A Different Kind of Practice [Æros]

In which Hilana and Æros have a lesson together.

The Luxium represents the upper half and primary seat of the Solunarian Capital and one of the dual-cities that comprises Solunarium Proper. Situated between the foot of the volcanic Mount Sorokyn and the wide River Vasta, this above-ground metropolis boasts five thriving districts beneath the shadow of the glorious Palatium Furiarum (The Blazing Palace) from which the Solar Court rules in splendour. This bustling metropolis is by far the most populous region in the realm and, along with its shadowy sister-city the Umbrium, houses upwards of eighty percent of the Solunarian population at any given time. During the reign of a Solar Court, every major government agency in the kingdom is headquartered in the Luxium, with the notable exception of The Silver Sentinels, the covert intelligence agency run by the House of Phaedryn-Sol’Aværys.

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Hilana Chenzira
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18 Glade, Year 123

[Closed - Æros]

She had checked in on Dominus Æros periodically since he had gotten his Elementalism Rune from his cousin Palaemon, Hilana’s own paedagogus. She made her way to and from the Umbrium regularly, and brought him baked goods, teas, and tonics. She was perhaps overdoing it, but then again, it didn’t take much for her to go and do that. She was down below often enough anyway, and now that they had more or less smoothed things over with the shenanigans over the Ecithian disaster, the Vastiana was back to visiting more regularly. They were just short visits and check-ins on him while he was recovering from threshold sickness, making sure that he was healing as he should. She had taken the opportunity to look at him with Semblance, too, though she was always careful to peek, without overdoing it. It was just a matter of taking her time and doing it cautiously, but the fact that she had a baseline to work off of was actually quite insightful to watching him with it. She could see what was improving and what was changing when she saw him so frequently, and that was a valuable educational experience.

In any event, they were topside tonight, and Hilana had brought hand pies for the Domini. She greeted the serva, and when she was shown to the gardens, she bowed to them, ready to take her seat. “Good evening, Domini,” the Vastiana smiled at them, getting out her notebook. She had two with her; her Elementalism book and yet another one for Semblance notes. The latter was hardly as focused as her lesson books, considering they were more formal, and her Semblance largely was not. She had her books, and Domina Clelia made a concentrated effort to help guide her as well. These Elementalism lessons weren’t necessarily for her, but she could participate in them and help out here and there where she could. Palaemon was their teacher, and so the girl would follow his lead. And, frankly, it would be interesting to watch them. She liked seeing the way the Moonborn worked his aether, and if she was lucky, she could have a look at his little water friend with Semblance, too.

Tiaz was resting over her shoulders and torso today, while Fiya had been carried in her bag in Hilana’s ever-present rucksack. One thing that both Re’hyaeans may have noticed was that Hilana’s aura and symphony, which were usually wide open to them, were for once tightly closed off. The silvery pewter python was sleeping in her bag that went to Hilana’s lap, partially opened so she could come out when she was ready, and there was certainly no way her aetheric skills with Semblance were that strong, and unless she somehow picked up Mesmer as well while he had been down and out with Elementalism…


Last edited by Hilana Chenzira on Wed Jun 07, 2023 12:33 pm, edited 1 time in total. word count: 505
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Aeros
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Under normal circumstances, Æros, with much deliberation, obscured both his Aura and his Symphony, both of which only being remotely decipherable by grandmasters of the respective Crafts. However, after having granted Hilana Semblance, he would willingly relax the alterations to his Aura, letting her look into him as he had so often looked into her. He considered himself a good way for her to learn how to read others, and he would explain to her how to peek through the layers of another’s soul as they went. He really didn’t mind, and, after all, it was only fair– but he did, giving no indication thereof, continue to alter very specific memories. He kept the incident with Varvara guarded, he kept the majority of his conversations with Arvælyn locked away, and, similarly, he hid a lot of that which concerned his work. This wasn’t because he didn’t trust her, rather, it was because those within such memories would be quite cross with him if such information was known to be shared.

But when she arrived at the gardens in House Sælyan’s Luxium manse with a muted Symphony and guarded Aura, Æros was…surprised.

In response to her greeting, he smiled at her, something subtle yet curious. “Have the Sentinels finally locked away your mind from prying eyes?” Æros inquired with a knowing look; he was fully aware she was working with them, nosey as he had been in the past. “I was honestly surprised it took this long,” he laughed, soft and impish.

“...alas, how disappointing! I very much liked seeing through your eyes…but I won’t act as if I don’t understand the necessity thereof.” He was full well aware of the need for discretion with some matters, much as he wished it needn’t be so.

Palæmon himself was not quite sure exactly what Æros was referring to, though he cocked his head in interest. The moonborn generally, very deliberately, kept himself away from politics and official matters. He did not care for them…though he did find the notion of Hilana being associated with the Sentinels to be…interesting.

The elven Elementalist nodded to Hilana, “...and my greetings to you, Hilana, and to you, Fiya,” and then with his gaze towards Æros, “...always prying, digging for secrets, aren’t you?” He giggled, almost boyish; Palæmon’s mannerisms often belied his age.

He knew his younger cousin well, he just hoped that the half-blood’s curiosity wouldn’t get the better of him one day.

“I’ve been watching over Æros as his rune’s settled in– he’s quite a natural with wielding earth and fire, but his wind? Oh, it suffers–” the moonborn’s voice rang with warmth and affection, giving way to faux mockery at the end.

Palæmon’s gaze now set on Hilana, “I, for one, think it would be fun if you came up with something for Æros to do today, newly minted master as you are, dear Hilana,” he spoke playfully, almost.

Æros looked to the other inquisitively, but then the elder elf spoke again, “...of course, I’m here to offer my boundless insight as always,” words delivered with a smile, a whimsical sort of arrogance in his voice.
- - -

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
word count: 652

Say goodnight, to the weakness that you hide behind
Leaving the lies, leaving the fear inside
Never once were you truly alive
So scream all you like, no one can hear you


Soul laid bare,
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Hilana Chenzira
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“I hardly move fast enough when it comes to keeping others out,” Hilana admitted ruefully. “So they decided to speed up the process. How effective it is, I cannot say since I can’t really check on it myself, but...” she shrugged. “If you can sense it, then that is something.” It would do for the time being, at least, and with her mask on, she could likely improve upon its capabilities. But as it was, she didn’t need her Mask of Midnight’s Mother to visit her friend and his cousin.

She inclined her head to Palaemon, returning the bright smile that turned into a grin as he teased his star-touched cousin. The way the Moonborn teased his younger hybrid cousin always amused Hilana, if only because their shenanigans were very unusual amongst those of their Caste. The Re’haeyans tended to be much less warm and more cool in terms of temperament than those beneath them. She figured it had to do with Palaemon’s own behaviour, but from the way Dominus Æros spoke of the sister that he did enjoy talking to, perhaps it was most of them and just a few outliers.

Hilana considered Palaemon’s challenge, settled as she was in her seat. It did feel strange that he would consider her a Master, but at the same time... she was passing the challenges of her abilities and skills enough that she could work with the high level spells that one would expect from a Master Elementalist, even though Hilana still considered herself a beginner. But then again... the expert was once a novice, and as she went, she could keep learning. Keep practicing. Keep improving. “What of your water, Dominus?” Hilana asked Æros, her fingers on Tiaz’s smooth sides, the python as relaxed as ever. Fiya remained in her bag, content to nap. If she started to wriggle to come out, the Vastiana could remove her, but for the time being, she was fine where she was.

If he was solid thus far with earth and fire, but air was tricky, well... Hilana held her hands up off of her lap, palms up, and spread her fingers slightly. Between the three of them, in the middle of the triangle that they formed, she Manifested spheres of earth, water, and fire. Each of them levitated, neatly shaped and sculpted into orbs the size of melons. She smiled at him, her eyes dancing and reflecting the elements that levitated between them. “Go ahead, Dominus. Try with the air spirits, and see what you can do. Break the earth, extinguish the fire, freeze or move the water... whatever speaks to you.”


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Æros rose a brow at the girl's response, arms crossing over his chest. "Oh? Then I do consider myself lucky that it took them so long to close the gap in that regard. I personally enjoy my relationships quite a bit more when both allow the other's magic in, it's more…" he trailed off, mind searching for the right word. "Intimate, I suppose, platonic or otherwise." The horned half-elf shrugged. "...and I do find that I like connecting with others that way."

Maybe it was because it was new to him, closed off as he'd been in the past. Maybe he just liked exploring different ways of connecting with others, fascinating as any individual had the potential to be and endlessly curious as he was.

"...that is ever so sweet to hear, if a bit comical, coming from thee, beloved cousin of mine," Palæmon's interjection sounding playful yet goading. "I, for one, have been trying to force myself into thine life for years– woe is me to hear thee lament this way about the loss of such a connection with another," the lithe little elf lamented in turn, his latter sentence being delivered quite with no shortage of theatrics.

"I, for one, invite thine Mesmeric ministrations," he added, drama still in his voice, though now it dripped saccharine. "I jest," two words still sweet, yet pointed, his delivery being no more than a light poke. The moonborn then chuckled something mischievous.

With swift composure, he continued "...but my point is sincere," and this time, he held his gaze steady on the starlit one, sounding wholly serious.

Æros blinked at the other. He genuinely looked surprised, a soft, sentimental sort of guilt drawn on his features. He was also somewhat embarrassed, but that was by design; Palæmon enjoyed messing with him. He did know of the moonborn's affections, though, for the two of them had talked about it in the recent past. Yet until recently, he really did do his level best to push people away. It wasn't until he'd connected with Khyan and then Hilana that he let anyone within his family in, too. Some of them had rather pointed opinions about that, but Æros had no excuse, no explanation. He supposed it might have had to do with residual resentment towards his mother suffusing into any relationship he held with those of shared blood, thus making it far easier for him to create those formative bonds with strangers. But nevertheless, he couldn't quite say.

Impossible as it was for Palæmon to maintain a tone even resembling serious for any length of time, the moonborn abruptly snapped back into his normal, rather chipper manner, his impish nature returning to both face and voice. "So then, Hilana!" He started, re-orienting the conversation back towards the point of their gathering by then proceeding to comment about Æros' elemental aptitudes.

When the Vastiana inquired about his ability with water, Æros blinked, taking a second to adapt himself to the rapid shift in conversation. He tilted his head in consideration, lifting one of his previously crossed arms up to bring hand to chin. "I suppose if I were to compare it to the other three, it'd be neutral…wielding it does not come as easy as fire or earth, but I don't struggle with it the way I do with wind."

After he answered, his friend made manifest spheres of each element sans wind in response to Palæmon tossing the ball of tutelage unto her. The horned Re'hyæean gave an almost quizzical look at the orbs when the girl told him of her intent. He hesitated, if only for a moment, the teeth of indecision nipping at him.

Golden eyes flit between each, and with a deep breath, he found his focus. With water near to but above fire, Æros formed a small, swirling zephyr beneath the flaming orb, fanning it. The orb would flicker, both encouraged and further shaped by the rising winds. Slowly, the vortex would encase the orb save the top of it, flames leaping from the surface, licking the water above– though these tendrils did dissipate on contact. This took several minutes, but eventually the orb of water did begin to boil, which was his goal.

He'd imagined his goal to have been simple prior to doing it, but he found that he was only able to reach success making full use of the meditative techniques Palæmon had all but beat into him (and he'd further practiced with Hilana). Though the endeavor was wordless, one would note the rigid tension in his posture as he leaned forward and the slight glint of perspiration on his skin.

Abruptly, the winds dissipated and he grunted, his focus lost. The drop in cast was accompanied by a sharp pain in his head, Æros bringing a hand to his forehead and leaning into it. The roaring fire of the orb might've expanded outward, lashing out at them, but Palæmon’s careful observations allowed him to snuff it out in the same instant his cousin faltered with the slightest flex of his own æther.

Æros leaned back, straightening his posture and shaking his head, trying to blink away the throb in his head. "Faex…I didn't think that was an endeavor of much complexity," he said, words slowed by his heavier breathing.

"Nevertheless, a successful endeavor, no? …but do mind your limits," Palæmon spoke with a half lidded gaze, expression vaguely accusatory before melting into a softer, consolitory smile.
- - -

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
word count: 1042

Say goodnight, to the weakness that you hide behind
Leaving the lies, leaving the fear inside
Never once were you truly alive
So scream all you like, no one can hear you


Soul laid bare,
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Hilana Chenzira
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Hilana watched the shenanigans between Æros and Palaemon, and while she had to bite her lips to keep from laughing outright, her eyes danced and a muffled chuckle escaped her. The two of them were something, and it deeply amused the girl to watch them. She was glad that they were rebuilding their relationship, and she knew that part of it was due to Æros making the request to his Moonborn cousin to teach her. That Palae had gifted his cousin with his favourite Rune was no small thing, even though it was apparently quite common amongst the Re'hyaeans that had the Runes to pass them on to interested family members.

She nodded when her horned friend said that water was neutral. Wind eluded him, fire and earth were agreeable. She didn't hint or suggest either which way from her lesson, giving him the opportunity to do as Palaemon and Daemon had for her. Experiment and see what called to him. One's use of the arcane arts was limited only by their imagination, as Æros had often told her, and in her first lesson with Palemon, Hilana had settled for using wind to try to freeze the orb. It was interesting, and it spoke to Æros' ambition and determination, that he chose to try to boil that water instead. She was able to thread aether through her Semblance rune that had been painted on her scalp, and hidden beneath her ebon hair, and focus on Æros' work. She could see the way his aether moved through each of the elements that she had manifested and shaped for him, holding them until he was ready to work with them, but releasing her control once he started to impact them on his own. Her eyes, normally brown, were no longer just brown. In them was the kaleidoscopic elements, the swirling, mesmeric patterns of blue and gold and orange and red and grey and brown... It really was fascinating to watch the impact the fledgling Elementalist had on her own elemental work - she could recognize her own aether, too, which surprised and pleased her - no wonder Æros had enjoyed watching her efforts with Semblance. It made for a very interesting lesson, and she hoped that it had helped prepare him for this, too.

However, the problem was that for as interesting an idea as that was, and as simple as it may have seemed to someone who was used to such advanced works and progressing relatively quickly through them, the constant conjuration of the elements required to make such a complex action was incredibly taxing on his aether. And the end result of that led to the beginning of overgiving. Seeing Æros in that state was quite new for her; she wasn't used to seeing that. But she was a healer, and from her backpack she pulled a bottle of orange-coloured liquid, and extended it to the starborn senator. A little something to help take the edge off, and to soothe sharpest of the pangs of what she recognized to be the beginnings of a painful headache indeed. Turning her focus to him confirmed it, and she blinked away the extra sense to let it go before she pushed herself into her own headaches. "Drink," she advised him. "It will help with the pain." Palaemon had snuffed out the fire before she needed to, which meant she was able to focus on her friend. "You never do anything half-way, do you, Dominus?" she smiled at him, though she couldn't talk - she, too, didn't believe in half-assing anything, but he had also been far more ambitious than she was.

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Given how used to channeling æther Æros was, adjusting to new crafts was always jarring and uncomfortable beyond the physical strain. His mastery over his other runes often made him impatient to achieve similar skill with those that were newer, despite the fact that that impatience compelled him to push his limits, to endanger himself. He did, however, have the sense to do most of his practice beneath the discerning gaze of his cousin, one who would intervene should Æros step too far. Palæmon’s surprisingly agile reflexes had proved to be a definite boon, too, given the volatility of fire.

As the fledgling Elementalist stabilized his breathing, Hilana reached into her rucksack to retrieve an orange-colored concoction of some sort. He collected it from her outstretched hand without question; anything she’d ever given him prior had always eased what ailed him before. It had an interesting taste and the simple act of imbibing it was refreshing, too.

Looking to her, “...out of curiosity, what’s in it?” Æros liked to hear her talk about her apothecarial endeavors, even if he didn’t always remember the purpose of any given thing. Palæmon might’ve asked himself had his cousin not done so. Given the breadth of his own knowledge, he wondered if the recipe would be familiar to his ears.

But to her question: “It’s not within my nature, no,” he started, giving her a bit of a meek smile. “But you know that, hm? Though we both know better- even going as far as to warning each other to step back- we still push our limits, time and time again,” ending the sentiment with a chuckle.

“At least your æther tends to bounce back quickly, too, deep as that well is,” Palæmon began to interject. “I’m curious to see how your journey with the elements goes– what you’ll take to, how far you’ll go with para-elements…and to that,

“Hilana, how goes your journey? Given your take to the rune, have you found interest in attuning to elements beyond the primary four?”
The moonborn eyed her curiously; while his arche of water would always be his favorite, he, too, had pursued additional elements in his past. To do so was impossible to resist to any exceptional Elementalist, he believed.
- - -

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
word count: 492

Say goodnight, to the weakness that you hide behind
Leaving the lies, leaving the fear inside
Never once were you truly alive
So scream all you like, no one can hear you


Soul laid bare,
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Hilana Chenzira
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“Steeped magma blooms, goji berries, red bush tea, sea buckthorn, and honey,” Hilana offered when they wanted to know what went into that particular concoction. “I made it with alchemy in order to enhance its restorative and boosting properties, so we’ll see how well it works for you. I’m trying an alternative to the star thistle this time. I found it helpful, at least, for a bit too much magic being used and treating mild symptoms. Though I think the star thistle draught I have may still have better effects until I am at the stage with my alchemy training to isolate that property and apply it to whatever else I make,” the girl was thoughtful. Alchemy, it seemed, was something that she quite liked to be able to play around with. The possibilities were endless, and if she could enhance and amplify the potions and tinctures that she made... well, it was exciting to her, at least.

She had a small smile when he pointed out that both of them knew better than to push so hard and so far, but they also kept going... “Granted, we need to push to stretch the limits of what we do. It’s like working over muscles,” Hilana admitted, her fingers stroking Tiaz’ scales as Fiya relaxed in her hair. “But at the same time, considering aether is every part of us... we do need to be careful. Overstepping is a bit more than aching muscles.”

She was quiet as Palaemon spoke, and she considered what he suggested. She did have to blink at that adorable little water spirit that always accompanied Palaemon. It had seemed small and cute, and was always friendly and would wave at her, and now that she was looking at it... she realized just how dense it was. “You’re a little bigger than you’re pretending to be, aren’t you?” she smiled at it, though she was underplaying just how big she thought it might have been. Her Sembling sight was blinked away, letting her observation of the world go back down to what her normal eyes could give her. As fascinating as it was to watch both of the cousins, and she really wanted to have a look at that spirit some more... she had done enough. Her eyes returned to their normal brown.

“I do,” she admitted at the question, and there was little hesitation. “All of them. Wood, Metal, Aether, Shadow, Light... all of them. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing completely, and as much as the Earth whispers to me and coaxes me, and we work so well together... I feel it would be best to wait until I’ve mastered all of the elements before I Arche one." Hilana was thoughtful. "You’ve attuned to some, yes? Which ones? What was that like?”

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It was a common folly for master mages to burn themselves quickly upon the acquisition and subsequent attempts to use new Crafts, especially for the young and precocious. Some might call it arrogance, and this might be true to a degree, but in most cases, it was the mistake of relying on reflex. With the soul being the source of one’s æther, one could compare a rune to being a sort of ‘filter’ and the body played the role of instrument; his folly was not thinking about ætheric volume. While Æros could weave immense amounts of æther through his Mesmer, Masquerade or Semblance, his Elementalism simply cannot handle nigh as much at once– an easy mistake, but one with pernicious, potentially grave consequences.

A moment’s lack of thought, a bit too much æther, and suddenly his blood had felt like it was boiling, his muscles burning, body scorched by the unfiltered æther. And it could’ve been worse– without Palæmon, the ætheric fire he’d tried to wield might’ve caused far more harm. But as it was, at least Æros had enough forethought to wait to sincerely practice his new Craft ‘til he was in the company of people who were not only far more skilled, but people he deeply trusted.

Downing the draught as it was given to him, the Fæ-touched patrician sat there, unsteady and mostly quiet after he’d asked what was in it. Her endeavors with Alchemy made sense, as many with her established apothecarial inclinations often did the same.

Palæmon’s head tilted slightly in consideration at the description of her recipe. “The ingredients individually all sound aptly used, but the intricacies of Alchemy are beyond my portfolio of skills– nevertheless, I know plenty of people who’d be happy to test out your varying formulations for you.” He replied with a cheery sort of smile.

Looking over to his cousin, Palæmon added about overstepping: “indeed it is, but this one is reckless– I suppose it’s how he learns. Bafflingly, he’s survived five initiations and mastered three this way, and remarkably fast, at that.” His words were, ostensibly, praise, though Æros could hear the worry woven into the other man’s Symphony.

“Oh, but you needn’t sound so concerned–” verbally, Palæmon didn’t, so this comment might not make sense to Hilana, ”...I told you. With your Craft, at least, you can guide my hand; exercise caution as you see fit.” Æros interjected from where he sat, resting his head on one of his hands, propped up from his elbow atop his knee.

When Hilana noted that Palæmon’s aidolon was more than it appeared, the water composing the spirit would churn in response, ever so briefly, as if in affirmation.

“They are– I actually met them before I even acquired Summoning. Helped me learn to wield water, they did; and now, they’ve grown with me. Arguably, their power is more potent than my own,” he said, gleeful, though those words spoken by a grandmaster of any magic could easily be taken as terrifying.

“As for elemental attunement, I, personally, only sought out Wood and Metal; the others…never really sparked the same interest in me. If you do intend to pursue them, though, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction, but only just,” he gave an encouraging smile, “any more and I’d rob you of the journey’s experience.”

"Attuning to each was unique, but I'll admit I pulled strings with people to find my way to both planes with far more ease than those with lesser status," he said with a modest, nigh embarrassed shrug. "Wood was delightful; I'm tempted to seek out the Traverser who got me there again to perhaps take cuttings of some of the more esoteric wildlife therein. Metal was fascinating in of itself, and while I don't use the skills I gained from there quite as much, control over the earth's metals and minerals has been nevertheless valuable. I can weave you either tale in longer form, if you'd like, but...I'd hate to try your patience by talking your ears off."

After a second, he’d add, “...’tis a shame, though, that I can’t help Æros out– I recall his interest is in elemental Æther, specifically.”
- - -

"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
word count: 836

Say goodnight, to the weakness that you hide behind
Leaving the lies, leaving the fear inside
Never once were you truly alive
So scream all you like, no one can hear you


Soul laid bare,
User avatar
Hilana Chenzira
Posts: 880
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"Thank you," Hilana was cheerful at the offer. "I can always use testers... at least for the good things," she grinned. For those, there was no shortage of volunteers. For poisons, well... not many were in any rush to depart the mortal plane, but test subjects would be procured as necessary. She would deal with that as she had to. Fortunately, in a place like Solunarium, there was a considerable number of ways to source those.

She was deeply interested in Palaemon's squishy, condensed water elemental, and she listened to the Moonborn's explanations, digesting them. This was fascinating, and she knew that it was something she would like to discover for herself. Not for the first time, she mentally kicked herself for not taking advantage of the offers over the years to take up Runes. But one lived and one learned. Taking on more, and opening herself up to the world around her gave the ever-curious Vastiana new opportunities and new options. It meant endless possibilities, and that was exciting. She had an idea about how to access the Planes, but it would take some doing and a lot of patience. And that was fine by her. One at a time. "I wonder how they'll grow outside of the Plane of Wood," the girl was thoughtful. "Hopefully well, or maybe they'll be invasive here."

As wild as she was, Hilana could be patient indeed. Some things could not be rushed. You couldn't rush bread as it rose. You couldn't rush the journey on camels that carried you over the sands of Atraxia, not for long distances. It just meant occupying herself in the meantime, and that she was abundantly good at. "You would hardly try my patience, Dominus," she bowed her head to him. "I enjoy hearing about it." She did, after all, need to learn about them so that she was prepared when the time came to go... and insight from others was as good a source as any. "Why only that one?" Hilana addressed that question to the recovering half-Fae. His viewpoints were interesting, after all, and he doubtless knew something that she didn't in that regard.

word count: 384
User avatar
Aeros
Posts: 523
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2022 2:18 am
Location: Solunarium
Character Sheet: viewtopic.php?t=3625
Plot Notes: viewtopic.php?t=3636
Character Secrets: viewtopic.php?t=3644

TIMESTAMP: -
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Palæmon nodded to Hilana and breathed out a soft laugh, "...alas, I cannot help with subjects for…anything too precarious! But you're resourceful." After saying that, he'd give her a knowing smile.

And about planar plants, "I'm not sure…but I can use the raised, isolated plant beds to try and raise them sequestered; wouldn't want unknown interference with what I've already worked so hard to cultivate."

Hilana might have seen such plant beds in passing before on the northern edge of the garden, there were a couple of them and at least one was always empty– he used them for more experimental cultivations or those with particularly finicky needs, as he could also place enclosures around them to give unique atmospheres.

When Hilana stated she was unbothered by his musings, Palæmon would appear pleased. "Glad to hear it– Elementalism and flora aren't common held interests of my kin, so some of them tire of my tangents quickly," he'd respond, appearing bashful.

For the preceding moments, Æros had been content to sit in silence– unusual though that tended to be for him. His head still ached and his blood felt as if it had just been boiled, but at least Hilana's draught had subdued such symptoms. He heard their words as they spoke, sundry similar topics being gleaned over, but was just barely keeping track.

He did, however, hear Hilana's question. "It's…not that I have no interest in the others, I suppose. But æther specifically because the manipulation thereof has always fascinated me, and, well, magic in general. I'm curious about how wielding elemental æther feels, what it can do, how it affects other magics….does that make sense?" He inquired, not sure if he extrapolated upon his point very well.

"I've a passing interest at least in metal, maybe…wood and light? I don't know, but it'd be a long endeavor to get them all. Æther first, at least," he'd clarify.
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"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
word count: 442

Say goodnight, to the weakness that you hide behind
Leaving the lies, leaving the fear inside
Never once were you truly alive
So scream all you like, no one can hear you


Soul laid bare,
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