[ If Estinien can do it, so can she. That is her reasoning, anyway. And while she is no slouch at aetherial manipulation, actual creation magicks are not anywhere in her areas of expertise. But given the fact that Estinien is now able to wield abilities that he could not be for and so can she, albeit to a less spectacular extent, it stands to reason that what one can do in Horizon may in turn be doable outside.
Somehow.
Some...way. The exact specifics are really beyond her but Himeka isn't the sort to try and figure that out. The only way to know is to do it herself.
As it turns out, transforming oneself in whole is a lot more complicated than she would have realized. Her form in Horizon automatically takes on her sense of self, which still leaves the conflict of her first appearance...but since then she's only been wholly Himeka. Now to un-Himeka herself and keep it consistent is the real challenge. Estinien has seen Nidhogg as some part of himself so his hybrid appearance makes sense. But this? This is wholly for her own curiosity.
So she manages to assume the form of a dragon herself. It's a shame she only managed to max out at about two fulms in length.
But it's a start! And as she reaches out to ride the aether currents like the wind, she finds herself feeling rather peckish after a time. (Yes, one can probably go eternity in Horizon not eating, but eating is one of her favorite things to do.) It's only too fitting that she would find herself not far from Jaskier's domain as the thought of devouring several of those juicy grapes come to mind. She licks her snout in anticipation.
When his vineyard comes into view, she picks up the pace, weaving through the air like an eel. Himeka all but divebombs onto one of the plants, knocking a few grapes off the vine in the process. No matter. Once she untangles herself she greedily starts shoving grapes into her mouth. Or, well, tries to, given that she can only stretch her jaws wide enough to gnaw on one at a time.
Surely a dragon in a vineyard is no cause for alarm. Surely. ]
[It is in the relaxing, beautiful dawn that Jaskier crafted for himself that Moglad's flute pierces the air.
With this desperate desire to find some small bit of solace, of stillness -- a rare thing that Jaskier has ever craved -- he tucks himself into bed and lets his mind move to the Horizon. Relaxation is what he needs, and while he finds plenty of calm wandering between the grape trellises, plucking bugs off the leaves and watering them by hand, he needs... something different.
So off to the side, where his horses previously grazed, he has made tidy, small hot spring with curls of steam rising from it like music notes. Swathes of buttercups surround it, and a steaming tea pot and cup sit nestled on a flat rock beside him. Jaskier leans against the side, cushioned by flowers and with petals caught in his hair, his eyes closed. He must have been here for hours, and yet the water's temperature never lowers.
He is so close to it. A true sense of Peace. Of Zen. (If he understood the concept.)
And then Moglad's flute makes the water all jump in a splash, and him with it.
Moglad dives towards the grapevines, waving his flute all over between blowing on it. Intruder, kupo! Intruder! Thief! Cretin! Criminal! (Apparently, Moglad's dramatics have been learned from a very certain source.) Moglad flutters near the lizard and waves his flute threateningly. Those are Master Jaskier's, kupo!
To Moglad's credit, he's only been tasked with protecting the grapes from anyone else's domain entreating upon his -- whether it be fire, storm, or wild animals. He blows the flute again and, with a curse, Jaskier wraps a towel around himself and comes running, still dripping with the hot spring's water. He holds onto the towel with one hand, the other ready to -- well. Deal with whatever this is.]
What on earth are you shouting about, Moglad? [The moogle cries out dramatically with another Kupo-po-po!, fluttering behind his head as he points towards the lizard shoving a grape into its mouth.
Jaskier blinks down at it.] This? This is the criminal? [He squats down next to it, poking the dragon's side.] Excuse me, my friend. Those are very special grapes. And while I do not mind sharing, I do appreciate a kind how do you do before one goes around shoving them down their gullet.
[ She really doesn't remember the grapes being this big, but she does remember them being this juicy. So in the end it's all worth it, right? That is until she hears the telltale sounds of frantic dooting. With one grape stuck in her gaping maw, Himeka looks up and around to see the rather timely arrival of her defected moogle.
She wants to wave! It kind of comes off as a weird wiggle though.
It should not be surprising that the master of this realm is not far behind, though admittedly Himeka did not expect him to be naked.
Well, almost naked. She cocks her head to the side, reptilian eyes staring very pointedly at his chest. She...she really can't look away.
It's Jaskier's poke that finally pulls her attention back up to his face. She tries to mouth a "how do you do" but what comes out is a weird mouthy grumble. Right--the grape. Give her a moment as she puts forth no small amount of effort to crush it in her little jaws, making something of a mess of the grape and her own scaly face. But it's fine. It's tasty and that's what matters.
When she does finally speak, it doesn't come out...quite as one would imagine. ]
An mek oskht "hils", ka ness in.
[ And yet, Jaskier will be able to understand it still.
"I would have said 'hello' but I didn't see you." ]
[Is that a belch or a strange lizard cry? He has very limited experience with such creatures, as they tend to stick to the far south and warmer climates. He blinks, watching as the strange creature destroys the grape with such ferocity that grape juice squirts from the fruit.
Well. At least it's eating grapes and not... his horses?]
Ah! [He jumps back, nearly losing his towel, Moglad drifting closer as if to protect him. What were clearly just... sounds, unfamiliar and uncomfortable, turn into. Words. But he clearly heard. Sounds. Melodic, almost, like notes instead of syllables --]
Oi, Moglad, it's fine! [He shifts the towel to a proper robe with nary a thought; now that the lizard can talk, he would appreciate more not giving it a bit too much of his... well. Bits.] Er. Hello. That's... kind. I think. [Didn't see him? Did it -- she? -- expect to? (All right, so perhaps he'd been nearly scalp-deep in his hot spring. It wouldn't have been hard to miss him.)] I'm sorry, this is rather new to me. Are we acquainted?
[Now that he thinks about it, the voice does sound familiar. It's just. Coming out of... this.]
[ The look she gives Moglad says it all--what is with this sort of reception? Or, it would if her facial muscles were at all adequate at conveying a range of emotion. Her recreation of her draconic friends is exceedingly accurate. So instead it looks more like a sneer with two rows of lovely sharp teeth.
When she turns her attention back to Jaskier, she tilts her head to one side, then the other as her long tail swishes back and forth with growing intensity. ]
An oskh att.
[ "I should say so."
She wiggles a few steps forward, her long snake-like body undulating with the motion, making her scales shimmer in the manufactured sunlight. ]
[Right, right, it's the Horizon. It doesn't really matter how he's understanding what she's saying, even though it clearly isn't... well, a language. Not one he's ever heard before. It's far too... melodic.
He blinks. It's not the words he gets, no. No. It's the shimmer of her scales. The exact same shimmer of the brooch he's tucked away with the horses. A beautiful, pearlescent shimmer.]
Himeka? What the fuck? [He gapes. It's not that she's a dragon -- he knew that, of course, but --] You're tiny! Like a little worm! Or a snake, a snake I think is more fitting, but -- why are you so small?
[ At least he manages to figure it out. And it definitely seems like a success to be celebrated until he has to go and do the unthinkable--call her a little worm, of all things! A WORM!
(And he was so close too. The wyrm vs. worm mistake is one she's made, so she really shouldn't be too upset.)
If she could frown, she would. Instead her tail stops swishing happily and instead droops as she puffs up her dragon cheeks in indignation. ]
An vinsamr ehsk peh logh!
[ "I worked very hard to assume this form!"
Despite having no wings, she takes to the air, undulating like a serpent might in the water so that she can float at a proper eye-level. May he incur the entirety of her disdain, no matter how tiny it may seem. ]
Peh lig af smah hil akte, in ahelh. Ah livrek! Ool lik ah.
[ "This level of detail takes a lot of effort, you know. It's an art! Or something akin to it."
She swims forward, nearly nose to nose with him. ]
[You know that dark, cold feeling that comes, knowing you've said the very thing your wife does not want to hear? Like when your answer is "not as much as it did yesterday" to the question "does this make me look fat?"]
Oh, don't -- don't be like that. I didn't mean --
[Ah! He leaps back, grabbing his towel before it drops, and Moglad swoops in to peer at her. Ah! Lady Himeka, kupo! My utmost apologies! Your current form is... kupoo.... magnificent! Yes!
Godsdammit, Moglad. Perhaps he's been teaching him too well. Or too badly. Jaskier is definitely rubbing off on the moogle.]
Yes, what he said. You look wonderful. I just -- you know, I imagined you a little bigger as a dragon, but -- ah, now you're compact! It's very, er, tidy. [He shakes his head, a flush going across his cheeks. A rare event, indeed, but this is. Actually embarrassing.] No, no! It's. [Magnificent! Moglad repeats.] Your scales shine ever brighter than the stars. Even then sun cannot hope to meet your gleam. You're like a pearl. A wiggling, floating pearl. H-hooow can I understand you right now, actually? You're saying. Not-words. But they're words. [He waves a hand.] Nevermind, that isn't important. What's important is... well, you've chosen the perfect size for grapes to be an endless feast. Which you are as ever entitled to, my lady.
[ They're appeasing her. Himeka may be inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt, but she knows exactly what this is! Mayhaps because it's done by a Moogle who, in truth, are some of the worst liars in all of creation, no matter how devious their intentions may be.
She worked so hard on this too! And she was rather pleased with the result, diminutive size not withstanding--was, being the keyword. It's a good thing that dragons can't pout but the fact that her tail starts to twitch in irritation clear enough. ]
Tydee?
[ "Tidy?"
Yes, apparently the word in dragonspeak is eerily similar to common. Strange.
She huffs out of her nostrils, which thankfully for all involved don't create a puff of smoke but they do creating something of a small, icy wind instead. ]
An nwan fleh.
[ "I don't want platitudes."
Then in an almost comical puff of blue smoke that looks like it should be part of a stage show rather than actual transformation magicks, Himeka returns to her normal form. But much like her dragon form, she has no need for clothes. Her tail yet twitches behind her as she places a hand on her hip, brows stern, looking back and forth between both Moglad and Jaskier. ]
If there really is something wrong with that form then I would hear it. It should be very obvious what I am!
[ She points directly at Jaskier with her free hand. ]
But I will hold you towards you promise regarding the grapes. I worked up an appetite pulling that off, you should know.
[ Though to be fair she works up an appetite doing most things. ]
Platitudes? [He gasps, and his pitch grows higher with a man who is so clearly insulted.] Himeka, I simply do not give platitudes --
[That is, of course, the moment she decides to. Turn back. Forget the smoke! Now he's learned that dragons, indeed, can have breasts -- and nice ones -- and that's a very distracting sort of confirmation -- not that he doubted it before, yet --]
I mean, there's nothing wrong with it! I can't turn into a dragon, I clearly have no idea how to tell you to do it better! I just... assumed you'd be. Larger. Like now.
[Of course she's making a point (literally), but he takes her hand as if it was an offering, raising it to his lips to kiss her knuckle.] It is a promise. [Moglad turns around as if to offer her privacy with a flush in his palm, and a quiet noise slipping out where he holds his head.] Anyway, my apologies that Moglad did not recognize you immediately as a friend.
[The moogle flails in the air. Master Jaskier, that isn't fair! I didn't know!!] You really would think he would sense his creator in any shape, wonderous or not.
[His pom wilts at the corner of Jaskier's eye. K-kupoooo...]
Edited 2021-12-30 01:56 (UTC)
there's a salad tossing joke i want to make but won't
[ She raises a brow, happy to let Jaskier explain but not entirely convinced by it. A tiny worm still rings in her ears. A worm! She finds dragons to be rather cute but worm-like is not at all what she intends them to be. Maybe she should have gone with a design more akin to the dragons of Dravania... ]
Larger, hm?
[ Himeka purses her lips as she looks down at herself. She had been so intent on getting all the minor details right that size, well...was kind of a moot point by the time she finished. Though she supposes if she has the basics down now changing size shouldn't be too difficult, right?
She looks back up when Jaskier takes her hand and to his credit, it does smooth out some of the fleeting ire on her face. She isn't the sort to stay frustrated or upset for long, really, and he is ever earnest in his own regard. So mayhaps he is being honest. ]
Mm...alright.
[ Jaskier gets the benefit of the doubt. She'll even pop his nose gently with her forefinger when he releases her hand. ]
But I do expect honesty above all else. If anything Horizon offers us the opportunity to perfect our craft, doesn't it?
[ The opportunity to make a jab at Moglad though--the innocent bystander as he is--is too good to ignore. She slowly turns her gaze towards the moogle, lips quirked as her tail gives a sharp swish behind her. ]
He's right, you know. I'm practically your mother.
[ There's nothing wrong with nudity, Moglad. It's natural. It's how you were brought into this world. ]
[For a moment, because his mind is filled with all sense of wondery and imagination, he fears she actually will grow larger, and turn into a very Villentretenmerth-sized dragon, and perhaps step on him. Which. He's pretty sure he can't die here, but it would not be an exciting experience. He swallows heavily as his heart skips.
And then he relaxes, releasing his breath. He wrinkles his nose.]
I... yes, I suppose it does. Even when one's craft, is, er, turning into a smaller and/or larger series of dragons?
[Moglad, bless you. You're the perfect target. The moogle grabs his pom in both hands and fervently shakes his head back and forth, his wings flapping ever harder. Moglad is simply respecting Lady Himeka's privacy, kupo!
Wait. Is she practically his --
No, that's far too much. Jaskier gives Moglad a soft pat on the head so he knows no one is truly upset.] Er. Speaking of privacy, are you sure you don't want a robe or something? I'm not complaining, of course. Either way.
[Funny, coming from him. At least he's maintained the towel around his waist.] Ah, actually. I did just come from the springs. What do you say to a relaxing soak?
[Look, he doesn't even have to cajole her into undressing. That part's been done. (My. Those scales go. Farther than he expected.)]
[ If one had the ability to why wouldn't they try to turn into a dragon? Or various iterations of one? Truthfully she hadn't considered the possibility until Estinien's draconic features manifested outside of Horizon. (Yes, completely ignoring the year she spent in Ishgard with several curious glances to her own draconic traits. That's totally different.) ]
Mhmm. And if we can replicate these sorts of things in the real world, then our powers as the Summoned are really formidable, aren't they?
[ Poor Moglad. She doesn't take back anything she says, though. It's all in good fun. ]
Hm?
[ Oh! Right. That would probably be more appropriate, wouldn't it? She glances back at Jaskier, then down pointedly at his towel for a time that would be considered questionable at best, and conjures up one for herself!
Wrapped around her waist just like him. There we go.
Although apparently she didn't need to. The mention of "springs" and "soak" is enough to get her to brighten instantly as she clasps her hands together. ]
I say that sounds wonderful! It's been nearly a month since my last.
[ Though she has to look back at the grapes first. ]
Can I take some of these with me? I wasn't finished.
[And thus does a towel pop into existence. It does not negate the way he stares at her dragon breasts, but at least one issue has been solved here. Look. He's all about casual nudity. And inviting beautiful people to his spring. It has not nearly gotten the amount of attention it needs.]
Then off you are, Moglad! We needn't torture you with your mother's gorgeous, naked body.
[His apprentice makes a quick exit with something akin to a moogle-scream. Well. Not he knows how to get rid of him quite expediently in the future.]
Of course, if you wish! Though, should we go, I think you'll find a bowl of freshly picked grapes already waiting for you. And drink. I have a lovely tea brewing.
[ Himeka may be slow on the uptake in some of these situations given how generally comfortable she is with herself in this regard, but that comment is not one to go unnoticed. She raises a brow. ]
Now I'm not sure if you're trying to make up for the "wriggling worm" thing.
[ Did she forgive him? Yes. Will she still needle him about it? Absolutely. But Himeka does take the opportunity then to give Jaskier a very pointed once over, eyes lingering on his own chest for a moment. ]
Though you're not so bad yourself. A little hairier than I imagined.
[ That's the last poor Moglad gets to hear as he flies away, likely scarred for life. Neither know the dark path that awaits all who hear such things. ]
Oh, and tea? I will take you up on that. It sounds like you decided to take a day off for yourself.
[ While she is just as keen to wander around until she finds this hot spring herself, she'll follow Jaskier's lead. ]
[He knows that look. Why must women always doubt him? He could simply avoid all compliments at all!] Himeka, my dear, if you hadn't been in a cage when we first met, I might've waxed on about your body right then.
[Does that make him sleazy? Well, probably. But it's how it goes.
He looks down, rubbing his chest. Hairier?] We can't all have pretty scales, I suppose.
[Like a true mother and father (does he count?), they have certainly successfully ruined Moglad's life. He imagines the moogle will not forgive him for it. Jaskier considers it payment for all the music lessons he's given him. For free.
The bard indicates the way with a tilt of his head, walking back from where he'd run from in the first place.] Yes, you could certainly say that. I've been more inclined to do so as of late. Last month was... [He sighs.] A very exhausting month, in every meaning of the word.
[ It would definitely do better if not following a rather unkind appraisal of her dragon form, but she'll take it. Jaskier does read as the sort of person who is prone to flattery but at least it seems to be just because he is...earnest? Yes, that's the word. (Mayhaps that's why he gets on with moogles so well.) ]
Oh really?
[ She does have to laugh. ]
Well thank you then, though I'll say that the food was definitely the right decision. You were a beacon of kindness in dark times that I won't soon forget.
[ Following just a step to his right, she shrugs with a good-natured smile. ]
You don't have horns either but I won't hold that against you.
[ No one can decide what they were born with or as, after all, and in her travels she's found out that as proud as she is to be an Au Ra, there are plenty of things to be proud of as anything else. Mayhaps his music would be entirely different were he to hear things another way? Something so integral is hard to change. ]
Oh?
[ Exhausting? There was certainly a bit of, erm, clean up in Solvunn after all that had gone wrong with that whole...incidentally summoning the dead thing, but she really doesn't know how how far-reaching that was elsewhere.
At least she isn't someone to beat around the bush. She tilts her head to the side as she regards Jaskier. ]
A beacon of kindness? Oh, stop. I was happy to. And considering the... aplomb with which you devoured that cheese, an enthusiasm which still haunts me, I am very glad I did so.
[He does appreciate the gesture. He had horns once, at Julie's party in the Horizon, and honestly, he understands the merits of them now. Especially when one needs something to hold onto.
Jaskier glances back at her with a soft, ah. It's a very distinct reminder that the world does not revolve around their little party, and it is very likely their friends in Solvunn have not heard about such things. He weighs the merits of discussing it, whether Geralt would want it to be known. As far as Jaskier is aware, however, the two share a fairly strong rapport.
He waves a hand as if to say, I'll get to it as the bear upon the hot spring. It's a cozy little thing, with a red maple spreading branches over the water, and the tea pot full of perfectly brewed tea, still steaming.
He drops his towel and steps down the flat rocks that lead into the water.] I don't suppose Geralt told what's happened to him, has he? It may not be my story to tell. Let's just say that Thorne has shown they have rather sticky, extremely determined fingers they wish to pluck inside every pie.
If you enjoy something there is no shame in showing appreciation.
[ She says rather matter-of-factly. And she really enjoys food, which is probably self-evident at this point. It had felt like the best cheese she'd ever tasted--though that was considering the fact that she only got one meal a day up until then. Still.
Horns are extremely versatile and if she could bless everyone with them, she would. She's just giving like that. Tails are a bonus as well, to be honest.
The look she levies him in turn is just one in quiet questioning. He wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't want to talk about it, right? Yet Himeka doesn't pry as Jaskier falls silent and turns her attention momentarily to the hot springs.
Well, his butt first because she has to watch that since he presents it so, but then the hot springs.
She shakes her head as she drops her towel as well. ]
No, not during our last meeting.
[ It had been just a few days prior even. She'd been rather excited to share her (objectively) delicious creation at the time, though she thinks back on the whole occasion as she slips in to the water. ]
He'd looked tired but that's--oh, this is lovely.
[ She sinks down until the waterline is nearly at her chin. Give her a moment as she gives a happy hum and wiggles her toes underwater before turning her gaze back onto Jaskier. ]
But if this involves Thorne? ...I'm surprised, I thought he wanted nothing to do with them.
[It's not necessarily a sentiment he disagrees with. Far from it. It's only his appreciation typically goes towards other things that are not... cheese. However, were he in her position and trapped in a cell, that opinion could have vastly changed.
He relaxes back against a perfectly made seat in the water, as if carved out from the stones (it is), with plenty of room for them both to stretch their legs even without touching. He watches her simply because he can't not; she is simply not like any woman he's ever seen.
Obviously. Because she's a dragon. Gods, though, her scales are truly lovely.]
As you know, he is always tired. [He brings it back once she's sank into it, stretching his arms out along the rock ridge of the springs, a bit of dandelion tickling the back of his neck.] That's the thing, he doesn't. [He pauses. His conversation with Estinien had not gone particularly well, but he's sure both he and Geralt find Himeka less... single-minded. Funny enough.] They came to Cadens instead. Looking for him. Perhaps all of us. I'm not sure.
[ She really needs to introduce him to better food, in that case. There are easily meals she would give up sex for in a heartbeat. Easily.
Himeka does let herself float just a bit, feeling quite at home in the water. It wasn't until she arrived on dry land and stayed for so long that she realized how much of her day was spent outside Sui-no-Sato's protective bubble. Feeling weightless--nay, feeling supported by the water itself is comforting, like a mother's hug. It just feels right. She's more than happy to just exist in it for a moment.
But she is also curious as to what Jaskier has to say. A short nod of acknowledgment--yes, though she does not know Geralt too well she has gotten the impression that he is either always physically tired or just mentally tired with life. She knows a few people like that. But the idea that Thorne came looking for him...
Himeka pauses, canting her head to the side as her gaze turns more serious towards her companion. ]
...That Thorne came into Cadens looking for any of the Summoned who left--wouldn't that be considered an act of war by the Free Cities?
[ Has she been in her little foresty bubble for too long and heard naught of this? ]
Yes. It certainly should be, shouldn't it? Should the Free Cities not worry that Thorne should dare come so close, that they could have spies in their midst? [It's not musing out loud; these are the things Jaskier has had to consider as he learns new things, as more of Cadens takes notice of him with his performances. As his magic grows. If they are to continue existence in this world, they must understand how it works. The balances. And they cannot all be reduced to easily-led pawns.]
That has always niggled at the back of my mind, that these places that trust Thorne so little would not only accept its escaped outcasts, but welcome them. Not once have I ever been interrogated or followed or spied upon. Not to my knowledge. And yet... they knew exactly where to find Geralt.
[What happened? His chest wants to burst.] They came and they took him. Against his will.
[ She would not claim to be any sort of political genius--giving little to no credit to the fact she does have a significant amount of experience working with heads of state, of course, as she is want to do--but this seems fairly straight forward. Thorne and the Free Cities are the most at odds with one another. How could something like this go...unannounced? Or is it that this news isn't worth being discussed in Solvunn.
Himeka frowns, knowing that Jaskier won't have any easy answers to this, but it is curious to note. And...also good to know that while things may seem quiet where she is, there is still movement elsewhere.
And he brings up other points as well--suspicions she has held a little despite the fact she does want to believe the best in people. Solvunn welcoming the Summoned as refugees who could do their part and work seemed fine and good from the beginning, but then...why summon their own? Himeka doesn't share these worries with those newly arrived, not wanting to add more to their already confusing situation. But still. ]
It feels we've been here and age already but we still know so little.
[ But simply waiting for things to happen around them isn't helpful either.
As this clearly indicates.
Himeka's eyes widen and she sits up in the same motion. ]
[It hasn't even been a year, and yet time marches on, and yet it crawls. He cannot wrap his head around what this is all supposed to mean. Not only was Geralt taken from an opposing kingdom, but the one in charge of the Free Cities was hardly bothered by it. Even offered money in apology.
As if it's that simple.
Jaskier pushes wet hair back from his forehead. He wonders, all of a sudden. It's a ridiculous theory. It could not be true, could it? What would be the benefit? But the Thorne guards found the escapees in Hayle. They found Geralt in Cadens. Presumably this has happened more. Taken them both, returned them to Thorne, without much news of it spreading. The leaders knew of it, too. Ambrose's sister. Marlo.
Jaskier turns to watch her.] Yes. They took him to Thorne. And I don't know if you know Geralt well enough, or about the Witchers, but it could easily take thirty men to subdue him, if he didn't want to be taken. [He sinks lower, until the water reaches his chin.] I'm beginning to think this brewing war isn't real at all.
[ What is he saying here...that Geralt allowed himself to be taken? She doesn't know him all that well but that, at least, seems suspect to her. Then what Jaskier must mean is that whatever powers Thorne has at its disposal was enough to overwhelm him--now, at this point where all previous prisoners have reconnected to their inherent abilities.
Sometimes she does think on how different Hayle may have gone had she been more useful. But, mayhaps, with this knowledge it may not have gone as well as she would have hoped.
She's not sure what to make of this. Himeka brings a hand to her chin as she stares blankly at the water. ]
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cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
horizon (early dec??)
Somehow.
Some...way. The exact specifics are really beyond her but Himeka isn't the sort to try and figure that out. The only way to know is to do it herself.
As it turns out, transforming oneself in whole is a lot more complicated than she would have realized. Her form in Horizon automatically takes on her sense of self, which still leaves the conflict of her first appearance...but since then she's only been wholly Himeka. Now to un-Himeka herself and keep it consistent is the real challenge. Estinien has seen Nidhogg as some part of himself so his hybrid appearance makes sense. But this? This is wholly for her own curiosity.
So she manages to assume the form of a dragon herself. It's a shame she only managed to max out at about two fulms in length.
But it's a start! And as she reaches out to ride the aether currents like the wind, she finds herself feeling rather peckish after a time. (Yes, one can probably go eternity in Horizon not eating, but eating is one of her favorite things to do.) It's only too fitting that she would find herself not far from Jaskier's domain as the thought of devouring several of those juicy grapes come to mind. She licks her snout in anticipation.
When his vineyard comes into view, she picks up the pace, weaving through the air like an eel. Himeka all but divebombs onto one of the plants, knocking a few grapes off the vine in the process. No matter. Once she untangles herself she greedily starts shoving grapes into her mouth. Or, well, tries to, given that she can only stretch her jaws wide enough to gnaw on one at a time.
Surely a dragon in a vineyard is no cause for alarm. Surely. ]
early dec is perfect!
With this desperate desire to find some small bit of solace, of stillness -- a rare thing that Jaskier has ever craved -- he tucks himself into bed and lets his mind move to the Horizon. Relaxation is what he needs, and while he finds plenty of calm wandering between the grape trellises, plucking bugs off the leaves and watering them by hand, he needs... something different.
So off to the side, where his horses previously grazed, he has made tidy, small hot spring with curls of steam rising from it like music notes. Swathes of buttercups surround it, and a steaming tea pot and cup sit nestled on a flat rock beside him. Jaskier leans against the side, cushioned by flowers and with petals caught in his hair, his eyes closed. He must have been here for hours, and yet the water's temperature never lowers.
He is so close to it. A true sense of Peace. Of Zen. (If he understood the concept.)
And then Moglad's flute makes the water all jump in a splash, and him with it.
Moglad dives towards the grapevines, waving his flute all over between blowing on it. Intruder, kupo! Intruder! Thief! Cretin! Criminal! (Apparently, Moglad's dramatics have been learned from a very certain source.) Moglad flutters near the lizard and waves his flute threateningly. Those are Master Jaskier's, kupo!
To Moglad's credit, he's only been tasked with protecting the grapes from anyone else's domain entreating upon his -- whether it be fire, storm, or wild animals. He blows the flute again and, with a curse, Jaskier wraps a towel around himself and comes running, still dripping with the hot spring's water. He holds onto the towel with one hand, the other ready to -- well. Deal with whatever this is.]
What on earth are you shouting about, Moglad? [The moogle cries out dramatically with another Kupo-po-po!, fluttering behind his head as he points towards the lizard shoving a grape into its mouth.
Jaskier blinks down at it.] This? This is the criminal? [He squats down next to it, poking the dragon's side.] Excuse me, my friend. Those are very special grapes. And while I do not mind sharing, I do appreciate a kind how do you do before one goes around shoving them down their gullet.
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She wants to wave! It kind of comes off as a weird wiggle though.
It should not be surprising that the master of this realm is not far behind, though admittedly Himeka did not expect him to be naked.
Well, almost naked. She cocks her head to the side, reptilian eyes staring very pointedly at his chest. She...she really can't look away.
It's Jaskier's poke that finally pulls her attention back up to his face. She tries to mouth a "how do you do" but what comes out is a weird mouthy grumble. Right--the grape. Give her a moment as she puts forth no small amount of effort to crush it in her little jaws, making something of a mess of the grape and her own scaly face. But it's fine. It's tasty and that's what matters.
When she does finally speak, it doesn't come out...quite as one would imagine. ]
An mek oskht "hils", ka ness in.
[ And yet, Jaskier will be able to understand it still.
"I would have said 'hello' but I didn't see you." ]
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Well. At least it's eating grapes and not... his horses?]
Ah! [He jumps back, nearly losing his towel, Moglad drifting closer as if to protect him. What were clearly just... sounds, unfamiliar and uncomfortable, turn into. Words. But he clearly heard. Sounds. Melodic, almost, like notes instead of syllables --]
Oi, Moglad, it's fine! [He shifts the towel to a proper robe with nary a thought; now that the lizard can talk, he would appreciate more not giving it a bit too much of his... well. Bits.] Er. Hello. That's... kind. I think. [Didn't see him? Did it -- she? -- expect to? (All right, so perhaps he'd been nearly scalp-deep in his hot spring. It wouldn't have been hard to miss him.)] I'm sorry, this is rather new to me. Are we acquainted?
[Now that he thinks about it, the voice does sound familiar. It's just. Coming out of... this.]
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When she turns her attention back to Jaskier, she tilts her head to one side, then the other as her long tail swishes back and forth with growing intensity. ]
An oskh att.
[ "I should say so."
She wiggles a few steps forward, her long snake-like body undulating with the motion, making her scales shimmer in the manufactured sunlight. ]
In kun ansh iny skerah oksht.
[ "You said I could help myself to your crops." ]
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[Right, right, it's the Horizon. It doesn't really matter how he's understanding what she's saying, even though it clearly isn't... well, a language. Not one he's ever heard before. It's far too... melodic.
He blinks. It's not the words he gets, no. No. It's the shimmer of her scales. The exact same shimmer of the brooch he's tucked away with the horses. A beautiful, pearlescent shimmer.]
Himeka? What the fuck? [He gapes. It's not that she's a dragon -- he knew that, of course, but --] You're tiny! Like a little worm! Or a snake, a snake I think is more fitting, but -- why are you so small?
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(And he was so close too. The wyrm vs. worm mistake is one she's made, so she really shouldn't be too upset.)
If she could frown, she would. Instead her tail stops swishing happily and instead droops as she puffs up her dragon cheeks in indignation. ]
An vinsamr ehsk peh logh!
[ "I worked very hard to assume this form!"
Despite having no wings, she takes to the air, undulating like a serpent might in the water so that she can float at a proper eye-level. May he incur the entirety of her disdain, no matter how tiny it may seem. ]
Peh lig af smah hil akte, in ahelh. Ah livrek! Ool lik ah.
[ "This level of detail takes a lot of effort, you know. It's an art! Or something akin to it."
She swims forward, nearly nose to nose with him. ]
Er itthva ah?
[ "Is there something wrong with it?" ]
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Oh, don't -- don't be like that. I didn't mean --
[Ah! He leaps back, grabbing his towel before it drops, and Moglad swoops in to peer at her. Ah! Lady Himeka, kupo! My utmost apologies! Your current form is... kupoo.... magnificent! Yes!
Godsdammit, Moglad. Perhaps he's been teaching him too well. Or too badly. Jaskier is definitely rubbing off on the moogle.]
Yes, what he said. You look wonderful. I just -- you know, I imagined you a little bigger as a dragon, but -- ah, now you're compact! It's very, er, tidy. [He shakes his head, a flush going across his cheeks. A rare event, indeed, but this is. Actually embarrassing.] No, no! It's. [Magnificent! Moglad repeats.] Your scales shine ever brighter than the stars. Even then sun cannot hope to meet your gleam. You're like a pearl. A wiggling, floating pearl. H-hooow can I understand you right now, actually? You're saying. Not-words. But they're words. [He waves a hand.] Nevermind, that isn't important. What's important is... well, you've chosen the perfect size for grapes to be an endless feast. Which you are as ever entitled to, my lady.
this is not really nsfw but cw: lizard butt
She worked so hard on this too! And she was rather pleased with the result, diminutive size not withstanding--was, being the keyword. It's a good thing that dragons can't pout but the fact that her tail starts to twitch in irritation clear enough. ]
Tydee?
[ "Tidy?"
Yes, apparently the word in dragonspeak is eerily similar to common. Strange.
She huffs out of her nostrils, which thankfully for all involved don't create a puff of smoke but they do creating something of a small, icy wind instead. ]
An nwan fleh.
[ "I don't want platitudes."
Then in an almost comical puff of blue smoke that looks like it should be part of a stage show rather than actual transformation magicks, Himeka returns to her normal form. But much like her dragon form, she has no need for clothes. Her tail yet twitches behind her as she places a hand on her hip, brows stern, looking back and forth between both Moglad and Jaskier. ]
If there really is something wrong with that form then I would hear it. It should be very obvious what I am!
[ She points directly at Jaskier with her free hand. ]
But I will hold you towards you promise regarding the grapes. I worked up an appetite pulling that off, you should know.
[ Though to be fair she works up an appetite doing most things. ]
a whole lizard butt? in front of his salad?
[That is, of course, the moment she decides to. Turn back. Forget the smoke! Now he's learned that dragons, indeed, can have breasts -- and nice ones -- and that's a very distracting sort of confirmation -- not that he doubted it before, yet --]
I mean, there's nothing wrong with it! I can't turn into a dragon, I clearly have no idea how to tell you to do it better! I just... assumed you'd be. Larger. Like now.
[Of course she's making a point (literally), but he takes her hand as if it was an offering, raising it to his lips to kiss her knuckle.] It is a promise. [Moglad turns around as if to offer her privacy with a flush in his palm, and a quiet noise slipping out where he holds his head.] Anyway, my apologies that Moglad did not recognize you immediately as a friend.
[The moogle flails in the air. Master Jaskier, that isn't fair! I didn't know!!] You really would think he would sense his creator in any shape, wonderous or not.
[His pom wilts at the corner of Jaskier's eye. K-kupoooo...]
there's a salad tossing joke i want to make but won't
Larger, hm?
[ Himeka purses her lips as she looks down at herself. She had been so intent on getting all the minor details right that size, well...was kind of a moot point by the time she finished. Though she supposes if she has the basics down now changing size shouldn't be too difficult, right?
She looks back up when Jaskier takes her hand and to his credit, it does smooth out some of the fleeting ire on her face. She isn't the sort to stay frustrated or upset for long, really, and he is ever earnest in his own regard. So mayhaps he is being honest. ]
Mm...alright.
[ Jaskier gets the benefit of the doubt. She'll even pop his nose gently with her forefinger when he releases her hand. ]
But I do expect honesty above all else. If anything Horizon offers us the opportunity to perfect our craft, doesn't it?
[ The opportunity to make a jab at Moglad though--the innocent bystander as he is--is too good to ignore. She slowly turns her gaze towards the moogle, lips quirked as her tail gives a sharp swish behind her. ]
He's right, you know. I'm practically your mother.
[ There's nothing wrong with nudity, Moglad. It's natural. It's how you were brought into this world. ]
NO
And then he relaxes, releasing his breath. He wrinkles his nose.]
I... yes, I suppose it does. Even when one's craft, is, er, turning into a smaller and/or larger series of dragons?
[Moglad, bless you. You're the perfect target. The moogle grabs his pom in both hands and fervently shakes his head back and forth, his wings flapping ever harder. Moglad is simply respecting Lady Himeka's privacy, kupo!
Wait. Is she practically his --
No, that's far too much. Jaskier gives Moglad a soft pat on the head so he knows no one is truly upset.] Er. Speaking of privacy, are you sure you don't want a robe or something? I'm not complaining, of course. Either way.
[Funny, coming from him. At least he's maintained the towel around his waist.] Ah, actually. I did just come from the springs. What do you say to a relaxing soak?
[Look, he doesn't even have to cajole her into undressing. That part's been done. (My. Those scales go. Farther than he expected.)]
i showed ADMIRABLE RESTRAINT
Mhmm. And if we can replicate these sorts of things in the real world, then our powers as the Summoned are really formidable, aren't they?
[ Poor Moglad. She doesn't take back anything she says, though. It's all in good fun. ]
Hm?
[ Oh! Right. That would probably be more appropriate, wouldn't it? She glances back at Jaskier, then down pointedly at his towel for a time that would be considered questionable at best, and conjures up one for herself!
Wrapped around her waist just like him. There we go.
Although apparently she didn't need to. The mention of "springs" and "soak" is enough to get her to brighten instantly as she clasps her hands together. ]
I say that sounds wonderful! It's been nearly a month since my last.
[ Though she has to look back at the grapes first. ]
Can I take some of these with me? I wasn't finished.
I don't know if admirable is the word
Then off you are, Moglad! We needn't torture you with your mother's gorgeous, naked body.
[His apprentice makes a quick exit with something akin to a moogle-scream. Well. Not he knows how to get rid of him quite expediently in the future.]
Of course, if you wish! Though, should we go, I think you'll find a bowl of freshly picked grapes already waiting for you. And drink. I have a lovely tea brewing.
commendable, then
Now I'm not sure if you're trying to make up for the "wriggling worm" thing.
[ Did she forgive him? Yes. Will she still needle him about it? Absolutely. But Himeka does take the opportunity then to give Jaskier a very pointed once over, eyes lingering on his own chest for a moment. ]
Though you're not so bad yourself. A little hairier than I imagined.
[ That's the last poor Moglad gets to hear as he flies away, likely scarred for life. Neither know the dark path that awaits all who hear such things. ]
Oh, and tea? I will take you up on that. It sounds like you decided to take a day off for yourself.
[ While she is just as keen to wander around until she finds this hot spring herself, she'll follow Jaskier's lead. ]
I'll allow it
[Does that make him sleazy? Well, probably. But it's how it goes.
He looks down, rubbing his chest. Hairier?] We can't all have pretty scales, I suppose.
[Like a true mother and father (does he count?), they have certainly successfully ruined Moglad's life. He imagines the moogle will not forgive him for it. Jaskier considers it payment for all the music lessons he's given him. For free.
The bard indicates the way with a tilt of his head, walking back from where he'd run from in the first place.] Yes, you could certainly say that. I've been more inclined to do so as of late. Last month was... [He sighs.] A very exhausting month, in every meaning of the word.
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Oh really?
[ She does have to laugh. ]
Well thank you then, though I'll say that the food was definitely the right decision. You were a beacon of kindness in dark times that I won't soon forget.
[ Following just a step to his right, she shrugs with a good-natured smile. ]
You don't have horns either but I won't hold that against you.
[ No one can decide what they were born with or as, after all, and in her travels she's found out that as proud as she is to be an Au Ra, there are plenty of things to be proud of as anything else. Mayhaps his music would be entirely different were he to hear things another way? Something so integral is hard to change. ]
Oh?
[ Exhausting? There was certainly a bit of, erm, clean up in Solvunn after all that had gone wrong with that whole...incidentally summoning the dead thing, but she really doesn't know how how far-reaching that was elsewhere.
At least she isn't someone to beat around the bush. She tilts her head to the side as she regards Jaskier. ]
What happened?
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[He does appreciate the gesture. He had horns once, at Julie's party in the Horizon, and honestly, he understands the merits of them now. Especially when one needs something to hold onto.
Jaskier glances back at her with a soft, ah. It's a very distinct reminder that the world does not revolve around their little party, and it is very likely their friends in Solvunn have not heard about such things. He weighs the merits of discussing it, whether Geralt would want it to be known. As far as Jaskier is aware, however, the two share a fairly strong rapport.
He waves a hand as if to say, I'll get to it as the bear upon the hot spring. It's a cozy little thing, with a red maple spreading branches over the water, and the tea pot full of perfectly brewed tea, still steaming.
He drops his towel and steps down the flat rocks that lead into the water.] I don't suppose Geralt told what's happened to him, has he? It may not be my story to tell. Let's just say that Thorne has shown they have rather sticky, extremely determined fingers they wish to pluck inside every pie.
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[ She says rather matter-of-factly. And she really enjoys food, which is probably self-evident at this point. It had felt like the best cheese she'd ever tasted--though that was considering the fact that she only got one meal a day up until then. Still.
Horns are extremely versatile and if she could bless everyone with them, she would. She's just giving like that. Tails are a bonus as well, to be honest.
The look she levies him in turn is just one in quiet questioning. He wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't want to talk about it, right? Yet Himeka doesn't pry as Jaskier falls silent and turns her attention momentarily to the hot springs.
Well, his butt first because she has to watch that since he presents it so, but then the hot springs.
She shakes her head as she drops her towel as well. ]
No, not during our last meeting.
[ It had been just a few days prior even. She'd been rather excited to share her (objectively) delicious creation at the time, though she thinks back on the whole occasion as she slips in to the water. ]
He'd looked tired but that's--oh, this is lovely.
[ She sinks down until the waterline is nearly at her chin. Give her a moment as she gives a happy hum and wiggles her toes underwater before turning her gaze back onto Jaskier. ]
But if this involves Thorne? ...I'm surprised, I thought he wanted nothing to do with them.
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He relaxes back against a perfectly made seat in the water, as if carved out from the stones (it is), with plenty of room for them both to stretch their legs even without touching. He watches her simply because he can't not; she is simply not like any woman he's ever seen.
Obviously. Because she's a dragon. Gods, though, her scales are truly lovely.]
As you know, he is always tired. [He brings it back once she's sank into it, stretching his arms out along the rock ridge of the springs, a bit of dandelion tickling the back of his neck.] That's the thing, he doesn't. [He pauses. His conversation with Estinien had not gone particularly well, but he's sure both he and Geralt find Himeka less... single-minded. Funny enough.] They came to Cadens instead. Looking for him. Perhaps all of us. I'm not sure.
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Himeka does let herself float just a bit, feeling quite at home in the water. It wasn't until she arrived on dry land and stayed for so long that she realized how much of her day was spent outside Sui-no-Sato's protective bubble. Feeling weightless--nay, feeling supported by the water itself is comforting, like a mother's hug. It just feels right. She's more than happy to just exist in it for a moment.
But she is also curious as to what Jaskier has to say. A short nod of acknowledgment--yes, though she does not know Geralt too well she has gotten the impression that he is either always physically tired or just mentally tired with life. She knows a few people like that. But the idea that Thorne came looking for him...
Himeka pauses, canting her head to the side as her gaze turns more serious towards her companion. ]
...That Thorne came into Cadens looking for any of the Summoned who left--wouldn't that be considered an act of war by the Free Cities?
[ Has she been in her little foresty bubble for too long and heard naught of this? ]
What happened?
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Yes. It certainly should be, shouldn't it? Should the Free Cities not worry that Thorne should dare come so close, that they could have spies in their midst? [It's not musing out loud; these are the things Jaskier has had to consider as he learns new things, as more of Cadens takes notice of him with his performances. As his magic grows. If they are to continue existence in this world, they must understand how it works. The balances. And they cannot all be reduced to easily-led pawns.]
That has always niggled at the back of my mind, that these places that trust Thorne so little would not only accept its escaped outcasts, but welcome them. Not once have I ever been interrogated or followed or spied upon. Not to my knowledge. And yet... they knew exactly where to find Geralt.
[What happened? His chest wants to burst.] They came and they took him. Against his will.
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Himeka frowns, knowing that Jaskier won't have any easy answers to this, but it is curious to note. And...also good to know that while things may seem quiet where she is, there is still movement elsewhere.
And he brings up other points as well--suspicions she has held a little despite the fact she does want to believe the best in people. Solvunn welcoming the Summoned as refugees who could do their part and work seemed fine and good from the beginning, but then...why summon their own? Himeka doesn't share these worries with those newly arrived, not wanting to add more to their already confusing situation. But still. ]
It feels we've been here and age already but we still know so little.
[ But simply waiting for things to happen around them isn't helpful either.
As this clearly indicates.
Himeka's eyes widen and she sits up in the same motion. ]
They took him? Back to Thorne?
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[It hasn't even been a year, and yet time marches on, and yet it crawls. He cannot wrap his head around what this is all supposed to mean. Not only was Geralt taken from an opposing kingdom, but the one in charge of the Free Cities was hardly bothered by it. Even offered money in apology.
As if it's that simple.
Jaskier pushes wet hair back from his forehead. He wonders, all of a sudden. It's a ridiculous theory. It could not be true, could it? What would be the benefit? But the Thorne guards found the escapees in Hayle. They found Geralt in Cadens. Presumably this has happened more. Taken them both, returned them to Thorne, without much news of it spreading. The leaders knew of it, too. Ambrose's sister. Marlo.
Jaskier turns to watch her.] Yes. They took him to Thorne. And I don't know if you know Geralt well enough, or about the Witchers, but it could easily take thirty men to subdue him, if he didn't want to be taken. [He sinks lower, until the water reaches his chin.] I'm beginning to think this brewing war isn't real at all.
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Sometimes she does think on how different Hayle may have gone had she been more useful. But, mayhaps, with this knowledge it may not have gone as well as she would have hoped.
She's not sure what to make of this. Himeka brings a hand to her chin as she stares blankly at the water. ]
So...you think they released him as well?
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