Booty Rockin the House Tonight

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[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

Valoki laughed it off. It wasn’t a particularly nice laugh. “Whatever.” They were pretty much at the edge of the swamp now, and he plonked Regali on the ground with the minimum effort required not to hurt her.

"Job done."

[yastra]

"Thanks," Orseth gave a wave to Valoki, although the greenblood was already determined to get back into the swampland. He'd really wanted nothing to do with this - Orseth felt bad about dragging him into it. He'd make it up to him later. For now though, he looked back to Regali.

"Hey," she jolted as he spoke, caught off-guard by the soft tone he used. He sighed internally, she was way too messed up right now. He'd need to deal with her as well. But not on the edge of a swamp when the night was approaching done. That was a bad idea. "Get to ground over that way," he indicated a direction, "Some good lakes for not burning in the sun there, I've used them myself. The nightmares suck but it beats roasting."

She nodded absently, wondering about what to say. She wasn't given a chance however, he simply tried and failed to reach up and pat her shoulder so instead settled for tapping an elbow. "Look, just be careful. We'll hang out later, and I'll help you, but not now, alright?"

She nodded again, seeming slightly more relieved. Orseth grinned back at her and finally earned a faint smile. Now that was better, Regali without her calm smile wasn't really Regali to him. She set off in the direction indicated, and he returned into the swamps to go calm Valoki down.

Where did he, the thrill-seeking risk-taker, get off being so mature? God damn tragedy for his rep. He'd have to fight a cholebear later or something. That'd be fun.

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

What the hell was a Court? A seadweller thing? Fuck seadwellers. Fuck ‘em in the ear. Or fin. Or aural clot. What the hell did these things even have? He turned to look at Regali, but the way she was positioned made it hard to tell what sat behind the fins- and, well, he didn’t want to look at this fish any more than he had to. He’d just grab Orseth and examine him later.

"You’re right, dead fish are pretty funny." Valoki licked his lips. "Tasty, too." He hoped that pissed her off. He hoped everything pissed her off. Full of goodwill, Valoki was not.

[yastra]

"I'm one of those fish too, Valoki." He was hardly the type to be worried about such banter and so Orseth's tone was as light as ever, but watching Regali's darkening expression, he decided to at least have it toned down a little. "She might be being stupid right now, but she's still one of the good ones too. Or so I hope." Regali glanced at him at this phrase with surprise. She was too used to the flippant and carefree Orseth who'd first gotten in the way of her and Jalous's mistaken dalliance. But it seemed playing Moirail to an anti-social landdweller had started him on the path to maturity. And he was judging her right now, with the way he looked at her. And she found to her own further surprise that the concept of Orseth judging her a failure and disowning her caused a barb of pain deep inside. She didn't want that. "We're almost at the edge," Orseth could tell the Swamp was getting a little easier to traverse, "Valoki, thanks for not trying to kill her. I owe you one."

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

It was absolutely fucking remarkable how badly Valoki didn’t care. It was astounding. Scientists could write a thousand dissertations on Valoki’s apathy and still not come close to comprehending the true depths of how much he straight-up didn’t give a shit. He purposefully chose the bumpiest route possible as he carted Regali out of the swamp, laughing a little every time the seadweller got jolted by a log or a rock or an unknown slimy object.

"Wow, isn’t this fuckin’ fascinating." He purposefully tried to tune out what they were saying, focusing on the sounds of nature instead. Hmm, yes… that was definitely the mating call of the Lesser Alternian Boobthrush in the distance… that creaking noise sounded like either a tree or a deadly Snapping Thwicketygrubbet… oh, and was that a thunderstorm in the distance? Sweet, maybe this fish would get hit by lightning.

"We’re almost to the edge. You can continue your conversation there, I’m running into negative fucks to give."

[yastra]

Finally frustrated enough by Valoki's attitude to at least acknowledge his role in this, Regali glared daggers at Orseth. "I hadn't realised you were the type to keep such poor company." Orseth laughed and shrugged, fully resilient to such poor barbs. "He's better off than you are now. Doesn't need much more than a little solitude. Opposite of your old problems." Regali's expression was stunned. Orseth enjoyed the brief moment of quiet and no doubt Valoki did too - at least until a particularly vicious jolt to the cargo caused the word Regali was stumbling over to blurt out. "Old?" It was a higher pitch than Orseth had ever heard her use before - she was absolutely floored by the description of her feelings of isolation as 'old'. Orseth wasn't quite sure why he'd said it either, but it seemed right. Regali's isolation was no longer the issue. But because of that... "Regali, just go back to your Hive." He finally figured it out. "I'll catch up with you later and I'll even let you drag me to the Court if you want to. But don't go wandering into strange swamps. My moirail might find the idea of a dead seadweller hilarious but I'd prefer you alive, alright?" Regali refused to give a reply or meet Orseth's eyes, seemingly content to be discontent with the quality of her courier. That displeasure no doubt thrilled Valoki.

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

Auuugh! He didn’t caaare about seadweller horseshit! Valoki threw his hands up and turned around, the picture of grumpiness. “What! Fine!” He stomped over to the two seadwellers, looked Regali up and down, and unceremoniously hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Well, no, not quite. He would have treated the potatoes better.

"Just fuckin’ tell me where to dump her off and I’ll do it, but I want this fish out of my pond."

[yastra]

While Orseth had been unable to budge Regali, Valoki suffered no such problems. Her protests and struggles were met with uncaring from the greenblood, who marched on in the ideal disposal of Seadwellers direction. He'd had plenty of practise on the route, having run Orseth out of the swamp multiple times in the past. Regali was pointing backwards, allowing Orseth to walk behind Valoki and keep an eye on her face. She glared at him fiercely but his resilience to injury appeared to extend to death glares as well. "You don't just get to drop into dangerous locations and do fine for yourself," he was surprised to find himself lecturing a troll over two Sweeps his senior, but telling your ashen wards off seemed to be part of the job description. "You're lucky you found us, frankly. However strong you are, you're not prepared to deal with somewhere like this." Regali got halfway through a "you don't know that" before Valoki hopped over a fallen tree, his resulting landing on the ground jolting the cargo and cutting her off. Unable to struggle free, she continued to judge Orseth. "Why are you even out here, Regali?" Orseth tried approaching from a different angle, figuring out what the deal was today. Something was way out of the ordinary for her. "You don't go to the wilds." She looked to the side, lips pursed, seemingly unwilling to answer. But before Orseth could push, she relented and looked back at him. "My Lusus threw me down here. She did not like the concept of returning to our mountain." Orseth frowned. Return? "Did you leave?" Regali's next words caused his eyes to widen in shock, as she spoke of the freedom she'd gained. He considered briefly the correct response.

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

Valoki made the most undignified snorting noise possible in response to that. Play nice was not in Valoki’s dictionary. “Play rough” was in there, or even “play dead” when a predator ambled along that was too tough for even him to take on, but “nice” was an idea that he treated like most other trolls treated animal poop- from a distance, and preferably with a long stick.

"Yeah, get her out of here before she classes the joint up." He jerked his finger behind him to the closest exit out of the swamp and began walking that way, not caring if Regali needed more help or not. Orseth was strong enough to carry the glubgrub, he sure as shit didn’t feel like touching her.

[yastra]

"Wait." Orseth came to a stop - as he was holding Regali by the hand and she was no longer walking. He looked at her in concern. Something was quite clearly off. "Regali," he tugged at her hand, indicating she should continue moving, "This swamp isn't a good place for you. We should get you out and on the road. I know where your Hive is from here - it's not actually the furthest away." Valoki wouldn't be pleased if Regali lingered but Orseth had good odds at talking him down. He didn't have good odds of keeping Regali out of trouble if she was determined to get into it. Convincing her and Jalous to drop their black temptations was hard enough. "No," Regali shook her head, "This isn't right." Orseth blinked. What was she talking about? They really didn't have time - being able to move well here was a key to survival. He didn't expect Regali to stand a chance on her own. "We can talk about it after," he insisted, tugging at her hand, "This swamp isn't safe." She was resolute however, and being so much smaller than her, Orseth didn't stand a good chance at budging her. He groaned as Regali stared defiantly at him. She wasn't even asking real questions, just acting confusing and weird. Which, you know, was normal for her. But this wasn't the time. "Valoki," Orseth called to him. This was probably a bad idea but an upset and belittled Regali was better than an attacked by swamp creatures Regali. "Can you help me drag her out of this swamp? She's not cut out for dealing with it and I don't want to deal with whatever's going on right now here." "I don't want to leave," Regali replied quickly, pulling her hand from Orseth. "Too bad," he snapped back. He was one of the few trolls that would be curt with her and she was one of the few trolls he adopted a no-nonsense attitude towards. Probably a consequence of the once red crush he had on her that was traded in for an Auspistice relationship to keep her and Jalous from hurting themselves. "Valoki!" Orseth called again.

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

Valoki, as mellowed out as he may or may not be, was still a grumpy asshole in his heart of hearts. And he wasn’t fond of seadwellers either, despite being in a quadrant with one (not a concupiscent one, NOT A CONCUPISCENT ONE), so he wasn’t very happy to see one crashlanded in his nice lovely swamp. He was considering beating her to death and calling it a day, but it sounded like Orseth knew her. Awesome.

“What is this.” The disdain in his voice was palpable.

[yastra]

She hadn't expected even one troll to be here in this swamp, let alone two. But one of them being Orseth was even further beyond Regali's expectations. She could only stare in surprise. Orseth was just as surprised. He knew Regali had her occasional wanders, but this didn't seem right. She went on normal paths to normal places. She didn't fall into the middle of a swamp. Because, looking up at the broken branches above, that was quite obvious what had happened. Actually she might be stunned. Hopping down from the branches, Orseth reached down a hand to put under her arm and help pull her up from the ground. "You okay?" She seemed to give no reply, her face was still way too pale. "This is Regali," Orseth turned to Valoki, who'd arrived moments after him. "She's a friend, so play-nice. I don't think she wanted to end up here either so we'll just help her get out of the swamp and that'll make things better." He looked back to her, being guided by his hand. There was something more than just falling shock going on here.

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

[zenere-deactivated20140831]

Valoki stopped chewing on the bones of whatever horrendous swamp creature he’d dredged up to eat for breakfast long enough to spit them out, frown, and look up at the troll who had apparently become his moirail some way or another.

"It’s the wilderness, you dumbass. There’s always something else going on." Always the picture of eloquence, the greenblood didn’t bother adding politeness into his usual harsh tone even for one of his quadrantmates. Even so, he paused to listen as well. His gut was telling him something was out of the ordinary, and after a few sweeps of Livin’ Wild he knew better than to ever doubt it.

"…Somethin’s off. You want to investigate it?" He cracked his knuckles. Whatever it was, he could probably punch it to death.

[yastra]

Orseth nodded back to Valoki, before setting off in the direction of the noise. It was a crashing sound, different to the standard odd beast blundering thorugh the swamp. He leaped from tree to tree, nimbly avoiding falling to the land below. Despite considering himself an all-terrain troll, Orseth still wasn't a fan of the swampy waters and preferred to avoid it when possible.

He could hear Valoki below, and that was enough.

Valoki had chilled out a lot over recent times, probably because he was getting it from his new Matesprit. Whether 'it' was sex or drugs, it didn't really matter. Either way, it made it a lot easier for Orseth to play the Moirail.

---

A little ways away, groaning in pain, Regali extracted herself from the water. She felt dirty from head to toe and ached just as much. Scratches aplenty, but no major injuries or lacerations. And, she coughed heavily, keeling over onto their knees, some of that water had gotten into her gills. Ugh, ugh ugh ugh.

How had this happened? Her Lusus had rejected her? The concept terrified Regali. Even though she had resented her binding to the mountain in order to contain the beast, she still felt the bond between Troll and Lusii. If that were severed... Regali didn't know what she might do.

But right now, she needed to consider her current situation. This was clearly a swamp. And she had no idea what direction to continue in to reach her mountain. No, the ideal right now should be to get out onto open ground, so that the odds her Lusus would return to her increased. Providing she wanted to.

And of course, the time was a factor. She had met with Clarta in the early evening, but now it would be closer to midnight. If Regali were out in the open when dawn broke, she would be dead.

She needed shelter as well. But how would she find all she needed, alone in the middle of nowh-

"Regali?"

The voice, filled with shock and surprise, came from another Seadweller, standing on the branches in the trees above.

[yastra]

The Eternal Quest for someone Grumpier than her own Lusus

On all of Alternia, there was only one being with more reason to loathe Regali's mountain than Regali herself. The Great Sky Eel considered herself one of the most powerful of all the breeds of the Lusus Naturae, and indeed it was difficult to argue with such a thought.

Capable of travelling both sea and sky, flight achieved by some unknown trait within its body, it was huge enough to swallow small Lusii whole. Lusii in fact made up the main diet of the Sky Eel, and while it could go for long periods of time without food it did not like doing so.

The only thing it disliked more than its hunger was having Regali, its ward and successor, far from its nest.

So when Regali's nest ended up on a tall mountain, separated from the majority of trollkind, the Sky Eel was infuriated. And when Regali refused to move, refused to allow her Lusus to feed freely, that infuriation only grew.

The bond they shared meant that the Sky Eel would never turn on Regali, would never even think to. But oh how she longed to be free to feed as she desired. In the end, snapping up wild animals was her main source of sustenance. The taste did not compare to the Naturae at all.

But now her ward was free. She was free. And she had finally fed. Was finally satisfied.

And now, when the smell of the destination Regali was guiding the Great Eel finally reached her nose, she was displeased.

Regali was shocked when her Lusus suddenly bucked. Grabbing on and holding tight, she felt the world give way as the Eel spun around, coiling around itself to try and dissuade Regali.

It was hard to tell whether the intent was to be rid of the rider. Perhaps the Eel only wished to show its disgust for the direction Regali had set. But Regali's grip was not absolute. She fell.

Beneath her a great number of trees formed a rolling canopy of green. Although not the strongest, Regali's sea-dweller blood and body would enable her to survive a fall like this, especially with such a bed of greenery to catch her.

She crashed through the leaves, branches snapped and into a pool of muddy water she splashed. The noise carried through the swamp.

---

Slightly nearby, a troll raised their head. Glancing about, they considered the sound they thought they almost heard. Looking down from the branch they sat on, they addressed the troll in the swampy waters below.

"Hey," Orseth Tameri spoke up, "Did you hear that, Valoki?"

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

Clarta nodded to herself as she read Regali’s words, though trace amounts of uncertainty still lingered in her eyes. On one hand, all she had seemed so remarkably clear that she couldn’t quite understand why Regali had needed it pointed out to her. On the other, had the girl ever received sound, direct advice before in her life, isolated as she was and now guided by Molide? She resolved her expression with a light smile in return to Regali’s own, taking back the paper once more starting another message.

You are most welcome, Regali. Doing some soul-searching is probably a very good step to take next, or really at all times. If I had to offer any advice, it would be to stay in touch with who you are. Follow your dreams and ideals, and do not be discouraged by any obstacle that may be stacked against you. An obstacle from one angle is merely a bump in the road from another. And when you’ve found your road and hit your stride going down it, the bumps will begin to fade to smoothness.

When you’ve determined what your road is, I would be more than happy to help how I can to see you advance down it, or figure out where it leads to. Still, from what I understand, you have several others to speak with first: Once more, yourself included.

[yastra]

Regali nodded as she read and placed a hand upon Clarta's shoulder. It was a gesture of friendship and warm of touch.

Her other hand raised into the sky and a booming roar emerged from the clouds. The Lowbloods in the fields ducked at the sound, and perhaps the vibration of the noise made it to Clarta.

When the tail of the Lusus lashed around, Regali was quick to grab hold and be pulled along with it. It was a quick and discourteous exit, but the focus of her mind was now solely upon one place. One place she needed to be.

But she was thankful to Clarta for her advice. And to Molide for her guidance.

She finally had a direction with purpose. That alone filled her with vitality. Walking along the spine of her Lusus, she took her position atop its head. It was time to go home.

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

As Clarta stood and lead Regali away (carrying the pad of paper and pen with her), Clarta bit on her lip in a thoughtful whirl of emotions. Primarily uncertainty and mild agitation. She would truly love to help Regali, but if the girl didn’t even know what her own interests in life, just what could she do, having met her only veritable moments ago?

Further, a general lack of reply to either of her previous notes (which she had considered to be quite thoughtful) made it quite difficult to really say much of anything to the girl. Given her apparent feelings about how getting away from her mountain would near-magically make life perfect, perhaps it wasn’t very surprising that she may expect Molide’s plan to magically provide her answers as well: In this case, from herself. Likely either a product of seadweller entitlement or blind idealism.

Clarta held back a side. She musn’t be too hard on her, she told herself. Regali had lived a difficult life so far, and the adjustment would likely be long and difficult.

…If only she could realize that.

In any case, Clarta had since lead the way outside, walking down a path amongst her fields of crops, which lowblood workers tended diligently. As Clarta passed, they’d stop and wave, having long since dropped verbal greetings. Clarta, dutifully, returned each wave. Under the glimmering light of the moons and waving lightly in the night breeze, the vast fields would almost appear as dark, gentle waves on an expansive sea. Eventually, Clarta stopped to admire the view, quickly scrawling a single line and passing the pen and paper to Regali.

"What do you think?"

[yastra]

Although they had walked amongst the fields for a time now, Regali's mind had been occupied solely with itself. Not even the stares and whispers of the lowblood workers at the Seadweller walking by Clarta's side reached her.

What was she missing? What was it she desired? The question, now fully exposed to her, was consuming her more than it ever had before. She'd gone and lost all her drive and desire the moment she gained freedom. She had thought she would run down to the Sea and it would welcome her. She would find partners and a place to be herself.

But it was only now she was aware that she was unaware of who 'herself' really was.

It was endlessly frustrating.

She jolted a little when the pad appeared before her, offered by Clarta. Reading the words, Regali was finally forced to look around. It was a fine view indeed, but somehow seeing it only soured her further. She would have enjoyed finding this place, on her rare expeditions from the mountain. Perhaps she would have even befriended Clarta then. One as sensible as her would have been a fine ally.

But now... what did Regali have to offer? And what did she need? Even that was beyond her. It was so obvious what Molide's disappointment was in her that it stung deeply.

She took the pro-offered pen and paper and began to write.

It is a great thing you have made for yourself, Clarta Lewarx. This was true, even in her despondent state, Regali knew to recognise achievements. I only wish I were in better form to appreciate it and discuss with you. But I must admit, the findings of our conversation have left me... somewhat despondent to the beauty of the world at present.

Regali sighed as she wrote, her hand tipping a little. If Clarta was quick to read, she'd have already finished the first paragraph before Regali resumed writing.

But I have figured out the answer to one question now. Why did Molide write my name on one of the cards - I know that answer. Because I need to remember who I am. I think that's where I will go next. So I think you, Clarta, for giving me that direction. It seems Molide had it all planned out from the start once again. I am ever in awe of her ability to direct others.

And that was a truth. Molide was a storm of power, one Regali was quite admiring of. She wanted to return to a state that would not disappoint her friend. And so she would go back to discover what she'd lost. That was her decision.

She finally smiled at having made one.

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

Clarta continued to regard Regali neutrally while she contemplated her interests. With nothing happening, Clarta began to frown once more. Well, there lied the problem! Fortunately, she now had permission to speak perfectly freely: While Molide seemed to have sent her here to find council and advice, something she was happy to give freely, offering it so directly to someone she’d met only within the hour seemed a little off (at least without permission). Concluding rightfully that Regali was unlikely to add anything else to the paper, Clarta penned her reply.

Correct me if I’m wrong, though from what you have said, it seemed you were quite bored on your mountain. It seems most of your time was occupied by caring for your lusus. Now, you have been able to leave that all behind: You have access to the whole world and no longer need to bend over backwards to ensure its survival. It seems as if you had expected that, in releasing yourself from these things, you would find a “purpose.” But, alas, no— You are just as bored, though on a larger scale? For while perhaps caring for your lusus was a dull and apparently meaningless existence, it was still an activity: yes? And now that it is gone, there is nothing left. I repeat this as I’m still trying to make sense of the situation.

Clarta paused to consider her next paragraph. It was becoming clear why Molide had sent Regali to her.

Not having an answer to my second question makes the situation clear, I believe. You simply need to find what you love. Once you find that, take it, hold it tight, and run with it as far and for as long as you can. When I was younger, I loved a few things: I loved plants, politics, and trollkind as a whole. So, I took them all and I combined them: I built a farm where I could grow whatever I wanted and developed concepts of policies and politics for the proper management of society— I hope to be an administrator in the Fleet. When I became a little older, I combined them: I applied my theories to my farm and created a business and environment in which I can test my ideas on real individuals, whilst interacting with them on a personal level and, of course, growing plants.

I’m worried that this is not the advice you’re looking for, but I’m unsure how to tell you to find what your special thing is. The only solution I can think of is to keep looking and to keep trying new things. When you find that, though, turning it into a viable vision of a future — a road — is what I know. If you have any questions, corrections, or anything at all, please: lets keep talking. If you don’t, or just want to think more, why don’t we step outside, and just look around a little?

[yastra]

Even as she read Clarta's reply, Regali was aware of what it would say. The moment she failed to answer the question, she had realised what was missing. And it was more worrying than she had ever expected. Regali lacked anything to feel passionate about in life. She was looking for somewhere to belong but had no concept of what such a place would be. How then, would she possibly find it? Although Clarta had written more, Regali found herself growing uninterested in the knowledge of what had created Ms. Lewarx. No, it was the lack of knowledge of what made Regali Nouval that was driving her to the brink now. What was it? What was it she had lost when she became free? What was removed alongside her chains? She needed to know. She had to find out. She stood. Clarta had invited her outside and Regali nodded to the door. Perhaps movement would stimulate her mind.

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

Reading Regali’s reply, Clarta’s eyes flew across the paper with practiced speed. Contemplating Regali’s story, a small frown moved onto her face, which only grew with intensity as she neared its conclusion. Clarta had to admit, she was as vexed as Regali was— perhaps even more so considering she was being drawn into this situation without any further understanding of Regali besides what she saw before her now. It was all only made all the more puzzling considering Molide sent Regali to her. While they were certainly on friendly terms, Clarta’s lifestyle and base personality were far cries from Molide’s own— Which she would have expected she would direct Regali toward in terms of “finding happiness.”

Clarta blinked as she silently regarded Regali, looking up from the paper. Realizing she was still frowning, she quickly changed her expression to one of light positivity before penning her response, though  at a slower, contemplative speed.

I have to confess that even I am vexed by Molide’s mysterious mannerisms more often than not. I can never quite decide if there’s a hidden brilliance behind the madness or if it’s just that (madness). As such, while I do have a few sneaking suspicions of why she may have sent you to me, I don’t believe I can commit to any in certainty.

As for your situation, it is quite good that you’re managing to take control of it. It must have been very difficult to live as you did. While I would not presume to make direct assumptions or comparisons, I believe I can indirectly imagine how it must have been to experience such isolation. You can likely guess why.

Still, you have left that behind. Directing your own life and determining your own path is a near necessary component of happiness— at least as I consider it to be. From what you have written, it seems to me that the main problem is your distress that you haven’t found “your place” yet (an obvious statement to you, I’m sure— my apologies). I would go on, but I’d like to ask two questions first: Would you like me to speak with complete frankness and express my every opinion, and what do you enjoy? What are your interests?

[yastra]

Regali blinked. Two seemingly unrelated questions, but both quite important to this Clarta. She reached forward to turn the notepad to face her and scrawled a quick reply to the first question.

You have no reason to hide your words in my presence, speak as freely as you will.

Turning the notepad back to Clarta, Regali leaned back and raised a finger to her lips. Her brow furrowed slightly and a look of great thought and concentration appeared on her face. Her interests?

She had enjoyed her travels and chances to see new places, but that was solely because they were new. Escapes from her situation. Now that she had infinite freedom, any individual location had no specific draw to her.

She liked the cooking she had done - working with plants to create salads was something she'd developed pride in. But those plant species she knew were specially cultivated. And she lived on the move now - had no place to live. Such was her life.

She had always been enamoured with her vision - her ability to see through the tides of fate and glance upon the strands of others. But that was gone. Fancy left with the mountain. The sights and the sounds she was blind and deaf to now.

She enjoyed meeting with people because everyone was a chance encounter. But now she could find whatever she wanted.

The entire world was in her hands now. But somehow that very fact had made everything within the world unappealing to her. Her frown was clearly deeper than it should be, contemplating this question. She didn't move to answer it.

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

After simply shaking her head to Regali’s attempt to speak to her (which inadvertently answered her question), Clarta too took a seat at the table, sitting across from Regali, and without a moment’s delay, produced a notepad and pen from a pocket within her coat and began writing with practiced speed.

As she wrote, Clarta’s thoughts did stray to her choice to reveal the situation so quickly as well. It wasn’t usual for her: Traditionally, she waited until she had a better idea of who they were, for perhaps a foolish imperialist would attempt to cull her on the spot. Still, for all of Molide’s Acanthness, she doubted that she would send someone to her who was expressly dangerous. All things considered, this whole situation seemed almost excessively charitable on Molide’s part… …she had to wonder what the catch was, but that was getting off topic. Given that Regali apparently had no use to speak through her interpreter and it would be massively rude to say “leave and try talking to me on trollian instead,” they were left with only one really viable option. …Though, still: While Molide probably wouldn’t put her in danger, she still had no idea what “problem” this one actually had. From Molide’s point of view, however, perhaps a “problem,” was less of a problem than expected!

Clarta smiled lightly at her mental sick burn, which happily coincided with the completion of her first note over the course of several minutes. Handing over the notebook and pen for Regali’s own turn, she folded her hands and waited. Clarta’s handwriting would be very neat and flowing, written in elegant cursive: it’s very likely, Regali may assume, that she’d had practice doing this.

The note thus read:

Hi, Regali — It’s a pleasure to meet you! As you know, my name is Clarta Lewarx. I am a good friend of Molide’s, and her all-too-frequent ashen councilor for all sorts of people whose feet she’s stepped on, depending on the day of the week. While I’m normally not quiet so eager to share my condition with strangers who appear on my doorstep having ridden giant flying eels to get there, any friend of Molide’s is at least someone I will attempt to welcome warmly.

As Regali read, Clarta watched pleasantly. She didn’t need to note, in that part, that if anyone ever did come to try and take her down, she had a whole platoon of lowbloods, several psychic, who would rush to defend her: she was their income.

The note continued: Anyways: As you can see, I run a business here: I hire lowblood workers to work my farm fields, and sell the products. Not only is this a good source of wealth, but I believe that the structure of a job keeps them busy enough to avoid troubles such as rebellion and teaches them obedience that will be a necessary skill in the fleet. Otherwise, I enjoy reading on all sorts of subjects, riding and flying upon my lusus, and, every so often, a game of luck. I also enjoy socialization, when and where I can find it— As you can now literally see, I have a lot to say(!), but I’ll bring it to an end. Please, Regali, tell me about yourself.

[yastra]

"Hmm," was all Regali expressed as she read the note. There was a lot of words - seemingly Clarta enjoyed the ability to talk about herself. Similarities between friends, Regali supposed.

Writing wasn't something she commonly did - electronic means of expressing text were far more common in this day and age. But any Seadweller worth their saltwater was cultured enough to put pen to paper. Regali continued to hmm and think as she scripted her own reply. She had no concept of what Molide had sent her here for, but to divine Molide's way of thinking required the greatest of visions.

And Regali was short-charged on those, these days.

When she considered herself done, she returned the notepad to Clarta, words inscribed.

Hello Clarta. Molide requested I meet with you in order to find the place I belong. Between the eight names she gave me, apparently I'll find my true self, or some such. I must admit to being doubtful, but at this point I have little else to go on.

I spent much of my life atop a mountain, because my Lusus would not leave my side and thus I was able to contain her and her voracious appetite. She would devour freely without the prison I created for her - I had no power to stop her feasting upon Troll and Lusus alike.

But I am sick of being alone. I am sick of living on a mountain with nothing to do, nowhere to go and no future to aspire to.

So I left it. I gave my Lusus free reign to do as she wishes and was rewarded by control. I am able to direct her. She feeds when she needs to and otherwise follows my will. I thought, finally making it to the Sea, I had gained the life I always wanted.

But it's yet to fulfil me. I'm yet to find something to bring me the happiness I've always wanted. Yet to find a clue to what that even is. Molide seemed quite disappointed by that fact, something that distresses me greatly.

But I don't know what I'm supposed to learn from you, that Molide is so confident I will. Being unable to see such things vexes me greatly.

It seemed Clarta was not the only one to enjoy talking about herself to great extent.

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

As Regali spoke, Clarta only continued to stare down at her without expression. She would, however, accept the letter, snatching it from the air as it drifted by. Giving it a quick scan, her eyes darting across the paper, a wide smile would start to cross her face, though continuing wordlessly, she would dismount her lusus, landing gracefully on the ground, turning to the entrance to her hive before noting Regali’s attempt at intimidation.

The lowblood, for how it could be said, stood their ground, bending back away from Regali’s towering height to cast several pleading gazes toward Clarta.

"…Please, Madame…" the lowblood managed with a twinge of fear, "…Just a moment."

As they finally managed to lock eyes, a brief moment of silence would pass as, in turn, the two of them exchanged a rapid series of gestures and signs. An astute prediction on Regali’s part would likely give her the answer she’d be about to receive moments in advance.

The lowblood turned back to Regali, taking a step backwards as Clarta began to walk towards her hive door, soon holding it open for the seadweller. “…Clarta would be more than happy to meet with you Madame, but you should know… She is deaf, and can’t hear a word you say, or any door-knocking you do…”

The lowblood paused to allow that to sink in for a moment, before backing away a bit more.”I will be going back to work now…” And thus they did.

[yastra]

"Then we will use the written word if necessary," Regali replied as the lowblood slunk away. Turning back to Clarta, the full meaning of 'deaf' communicated itself to Regali that this one would have no idea of what she had just said. Well, if she had any intelligence, she'd understand what was necessary to establish communication. She was the landdweller and Regali the Seadweller, it was only right to expect Clarta to bend to accommodate Regali, not the other way around. "Or perhaps," Regali stopped in the doorway, standing next to Clarta and looking directly at her, "You've the skill for reading lips."

It was excessively odd that this purpleblood would so quickly have a disability such as deafness announced by a lowblood servant. Playing it off as a strange quirk or a desire to use lowbloods as tools would be a far safer action - she had no way of knowing what type of Seadweller Regali was. Even Regali didn't know that at present. But she'd save that discussion for when speech started. In whatever form it would take. For now Regali stepped inside the hive, followed the direction Clarta indicated and took a seat at the table they awaited for. Folding her fingers together, she silently watched Clarta's actions.

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

[lewarx]

For several moments, nothing would occur. The door before Regali would remain closed, with no signs of opening. An impatient soul may have choosen to turn away and come back later. In doing so, however, said impatient soul would have turned to the sight of two approaching figures. A patient individual, meanwhile, would simply be snuck up on.

Mounted upon the back of her feathered winged horse lusus, the host of the land, Clarta Lewarx, peered down with a mixture of curiosity and confusion at Regali and her own lusus. Adjusting her glasses to better take in the sight, she continued to stare, saying nothing. At her side stood a lowblood. Their appearance or any sort of defining traits would matter little, for they are very likely to make their exit from the story as quickly as they have appeared. Whoever the lowblood was, they were one of Clarta’s workers, and they would be the one who speaks first. "Hello, Madame Seadweller. Clarta Lewarx greets you with pleasure, but has to ask: Who are you?"

[yastra]

Regali had turned at the growl of her Lusus, to study the incoming winged horse and rider. With a wave of her hand, she indicated to the sky eel to give them some distance. After a few lingering moments she acquiesced and soared up high into the sky, rushing past the winged horse.

Regali studied the pair. The lowblood had spoken for Clarta, while Clarta remained silent. She frowned at this. Why would Clarta need such a mouthpiece? It seemed excessively useless.

"I am here," she addressed Clarta directly, not even looking at the lowblood as she walked towards the pair, "On the request of a friend. Here," with a movement of her arm she let the letter address to Clarta sail towards the purpleblood. "This is meant to explain the situation. And you," she finally glanced down at the lowblood, her impressive height putting her head far above their own, "Should get back to work. This is not business for you to be witness to. Begone."

[yastra]

Following Molide's advice has never backfired for anyone, right?

Besides her own, only one of the names across these cards Molide had given to Regali was tied to land. Clarta Lewarx in name and no other detail given besides. The letter corresponding to her had an address and so it was there Regali was approaching. With her Lusus obeying her will, travel was easy. She could make it to anywhere on the planet whenever she desired - at full speed it took no time at all to cross through the skies. The directions provided eventually led to Regali hovering far above a large farmland. Lots of smaller hives along the way no doubt housed lowblooded workers. As for the larger hive, closer to the road network, that was for sure her direction. And so, descending from the skies above, the giant eel racing through the air above the fields and no doubt terrifying whatever lowblood happened to look up, Regali arrived. When her Guardian was floating steadily as low to the ground as she could, Regali dismounted, landing heavily. Stretching to relieve her muscles after the long flight, she promptly walked right up to the hivedoor and rapped it with her knuckles. Hive call.

[t-folley-deactivated20190507]

seadwellers dwelling on the sea and its dwellers

[t-folley-deactivated20190507]

Molide contemplated her listing for a few moments, digging a pen out of the murky depths of her apron. What was the best way to put the lesson across? What was the best tack to take? She took only a minute of contemplation to figure out a good way to illustrate her point; a guided tour that would either give Regali a glimpse of what she was missing or leave her further confused and stranded. It was all up to her, really.

"There’s paper on the shelf behind you, be a dear and fetch it for me," Molide muttered, already busy reaching across the table.

She pulled four of the face-down cards Nouval had dumped on the table towards her, hurriedly scribbling a name and location on the patterned back of each, then turning them upside-down and writing another. Each name was then marked with a star or a circle, with every card having one of each. Molide briefly considered turning them over for a look, but really, prophecy was more Regali’s pastime than her own.

When her paper finally arrived, Acanth slid the cards off to the side and set into the introduction letters. They’d be brief, partly because she didn’t trust the attention spans of their intended recipients and partly because they didn’t need much more. The trolls themselves made fine, fine lessons, no need to bungle it up with instructions.

"Don’t mistake my disappointment for unfriendliness, Nouval," she said, not glancing up from her writing. "I still think you’re pretty cool. But I suspect you didn’t understand the soul of my advice. Just as before, I look at you and see… more. There’s real potential there, honestly. I trust you won’t let me down in seeing that realized. I’ve still got a party plan with your name on it."

[yastra]

Reaching out to accept the cards offered to her, Regali drew them to her chest, maintaining eye contact with Molide. With her other hand she graciously accepted the letters, similarly pulling them towards her. These were the path Molide had set for her. These were what she had to follow.

"Thank you," she did mean this. Even with the emotions surging through her system, Regali did feel a deep appreciation for the care Molide had shown her. "I will return soon."

And taking her leave she stepped outside under the moonlight. Her Lusus, having finally gotten over its meal, soared about in the air, lowering just enough for Regali to leap onto its head. Rising back up into the sky, the giant eel hovered, waiting for its charge to set their direction. Their next meal.

Regali turned over the cards and studied them. Four cards of Tarot. On the Page of Pentacles, Clarta Lewarx and Zolina Kaimar. On the Four of Swords, Wakkam Naorin and Torcht Elkaem. On the Ace of Wands, Scylla Ermine and Mevidi Aryaxe.

On Justice, Yastra Entana and... Regali Nouval.

She frowned. Meet with herself? What was Molide playing at? And Wakkam... Wakkam would no doubt be furious with Regali. Forsaking her mountain, allowing her Lusus to feed freely? No, that bridge was burned. That moirailship was over - Wakkam would never forgive Regali.

Somehow that realisation stung. She could feel her heart in pain at the thought that her decision had destroyed that friendship.

But then she set a cold expression and picked one of the remaining six names, urging her Lusus in the direction outlined. She was doing this for herself. All of it. To find her happiness. Her happiness had never been on that mountain.

And if she had to give up a friend like Wakkam for true happiness...

She bared at snarl at her own heart as her Lusus flew on. She'd find her way.

If she didn't, why was she even alive?