Active Freshen Up [The See of Chearon - Tea Party]

[Irihi]

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf
​

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae,
Mentions: TheTimePiece Elvario

[{“Thank you. I’ll try.”}] Glim said. She felt the urge to explain to Yunaesa how it was difficult for her to even imagine celebrating, or even being happy, when--to her--it felt as if her friends had all died just hours ago. The fairy could tell it had been days--perhaps weeks or months--since the battle of M’lyrna, but--to her--it was still painfully close.

Painful like her injuries. Those were actually a welcome distraction from her thoughts. What Irihi and Almeida were doing was also distracting, but perhaps less welcome. [{“Private! Get a hold of….”}] Glim started to try to order Irihi to do something other than what she was doing. [{“Or, rather, don’t get a hold of… geh.”}] Glim made a disgusted noise and turned her attention away from whatever friskiness Irihi and Almeida were engaged in.

What was the use? When Irihi complied with orders, she usually did so in a way which twisted them to fit her own sick worldview. Since they had both died, Glim was no longer even sure she was responsible for Irihi. She certainly knew she did not want to be. Instead, she decided to take Yuna’s advice and focus on herself. She wasn’t sure she could celebrate, just yet, but she could at least allow herself to take some steps toward recovery. [{“Yunaesa, could you set me down here?”}] She asked, as they reached the edge of the restorative pool. There were shallows along the edge where Glim could touch the bottom and keep her head above the water without needing to float or swim.

The promised restorative powers of the hotspring were on full display as the water around the fairy began to sparkle and shimmer--putting much less of the fairy, herself, on display as the clouds of glittering mana eased her aches and repaired her broken wing.

Corporal Glimmerleaf found a shallow bubbly spot where she could recline and enjoy the hot healing soak. She closed her eyes and tried to think of something to take her mind off the war--and what was going on in the deeper parts of the spring. [{“Are the two of you sis--er… siblings?”}] Glim asked, her cheeks coloring a little as she recalled the differences and similarities between Almeida and Yunaesa. [{“I have a sister, back home, but she is much younger than I.”}] Glim revealed. The fairy’s eyes were still closed and she was not sure if Yuna had decided to stay and talk, or waded over to Irihi and Almeida. Either way was fine with her. She wouldn’t be embarrassed to find that she was just talking to herself. Thinking about home and family had been what carried her through the last few terrible weeks when she had last been alive.

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

“[Oh, that's a great idea! We could keep showing off how we were made to be the next stages of evolution to everyone and earn ourselves enough money to hire a chef whilst at it! That's a great idea!]” The combination was a win-win for sure. Yuna was a genius.

“[Reviving without sound? Do you think her sound passed onto the afterlife already?]” That would be weird, but this whole thing was weird, so it was pretty possible all things considered. She looked at Irihi. “[Perhaps we should've made her drink some of that water, so that her voice would've resurrected as well? We'll have to try that next time.]” Clearly that was the ultimate solution.

“[Yeah, herbal soaks, she said! Perhaps it's like bathing in vegetable soup!]” That was obviously the closest possible comparison. “[Either that or we see how much heat we can tolerate! I think my metal bits should be good with it at least, though the fleshy bits might not be.]”

“{You want to go deeper?}” She was surprised at that. “{Normally it's nicer to sit down at the shallower parts, but alright~}” Seeing how she was already carrying Irihi for a reason she'd already forgotten, she might as well continue. As they went to deeper waters, however, Almeida was a tad confused. The part of her brain that should be activating to make her realise in full what they were doing was being oddly insightful in its own ways. After all, if you can't recall anything being strange, there was clearly nothing strange. It was new to her, however, that much she did recall.

“[Hey, Yuna, she's touching me all over. Do you think that's some sort of Fae or Elven bathing ritual? It feels nice though, you should come over and try it as well! I bet it's some sort of bonding thing.]” She'd call out, as she'd let Irihi do as she pleased. After all, after-battle baths were good for bonding among comrades and this seemed to be Irihi's way of doing so.

That said, Almeida suddenly realised something. “{Oh my, I'm being impolite, am I not?}” If it was a bonding ritual, that likely meant she'd have to return the favour. Bonding rituals didn't work all that well when they were one-sides, after all. “{There you go~ Even though they're metal, the water should've warmed them up nicely!}” She stated, not afraid to using her hands to touch Irihi and return the favour. “{Like this?}” She'd ask, a hand slipping between the Elf's legs. Exploring such a place with one's digits seemed to be an important place for this bonding ritual and she'd rather not disappoint the Elf. Not when the latter was finally warming up to this post-battle post-ressurection bathing experience.

She noticed Irihi was trying to call over Yuna, which was great. “[I think she wants you to come over as well! You should! This is really nice for a bonding ritual thing!]” She'd share her latest scientific conclusions. One might even say she'd started to uncover a hard-earned truth thanks to Irihi's practical application of the theory.

Upon hearing Glim, it sounded like the latter was also talking about the bonding ritual stuff. “[Don't worry, she's got a pretty good hold of it already! It's great!]” She'd reply, assuring the Fairy that her previous subordinate was doing the bonding ritual justice. When Glim went to rephrase it, Almeida was a bit confused. “[Don't worry, I love learning about how others bond during their after-battle baths! I'm more than willing to learn!]” She'd reply. “[It's weird, cause I'm sure I knew more about this stuff at some point, but I seem to have forgotten a whole lot.]” She'd add to explain her peculiar situation.

Happy to see Glim recover, she'd call out. “[I'm glad it's working!]” As for their relation, Almeida wasn't sure. “[We have a lot of common, but I'm pretty sure we're not! Right, Yuna?]” That made her wonder. “[Our creators had so much in common that they might have been related though! If the ones that made us are related, would that make us related as well?]” Now that was a question. “[Do you think we'd be related, Yuna? It might be funny if we were.]” She'd ask about that bit as well.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa
​

Languages: "[Terran]", "%Analog%"

Elvario Irihi


"[Course Glim! It was a big success.]"

"[Yeah that's what it sounded like my creator wanted me to do! The uh, show how I'm the best next step in evolution thing!]"

She giggled a bit at Almeida asking if the sound had passed on. "[I dunno I've seen some pretty funky things in the past so maybe it's possible!]" her expression then became a bit more serious,

"[I just hope that she can get her voice back easily, yeah I think if we need to do this again drinking it might be a good idea to make sure she comes back completely.]"

"[Ooo we'll be friendship vegetable soup!]" Yunaesa announced in response, as that was a logical extension of what Almeida said. "[I think my metal bits are okay with getting pretty hot too! It's just the skin ones that aren't as cool with it]"

While Almedia was going deeper and getting into feely shenanigans with Irihi, and she heard Glim's reactions, she giggled a bit again, "[I dunno why you're worried, I think Irihi just wants to know why Almeida is the next stage in evolution!]" A surprisingly innocent and chill take.

"[Uhuh not a problem~]" She would guide glim to the spot she wanted gently and intently with care.

She was going to answer but with Almeida answering it changed her thoughts on the question.

"[Oh you have a younger sister? Well then isn't it doubly important that we brought you back Glim? I'm sure she wouldn't want to lose you!]" Yunaesa reaffirmed.

When she heard Almeida ask, her, she then looked to glim "[So is it some kind of fae or elven bathing ritual to touch someone all over like that? Cause I dunno, I mean I might be part fae but I didn't really grow up around here! At least I don't remember growing up around here, I just know I woke up in Widersia one day already like this!]"

"[Sisters? I hadn't really thought of that, wouldn't we need to be from the same parents to be literal sisters? But I guess people adopt too huh? what I know is that yeah our creators had a lot in common, like both being from Widersia, both having labs, both have cool talking weapons, and both having a group of angry sounding people showing up, both making us telling us that we're the next step in evolution and to go and show the world why we're the best...so we could sort of be like sisters in a way huh? We hang out a lot and have similarities. I think Almy, Zjorn, Valerius and Decimus are my besties, maybe we're them in spirit.]" She'd conclude, answering both.

"[I guess I'll be right back since It sounded and looked like they wanted me over there.]" She'd say to Glim before making her way near Irihi and Almeida in the water.

 

[Irihi]

Rory O’Shea
Abruptly, the door in the less-tumbledown wall of the bathhouse banged open, admitting a short red-bearded man dressed in a green waistcoat, green pants, and with a sparkly green top-hat upon his small head. {“Ach! Feck me! Ladies! Please!} The Leprechaun sputtered, throwing up his hands as if to cover his eyes. { “What in the name ‘o shamrocks is goin’ on here, then? Are ye tryin’ ta start a bonny wee bonfire wit’ yer own skin!?!} Despite his apparent chagrin, the little man was peering at the women from between splayed fingers.

{“Sure, it’ll be grand if’n ye wants ta engage in yer… er shenanigans, but nawt in the pool, if’n ye’ll fergive me fer sayin so.} The man dropped his show of embarrassment and lifted his hat to scratch at his mop of fiery hair. {“The name’s Rory O’Shea, at yer service and wishin’ a fine day ta ye here in me an’ me achar’s bath house! Oi’v got--ah--a few places in the snug tha might be more suited fer ye.”} He suggested.

Corporal Glimmerleaf

[“Yes. She would have been sad. Everyone’s connections in this world get… a little more hollow, when someone dies.”] Glim said to Yuna, eyes still closed. [“We fairies can feel deaths rippling through the aether. Some of our evil kin enjoy the sensation.”] Glim’s already-faint voice got a little quieter, though her [Telepathy F] carried through. [“Others… …don’t.”]

Glim was maybe finding herself actually a little glad of the distraction provided by Irihi and Almeida. [“Ugh, no. What they’re doing is very uncouth, though it probably happens more often than most people would like to know.”] Glim grimaced and waved Yuna off with a tiny hand. [“Go enjoy yourself, if you must.”]

The fairy kept her eyes closed and submerged her ears as well, so that only her nose and mouth were above water. She stayed this way until the leprechaun burst in on the scene.

[{“Greetings, Mister O’Shea.”}] Glim piped up from her bubbly seat. [{“I thought Clodina was the proprietor of this establishment.”}] She made a face. [{“Not that I’m objecting to you trying to inject some decency into these animals, mind you.”}]

Rory O’Shea
{“Ach, sure, that’s it--me sis is co-owner. Let me guess; she took ye ta the section fer the departed, first, didn’t she?”} Rory sighed and crossed his arms. {“She’s a grand hostess, ta be sure, but after five hundred years she’s a bit fergitful that the living’s got needs different from them wot’s sleepin tae long sleep.”}

The leprechaun gestured toward the open door. {“Anyway, when ye be done and dusted with yer bathin, and wantin’ ta move on to other diversions, me tavern be mighty craic; got steam rooms, private rooms, an plenty o’ scran and jar.”} He said. {“I’ll bring ye back robes if’n ye please--though they be purely optional--Ah’ve no objections to any ‘o ye goin in the nip.”} From the way in which his attention was focused on the bathers, one might guess that Rory preferred them to visit his establishment in the altogether.

Be that as it might, the little man vanished in burst of green smoke. When the smoke and sparkles cleared, a cloak stand had appeared in his place, complete with the offered robes.

Irihi Spokelse

​

One of the myriad benefits of a body made from Grey Ash was that breathing was entirely optional. Irihi had been demonstrating this fact for quite some time before, during, and after the appearance of the leprechaun. A while after Rory vanished, the sorceress popped back to the surface, looking pretty pleased with herself. X”Well, Dearhearts, what did you think of that?”X She asked with no expectation of an answer. After all, she more-or-less already knew.

Pushing her sodden midnight locks back from her face, she espied the open door and gave the two constructs a quizzical look. X”What’d I miss?”X The necromancer inquired.

Elvario TheTimePiece

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

She'd nod, glad that Yuna understood. “[I think it was something about... fighting ability, resilience, beauty, reproductive capabilities, adaptability... There were a whole lot of things I was supposed to be better at than any normal folk. Was it the same for you?]”

“[Friendship vegetable soup? I think it would be Yunalmy{{Dearheart}} soup by then! As we'd become the main ingredients.]” She'd nod, scientific and well though-out as she always was.

Hearing Yuna's response, she nodded. “[It could also be specifically Elven, or maybe just the type of {{Dearheart}}} Elves like her? Either way, it seems important to her! I'm just glad she's finally enjoying us keeping our promise!]” The last bit was obviously the most important bit by far. Keeping promises like this was what made someone a good and honest person.

“[Yeah, people adopt!]” Hearing Yuna say how much their creators had in common made Almeida realise something. “[Do you think it's possible that one of our creators copied the other?!?]” That would be such a shocking revelation, yet it would explain so much. “[Either way, you're totally my bestie too, regardless of whether or not it's like we're sisters!]” That was the more important bit.

For a while, Almeida was able to relax and enjoy the waters. You know, there was an age old question. Is water wet, or does water make things wet? Is water, as a wettening agent, capable of wetting itself? Probably not. Yet if water wasn't wet, then it was just the state of having water onto it that made things wet? Probably. Then again, by now, Almeida would've been wet even without water.

You know what else was fascinating? Volcano's. It was pretty wild how a simple yet steady movement could cause pressure to build up slowly, yet steadily. Just for all this pressure to start building up towards some climax, at which it all sorts of hot contents would erupt into a flow, if not force, to be reckoned with. It's said that this eruption could last a fair while, with enough coming out to reshape the area around it. Then again, not all eruptions were like that. Some didn't come out like through tubes of rock-hard mountains, but out of crevices in the earth that leaked their hot-warm contents due to being drifted and spread about by various forces. Even underwater, the pressure would not be enough to prevent it from coming up and out, perhaps even causing the water temperature to rise by its force and hotness. Of course, there were also volcanos that were lying dormant and wouldn't erupt again. They were just like gaping holes in the surface that those brave enough might attempt to study and explore, though doing so definitely wasn't everyone's cup of tea.

As Almeida was deep in thought about all sorts of seismic activities like that, she was interrupted by someone running in. His Sylvan was very difficult for her to follow. “[I think he wants us to get out of the pool? His Sylvan is really difficult.]” She'd try translate for Yuna.

“{Ehm... My Sylvan. Is not so good?}” She'd ask him. “{If you have place, we'll take them?}” Once again, it was more of a question than a statement, still unsure of what in the world he'd been saying.

She was a tad surprised at hearing Glim reply. “[You can understand him that well?]” The small one was truly talented to make so much sense of all that.

Trying to make some sense of the next bits, she'd wonder. “{Steam rooms? Is that where they took Valerius and Zjorn? What's scran and jar? Can you eat that?}” Food was put in jars. “{Or is that related to more bonding rituals? I think I'm really starting to like those. Or are those just an Elven thing?}”

“{What's a nip?}” She'd ask for the next bit.... and he was gone just as quickly as he'd arrived. How peculiar. She'd try translate some for Yuna. “[He said there was ehm... Steam rooms, private rooms, something weird, something... {nip}? I'm sorry, he's confusing.]”

It seemed she'd have to repeat herself again, as the Elf surfaced. Almeida couldn't hear what she was saying, but that didn't matter, as she'd draw her in for a hug. “{That was a really neat bonding ritual to show us, thanks for doing so!}” She'd say, pretty happy with all these experiences.

Getting more to the point, however, she'd sigh as she'd have to share the bad news. “{Some man dressed in green told us to get out of the bath, I think, but his Sylvan was really difficult to understand. Perhaps we could go try out another place?}” She wasn't entirely sure on how to proceed. “[What do you want to do, Yuna?]”

Before she'd forget, however, she'd turn to Irihi again... “{By the way, you should teach me how you did all that. You're clearly incredibly talented at it and surprisingly versatile and all that.}” Almeida clearly wanted to be able to hold her breath as easily and under such varying circumstances as well, like underwater and in a warm bath.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa
​

Languages: "[Terran]", "%Analog%"

Yunaesa gave a wave to the Leprechaun apparently, not really getting a chance to try whatever ritual Irihi was doing with Almeida before it was all interrupted. "[Oh hey!]" She said friendly, still not understanding the language that Almeida had picked up, Yunaesa felt like she really ought to do that at some point, Almeida's creator really had thought things through a bit, but maybe Yunaesa didn't need to know other languages to be the next step in evolution and the two she knew would replace the others for all she knew, well it was certainly food for thought that went through her mind.

She then turned to Glim.

"[See Glim! This Is part of why it's important to keep going, I know it can feel hard sometimes but I consider you a good ally after what we did with those bugs, and your sister cares about you too, I know that Almeida cares a whole lot about you too.]"

(Note: Sorry about the hold up during Japan trip, for ease I'm just going to continue next round)

 

[Irihi]

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae,

Mentions: TheTimePiece Elvario

[{“Pfft. He just doesn’t want you blowing… bubbles… in the bath.”}] Glim clarified to everyone present, from where she was reclining, neck-deep in the hotspring. While, ordinarily, the fairy would try to minimize how much interaction she had with Irihi, the hot healing bath, the friendliness of Yuna, and just generally being alive, was getting the tightly-wound corporal to loosen up a little.


[{“I’m not going to drown myself, Yuna.”}] Glim reassured the construct. [{“--no matter what sort of mind-scarring atrocities those two are perpetrating over there”}] She waved a hand to where Almeida was again apparently seeing if she could accomplish the impossible goal of squeezing the life out of a necromancer. [{“And I am feeling better.”}] Glim left her seat, waded, and then swam through the steaming waters until she reached Yuna’s side. Treading water, she looked up at Yuna and smiled.


This was quite possibly the first genuine smile to grace the fairy’s features, since long before she had met Yuna and the other mercenaries. [{“I meant what I said, earlier; thank you for bringing me back, Yuna. It’s an incredible favor I haven’t earned, and one I hope I can someday repay.”}] Yuna was more like an islet--or perhaps a ship or submarine--than a person, when compared to the diminutive fairy, but Glim tried to give the construct/island a friendly pat all the same--even though she had to swim a bit to get to a spot where the gesture could be suitably chaste.


[{“Rory--that little man--invited us to the part of the spa that was built for the living--instead of ghosts.”}] Glim continued using her [Telepathy F] to clarify the leprechaun’s speech. [{“The robes over there are for us.”}] Glim pointed, and neglected to mention that they were all invited whether or not they chose to dress themselves.

Irihi Spokelse

Despite being rather forward in aquatic adventures, Irihi was still surprised by the return gesture from Almeida. The cool-skinned sorceress stiffened as she was crushed against the construct's considerable assets, before relaxing and replying to the corporal. X“Oh, I blew a lot more than that, dearheart.”X she said with silent snideness.

Irihi’s attention returned to Almeida as her bath buddy suggested she might learn some of Irihi’s tricks. X“And I would love to have you as a student, dearheart.”X The sorceress said, threading her own arms around Almeida’s shoulders and back. Her gaze was heavy-lidded as she leaned into the embrace and considered what other elements of affection she wanted to express. Overhearing Glim’s words, Irihi nodded. X“Like our shimmery little chaperone over there, I do thank you for trying to bring me to life, Almeida. I’m afraid it is a hopeless endeavor; but I appreciate the sentiment, nonetheless.”X The sorceress said silently.

As she draped her pale arms around Almeida’s neck, Irihi spied a second ghostly shackle fading into existence around her thin wrist. Sighing, she reluctantly detached herself from the construct and nodded at Almeida’s suggestion. X“Perhaps it is best we move on to other diversions, dearheart. I’m afraid my time here grows short.”X

As Irihi waded toward the edge of the pool, Almeida might notice that her movements seemed impeded by more than just water. The sorceress, herself, was rather ephemeral, and the traces binding her wrists even more so, yet they were clearly real enough to her. Irihi seemed to pull against some unseen force as she forged her way to the edge of the pool, then ascended the steps out of the hotspring.

Despite Rory’s encouragement--and the rather libertine bent of this return to the world of the living--Irihi was not such an exhibitionist that she intended to proceed in only her skin suit. The sorceress donned one of the plush robes the leprechaun had left behind, and then turned expectantly to her companions. X“Shall we see what other diversions the little green men have in store for us?”X She suggested.

Rory’s
As the leprechaun had said, behind the not-rotted door in the not-tumbledown fieldstone wall was the rest of the spa. It was not much more crowded than the grotto they had traversed, but it was better appointed. There was a dimly-lit dry sauna, a cloudy steam sauna, individually partitioned rooms with seats and couches for lounging and taking food and drink, and one common room with a few tables and an expansive polished bar. A sparkling green top-hat bobbing behind the bar indicated the presence of the firey-haired proprietor.

Rory would pop into existence in sauna or private room if summoned, and sometimes simply to “check on” his patrons. The frequency of his appearances was inversely proportional to the amount of clothing on his patrons.

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

“[Ah, so it is an Elven exclusive ritual after all?]” That would definitely explain why non-Elves might not like it. Very scientific. “[Stuff like this is nice, but it gets surprisingly confusing.]”

The next bit told by Glim was confusing. “[A spa..?]” She dug the deepest, but all she heard was a whirling noise. Wait, whirling noise? “[Since when does my head make a whirling noise?]” She'd ask herself and nobody in particular alike. That said... “[I can't recall. What's a spa? Can you eat it?]”

Sadly enough, she couldn't understand a thing of what Irihi was replying, but she figured it'd be positive enough. Irihi leaning into the embrace was enough proof of that. The return-hug making Almeida about as happy, perhaps even more, than their earlier field research into vulcanism.

Should Almeida spot the ghostly shackles or anything akin to it, she'd try to grab one out of a mixture of curiosity and concern. If not, she'd just grab Irihi herself, as the latter seemed a tad... weighed down? Slowed down? Weird altogether. “{What's up with this then? That doesn't seem good.}” She'd ask. Perhaps Glim might know.

Considering she still wasn't entirely sure what was going on, she'd follow suit in putting on a bathrobe. “[I'm kind-off hungry. I hope there really is food.]” She'd state, her stomach backing up that sentiment with a growl of its own. Smelling some scents upon entering, she'd smile. “[I'm pretty sure that's the smell of food~ What does 'spa' taste like?]”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa

​

Languages: "[Terran]", "%Analog%"

Irihi Elvario

"[What's wrong with blowing bubbles? Isn't that supposed to be fun? Does he just not like fun?]" Yunaesa asked curiously.

"[Oh good! It would really blow if you decided to drown yourself after all of this! You know we worked pretty hard to get here and I think there are a lot of people who'd like you to live and keep doing cool things like you did against the bugs!]" She continued with enthusiasm.

"[Actrocities?]" She'd tilt her head. "[I thought that it was some kind of fae ritual or something and since you were one too you might think it's a good thing but I guess not huh? It doesn't look so bad to me.]"


She then grinned, hands at her hips.

"[Anyway! it's no problem Glim! Zjorn and me don't like to leave anyone behind, not friends and particularly not comrades after a battle like that!. If me and Zjorn end up needing a favor at some point though one of us will let you know!]" She'd affirm.

She lit up at the head pat. "[Haha! That's totally awesome, Zjorn and me did a good job then!]" She exclaimed after the gesture.

She then listened some more curiously, watching what was unfolding not entirely sure until Glim gave her the run down.


"[ooooohhh so this isn't an area for the living..that means there is an area for the living..which probably means that it doesn't have all the risky stuff Almeida said that person mentioned earlier about us going in the water here with the random transforming and other weird things.]"


"[Guess we should go and check out the other area then! Spa sounds sort of familiar but I'm not entirely sure.]" Yunaesa also got up, offering to help Glim out too, before going over to get her own robe ready to move on.

 

[Irihi]

Irihi Spokelse
​

Almeida would find that she could, indeed, grab the ephemeral chains attached to Irihi’s shackles. If she gave a tug, the sorceress would be pulled closer to her. The other end of the chains, however, faded into nothingness. Pulling in that direction would be met with immutable resistance. X“It’s nothing you can change, dearheart, so no point in worrying over them.”X Irihi said as she stumbled into Almeida. The woman was much stronger and sturdier than the necromancer. A feature Irihi found not at all displeasing. She twined an arm around Almeida’s back, and then waited until Yuna had dressed herself.

In an uncharacteristically friendly gesture, Irihi placed herself between the pair. Now, with one arm around Almeida and the other--if the construct allowed--around Yunaesa, the three women would proceed into Rory’s Place.

Inside Rory’s
Though she was, by far, the weakest of the trio, Irihi helmed the threesome past the bar and into one of the private rooms. X“I do not eat, dearhearts, but--please--order yourselves sustenance as you mortals do. Something tells me you are going to need your strength for what comes next.”X Irihi said, silently, as she reluctantly released the pair and draped herself over a chaise lounge that was one of the furnishings of the room. Other couches and chairs surrounded a low stone table and flickering lights in wall sconces cast the room in a dusky glow.

There was a parchment on the table that--upon closer inspection--would turn out to be a menu, painstaking transcribed in Common {sylvan} and [analogue]. Unfortunately, the dishes (well, it was probably food that was listed under ornate block lettering of “Scran”) were all traditional Irish fare such as Stobhach Gaelach, Coddle, Colcannon, or Barmbrack, so the scroll might as well have been written in Greek. About five feet of parchment was dedicated to the various and sundry ways “Boxty” (whatever that was) could be prepared.

The names of drinks--at least that’s what one might assume the title of “Jar” meant--were likewise inked on the back. About the only way to determine the difference between them were the subsections of “Pints”, “Sláintes”, along with a equally-long list of “Poitín”.

After a moment’s consideration, Irihi raised a hand and snapped her fingers. When no wee green-clad man appeared, she sighed and shrugged a shoulder--and a bit more of her pale flesh--free of her robe and tried the finger-snap again.

Mister O’shea poofed into being immediately, complete with top-hat and broad tripe-eating grin. “Very well! Very well! What kin I getcher, dearie?”

Irihi was in an uncharacteristically good mood, so Rory survived more than a handful of instants in her presence. However, even when she was in the most charitable of moods, the necromancer’s nature tended to suck the life out of anyone in close proximity. The wee man quickly began wilting as she turned her full attention upon him--and his roving eye. X“A “Leprechaun” I think.”X Irihi said, in a voice silent to mortal ears. X“I’ve never drained one dry, before.”X she continued, with frigid antipathy.

Rory blanched, though “Leprechaun” was one of the only words legible--under “Sláintes”--to those who could not read his colloquial menu. “Ah, y-ye’ve made a fine choice dontcha know! I’ll, ah, get it right away, miss!”

Irihi laughed silently and winked at Almeida as Rory poofed back out of existence with such haste, he forgot to take the others’ orders. A moment later, he reappeared at the low table, opposite Irihi, and nervously pushed a small glass, containing a murky forest-green concoction, toward the elfwitch.

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf
​

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae,
Mentions: TheTimePiece Elvario

Glim accepted the proffered ride from Yuna, and the construct would find it only slightly different from scooping a bug from one’s wineglass--though much less distasteful. [{“Thank you, Yuna.”}] Glim rode the elevator-lift-like hand over to the robes where she toweled herself dry and donned the smallest of the fluffy couture. Whether by magic or conscientiousness, there was one that fit her size and physiology. With a little sigh of relief, Glim took flight on her newly-healed wings, hovering just beside Yuna while the woman dressed herself.

[{“She says not to worry about it.”}] Glim translated Irihi’s silent response to Almeida, sideslipping away from the trio as Irihi placed herself between the two constructs. [{“I don’t know what those are, but they seem like some sort of curse. If she can’t break it, then you should probably follow her advice and leave it alone.”}] Glim opined.

This was the most benign and pleasant the fairy had ever seen Irihi act. Glim might be in a charitable mood from her resurrection and healing, but her opinion of Irihi would never change. She could not forgive the necromancer for laughing cruelly at their comrades’ deaths, for mocking her when she had followed the terrible order to rescue Irihi, instead of her friends, or for how she carelessly bent and twisted the leylines of the world around her by her very nature--as only one who has perpetrated mass murder can. For the sake of her people before, and for the sake of her saviors now, Glim would tolerate Irihi--but no more.

…

Inside their secluded alcove, Glim alighted on the armrest of an overstuffed sofa and then sat with legs folded. She hoped Yuna would sit by her, but expected it to be more likely the construct would be roped into Irihi’s shenanigans. She folded her arms and watched with disapproval as the Fae private made her order sound more like a veiled threat against their host. When Rory returned with Irihi’s drink, she smiled nastily.

[{“That’s the smallest beer I’ve seen for a big person. Perhaps you should order a top hat and vest as well, private.”}] Glim said.

{“Ach, beer? Nae lassie!”} Rory turned to the fairy to explain. {“T’is equal parts whiskey an’ absinthe shaken with ice an’ crushed belladonna.”} He bowed and swept off his sparkly hat. {“Kin I getcher a thimbleful, mayhaps?”} He winked. {“T’is me own private recipe, and the nightshade in et’s sure ta have yew seein’ many more of the wee folk--though I’d caution ye to drink only one, and sip it slow, at that!”} He warned.

[{“Oh, well, in that case, yes, I’ll take that thimble, and let me buy Irihi six more rounds.”}] Glim said, trying to inject levity into her voice, but coming off as a bit more bitter than she’d intended.

…

{{“Corporal, you know as well as I do that I could bathe in it, for all the closer to death it would bring me.”}} Irihi sniped back, and this time her voice was audible to all as the poison in the drink caused the glass to whine sympathetically to her ghostly voice. {{“But if you’d like to try it, why don’t you flit on over here so I can hold your head under and give you a proper taste.”}} Irihi smirked at Glim with narrowed eyes as she took a sip of her drink.

…

Caught between terror and arousal Rory nervously rubbed his hands. {[“Grand, grand, ladies… anything to eat or drink for the two of ye?]}” He asked Almeida and Yunaesa.

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

Yuna pointed out something pretty logical. “[I don't know either, but those bubbles were sort-off special. Perhaps you can also try it out later. I think the green man might just be jealous?]” That would be a more logical line of reasoning. “[Oh no, it wasn't bad at all! It was great.]” Almeida would confirm. “[Perhaps Glim is also jealous? I could understand why such rituals would make people jealous.]”

The revelation shared by Yuna made Almeida light up as well. “[Wow, that's so smart! I hadn't even thought about that! You're brilliant Yuna!]” That made soooo much sense. “[Amazing!]” Yuna was clearly a genius.

As she grabbed the shackles, she'd want to try cut them with Valerius. Except he wasn't with her. “[I miss Valerius...]” She'd mumble. She tried tugging, but one end didn't seem to budge and the other just had Irihi bump back into her. Just to be safe, she'd tried biting through the chains. You never knew unless you tried, after all, though that probably wouldn't break them either.

Glim telling her not to worry about them was confusing. “{They seem like they'd be annoying to drag around, perhaps even dangerous.}” She'd reply to Glim. “{So I don't like them.}” Her reason was pretty basic and logical. “{Huh! As if! You said we couldn't beat the bug, but we did. Some said we couldn't bring you two back to life, but we did! They said I couldn't kill and eat that bear back then, but I did!}” She'd protest. “{So we'll break those chains as well!}” She proclaimed.

Then for Yuna. “[Hey Yuna, those chains seem to be bothering Irihi. Do you want me to help break them? I'm sure that we can figure out how to do so together.]” Almeida was never great at following up advice.

It wasn't clear to Almeida why they would go past the main food place, but she shrugged. It'd be fine, probably. She had no clue what Irihi was saying, so she just followed suit and plopped down on a seat across from Irihi. Reading the parchment, she looked at Yuna. “[I think this is Analog as well, but I can't make sense of any of it.]” She'd close her eyes, moving her finger along. “[I'll pick this!]” Her finger had landed on the first thing on the list. Stobhach Gaelach, whatever that was.

She'd go again for the drinks, as he finger landed on the longest part of the list. “[This as well!]” She'd point at one of the Poitín versions, whatever that was about. Whatever she ordered, it'd probably be food and drink so it'd probably be good.

Upon seeing Irihi summon the green man a particular way, she was surprised and made a mental note to try that later. That seemed like a fun party trick. Surely it wouldn't go wrong.

Almeida had no clue why she was being winked at, so she just returned the gesture. “[Huh, that looks like moss.]” She commented upon the drink that Irihi had gotten.

The jokes between Glim and Irihi went way past her. However, her face lit up in a smile upon the next bit. “{{DEARHEART}}!!!! I CAN HEAR YOU AGAIN!!!}” She would happily call out in Sylvan. She still couldn't understand her properly due to her weird version of Sylvan, but it was a lot more than nothing. “{Now I can ask you if you're going to teach me more about the bonding ritual!}” Clearly Irihi had made quiet an impression on Almeida with those bubbles.

Hearing Rory ask, she vaguely recalled what she'd selected. “{This and this!}” She'd point at the Stobhach Gaelach and the Poitín version. Oh right, perhaps she shouldn't be rude and do the same as Irihi did before. She's shrug in an attempt to loosen her ropes, as apparently that was a thing you did when ordering. Yet she shrugged a bit too hard, as half her robe came undone, showing a whole lot more than what was probably intended to be shown. She still had a lot to learn, it seemed.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa
​

Irihi Elvario


"Maybe! I think it'd be fun to try!]" She'd respond to Almeida's jealous bit.


“[That's possible, I mean I guess it'd be kinda like getting a massage while someone else watches who'd like one.]"


Yuna would put her hands at her hips,

"[Haha! That's exactly what my creator would want to hear you say! Thanks Almeida! You're really smart too!]"


“[Awh man yeah I wish he was here with us! I hope that him and Zion are enjoying their special area though, It sounded pretty cool!]"


The response in the Fae language that Almeida gave, Yuna wasn't really privy too but she did take note that Almeida seemed quite animated and convinced in her conviction.


"[Oh sure! If we can find something to leverage maybe! If I could get Ziorn back maybe he could cut through it at some point unless there's something stronger around, I mean it'd have to be pretty dang strong to be stronger than Zior or Valerie's, seems like a safer method than trying to use brute force like gravity or something, don't wanna end up hurting rihi when we try to remove them.]"


Yunaesa wasn't particularly bothered with the extra contact she was receiving from Irihi, instead giving her a big smile in response, allowing her too.


"[So glad that you're still with us Irihi!]”


"[Not a problem Glim!, It's pretty nifty how they have the needs of all different kinds of people taken into consideration it seems!]" she'd comment at the miraculous clothing system.


"[Oh wow this place is sure different! Looks nice.]”


Upon seeing the menu, Yunaesa giggled a bit “%Kind of funny they have it written in those languages but not in Terran, I mean most people who even could understand Analog don't even need to eat to begin with, Almy and me are the exception not the norm!%" Some parts in her near where he voice would come from, would click away in analog.


"%Although I think I heard some of the more social type constructs might be able to eat, or ones who can use certain kind of food and drinks for fuel, so maybe that's it!%" She'd also add.


Yuna looked at the drink curiously when it arrived, and listened to Glim and the fae man's back and forth even if she really only understood Glim's part of the conversation.


"[Oh they'll do that for you? Also nice!]" She'd comment at the thimble resolution.


Yuna did light up when she heard Rory speak and actually understood him.


"[Mossy drink huh? Wonder if it tastes good.]”


"[Is this some kind of ordering custom?]"

Yunaesa promptly loosened her ropes as well, very carefree about it since the majority of the others were doing it it seemed. She looked like she was in thought for a moment before continuing,

“[Say, do you have any Soju?]”



"[I don't know. for some reason I feel like i really like that, I don't know if it's common but that's the word for it I seem to remember. if you don't it's okay, anything Soju like?]” She'd ask further.


"[Something to eat too would be cool, it took a lot of work to get here so maybe something hearty, you can surprise me with that, I'm not really picky.]” She then finally added.

 

[Irihi]

Rory O’Shea The leprechaun conjured a pad of paper and a shamrock-tipped pen that appeared in a little puff of green smoke. He then took an exceptionally long time transcribing something--ostensibly the two construct’s orders--while glancing up more than he was glancing down at whatever scribbles he was making on the order pad.

{“Well, well, well, lukit who’s makin’ decisions like a seasoned pro! Ye’ve got the taste of a queen, yeh do! An that wee nip o’ nectar ye ordered, why it’s me own distillation; made right here, where the air’s thic wi’ tradition an the earth’s as rich as a pot o’ gold! Some say it’s got a bite like a Galway hound, but trust me, it’s smoother than a fiddler’s tune at a ceilidh!”} Though he seemed more than a little distracted, Rory had no trouble going on effusively about the quality of his fare.

Yuna caught the little man’s eye, and there was an audible cracking as his head, then the rest of him, whipped around to take in the new scenery. Rory tapped the order pad, looked at Yuna, hemmed, a bit, looked briefly down then up again. Finally, after a long studious silence, a grin that glittered with gold split his wee face. %“Ah, sure, of course I carry that spirit! It’s good enough to warm the cockles of a leprechaun’s heart! I’d never dream of not havin’ it—it's as much a part of this place as the mist on the hills of Killarney and the sound of a fiddle on a Sunday afternoon!”% Apparently Rory hadn’t tasked all his brain cells admiring the Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the sea near the country of County Down, and had picked up on Yuna’s Terran, answering her in kind. %”Grand! Grand!”% Rory said, nodding. One might guess he wasn’t talking about the food he was deciding on for Yuna. %”I’ll bring ye enough boxty and colcannon fer the table, then!”% He said.

After far too long, he turned away from Yuna to take Glim’s order, switching seamlessly back to sylvan. {“An wot fer ye, then?”} Gold gilded grin appeared again. {“Here at Rory’s we loves other fae, an yer such a wee lass, et’s on the house--whatever ye want!”} Bushy red eyebrows waggled. {“Though the waitstaff always appreciates a tip, if’n ya knows what I mean!”}

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf
​

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae,
Mentions: TheTimePiece Elvario

Glim scowled at Rory. [{“I know all too well, sirrah.”}] The fairy’s folded arms tightened across her chest. [{“And I’m of the opinion that my companions have already been overly generous.”}] She said, coldly, Rory’s answering grin and wink only deepening her disquiet. [{“The only coddle I want comes in a bowl, so some of that, please.”}] Glim ordered. [{“And I’ll take a thimble of Guinness, if you please.”}] She requested, softening her tone a little.

[{“Oh please, let’s not.”}] Glim sighed--mostly to herself--as Almeida asked when Irihi was going to teach her some more bonding customs.

Irihi Spokelse
​

Irihi sipped at her drink and smirked at Glim. {{“There’s no better way to ensure it happens than to object to it, Corporal.”}} she intoned, her glass still vibrating with echoes of her voice. {{“Are you quite certain you want to remain in this world we are preparing to despoil? I would be glad to help you leave it; my door is always open.”}} She said, shifting position and then repeating that last turn of phrase to respond to Almeida’s question.

The food and drinks arrived, with their roving-eyed waiter hanging around more than a bit too long, until Irihi’s pointed glances at him became venomous enough to start burning a hole in his tophat.

While the others imbibed in food and drink, Irihi nursed hers and found--when she granted her tonden a bit more analog vitality--that the war of the poison in her drink against her animus of life created a pleasing sensation that further melted the hard edges of the sorceress--as well as the the tattered shreds of inhibition still hanging about.

The party shared bits of stories, opinions, myths, and histories that they had in common, making innuendo-laden small talk--much of it seemingly innocently accidental when coming from the constructs. For Irihi’s part, she stopped needling Glim and turned more toward inviting Almeida and Yunaesa. As the group dined and conversed, Irihi made an effort to steer her own contributions away from the snide dismissal, or disconcerting macabre horror that usually laced her interactions with mortals.

The elfwitch found that doing so really left her with little to talk about; a few humorous stories about torturing a tiefling with domestic violence, some hopelessly archaic memories of girl talk from a time when she’d actually been a girl. Even these lighter subjects were tethered to anchors that dragged the bottom of her ocean of malice. Talking about them only made her stare into her proverbial reflection in those turgid oily waters. I am a lugubrious drunk. Irihi realized, gazing into her empty glass before ordering another from the lecherchaun who kept popping into the room at the barest excuse to check out in on the ladies.

Well, enough of that. Irihi’s third nightshade-laced glass clinked on the table as she made up her mind not to descend into morosity. {{“Are your appetites for food and drink sated, Dearhearts?”}}[/color] she asked. {{“Then, let’s whet some others.”}}[/color] she suggested, gesturing for Almeida and Yunaesa to join her on the chaise. Irihi directed one upraised feathery eyebrow at Glim, who turned away with an emphatic “hmph!”

Rory O’Shea and Glim
Peepholes seemed not the only device of intrigue Mister O’Shea used to check out on his private rooms. The suggestions Irihi whispered--and Almeida might translate to Yuna--brought the leprechaun bursting back into the room in a quiet puff of verdant sparkles. Trying--and mostly failing--to be discreet, the little redhead hid behind Glim’s seat with only his tophat, half his mustache, and one glittering eye peeping out from behind it.

{“Craic! This ah’ve got ta see! Faoi lán tosaigh!”} He whispered, enthusiastically, before murmuring and aside to Glim. {“Is ye absolutely sure ye doesna want ta join ‘em, lassie? Ah’m sure it’s gonna be a grand ting yer missin’ out on.”}

{“Quite sure.”} Glim scoffed, turning her back on the trio. Some nearly-normal conversation and her fourth thimble of stout had loosened her up slightly, but not nearly enough to even consider participating in what Rory was suggesting. {“There’s not enough room for me on that lounge.”} Glim must have been feeling better, to ventura a little joke like that.

{“Ach, well if that’s the only problem, worry nawt, lassie! Ah’ve a nice sturdy seat fer ye, right here,”} Rory intimated.

Yes, lightening up had been a mistake. So was looking down where the leprechaun indicated. {“!!!”} Glim snarled out a disgusted curse as she used [telepathy C] to turn every voice the leprechaun would hear into that of his grandmother--especially the ones coming from the furniture over yonder.

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

“[I can assure you, it definitely is!]” She would, once again, advertise Irihi's bubble blowing bonding techniques. “[I don't think I've had a massage before. Are those also fun?]” She wasn't sure how those two would compare.

“[No, no, clearly you are way smarter!]” She'd refute Yuna's claim. After all, Yuna was a confirmed genius. “[Me too. I wonder if someone would show them bonding rituals as well. I feel like Valerius would also enjoy those.]”

“[Oh, Zjorn would be better at it, yes! I'll tell her!]” She'd turn to Irihi. “{Yuna says that Zjorn could totally cut through those chains and I'm sure she's right!}”

Apparently they were talking Analog now? Ah well, so be it. She would reply in Analog by just tapping on the table to spare her voice for a bit. “%See, this is why you're a genius! I hadn't even thought about that, but you're right!%” She'd nod. “%Perhaps it's so that other folk can make constructs do delivery for them? Do you think there are delivery constructs that take food from here to people's baths or something?%” Yuna's option seemed more plausible. “%Probably true, or there are more folk like us!%”

As for the ordering custom, Almeida shrugged, which made the rest of her robes drop off. “[Oh, whoops.]” Not that it mattered. “[I'm not sure, but I think so? I saw Irihi do it, so I figured it was the polite thing to do.]”

“[Sooo-you?]” She asked, curious what Yuna was talking about. “[What's that?]”

It seemed the green man had become a bit more easy to understand. “{A queen? One of us is royalty?}” That sounded fancy. He wasn't sure who Rory had been talking too though.

“%Wow, your Analog is a whole to easier to understand than your Sylvan!%” She'd 'call' out by slapping Irihi her hand on the table. “%Although I still don't know what you're talking about!%” She would confess. The names and places all sounded rather strange to her.

“%What? For the table? Not to eat and drink?%” Having it all as mere table decorations would be rather disappointing.

Once more, Glim confused her. “[Do you not like the bonding rituals? If you're jealous, I'm sure Yuna and I would be fine with having you come along!]” She'd offer in her own 'innocence is bliss' type of way. “{You wouldn't mind either, right?}” She'd ask Irihi.

The food was okay, the drink was weird though. She vaguely recalled maybe having had something like it a long time ago, but she couldn't quiet recall or remember. “{Thge food was nice, but the drinks were weird!}” She'd reply. “{Well, I guess they weren't a bad type of weird, so we're all good!}” She wasn't even looking the slightest bit sloshed, despite having tried some things of her own. Perhaps that construct resistance came in clutch or something.

“[She's asking how you liked the food and drinks.]” She'd translate for Yuna. “[I also think she wants us to play along with her somehow..?]” She stated/asked, not entirely sure what this was going to be about. “[Perhaps we'll be taught the bonding rituals! Or maybe we can try pinning each-other down, like we said we would!]” She'd recall, as she'd look at Yuna. “[Shall we play along with her?]”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa
​

Languages: "[Terran]" "%Analog%"

Irihi Elvario

"[Haha thanks Almy! I try my best to be the smartest I can be! I think it's what my creator would want! I still think you're really smart too though! Maybe Zjorn would enjoy those rituals too!]"


She looks to Almeida and giggled some. "[Is that right? I guess I heard people in the Fae See don't care as much about the whole showy thing, so I guess It's more chill ritual or not.]"


Yuna was pretty oblivious to any additional cause of excitement for the Fae man, however she was pretty happy to see that he sounded like he had what she was asking for. "%Wow really! Your analogy is really good too! I wasn't expecting that either, guess you can't...judge a..book by its cover! That's great though! Thanks.%" Very pleased to hear that they had Soju evidently.

"%It wouldn't surprise me if there were constructs for that, I mean we saw those golems earlier, though I don't know if this place has servicey ones, it's still a solid hypothesis based on what we know.%"


"%Others like us would be fun to meet if that's true! I did like that Dr.Stone lady from earlier I mean she was ..sort of like us? Had that metallic arm and all that, which was neat!%"

"%What ever those are sounds good! thanks a bunch!%"

Yunaesa was a bit confused as to what Glim meant. "[Generous huh?..]" she'd inquire softly to herself.

She'd turn back to Almeida "[Oh Soju is an alcoholic drink made from...if I remember correctly rice..but it can also be potatoes that are sweet..]"

"[I'm okay with Glim coming if she wants too! But I don't know maybe she just doesn't like rituals very much, that's okay too!]"

While not understanding Almeida's own food and drink comment she did eventually make her own comment on what they received after she heard the translation question, "[I really like potatoes so the food was yummy! I Didn't know you could mash them up and put veggies in them and have it taste that good! Or make them kinda like pancakes..]"

Assuming that the Soju was proper good Soju Yuna lit up excitedly upon tasting it, "[That's exactly what I Remember! That's really good!]" Drinking it down not so long after all was said and done.

She then listened to the rest of the translation diligently.

"[Play? Playing can be fun, what kind of playing? Like how we played baseball with the rocks?]"

"[Oh yeah! Pinning like..I think wrestlers do? If you wanna play Almy, I'll come along too!]"