Active [See of Fae - Glymergloom][1x1] - Afraid of the Dark

[Femboy]

This RP is part of Isekai Hell, which you can find and join at this link here.

This is a private 1x1, you can't join this one though lol
Characters: Oden ( SilverFeathers ), Squink ( Femboy )

Location: Glymergloom, a fae village located within a deep and thick woodland area where fae magic appears to keep it within its' own state of eternal night. The time is... debatable, the weather being rather still with lightly cloudy skies, and not an ounce of wind to be found.

The woods that held this village hidden within its' depths would find itself as a location between Oden and her destination of Kuridan. There wasn't much signage or direction at all about the woodlands or the location within, proving to be a rather unnatural oddity as it would appear to turn from day to night rather quickly upon arrival. Up until the village had been in sight, there wasn't much of anything to note other than what felt like unnerving ambience and odd sounds akin to whispers. The clearer moonlight that overshined the golden-lit little village nestled away in secrecy stood out amongst the dark environment, and those who were around were not very many in number. Though noticeably, they were all fae inhabitants with rather dark colors and the occasional bright accents that made them stand out. Even if this was the best route to Kuridan, the owl's presence would likely raise eyebrows and receive a few glances.

Though her presence wouldn't prove too distractive to others, it would soon enough be clear that she wasn't going to just pass through completely ignored.
A fae being, overly dark in their colours except for hints of orange within their drapes and tattered-looking wings, had approached the owlkin. Their face held a blank expression, and soon enough displayed a rather small, amused smirk on their face before returning back to a blank slate. Their mouth would open a very small amount, speaking in a soft yet higher-pitched voice.
"A funny coincidence, should it be mentioned not that long ago by another. Usually, non-fae and outsiders in general do not arrive within these hidden grottos, and never with the intent to actually come here. Whilst it is likely startling, this is Glymergloom, and we have a custom for new arrivals to attend to. I am one of the Woodwatchers, you need not know me, but it is of importance and of expected gesture that you share your name. New arrivals, intending to stay or not, must abide by an entry requirement even if just passing through or if coming here was an accident. You are encouraged to visit and find stay in The Sparklecap Kegplace, a tavern and inn where you'll eventually be informed more on this matter... " they had answered in their feminine tone, their faint yellowish-white glowing eyes scanning over the owlkin for a moment before speaking again.

"For few outsiders try it, there is no point in attempting to escape from these expectations at this point. The Woodwatchers keep eyes on these woods for the Seers, we don't like trouble in our personal community... " they'd briefly mention, nodding their head towards the closest lit building. There were audibly voices inside, and clearly a lot of people within and staying.

The tavern would be filled with people, obviously the image isn't because it's a static image for the purpose of giving an idea of what the environment looks like, don't bash me over the head with the barstool because the image isn't 100% accurately befitting the scenario and is negatively impacting your immersion by 0.2%. Amongst the patrons, Oden's amazing birby eyesight might pick out a familiar set of robes sat in the corner with their head down. It was hard to notice anything else about them, but if the wise old birb knew how to remember things, they'd surely recognise the sight of an old ilithid friend's singular unchanged getup hanging out in the corner... though the question would be what they were doing here... and whatever these 'local customs' were for new arrivals.​

 

[SilverFeathers]

Oden (#ACA9A7)​

​

As much as she was an experienced traveller, being thrown out into the wild without an ounce of preparation would leave its mark on anyone, not to mention having found herself in foreign land on the complete other side of the continent. With her greying feathers dishevelled, and her eyes slightly sunken and dark from a lack of peaceful sleep, she slowly trotted into Glymergloom without too much on the mind.

Even if fatigued, the subtle smirk on the fae that approached did not escape the old owl's notice. "Alright. I'm Oden." With a placid expression and tone, she merely nodded and replied her name. This deep in the See, she had encountered countless tricksters and pranksters already, what was one more?

Following the dim path towards the bustling building, Oden had to admit all the noise was not her cup of tea at the moment. She couldn't even be sure how much of what she was seeing was real, the fae did love their shenanigans after all. Although she briefly paused at the sight of someone potentially familiar, an old friend she would like to hear back from, she glossed over the sight, her expression remaining rather deadpan.

She didn't believe it could really be her. There were likely fae lurking in the background awaiting her reaction. She was too tired to humour them: seeing false images of old friends and family had grown old quickly. Instead, she wandered towards the bar and approached who she assumed to be the bartender. "Have any tea?" She posed gently once she found her turn to speak, rustling through her pouch for little things to barter with. Illusion or not, it'd be nice to drink something.

Femboy

 

[Femboy]

SilverFeathers
2

With the unnamed dark fae that had held up Oden leaving her to visit the bar whilst the owlkin waited, the familiar-looking figure wouldn't pay any notice to Oden's presence at all as the owlkin would have instead approached the bartender. They were behind the counter with a gentle smile on their face, yet not truly focusing their gaze on anything they were doing or any patron as if constantly considering thoughts in their own mind-palace. Once Oden had questioned about the possibility of tea, they turned their head in the general direction of the owl although never managing to gain real eye contact. They eyed the elderly bird's direction in a way like Oden wasn't even standing there, yet the fae man was aware of some sort of presence like hearing a ghost.

"Another one not from around here. What are the odds? It feels like faces have become rather interesting amidst this fortnight... " he uttered, taking a brief moment to peruse the room behind Oden now that he had turned his attention back to his work and surroundings. For a bartender, his suit was rather exquisite in its' quality and stain-free, his face being as much as a blank expression as was the first fae who met the owlkin in conversation while also sharing similarly glowy eyes albeit with a rather faded and pupil-less look. Humming softly and lightly running his hands across the counter, he considered an answer and gave a small bow of his head.

"Yes, we carry a lot for those who come through here. Not many choose the option, but we carry Glowwillow Black and Harleaf-Merrinin Mint. If you're of... outsider culture and knowledge, we do carry Green and standard Black, or Herbal-mixed Blend. Or just a 'standard-blend' tea of the simplest variety if something simple in contents is what you're after... " the fae mentioned in offer for a moment, waiting for a moment to hear out the owlkin's desire as he scratched his chin in thought for a moment, supposing he may as well bring up a question.

"Not to push your mind about anything, but what exactly has you coming this way on the road? I don't usually get the chance to ask mystery faces such, usually they're immediately dragged off for their 'newcomer' duties whether they like it or not. It's usually not too troublesome, but some just can't stand it. Whoever they've taken in there last is clearly wasting and holding up their time, feels like it's probably the first in decades there's been a queue for that kind of thing. Sometimes it feels like you could meet one of these completely innocent, dumb-founded people only to hear about their untimely demise a month or so later, at least from how they act or treat it. I thought outsiders would have had thicker skin from what they usually display... at least it keeps our community small" he openly spoke his mind, still never truly looking Oden in the face or eyes as he only ever occasionally looked somewhere close within her general direction, his hands reaching underneath the bar counter and around the contents behind him to begin preparing to fill a cup of tea whenever the old owl had made her mind.​

 

[SilverFeathers]

Oden (#ACA9A7)​

​

Faintly, Oden wondered if the fae before her was blind. There was no negative judgement to that thought: those that could operate without their key senses would always have her respect. But watching the bartender soon bring his wayward gaze back to reality quelled such trivial speculations. Whether he was or not, did not matter; unless he wanted to speak about it himself.

"Seems a popular time for travel indeed," smiling softly, the old owl returned the idle conversation topic, thinking her journey was not quite as 'voluntary' as others but it was what it was. Pondering her options for tea, she held and massaged her weary hands together for a moment before speaking.

"Since I've come all the way here, may as well try the local specialties," Oden chuckled faintly, "I'll have the Harleaf-Merrinin Mint tea." Her re-iteration of the term was slow and low-toned, as she tried her best not to disrespectfully butcher the pronunciation. "Hopefully it'll help wake me up a bit for these... 'newcomer' duties your community speaks so warningly of," she hummed, squinting her wrinkly eyes a little bit as she watched him begin the tea-brewing.

"I am just passing by on my way home. It's been a long journey, so I was taking the most direct path." She glossed over his question briefly, not really one to go in-depth in her storytelling to strangers, whilst fatigued no less. Listening to his rant silently with lowered eyes, for a few brief moments there was only the sound of the tavern's bustling chatter in the background before she responded. "These... 'newcomer' duties of yours... why do you have them? Just an old tradition?" Oden tilted her head a little sleepily, though genuinely curious toward much of the eccentric culture of the fae.

Femboy

 

[Femboy]

SilverFeathers
3


The bartender took a moment of silence as he effortlessly moved his hands across the counter to reach amongst cups and such, not a single sound of porcelain or glass clacking together as he removed them with such elegance like an experienced surgeon. He hummed a soft tone as he gave a small bow of his head in nod, returning to the bar where the owl awaited and placing forth a fae-designed teacup, a simple white in colour crafted of quality porcelain and a floral pattern of violet lotuses and dark-purple leaves as one might expect to grow in the prettier parts of a dark overgrowth like Glymergloom.

"Usually, the travellers take the first choice of alcohol that seems like something they recognise, it's usually work-related travellers desiring a shortcut that end up accidenting their way into here. I wouldn't expect someone to be wandering by themselves without some calibur of experience, it makes me curious what stories or secrets you might have up your sleeve, but perhaps that is too nosy or too much to tell for one sitting" he answered, already in the midst of putting together the tea she had ordered and moving to do it as if he had memorised and performed the art a thousand times over. Taking a small amount of certain leaves and herbs that were stored amongst his bar's contents, he had them briefly mashed as he collected some already prepped boiling water and began putting it all together.

"Here you are ma'am, Harleaf-Merrinin Mint tea, the three herbs that make up this tea all come from this woodland's lakeside growths or the outer edge. Then again, that third ingredient's not commonly known, mostly for the fact of making Glymergloom's the most authentic and unreplicatable. Even though it's hot, the taste usually has a bit of a striking cool to it like you'd expect any mint should, but the Harleaf and that elusive third just implement the right sort of spice that warms the body and soul, and balances out the flavour. But usually people couldn't stand to listen to an explanation on what's in their drink... " he chuffed softly, a small smile before returning back to the bog-standard blank slate of an expression. Scratching his chin, he thought about the newcomer trials.

"Hm, I suppose that's on the right track. I do believe I've had and heard this discussion a few times. See, Glymergloom here adopted a labour-based economy. While yes, I and others usually will take money, most trade and product is done by doing. That, and however decades ago on the up-start of this place, there was a whole territory dispute between the fae inhabitants who accepted it as their home, and outside camps from the bigger cities looking to take all the natural resources found here. I'm no historian, but when early-Glymergloom got their free rights, and the rights to call it their land, they wanted to really wall everyone out and form an independent society. Taxing all visitors was an option, but it was believed more encouraging to keep people out if visitor's time could be wasted doing tedious tasks and labour. It also gave the chance to learn the ins and outs on what's going on elsewhere without having to interact with the rest of the world, but that doesn't mean that all Glymergloom inhabitants never leave. Despite just being a bartender, I'm technically quite rich in this closed community. I'm in contact with our agricultural seer and craftseer and the likes, so a lot of the business and news ends up going through me. Then again, I'm not a historian, a lot of those are left to the elder seers to think about" he explained, going on to polish and clean an empty glass whilst informing Oden on what he knew about the trials and their originating history. It hopefully shouldn't have been long until Oden was taken elsewhere to do them, but it did seem like things were running at a slower pace. He turned his head around the room, keeping attention on everything that was going on to make sure nothing was amiss. There were a few other non-fae in the room, somewhat feeling like there really were a few others also waiting on their turn.

"Usually they sometimes take a while since those running the trials get bored and mess with people, it's not often they get the chance to do so. Then again, it feels like they'd be bored themselves taking this long, I couldn't begin to guess what's taking so long... they took in two or three last as far as I remembered, but maybe one of them's giving trouble. Two of them were awfully bickery and suspicious, but they shouldn't get into much trouble. Don't know what was up with the last one, but they weren't at all like the other two. They were at least much nicer and cheerful though" he thought to himself, hearing the sound of opening bar doors and turning his head. After a momentary stare like he was trying to register who had came through, he sighed a little and gave a small shrug.

"Speak of the devil, sometimes talking really does will things into existence... I can only assume this one is not currently on their task, just what is taking so long?" he considered, of which someone else awkwardly managed their way into the bar and was hesitantly cautious to not slightly bump anyone as she gave a wave to the bartender.

"Hi, Mr. Kawyx, I was told to bring you these... plant... thingies" a familiar voice introduced, the purply-squishy squish speaking out as she clutched what looked like a little woven picnic basket full of contents along with her. Plus, she was very clearly not the person sat in the corner of the room, even though they both had identical robes.

Character Sheet
Attentive Student (E)
Equipped Titles: Ilithid, Beastfolk, Ryke Nobility (F), Helper of Natori, Frequent Flier

Squink cheerfully spoke as she peacefully strolled her way towards the counter, she was clearly too distracted and focused on doing a good job to even notice the presence of Oden, let alone that someone else was there talking to him.
"They were busy and sent me away, so someone told me to bring these to you... I don't know what they are... o-or who gave them to me" the ilithd answered, although she became more confused at her own goal the more she began to question what she actually remembered.
"Ah, those might be the new hops I've been waiting on, hand them over dear and take a seat somewhere while you wait. I'm sure someone'll come find you".​

 

[SilverFeathers]

Oden (#ACA9A7)​

Language Keys: "Common" <"Bestial">

Femboy ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)​

The fae were as elegant as ever. Musing slightly as he worked, the old owl rubbed her thumb against the delicate violet-hued decor of her teacup, closing her eyes and resting her mind a little with the sound of his humming amidst the boisterous sounds echoing throughout the rest of the tavern.

"I can't blame them. You can't deny the 'fun' many fae like to pull on the unsuspecting." Oden chuckled gently at the mention of travellers and their usual choices. If she had more at stake, perhaps she would be more like them. But she had little to care for right now. Still, as the topic moved towards an interest in her own tales, she could only smile. "Indeed. I'd actually rather like just some peace and quiet, but sometimes there are simply more pressing matters at hand..." she trailed off slightly as her tea was presented, examining the colour before bringing the cup to her beak. "Still, I thank you for your hospitality thus far."

Taking note of the tea's ingredients and breakdown, she took a gentle sip, letting the steam hit her little face feathers as the mix of invigorating mint and warm spices washed over her. Especially as a once elder of her clan, Oden had tried and been offered many teas in her lifetime. Even if the ones she were accustomed to were more commonly of Kuridan, she had been given the chance to taste quite the few foreign delicacies before too. "I welcome it. I'll have you know I'm quite the enjoyer of tea," she reassured gently. Although she generally preferred milder flavours, she did quite enjoy this unique tea, and her lightened eyes showed it.

"I see. How curious. The environment around here must be quite precious and self-sustainable then, to almost not welcome outsiders entirely," Oden kept her gaze on her tea as she commented without too much thought. The latter talk on prior trialists didn't interest her too much: meeting new travellers had always been like opening a mystery box.

Not turning her head, it was only when she heard the ilithid's voice that Oden turned to glance at the newcomer. But even then, the old owl only stared briefly before taking another sip of her tea as the two exchanged words. Still, tapping her fingers on the table, she seemed thoughtful for a while before deciding confrontation was perhaps the favoured plan of action. Or else they'd keep playing these silly games with her.

<"Hello dear. Long time no see, it's good to see you again. If you don't mind, would you let me appraise you?"> She spoke up rather bluntly in the bestial tongue, wanting to solve such paranoia sooner rather than later. There was no need to overthink if she could do something about it. Though a bluff, Oden watched Squink's reaction very carefully, heightening her senses and using her insight to see through any guises.

• Cross-examine E
  • Heightened Sense E [Hearing] [Sight], Persuasion E, Interrogation E, Insight F, Etiquette F
  • Oden carefully examines a target's response to give her the information she seeks, deciphering any lies and examining any physical reactions.

Normally she wouldn't be this pessimistic, but she simply didn't believe the ilithid could be anywhere near here by now. In her assumed timeline of how things should have progressed, Squink should hopefully have completed those trials and be enjoying herself in the unique culture and sights of the sky kingdom by now. Even if she was done in the sky, and she knew the ilithid to be quite the wanderer, she could be anywhere in the continent. Why would she be here? What were the chances?

 

[Femboy]

SilverFeathers
4

Character Sheet
Attentive Student (E)
Equipped Titles: Ilithid, Beastfolk, Ryke Nobility (F), Helper of Natori, Frequent Flier

The ilithid who had cheerfully arrived stopped for a moment, giving a glance to see who exactly had asked for the chance to appraise her (which is quite ironic considering that the ability appraising her does not actually include the Appraisal skill). Squink hesitated for a moment, blinking twice when greeted with the sight of Oden after their last encounter being the squishy cephalopod watching her bird friend abruptly ejected out of a flying city victim to wherever gravity had taken them

"O-Oden? Is that... really you?" she hesitantly asked, lightly clasping her hands together having not handed over the basket of contents yet. The bar handler simply rolled his eyes lightly only assuming the two must've met.
"I-I... wouldn't expect you to be here, y-you could've been anywhere, did... when you were pushed out of the Sky City, d-did you land here? I had n-no idea, I was... I-I was a little, upset when... they took you out of the city... " Squink spoke, falling a little quiet as she trailed off in thought. She hesitated as she looked down at her hands.
"I... didn't end up spending much time there after the trial. I-it felt a little lonely and awkward, s-so I waited until I could get a free trip out a-and... um, s-so, what have you been up to?" she asked, remembering Oden wanted to appraise her, though the owl would probably notice Squink was doing all of her Squimking in Squimkshape order. As far as was recognisable, nothing seemed to be wrong or suspicous about the ilithid... well, perhaps unless for in what reason they were here of all places.

"O-oh, right, you can appraise me if you want... w-what for? Did I... d-do something wrong?" Squimkambles questioned, tilting her head lightly. Soon enough the bartender beckoned her for the basket in which she gave to them.


"Great, you two know eachother. Maybe you can both do your 'newcomer task' together and get things going smoother and faster than how they seem to be" he mentioned, taking the basket in order to do what he had to with its' contents, likely going to place and store such where it was needed be. In the meantime, the ilithid awkwardly looked to the owlkin they knew as a longtime friend, quite awkward as if such an encounter felt completely unnatural and untrustworthy.

"S-so... um, what might you be doing here? I w-would've maybe thought you had personal important stuff to go to, unless t-this is one of them, which I... wouldn't know" Squink awkwardly stammered, fidgeting her hands together as her tentacles lightly quivered.
"T-this isn't some... weird trick, or something, right? O-or maybe you... wouldn't answer that truthfully b-because it's a trick... uhm...".​

 

[SilverFeathers]

Oden (#ACA9A7)​

Femboy (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧​

Just as she looked at her, Oden too finally properly looked at Squink. Even if the possibility of high level trickery gnawed at her, she couldn't help but run her eyes carefully over the ilithid's being, checking for any small signs of injury or ill health that she knew her old friend might try to hide. With nothing of note to worry about, not even a tear in her tell-tale clothing, the old owl sighed softly in relief.

Although, with the results of her demeanour examination also finding nothing suspicious, she could only sigh once more. This time with far more complicated emotion. Still, regardless of what could be, she should try her best to treat this reunion with sincerity. Even if she might have to redo it again later; she would do so as many times as it takes, because as much as Oden was a little mentally worn down, she would never want to wrong a genuine reunion.

"Yes dear, it's me. The very same wrinkly old owl you once travelled the continent with." Oden smiled, her eyes wrinkling into soft crescents as she put down her teacup and stood up. "I hope the sky treated you well in my absence." She reached out for a gentle hug, wrapping her in a careful cocoon of silvery grey wings and frail feathers. Being unable to confirm each other's livelihood likely gnawed at them both, and she wanted to comfort that feeling.

"No, I was fortunate to land near the capital of Widersia, Clockhaven. We should go there sometime, it's quite the fascinating technological city," Oden chuckled gently, quietly listening in to her friend's tale and nodding along. "I see. Perhaps we could also try going there again one day for a more proper experience. Paint over the unfortunate memories with some fresh ones," she appeased softly, not wanting either of them to leave off such a large, elaborate and historical nation with bad taste.

Sitting herself back down, she continued. "In regards to myself, I've just been slowly trying to return home. Aided with a few things here and there to keep myself afloat," she hummed, though her eyes tilted slightly as her 'appraisal' was questioned. "No. Just being cautious." She replied lightly, not elaborating much further on the matter as she took another sip of her tea.

With Squink's worries coming to light, Oden's gaze could only sadden. If this was an illusion, it certainly was a cruel one. Briefly, the old owl's claws tightened around her teacup, before letting go and facing Squink straight on. Slowly, she reached out to take her hand in hers, wrapping it carefully as she thought about what to say with lowered eyes. "I understand what you're afraid of. Perhaps I'm even more afraid of it than you." She chuckled amusedly, keeping her tone faint yet light-hearted. "There's nothing that can really be said or done to confirm the truth. But we must continue on regardless." She pat her hand reassuringly before letting go and returning to her tea with a calm expression.

"Do you mind telling me what your experience in this village has been like? I rather just arrived and should mentally prepare for what is ahead." Oden smiled softly, treating her as usual as if nothing was or could be wrong.