own question. Nightmares, probably. Same as Islwyn. “It's alright, you can stay here.” She figured it'd be best not to mention it was probably safer inside the house.

On that note, she could use a little distraction as well. She'd been starting at the garden's gate a little more often than what was good for a restful rooting. It's just... what topic would be appropriate? It was rather late and she didn't feel to be at her sharpest with a tired mind. Something she knew a lot about, yet also was interesting to Calliope, would be idea. “Say, I've wondered for a while, but how much do you know about my species? I know we're not the most common, especially not outside of the See.” Perhaps it was due to being half-awake that she didn't realise how selfish talking about herself might seem to be.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope
​

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

Calliope ran back into the house and grabbed a blanket off the settee. She felt a little bad, bringing one of the owner of the houses blankets outside to get dirty, but she would wash it before she left. She wrapped it around her shoulders and sat down next to Euthalia. The sky was really pretty, the stars easy to see with no cloud cover or lights from the town. She would often stare up at the stars on nights she slept out on the road, finding their beauty relaxing. She looked up at them now as Euthalia spoke to her. "I... will be honest, though I am embarrased, mmhhmm. I did not know anyone like you existed, mmhhmm. I was aware of elementals, and I've heard stories of large animate trees, though I do not know the legitimacy of the claim, mmhhmm. But it had not occurred to me that there were... uh... plant based people, mmhhmm. You are the first one I have met, mmhhmm. And if the rest are like you, I should like to meet many more, mmhhmm. Though, I suppose it would only make sense that the perrrsonalities and beliefs among your people are just as varying as those among Nekos, mmhhmm. And I've met a few real bastard Nekos, mmhhmm." She chuckled and smiled at Euthalia.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

She was a little surprised. It wasn't rare for people not to know her species well, but to not even have known they existed? That was new. “Yes, we tend to get along fairly well with the Ents, or Treants as some would call them. Some of us even grow into Ents, others grow into Dryads. Some always stay Sylvari.” She wasn't sure why, but figured she might as well mention those basics.

She chuckled at the compliment. She was glad to have given a good first impression, although she'd have to let the cat down a bit. “You're right, we're about as diverse as any kind, although most of us tend to be a bit more reclusive. We have drastically different habits from meat-based people, which means we don't always blend in well and ended up staying relatively isolated. Considering all we really need is good soil and sunlight, a lot of us tend to live as hermits as well. So, all in all, I don't think it'd be easy to meet many more of my kind. Some won't be easily found, others won't be eager to meet you in turn.” Come to think of it, there was one. “Ah, you might like Anthea. She's... peculiar, but good-hearted.”

Well, that was for another day to be concerned about. As for the second part, bastard Nekos, she first wanted to make a joke about it, but then stopped herself. After the woman they met today, that didn't feel like a good timing. She decided trying to bring up fun memories was better. Or perhaps... There was one thing she was curious about. “Say, did you know that a lot plants are both male and female?” It might not be the most appropriate topic, but truth be told, she figured they'd talked about enough unprofessional stuff to risk this topic. Besides, with how often she ended up confusing others when it boiled down these things, she was curious if this would be the same or not.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Calliope was fascinated with this information. She knew so little of the Fae, it was nice to hear about, especially when it came from and concerned someone she admired. Calliope smiled at Euthalia's question. "I did know that, kind of, mmhhmm. Many people in my village grew flowers, including my family, mmhhmm. So, I am familiar with pollination, at least in the sense of... uh... <horticulture>... I do not know the common for it... raising and caring for plants, mmhhmm. But I do not really understand the science behind it, mmhhmm. Just that it works, mmhhmm." She pulled the blanket tighter around herself, bringing her knees to her chest.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

The term 'horticulture' was unfamiliar to her, even though she spoke a fair few words of bestial. The explanation gave a good general idea of it, assuming this wasn't meant to be an elderly home or hospital for Sylvari, Dryads and Ents. She laughed at the mention of 'science' behind it, a gentle chuckle. “I wouldn't exactly call it a science. You simple have stamens producing pollen and pistils able to receive them...” Well, she'd rather not go into much more detail than that, come to think of it. Talking about genitals was a little awkward. Anyhow, that wasn't the point she wanted to bring up. “Although it's more common among Fae in general, as it also exists among non plant-based ones such as Sylphs. Still, I realised there aren't many people that grasp it. The fact that some species have people that aren't exclusively male or female. I've always wondered why Humans and Beasts have such difficult grasping it at times.” It was a topic she'd always found peculiar, in large due to personal stakes, but also out of simple curiosity.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope smiled as she stared out at the tree with the overgrown pond under it. "That is fascinating, mmhhmm. There must be entire parts of language and social concepts to account for such a thing, mmhhmm. I would to learn about that in more detail one day, mmhhmm. It is interesting, mmhhmm. I have often found humans the most <egocentric>... uh, another word I do not know the common for... kind of like selfish, hhhmmm? They do not care to consider things that do not affect them, mmhhmm. But Beastfolk can be stuck in their ways, mmhhmm. We do not like when things challenge our traditions, mmhhmm. Which is so silly, mmhhmm! There are even types of Beastfolk, some frogkin and lizardkin, that can change gender, mmhhmm. I do not understand how or why it happens, but it is not uncommon knowledge that it does, mmhhmm." She sighed and looked down. "Sometimes my people can be so frustrating, mmhhmm. I love my family and my village, but sometimes, after I have been there a few days, it is so liberating that I get to leave, mmhhmm. I want to see everything, mmhhmm." She looked up at Euthalia. "I think... I think I should like to take you up on your offer to work more closely with the guild, mmhhmm. Living in the See might do me some good, for a few years, at the very least, mmhhmm. I-If the offer still stands of course, mmhhmm."

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

On the topic of language and social concepts, she pondered for a moment. “There are, yes, although most of us go by how others tend to perceive us when dealing with those outside our own race. It's easier that way, most of the time. On the other hand, I do recall thoroughly confusing someone when I told them I wanted to be a father someday.”

Well, there was one thing Euthalia thoroughly agreed on. “Indeed, Humans tend to be the most problematic species by far.” She was glad someone understood. “I think I've heard of such cases as well. Weren't there also fishfolk like that?” She tried to recall, but wasn't sure. Clownfishfolk? Possibly.

Either way, she smiled at Calliope's mention of wanting to see everything. “Truthfully, I do not desire to travel much outside of the See, other than for jobs like these. Most that I want to see and experience is right there. Although... I guess meeting someone like you was worth the journey. Perhaps I should consider travelling more, outside the country...” … or maybe not. Too many Humans. Possibly Kurdian? “Kuridan seems like an interesting place to visit one day.”

The topic was soon brought back around to her home country. “Of course, I'd gladly welcome you there! We'd have to take some proper measures, of course, as the See isn't the most hospitable to newcomers, but I'm sure we'd get everything figured out. I no longer have the status to make you a guest of honour, but I'm sure I can still help you network, especially with the Faazi Merchant Guild. Perhaps also with the Hackmatack Merchant Guild, in the near future...”

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope tried to recall if she had heard of Fishkin changing genders. Honestly, she didn't know much about Fishkin at all. She typically avoided the coasts of the Continental Lake and there were only a few Fishkin centric settlements along the Ryken rivers. "I am not sure, mmhhmm. Though while I was in Crustanton, my friends and I encountered a wide variety of aquatic Beastfolk, mmhhmm. It would not surprise to learn such a thing was true, mmhhmm."

As Euthalia talked about setting her up with the guilds, Calliope's eyes began to sag. She struggled to keep them open, trying to focus on Euthalia's words. Without warning, she suddenly slumped unconscious against the Sylvari's legs.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

She was a little surprised when she suddenly caught Calliope dozing off. It wasn't the most comfortable or safe here, but somehow, she could sleep here. Euthalia bend down to reach for the blanket Calliope brought and pulled it over her. She figured she could just stay here for now...

Which ended up being until morning. As the first sunlight shone down upon them, the smell of eggs, ham, beans and other food came from the house. Euthalia would gently shake Calliope awake. “Ehm, it's morning. Wake up.” She'd state, a little bit awkward after realising the odd position they were in. She had just been meditating through-out the night with her co-worker sleeping slumped against her... why in the world has she thought that wasn't going to be really awkward in the morning? To make matters worse, she'd spotted Islwyn and Keone looking at them out the window. The two had likely worried Calliope got kidnapped again upon waking without spotting her, but might now have totally wrong and entirely different ideas...

She tried to clear those thoughts out of her mind. “I think Islwyn and Keone have gotten a breakfast going, so we should meet them inside. With some luck, we'll be able to get a whole lot of plant research done afterwards, right?” She tried changing topics.

As they'd enter the house, they'd find the table set with a hearty breakfast, a fair bit of it from Islywn's winnings from yesterday, but also some freshly brought bread. Islwyn had also put some tea on, another new Fae-blend that was rather fruity.

Islwyn Meadhra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Adventures in FFXIV: Photo

“So... you two had a fun night?” She'd ask instantly with a wink, before even saying good morning.

Keone Nagendra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/780248704185350822/

Keone had different thoughts. “You being gone scared me! I thought you'd been kidnapped again!”

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Calliope sat up slowly at the sound of Euthalia's words, back at her normal size, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and squinting in the morning sun. "Wha... Hhhhhhhmmmmmm?!?!" She looked up at Euthalia and turned bright red. "I-I am so sorry, mmhhmm. That was very unprrrofessional of me, mmhhmm." She straightened her hair. "But... Th-thank you, mmhhmm. I... I apprrreciate you letting me stay with you, mmhhmm." She let out a sigh. This entire arrangement with the guild had not gone how she had expected at all. But, it hadn't gone bad either. She smiled as that realization hit her. She nodded at the mention of breakfast. "Yes, that is prrrobably a good idea, mmhhmm. And of course, mmhhmm. Another day of excellent work to look forward to, mmhhmm. I doubt you are having as much fun as I am, but I do hope you are enjoying yourself, mmhhmm."

Calliope immediately turned red again at Islwyn's teasing. "NO, MMHHMM. I.. I mean... Euthalia was perrrfectly pleasant, I did enjoy speaking with her, mmhhmm. But she was just offering me comfort, mmhhmm." She looked to Euthalia with a look of pleading and apology at the same time.

Calliope's ears folded at Keone's words. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Keone, mmhhmm. I got up to get a drink and things just kind of happened, mmhhmm. I hadn't intended to be gone all night, mmhhmm."

Calliope sat at the table, eyes wide at the presentation. "That tea smells wonderful Islwyn, mmhhmm. And the food looks amazing, mmhhmm. Thank you so much for prrreparing this, mmhhmm."

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

“It was no problem.” She replied with a bit of a smile. “This might have been the first time I had a sleepover since the greenhouse days.” She joked, hoping to ease the awkwardness a little.

She was a bit surprised at the cat's next statement. For one, due to admitting she had fun despite yesterday's more dramatic events. Secondarily for assuming Euthalia didn't. “I am, this task has been a rather enjoyable one thus far.” Euthalia just sighed at Islwyn's teasing.... then blushed just a little bit of a deeper green when Calliope said she'd been 'perrrfectly pleasant' which was bound to fuel the fire. Except it didn't.

Islwyn Meadhra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Adventures in FFXIV: Photo

“No worries dear, I hoped you slept well~”

Keone Nagendra

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/780248704185350822/

“I ssssseeee.... Perhaps next time I'll have to coil you, so you can't sneak off and worry us!” She threatened, but she was quickly distracted by the food she'd been getting ready with Islwyn. Neither of them had any particular talent at Domestic Arts, but between the both of them, they could at least get a decent breakfast going.

Euthalia joined them, but as per usual, she was just sipping water. Once they had eaten, she'd turn to her companions. “What are you two planning for the day?”

“Oh! Last night, some people asked me about my dance moves and I offered to teach them~ We'll be meeting up in the early afternoon, I think I'll wander around until then.” She'd clearly gotten well-socialized with the townsfolk already. Euthalia wasn't sure how much she liked seeing Islwyn hang around with so many humans, but she figured she'd let it slide.

“There were some merchants that told me they'd bring other parts of their stock, so I think I'll hit the market again and see if I can trade for more valuables.” Valuables mostly boiled down to shiny things, in Keone's world.

It seemed like both Keone and Iswlyn weren't planning to have yesterday's events discourage the from going out again. Euthalia knew why. If they'd let it scare them off, they'd never be able to live normal lives again. “Alright, good luck and stay safe.”

“Always~”

“Will do.”

They replied, as they both headed off after breakfast. Euthalia then turned to Calliope.

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

"Well then, let's get a whole lot of plants reveal their potion secrets to us!” She said, heading to the boxes to pick out a plant that should be a good warm-up for the day.

From: Ur'En Plants.jpg

“These are called {Bluebulb} which I think directly translates to Bluebulb. They grow mostly in the southern parts of the country, in coastal regions. We might want to work on these outside, rather than inside, as when you cut open the bulbs, the scent that stems from them is rather appalling. That's likely the reason that nobody tried figuring out what they might be worth in potions so far, but some species of animals in the See love to eat them, so they should be fit for consumption by others as well, if they can get over the scent... or if you have potion making tactics to get rid of it.”

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: common | <Beastial>​

Calliope was glad to hear that Euthalia was enjoying herself. And she was grateful that Islwyn didn't press the teasing. Keone's threat however made her laugh nervously. "T-that won't be necessary, mmhhmm. I shall stay in my bed for any remaining nights, mmhhmm."

She listened as the other three spoke. She was impressed by Islwyn and Keone's ability to so quickly entwine themselves with the local community. Calliope rarely did more than a night or two of tavern conversations. She gently waved to them as they left, smiling. She was happy the two of them were still in good spirits, but she was nervous of them being on their own, not even together.

Calliope smiled at Euthalia. "Absolutely, mmhhmm." She made her way to the desk and sat down, donning her gloves before taking the plant from The Sylvari. But then paused as Euthalia gave the explanation. "Hmmmmm... I see, mmhhmm. That will be difficult, much of the tests require a stable flat surface, and it would take quite a while to move my set up, mmhhmm... But, I think we can make it work, mmhhmm. I have smaller sets of equipment for use on the road, mmhhmm. They are slightly less accurate, but it shouldn't effect things to much, mmhhmm." She stood up from the desk and grabbed a small crate, before turning back to Euthalia. "If you could bring the sample, we can head to the side yard, mmhhmm."

Once outside, Calliope made a small set up with the equipment, using the bottom of the crate as a makeshift table. She puts on a cloth mask and offers one to Euthalia. It is difficult and the smell from the pods complicates things, even causing Calliope to gag and come to tears when she first opens it, even through the mask. After a few hours she has a light blue potion in front of her. "Once the potion is complete, it no longer smells, but dealing with the scent up until that point is a chore, mmhhmm. Perhaps further time dedicated to processing the plant could fix that, but we don't have the time or means for that here, mmhhmm. But the potion itself seems promising, mmhhmm. I detected hints of [Posion] Affinity, mmhhmm. You may want to satnd back for this one, though I will of course aim it away from you, mmhhmm." Calliope poured the potion into the glass, pulling her mask down to drink it. She gagged again, nearly spittingout the potion, but swallowing it. "Ugh, that tastes awful, mmhhmm." She waited a few minutes then turned away from Euthalia. Pursing her lips, she blew and a cloud of sickly green flowed from her mouth. It went a short distance before dissipating in the morning air. Calliope turned back to Euthalia and smiled. "Works perfectly, mmhhmm." She slapped the label on the potion and set it aside.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

She'd helped set some things up outside, on Calliope's instruction, then stood back donning a cloth mask as well. She was also glad they were doing this in the side-yard, rather than backyard, as she'd rather keep a nice rooting spot there. Even with the masks and outside air, the smell was horrible. She was glad she could keep some distance, but felt bad for Calliope standing in the full brunt of it. Still, it got them a result. She wasn't sure how useful it was, but it was at least worth something. “I doubt that one will ever become a hit, but at least we got something useful from it.”

She paused a bit, trying to breath in a bit of fresh air as the smell blew away in the morning breeze. “Oh, come to think of it, now that we've got our set-up here, there's another one that might be better off tested outside. I'll go grab it.” She said, entering the house before returning whilst carefully carrying a much larger plant.

From: Ur'En Plants.jpg

“This one is known by a fair few names. {Sunorb} in Sylvan, Glowbulb in Common... I think it might be <Sunsweet> in Beastial? They grow in the North-East of the See, west of Ryke and south of Kuridan, especially along the river flowing from Ryke into the Continental Lake. When they are cut open even a tiny bit, they tend to suddenly flash brightly like the sun for a few seconds, whilst spreading a really sickly sweet scent. I've heard that some people use them to blind and confuse enemies during a fight... or to play pranks. Either way, I'd imagine making a potion out of them might bring such properties out even more, right? We'd just have to figure out how to open it up without it blinding us and covering us in sickly sweet plant juices."

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mention: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope waited curiously as Euthalia went back into the house. She cleaned up her area as best she could and set the potion to the side. As Euthalia walked out with the plant, Calliope let out an excited hum. "Hmmmmm, it is fascinating to look at, mmhhmm." She copied down the information in her journal, then took the plant and rotated it in her hand examining it. "Hmmmmmm, how to go about this, hhhmmm? Ohhhh, I know, mmhhmm!" She runs back into the house and returns wit the blanket she used last night. "I need to wash it anyways so this should be fine, mmhhmm." She laid it over top the bulb and then reached under the blanket with a knife in hand. "Alright, here we go, mmhhmm. One... two... three, mmhhmm." She sliced the pod, and bright light erupted from under the edges of the blanket, the blanket itself not thick enough to obstruct the entire flash. Calliope blinked for a moment, seeing spots. "I had assumed "brightly like the sun" to be an anlalogy, mmhhmm. It seems it was not, mmhhmm." She waited a moment for most of her vision to return, then pulled off the blanket. the pod was deflated now, with a multitude of seeds having spilled from it's inside. Calliope gathered those in a vial, setting them aside, then begin to work on the plant itself. An hour later she had two potions in front of her, both a luminescent yellow color, but one with black specs floating in it.

She picked the clear one up first and started to pour it into a glass. "This one should allow me to replicate that sensory effect, mmhhmm. So I recommend you avert your eyes, mmhhmm." Calliope downed the pconcoction, then waited a moment. Once Euthalia was turned away, Calliope extended her hand, closed her eyes and snapped. Even with her eyes closed she could tell the effect worked, her eyelids going white for a moment. She opened her eyes and smiled. "You can look again, it worked, mmhhmm." She labeled the bottle and set it aside.

Picking up the second, she looked at it, before starting to pour it . "This one was made using the seeds and should allow me to see in the dark, mmhhmm. Though, there were a few, uh, oddities in the results, mmhhmm. So, I'll step inside the house and close the curtains to create as dark an environment as possible to test it in, mmhhmm. You shuld wait ut here in case something unexpected happens, mmhhmm." She picked up the glass and the blanket and headed into the house. Several minutes later she stepped back outside. "Uh, so, it kind of worked, I suppose, mmhhmm." She looked at Euthalia, her eyes emmiting light like lanterns. "It's not what I had intended, but sometimes that happens, mmhhmm." She waited for the effect to wear off before labeling and setting aside the bottle.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

Calliope wasn't the only one that ended up needing to blink a few times. She'd expected the blanket to do enough to dim the flash, but it didn't. “That felt like I just got a day's worth of light thrown at me... too much to even photosynthesize.” The sickly sweet scent soaking the blanket made her wonder if that would ever wash out on top of that. This potion best be worth it. Having learned her lesson from the opening of the bulb, she averted her eyes. From the feeling of light hitting her skin, she could confirm it as indeed working. “Yes, I could feel it.” The potion from the seeds had its own interesting twist. Euthalia waited patiently, but with curiosity, until she saw Calliope return. The sight made her chuckle a bit. “Your bright eyes are truly a light in the dark.” She jested.

As Calliope set the bottle aside, Euthalia figured now might be the best time to bring 'it' out. One of the plants she wasn't sure she'd even show to begin with. However, she'd need to be clear about it. “I have another plant, but it's extremely dangerous. To you, that is. Not to me. It's called a {Bloodeater Vine} or... Bloodeater Vine, is what it'd translate to, although I think Vampire Vine is a more commonly used name. It's as the name suggests. It drains the blood of whatever it gets its roots on. The moment it is in contact with something with blood in its veins, its roots will pierce the skin and start sucking the blood out. Considering how quickly and deep the roots can each, it's extremely painful to remove if it gets to you. It's been used in some wars against the East Empire and against monsters, but considering a lot of Fae also have blood, its usage is frowned upon. Even the small sample I brought is to be handled with the utmost care. It was already made infertile, so we don't have to worry about spreading it here, but it might still hurt you. It's why, with our permission, I'd rather make the potion myself. I've watched you work a lot now, so if you tell me what to do, I'm sure I can follow along. Considering I don't have blood, I won't be at risk of getting it drained from the plant. It doesn't really react to my kind at all. So... would you agree to tell me what to do and promise me not to touch the next plant?”

Should Calliope agree, Euthalia would unbox a plant wrapped up in paper, leather and a few other things to keep it extra safe and secure. It looked like normal vines on the outside, but she knew fully well how dangerous these would be should one of its vines get into contact with the skin of a blood-possessing being.

From: Card: Nature Corroded

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Calliope's pupils dilated as Euthalia spoke about the plant, her excitement clearly growing. A rare and dangerous See plant that only a few got to work with? A slight rumble crept from her throat as her ears perked up. This was a dream come true. Stuff like this was usually only available to the guilds and free lance Masters. But then Euthalia hit her with the bombshell, causing her ears and tail to droop. "I... bu-...uh... Hhhmmm... A-alright, mmhhmm. I shall guide you through the prrrocess, mmhhmm. B-but, we will likely need to use other ingrediants as well, to bring out all the latent prrroperrrties of the sample, mmhhmm. So I will prrrepare those to ensure the highest efficacy possible, mmhhmm. Together we shall unravel the secrets of this Bloodeater Vine, mmhhmm." She really wanted to be the one touching it, but she smiled at Euthalia and perked her ears back up, excited to work with her.

 

[Elvario]

Euthalia Apricot

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
Sylvari

With Calliope agreeing, she took the plant and started to work on it. She was very careful to wrap any unneeded parts back up as carefully as before and to keep Calliope far away from any parts she was using. Otherwise, she worked a fair bit slower than Calliope did, as she'd have to listen and sometimes ask again to ensure she'd do each step carefully and thoroughly. Luckily enough, Calliope had a lot of it prepared. She'd notice Calliope's disappointed though, almost feeling bad for it, but it wasn't enough to change her mind. She was very intend on ensuring this cat's safety, not even entirely sure why she felt so strongly about it. Before long, however, the vines were mixed, grounded and altered enough for her to be fairly confident they'd no longer be harmful. Double and even triple-checking that no traces of the original vines remained, she let out a short sigh. “That should cover it, you can take over from here for the finishing touches. Whatever remains should be harmless now, assuming the potions themselves won't be too vile. I know it took a much longer time, but I hope I did well.” She stated, as she stepped back to allow Calliope to wrap up the process.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Calliope

Mentions: Elvario
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Calliope stood next to Euthalia and guided her in the process of testing and preparing the vines. She tried to interject as little as possible, allowing Euthalia a deal of freedom, curious to see what exactly she had picked up and how she would do. She had to stop her once or twice, but over all was rather impressed at her ability to recreate the process. While Euthalia handled the vine, Calliope took care of the ancillary ingredients, using her experience to prepare them with little use from the tools and equipment Euthalia needed access to. Calliope finished shortly before Euthalia and spent a few minutes just watching the Sylvari work. When she finally finished, Calliope checked over the work. "This is quite good for someone who only observed me working, and for only a few days as well, mmhhmm. It seems you may have some natural talent, mmhhmm. If I ever need a hand, I shall consider asking for you directly, mmhhmm." She switched places with Euthalia and combined the prepared ingredients, starting the process of making the concoction.

A short while later two more potions sat in front of her, one a bright red with flecks of black, the other a midnight blue. She tapped the Red liquid, slightly jiggling the bottle. "We can't test this one, mmhhmm. It will give it's drinker the traits of the Bloodeater Vine, causing them to drain the life force from anything they touch, mmhhmm. It seemed particularly volatile as well, mmhhmm. This one however..." She tapped the blue potion and then begin to pour it into her glass. "...first off let me assure you it is perfectly safe, mmhhmm... However, it will probably be rather shocking, mmhhmm. More shocking than the mouth in the hands, mmhhmm." She picked up the glass and downed it. Stepping to the center of the yard she waited for a moment. Suddenly blood began to drip from her eyes, the sclera turning red and her pupils dilating. "Do not worry I am okay, mmhhmm. It doesn't even hurt, mmhhmm." She held her hand out and a red mist began to flow from it, slowly congealing into a vaguely humanoid shape with narrow elongated limbs and large claws. It's face is shaped like a flat arrow head with no features. "It is a blood elemental, mmhhmm." Calliope keeps her hand out and the creature approaches allowing her to pet it. "Would you like to try, hhhmmm? It is under my control, mmhhmm."

After a short time the creature finally vanish and Calliope's eyes returned to normal, but the blood stains on her cheeks remained. She labeled the bottles, then stepped inside to wash her self off. When she returned she smiled at Euthalia. "So, hhhmmm? What's next, hhhmmm?"