#about nebula

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #25: Perpetuity

Nebula stood in the small clearing in the woods with their eyes closed and head tipped back. Karma floated quietly nearby. Gywn was no where to be seen but unlikely to be very far away. After all the trio rarely were seen apart.

"Why is it anytime I come find you, it's always in a forest?" Cedrik spoke softly as he picked a tree to lean against.

"You very much know why, Cedrik." Nebula hadn't even opened their eyes. They knew the other by the sound of their voice. "Forests are peaceful. Forests don't lie and deceive others. They give life. They will also outlive almost everyone." Almost because Nebula knew there were ones who were pretty much immortal unless killed. "Forests are the one thing that survives time and time again when all else falls to calamity."

Cedrik sighs as he shakes his head. "Sometimes it's hard to believe we are about the same age. You talk like one of the endless ones."

Now Nebula opened their eyes to look towards Cedrik. They made a mental note of the tomato king mandragora plush that Cedrik was carrying with him. However they did not voice the curiosity. It was not their place to ask. If Cedrik wanted to talk about it, Nebula would let them do so on their own without prying.

"You've heard all the same stories about souls I have growing up among the clan. Mine could very well be one of those." Nebula smiles softly at Cedrik. "One reborn time again from the lifestream. A soul is about as endless as the forest. Our bodies just aren't meant to live that long though. Though some of us do have longer life spans than some."

"Yeah and I still think some of those stories are also hogwash. Especially destined lovers finding each other in other lifetimes." Cedrik rolls his eyes. "I need a favor."

"I suppose I could do a favor. What are you offering me in exchange? Remember the offering needs to be suitable to the favor being asked."

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #19: Taken

Nebula was puzzled as they stared at the slowly growing pile of things that had been handed to them over the last couple days. People around here seemed nervous around them even. Handing them gifts and flitting off as if spooked. It was confusing to say the least.

The gifts ranged from foods to flowers to semi-precious stones. Nebula couldn't recall doing anything to deserve such items from the people in this deeper part of the woods. They barely interacted with some of the other villages this deep. These villages were much like the one they had been born into, keeping separate from the larger world and it's dangers.

"I just don't understand this..." Nebula mumbled as they looked over one of the stones. It was pretty but they didn't feel like they'd done anything to deserve all these gifts either.

"They're trying to stay in your good graces apparently." Gwyn spoke as she arrived back to their camp and took a seat across the fire from Nebula. "I tried talking to a few of them without you around to see if they'd bother to talk to me at least."

"And? What luck did you have?" Nebula raised a brow curiously.

"They think you're a fae creature that will take their children away from them if they do something to displease you. Apparently you and Karma have created some deep woods stories for yourselves. Unintentionally I'm sure." Gwyn laughs merrily at the sour expression on their partner's face. "Stories aren't necessarily bad, love. It can also be a good thing. They're likely to easily turn over any magical artifacts you want to take back to your village without any real fuss."

"I suppose that is true... But I don't like the idea that they think I will take their children away like some monster..." Nebula huffs softly as they cross their arms and scowl. "Karma wouldn't even eat children."

"I know that. They don't know that. And I find no harm in them continuing to believe the stories. Keep letting them believe you're some fae being. You should have heard some of the stories of my lady in her time. Many were exaggerated. Some were helpful by letting them be believed. Maybe they'll start thinking I'm some ice fae solider who guards you." Gwyn teased as she pulled out her waterskin to take a drink.

"Ha... Ha..." Nebula huffed before they sighed softly in defeat. "I suppose I can leave the stories. I just wish they'd stop trying to give me gifts."

"Well I for one am not turning down free meals. It's one less thing we have to hunt for this deep in the woods. One less set of rations we have to make last till we head back towards the cities. If anything, just promise them they are safe. Act like their generosity has appeased you enough already." Gwyn shrugged as she made the suggestion.

"I suppose that may work. Though I will also try not to turn down any offered meals. But only if they seem like they have enough to spare feeding us. I won't use these stories and rumors just for a free meal if it means hardship for them."

"I would never think you would. You stayed with us for moons. You always offered to help because you insisted. It's not in you to take advantage of those at the bottom. Not like those holier than everyone else high lords in Ishgard."

"Of course not." Nebula put the gifts away before getting up to move to sit with Gwyn, snuggling in close and resting their head against her.

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #11: Surrogate

Gwyn leaned against the railing of the balcony as she looked out over the gently falling snow. How long had it been since they'd last come back this way? A few moons? A year? She'd stopped keeping track after the death of her lady. They'd made the trip back several times. Especially while Gwyn was still grieving the loss.

"Everything okay?" Nebula asks with a hint of concern as they join Gwyn on the balcony. Getting close enough to snuggle into their partner for the warmth. They were used to the range of temperatures of the forest and not the bitter colds of Coerthas. "Please tell me you're not dwelling again. You get quiet every time we come back."

Giving a heavy sigh, Gwyn shakes her head before wrapping an arm around Nebula. "Not exactly. I was thinking on how long since the last time we visited. I know I couldn't have changed things. Not even if I played the body double like I sometimes did. She made her choices. I didn't have her power and I do believe it had been needed more than my skills."

"It was. I am still thankful to have you with me though. It makes my journey less lonely." Nebula smiles up at Gwyn while snuggled close. "Though I do some day eventually have to return to the clan to take my mother's place. What was it like being a body double to someone as fascinating as her?"

"It was... It was a worthy cause. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. I didn't care that it made me a heretic. She was also a very wonderful person despite the name she had been given by many. She was only bitter as ice and cold as winter to those that deserved it." Watching the snow drift on the breezes while trying to keep Nebula warm out here. The cold didn't phase her as much since she had been born in Coerthas. "And I swear you just want to hear me talk about her. You were with us for moons before we left together."

"Maybe I do. No one is ever truly gone as long as they're not forgotten. She deserves to be remembered. Especially for who she truly was. Many will only remember what history tells them. We'll remember her truth. It's the least we can do for her."

"I am just glad that I didn't kill you when we met." Gwyn places a kiss on the top of Nebula's head. "You were much more open-minded than the Ishgardians."

"Assuming you could kill me." Nebula laughs softly as they gently poke Gwyn with an elbow. "Karma would probably have tried to eat you."

"Ah yes. The fearsome familiar that looks unsuspectingly harmless. Yes I am glad I didn't give him a reason to try and eat me. Karma is one creature I would never want to get on the bad side of."

"Oh just wait till you get to meet some of the other fae creatures most of the world has forgotten about."

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #10: Stable

"You really should let me lead. I am the one wearing real armor here."

Nebula sighed soft to avoid their partner from hearing it. It was the same disagreement every time. Never with heated words because they both knew the words came from a place of concern. And some part of what Gwyn suggested was true. Nebula was just used to doing things their own way after so many years exploring on their own.

"I will be fine. I promise. Besides you really don't want to insult Karma's ability to keep me safe do you?" Nebula responded with a small smile as they walked back towards Gwyn. Standing on their tip toes to give the elezen woman a quick kiss.

"Sorry. Old habits die hard. And I am just worried for you." Gwyn apologized as Nebula turned to head back down the path in the ruins. "You never know what sort of old traps places like this could have. Especially since these are ruins most people can't access. No telling what might be unstable either."

"You don't have to make excuses. I do know you are used to being the protector. And I do love you for it. You've done it for so many years before I met you in Coerthas." Nebula waved their hand slightly before looking back at Gwyn with a smile. "However I am the one used to old ruins with magical traps. Karma will alert us if any part of the ruin might collapse on us though."

Nebula kept walking as they came to a stone bridge spanning over a chasm in the ruins. Karma, still shaped as a Drippy, floated on before the pair. It was towards the end of the bridge that the little familiar halted before coming zipping back towards the pair in clear alert. Little arms waving as the familiar made noises of distress.

"Well you may get to have your share of fun after all, love. Karma says we have quite the nasty surprise waiting ahead. Some monsters have made the area head their nesting ground." Nebula was glad the bridge was wide enough as they stepped aside and gestured for Gwyn to take the lead now.

"Oh lovely." Gwyn grinned as she pulled her gunblade from her back. "About time I get a turn to do something useful." Giving Nebula a kiss on the cheek as she passed to lead the way now.

"Oh but you're always useful." Nebula laughed softly in response as they followed close behind and readied their magic to support Gwyn.

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #18: A Fish Out of Water

Nebula came to an abrupt halt as they reached the Aetheryte Plaza of Gridania. There had been a ton of people on their way into the city just passing by the Carline Canopy but there were even more people over this way. A buzz of activity with people coming and going for one thing or another. People from various walks of life.

Nothing could have prepared them for the sheer size of a proper city let alone the amount of people. The village had it's share of activity but nothing on the scale of the city. Not to mention the variety of colors in the attires people wore. The Clan mostly stuck to the specific colors of their Clan, white being the main color. Purple was specific to Nebula's rank as their mother's child and next leader of the clan. Here the colors had little to no meaning from what they could see.

It was all very dizzying. So much information and so many things to see. All of it was making Nebula feel a bit uncomfortable, feeling out of place among the world that had kept moving on from the past. No wonder most of the young adults eventually were allowed a period of travel, often referred to as a personal journey. Some didn't return and it was assumed they may have passed. What if they had merely decided they liked this world better outside of their little Clan? It was a very real possibility that Nebula could see happening. But definitely not for themself.

For them? They enjoyed the more peaceful and quiet nature of the woods. Out there they could think and feel. Here? This felt like chaos. Loud and noisy. Not in a bad way since most people seemed to be in decent to good moods about things. But those people were used to this kind of life. It was what the people had been raised with.

Taking a deep breath, Nebula moved further into the city. If they were to learn about the world outside, they would have to suffer being a little out of their element. How else could they expect to be a good leader in the future if they avoided problems and things that made them uncomfortable? Maybe they'd find some new clothes to better fit in first.

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #15: Portentous

Nebula watched and wait for the person to walk away, out of ear shot. Sighing with a shake of their head as they gathered the cards to shuffle them back into the deck. Running a hand through their hair as Gwyn sat down beside them.

"Why do you bother to offer these readings when they leave you frustrated at times?" Gwyn asks as she lightly bumps shoulders with Nebula. Dressed in lighter traveling clothes than her usual heavy armor.

"Because it's the people not the readings. They behave as if what the cards say are some prediction of the future. They are but a mere guide to what can be." Carefully tucking the cards back into their pouch for now to be kept safe. Nebula smiles softly at Gwyn. "Not that you have ever let me do a reading for you yet."

"Cause as you said, they're a guide. I make my own fate." Gwyn snorts softly before placing a kiss against Nebula's cheek. "I don't need the cards to guide me. I could say the same about you since you rarely seem to consult them on your own path."

"I have no need at current. I have read them for myself before though. But people often think what the cards offer is set in stone. That it's a future they might not be able to avoid. But the future is always changing. Everyday. Based on even the smallest choices we make. Even when I tell them this, they seem to believe otherwise."

"And yet you still do this occasionally for a bit of coin." Wrapping her arm around their shoulders.

"Because it's good to remain in practice. Besides, you know my main source of income is still my charms. Small charms are easily carried and the good luck ones are always popular. Some people just expect great fortunes instead of small bits of luck here and there. Or things that don't seem lucky but actually are." Nebula leans into Gwyn's embrace and rests their head against her. "I consider myself lucky to have ended up where I am now with you at my side. Others might not see that as luck."

"Oh? Lucky rabbit eh?" Gwyn teases softly as she kisses the top of Nebula's head. "Does that make you my lucky rabbit, witchling?"

"Sometimes. When I'm not being caught unaware by hidden traps that make me stuck as a otter for hours."

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #14: Clear

Gwyneria sighed in frustration as she glowered down at the small creature near her feet. Arms crossed over her chest armor. A shake of her head before looking around again to make sure they were still safe. A habit she'd never drop. Caution was always a good thing to have in unknown environments. A panicked Drippy was floating back and forth behind Gwyn, frantic pacing. The familiar had no idea what to do.

"I thought I made myself clear earlier. Do. Not. Touch. Strange. Things." Gwyn huffed as she finally crouched down to stare at the small otter. "You'd think with the clan you come from that you would have more common sense towards magical traps."

A few squeaky noises as the otter waved their arms, trying to convey a message that would not be understood. Stomping a tiny foot before gesturing towards the floor with their front paws. Getting frustrated when Gwyn just shook her head at whatever they were trying to tell her.

"Afraid I don't know what you're trying to say, witchling." Scooping up the small otter and moving the mage to her shoulder. "Next time, you should let me lead instead of getting distracted by something shiny."

Nebula making an annoyed noises as they settled in on her shoulder. At least they were safe for now. Unless Gwyn found another trap like they had. Not like they could see the trap, it had been very well hidden. Hopefully this spell wouldn't last too terribly long.

"Though you do make a rather cute otter." Gwyn teased softly as she walked forward.

[cadrenebula]

Vierapril Day 30