Amber

[circleprodigy]

[The sound of light snoring can be heard as Ivaera adjusts the amber slice, revealing her seated with a certain mabari hound sleeping with his head in her lap. She remains clad in that armor, despite the humidity. A little discomfort isn't enough for her to shed it yet, but maybe as the week wears on her tune will change. Her voice is only slightly quieter than usual, since she's soft-spoken even without not wanting to wake the spoiled canine.]

Since I don't dare move at the moment, I might as well ask some questions that have been on my mind. Firstly, would there be interest in the creation of some kind of lift for the tree? I admit I'm personally motivated thanks to this snoring mass of muscle here, as I wouldn't want to constantly rely on others to help me with him. But I'm also seeing its use in transferring supplies from floor to floor, as well as transport for those less interested in using the gems for flight. [Thinking of you, Fenris.] My personal experience in such matters is somewhat lacking, but Fuu had some ideas and I’m willing to contribute however I can to making this happen. Suggestions would be welcome, of course.

Next question; while I haven't minded camping outside, it's starting to lose its charm. [That’s what comes of doing so constantly for about a year.] Is there any available space for us? The closer to the ground the house is located, the more ideal. Garahel is well-trained and I would take him out often, so that he's not a nuisance.

I should also mention that I am a healer, should it become necessary. If you are wounded and need assistance, you have but to ask and I’ll provide aid.

Comments

[monster_san]

[Garahel, you are too much.]

Unfortunately, the oak leaves I had hoped to use have vanished. [Which in itself is strange.] But we could still weave a basket using grass.

May I ask what your healing magic is like, Ivaera-san?

[circleprodigy]

[Ivaera nods, thoughtful.]

Grass would suffice, as longs the blades are nice and thick. Once he awakens, I'm willing to help gather what I can for it.

Of course. My most basic magic is a simple healing spell, one which mends wounds of any sort. In addition, I can heal multiple people at once, revive those unconscious, as well as place a protective ward which automatically heals an ally when they're close to death. Finally, I can create a healing aura that continually heals those around me, if they're close enough. That last isn't used too often, as it costs a lot of energy to maintain. I also can't cast the same spell repeatedly without pause, needing some amount of time before I can cast it again.

[She's quick to explain what she can't do as well, not wanting others to credit her with more than she can accomplish.]

I'm no physician, however. The diagnosing and treating of diseases and such is beyond me. What I know is largely used for battle.

[monster_san]

Wonderful! [She cups her cheek in one hand, smiling.] He seems quite tuckered out.

[The array of abilities that Ivaera describes is... somewhat astonishing. Particularly the ward and the healing aura.]

Oh my, that's all very impressive! If I may ask, could you demonstrate some of those for me? I might be able to craft a new spell similar to those--although my magic is for the same purpose, and it unsettles me not to have proper medicine, I'm glad we at least have heal-in-a-hurry people.

[circleprodigy]

That's what happens when he tires himself out trying to reach that stray cat seen just beyond the mist. He refused to believe that the mist would hold him back. Silly boy.

[She sighs, patting the slumbering mabari's head. Spellcrafting gets her attention and she perks up, curious.]

You can craft new spells? I would definitely be interested in seeing your process, and to compare our magic in general. It would be fascinating to see how they differ, even if the overall effect is the same. Whenever you wish, you can find us just outside. As soon as I can move again, I'll gladly demonstrate.

[monster_san]

I hate to say it, but I'm not sure that cat would even notice Mr. Garahel at his present size. But I suppose it's obligatory for even a magical, miniature dog to keep up the traditions!

[Fuu cups her cheek in one hand, slightly embarrassed.]

Well, 'craft' might have been the wrong word... invent? Devise? I tend to come up with things on the spur of the moment, but I would like to try to come up with something in advance. [Considering that the power for magic is a little different outside of Cephiro.]

[circleprodigy]

No, the cat didn't seem to notice him at all. But that won't stop him from trying.

[Ivaera nods, still very interested to see it for herself, whatever Fuu would call her style of magic.]

Not unwise, given that danger might befall us at any time. If any of the healing spells I know are such that you can copy to any degree, it's time well-spent. I have yet to be involved in battle since arriving, but I'm not foolish enough to think that situation will last.

[monster_san]

Mm, that's probably for the best, if he doesn't mind me saying so.

I would say that's a sensible outlook. Though I hope it isn't very soon, getting into another battle seems inevitable--even if it's only the routine dangers of the forest floor. I would be very grateful for your help, Ivaera-san.

[circleprodigy]

It's no trouble at all. I wouldn't want to become complacent around here, as it is. This will be good for us both.

[She tries to shift her weight without waking Garahel, not wanting her legs to fall asleep.]

Most creatures beyond the mist don't take notice of us, right? I heard about the man who played music, but nothing else aside from that.

[monster_san]

For the most part, they don't--not unless they actual come through it, like Mrs. Rabbit. The violinist was the only actual person that I know of who's paid us a visit although I don't think he was quite what he seemed.

[circleprodigy]

I heard that everyone saw him differently; do you mind telling me what you saw?

[monster_san]

Oh! Of course. [............maybe "accidentally" tilting the amber up so Ivaera can't see her blush.] I think he was tall, though it's so hard to judge now. And he did look quite human--um--a young [handsome] man. But others said that he looked like a rotting corpse. So it was probably an illusion.

[circleprodigy]

[The change in the amber's viewpoint doesn't go unnoticed, though Ivaera's more interested in learning what she can than questioning Fuu about it.]

It must be, though it makes me wonder as to its purpose. Did any others seem him in the same way? If there's a pattern....

[monster_san]

I think you might have to ask around for details, but I do know that some saw him as a dead man. Given the enchanting nature of his song, I would guess that the corpse was his true form.

[circleprodigy]

[She nods, frowning in thought.]

Or perhaps a spirit possessing a corpse. It wouldn't be the first time I've encountered that, though he appeared the same to everyone.

[monster_san]

Ah, perhaps that too... did you ever encounter a spirit who played an instrument? We heard his violin for several days before he appeared at the mist barrier.

[circleprodigy]

[Ivaera shakes her head.]

No, I can't say that I have. Did you hear it at all after he seemed to have left?

[monster_san]

No. Once he left, the song stopped... but that stream that loops in from the mist appeared at the same time.

[circleprodigy]

He didn't create it, right? Or didn't appear to anyway...but it can't be a coincidence.

[monster_san]

That's right. I didn't see him digging, for instance. But for the stream's appearance to coincide with his visit seems definitely to be significant.

On the other hand, the water seems to have no ill-effects, which is lucky given how eerie he was.

[If she had a frame of reference for the Nokken folktale, she could say more about it. But her knowledge of Scandanavian folklore is tragically limited.]

[circleprodigy]

I certainly would have expected some side-effects from that, but it's a relief there seem to be none. And it's interesting that we have a passage through the mist; if not for ourselves, then any item placed within. There has to be some use we can make of that.

[monster_san]

Yes, and we have discovered that it does take things through the mist, even if it doesn't take us. Perhaps we ought to try sending a message--ah, but if everyone outside is normal-sized, they wouldn't be able to open a fairy bottle.

[circleprodigy]

True...we would have need of a larger container. Perhaps another project to add to the list? If there are supplies at hand that aren't being used for more urgent matters, it's worth keeping in mind.

[formerslave]

[He appreciates the thought.]

I would offer a stay at where I am, but it is not my call, and there are only men present.

[Might be uncomfortable for some ladies, after all. Isabela would be thrilled.]

[circleprodigy]

[Garahel stirs at the sound of Fenris' voice, wagging his tail a little. Ivaera chuckles softly as she scratches behind the mabari's ears with her free hand.]

The latter part would bother me not at all. I've learned to take what I can in terms of lodging and such. I couldn't exactly afford to be picky during the Blight, or afterward. After sharing space with an Antivan Crow, a Qunari and a constantly-drunk dwarf, I can manage anything. I understand if your housemates would not prefer it, though.

[formerslave]

That is... quite a mix.

[That's even more diverse than his own little gang used to be.]

I will ask, though I am fairly new to the house as well.

[circleprodigy]

Thank you, Fenris.

[She smiles, truly grateful whatever the outcome. Garahel would be thrilled, without a doubt.]

Should this lift take shape soon, the proximity to the ground won't matter. I'll try to speed it along, regardless.

[formerslave]

It would be helpful to a lot of us.

[Not just his own hangups.]

[circleprodigy]

[She nods, having easily come up with a few non-dog/Fenris-related reasons for wanting such a device.]

Whether they want it for daily use or as a back-up, at least it would be an option. We still need plenty of supplies for it, but I won't wait for the re-opening of the store. The sooner this is done, the better. Of course, if that changes any time soon, I'm willing to cooperate to gain whatever we can from it.

[Remaining idle is not one of her strengths, so she might have started on a plant-fiber rope already.]

[formerslave]

There would have to be some kind of pulley and plenty of rope...

[He looks thoughtful, a bit uncertain where to attach things without knocking holes in the tree. Fenris wasn't exactly a carpenter.]

I'll do what I can to assist.

[circleprodigy]

[She smiles at that, then tries to shift her weight so that her legs don't fall asleep under the twitching mabari. He dozed off again, now pleasantly in dreamland.]

I'm glad to hear it, as I'm certain we'll need all the aid we can get with this project. Fuu was talking about the pulley as well, perhaps creating it out of some of the snake bone left over. If it's sturdy enough, that would be one less thing to worry about.

[formerslave]

That would make sense, I suppose. It would have to be attached, however, and I'm not sure how the tree would 'enjoy' that.

[circleprodigy]

Hm, that's a fair point and one I hadn't considered. Whatever we do, we'd have to be careful not to disrupt the tree more than can be helped. Hopefully it won't mind allowing us some convenience.

[formerslave]

Hopefully.

[He kind of doubted it, but hey.]

[espigeonage]

A useful skill. I suppose constructing some kind of ramp is impractical, given the scale we work with.

Ivaera, if no better opportunity presents, you might room with me. My space is plain but, since Sarah has apparently moved on to bluer skies, it holds only myself.

[circleprodigy]

[Ivaera smiles warmly, grateful for the offer.]

Plainness doesn't bother me at all. As long as there's room for myself and Garahel, that's what matters. [Because they are a package deal, after all.]

I thought of a ramp, briefly, but you're right. A lift of some sort would be far more feasible, provided we can get enough supplies.

[espigeonage]

If he can be good, it may work. I don't want to wake up in a night and find I'm being chewed on. Otherwise, mine is on the lowest floor with houses, which makes things a bit easier.

I think it'd be better to set up one for the gap between each floor than a single continuous one. That's also more convenient if we have several people looking to get up and down.

[circleprodigy]

[She nods thoughtfully, approving of the idea the more she thinks about it.]

Quite true. I hadn't thought of that, but it would also make for an easier project, to continue as we gain supplies. And should more floors be revealed, then it would be a simple task to add more.

[Glancing down at her slumbering canine, Ivaera strokes his head.]

For all my teasing him, Garahel is rather well-behaved. I wouldn't expect any chewing from him, though he has been known to leave presents for those he likes. I've found plenty of random things in my belongings since traveling with him.

[espigeonage]

It's also harder to sabotage, I'd think. This... it sounds like a pulley system's in order. Hauling some kind of basket up and down, say.

Hm. I assume he's housebroken?

[circleprodigy]

Oh, yes. Garahel was when I met him, and thankfully his habits haven't declined in our travels. He knows better than to make a mess where I live. If you wish, we can make a 'trial run' and see if you two can manage in the same space together. If it doesn't suit you, we'll make other arrangements.

Fuu mentioned oak leaves for a basket at first, but since those have vanished, the plan now seems to be using woven grass. I would prefer stronger material, though, whatever can be found.

[espigeonage]

Hah. Very well! Please make sure he understands not to mouth at me, I don't taste good. [...he does, but he doesn't want to be eaten.]

Oak leaves are still possible, I suppose, if we could cut them off branches. Otherwise... well, I'm not sure! We'll have to keep an eye out.

[circleprodigy]

He managed to refrain from doing so with our other companions, when we were camping, but I'll make certain to have treats in abundance to distract him with.

That's a fair idea, and I'll see what I can do about that. We could also use stray sticks and such, if they're small enough. Hopefully the Tree wouldn't begrudge us that.