Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/08/2018
“Woaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Alina was taking a walk in the garden when she found the biggest, roundest, and yummiest looking puffball mushroom she had ever seen. The ones Anja foraged for were usually 12-16 centimeters long, this one was almost a meter wide. She circles around the mushroom, still in awe at the size of the mushroom.

“I HAVE TO SHOW BETH!”

Using both her hands, she plucked the mushroom with a satisfying “YOINK” and carried it over her head. It took her a second to find the right direction, and then dashed off in the direction as fast as her little legs could carry her, mushroom still held over her head.

—-

“BETHANY BETHANY!”

Minutes later Alina stood in front of Bethany and Bella’s room door, mushroom still held over her head. Unfortunately, she couldn’t knock since her hands were holding the mushroom, so she had to yell through the door. Alina was pretty sure it was their room, they shared a room right? Regardless she had to show them the mushroom, she just had to!
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/08/2018
Sitting down on her bed, Beth had her long coat laid out in front of her, armored panels removed and sitting next to the bed. She had a small basket to her side, and a length of white silken thread in her mouth. She eyeballed the end of it, trying to thread the thick needle she had in her other hand. Just about-

Suddenly someone burst into her concentration, yelling her name, making her jump and prick her thumb. Her head instinctively swung up to yell at her sister across the room, before she realized that Bella hadn't snuck back in while she was distracted, and thus wasn't in the room.

Swearing quietly to herself, Beth went to the door, sucking on her injured thumb. Swinging the door open after a moment, she stuck her head out.

"Yes? Can I help you?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/08/2018
“I FOUND A MUSHROOM!”

Alina held the giant puffball mushroom in front of Beth, her face filled with determination.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/08/2018
Beth's eyes widened at the vegetable.... fruit... actually she wasn't sure what a mushroom was, but either way, she didn't expect one thrust into her face like that. She reached up and pushed it gently aside with her good hand, giving Alina a look.

"That is quite impressive, what do you intend to do with it? Are you trying to show it off to everyone, perhaps?"(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/08/2018
“I WANNA COOK IT!”
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/08/2018
Beth frowned, looking at it curiously. She didn't know that much about mushrooms. "Is... it even edible? Are not mushrooms... usually poisonous? Usually you do not want to eat poison, Alina."(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/08/2018
"It's a puffball mushroom! Puffball mushrooms are yummy!"

She shook the mushroom left and right, making sure that Beth got the idea that it was edible.
November 9, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/09/2018
Beth reached out and carefully plucked it from the girl's hands, holding it out and looking it over. It was... certainly a large specimen. Nice spring to the flesh, heavy but not dense, and good color. She was no mushroom expert, but it did look quite edible under closer examination.

She handed it back to Alina with a nod. "Well, what would you like to make with it? Fry it up? Slice it and drizzle it in butter? Perhaps a soup?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/09/2018
Alina hopped up, waving her arms in the air to try to get her mushroom back. However, she was too short to reach, and only barely brushed the mushroom with the tip.

"I dunno. Anja always cooks them when we find them."
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/09/2018
"Well, tis your mushroom, you will have to find someone to cook it for you, then. Unless... you wanted me to cook it?"

Beth folded her arms, leaning on the doorway, looking down at the girl. Alina acted younger then her, but she had the sneaking feeling that part of this was just an act, though for what purpose she wasn't sure.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/09/2018
Alina grabbed her mushroom and held it in front of her.

"Bella had that chicken right? Maybe we could cook it with the mushroom! Mushroom and chicken bacon!"

She danced around the room with the puffball, clearly excited at the thought of chicken bacon with mushroom. However, after a few seconds of spinning she managed to get herself dizzy and teetered over on her back, making sure to protect the mushroom.(edited)
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/09/2018
"She... yes. Yes she did."

Beth sighed and shut the door, after first glancing into the hall to see if Anja was lurking around following the girl. Not seeing anyone, she turned to the interloper into her room.

"I do not believe she managed to do anything with it, however. You would have to ask her, and, well..."

She gestured around the room, which was clearly empty except for the two of them.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/09/2018
"Oh."

Alina turned to the door, lowering her mushroom excitement and then looking back at Beth. It wasn't that she was disappointed, but it wasn't that she was too lazy to go find Bella either. It was more curiosity, like what would Bella do with the mushroom.

"Can you cook the mushroom?"(edited)
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/09/2018
"Hmm... I suppose I might have a recipe around here, somewhere. Are you looking for something fancy? Or just a quick field dressing sort of meal?"

She turned and moved to the small bookcase that had some of the things she brought from home, opening a couple of cook books, looking for something suitable. She mused to herself as she looked,

"...perhaps something with some cheese and garlic and other things stuffed inside could be good..."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/09/2018
“Uh huh uh huh!”

Alina simply nodded along, letting Beth do all the difficult mind work. Garlic and cheese sounded tasty.
November 10, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/10/2018
"Alright, well I suppose we can go down to the kitchen and get this thing cooked. Come along now."

She held the cook book, but paused a moment to look over at her jacket. She felt vulnerable without it, but... It should be fine. She wasn't even done with the sewing repairs, yet.

Turning, she headed out, towards the kitchens
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/10/2018
Excited that they were finally going to go cook the mushroom, Alina skipped out of the room happily, her swinging her mushroom side to side.

“Hey, did you know that Anja can sorta sew too?”

She turned around and walked backward as she talked, not bothering to look behind her to see where she was going.

“She’s not very good though. One time she tried to fix Gertram and now he’s lopsided.”

She made an odd face, like a between a pout and a giggle.

“But it’s ok, Gertram is still as happy as the rest~”(edited)
November 12, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/12/2018
"I... am not the best, myself. I am good at repairs, but I am no seamstress. It takes time to get good at something like that... time which I do not have, really."

She thread her way down the back stairs deftly, keeping out of the way of the servants, and trying to guide Alina along the way.

"Who is Getram? Er, Gertram?"(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/12/2018
Alina handed Beth the mushroom and pulled out one of her penguin stuffies.

“Gertram!”

Like Alina said, one if the sides of the penguin had a small bulge where Anja had patched him, but otherwise he seemed quite happy.

“It’s ok, Gertram is super tough!”
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/12/2018
Beth neatly held the mushroom, noting how much it seemed like a stuffed animal, itself.

"Hm, you seem to have a lot of those guys, huh? Does Anja make them for you? I only my bear, but I keep mine on the shelf so it does not take any more damage, these days..."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/12/2018
Alina shook her head.

"I just had them. One time I was looking for Cookie in my pocket and I found Alfredo instead. Then Oswald, then Jericho, and Edwin...."

Alina continued to rattle off names, pulling out the penguins from her parka as she talked. Some of them had minor differences like hair or glasses, but otherwise were identical.

"What's your bear's name?"

Alina put all the stuffed animals back once she finished.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/12/2018
"Wait, you just find them? That... huh. There must be someone putting them in  your pocket when you are not looking...?"

She pondered this impossibility as she walked, before breaking track to catch the next question.

"Name? Uh... well, I guess it does not really... have a name. It is my bear, there is no other like it, since it is mine. I think I have had it as long as I can remember, I suppose my mother must have given it to me. Sis has a carbunkle thing, or so we were told, I have certainly never seen such a creature in the wild... I have seen bears, though..."

She trailed off, clearing lost in her own thoughts.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/12/2018
"I bet I could name him if I saw him!"

Alina twirled around happily, her parka billowing out like a dress.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/12/2018
"But... what? No! No, it is my bear!"

Beth frowned, unsure what to make of this.

"Does it need a name? Is it not enough that is it mine and mine alone?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/12/2018
Alina nodded, understanding completely.

"Uh huh. Bear can just be bear."

As they turned the corner, Alina recognized the familiar door to the kitchen. She sprinted forward and threw the door open.

"Mushroom and bacon!"
November 13, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/13/2018
Beth followed a little more cautiously, peeking in to see that they weren't that busy right now. She directed Alina over to a side area, where she was free to set the mushroom down on the counter.

"Well, I suppose we can get started, though if you want bacon with your mushroom you will have to find one of the cooks and see if some can be taken from the castle stores. I certainly do not have any in my pockets... do you?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/13/2018
By the time Beth had finished Alina had excited the freezer with a giant parcel of bacon and dumped it on the counter. She then pulled out a large slab of frozen butter and dropped on top before turning to look at Beth proudly. If she had a dog tail it would be wagging happily.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/13/2018
"Did you just... take all that? Did you ask anyone, first?" Beth tsk, tsk'd as she looked around, but still pulled off part of the bacon and carved off a butter pat.

"Well... find me some onions and a few other things, and I shall get started on slicing this up while the pan heats..."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/13/2018
Disappointed that she didn’t get praised, Alina dashed off and returned with the onions and a other spices even faster making sure to yell at a random cook that she was taking them on her way back.

When she returned she dumped the contents on the counter next to the stove, catching a spice bowl before it rolled off the side of the table, and placing it right side up. She then stubbornly placed herself right next to Beth and waited for praising and headpats.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/13/2018
Glancing over as she returned, Beth nodded to her, grabbing the flour and other spicies and rolling the ingredients in a little oil before setting them into a pan to fry. She grabbed a bit of the mushroom and bacon mix, dropping them in a few at a time.

"Good girl, that was quick. You must be a big help for Anja when she cooks, I see."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/13/2018
Happy that she had gotten the praise, Alina took out Cookie and hugged him excitedly.

“Anja doesn’t really cook, she just dumps ingredients in a pot and heats it.”

If Anja were there, she would probably disagree. Alina didn’t actually hate Anja’s cooking, but she liked to make fun of her style anyways.
November 24, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/24/2018
"Mmmm, I see, sounds rather like my sister and her 'style' of cooking. Just throw everything in and add spice until it tastes alright..."

Beth rolls her eyes, looking carefully at her books and measuring ingredients, tapping a finger on the counter as it cooks to count out the time.

"Bella always pokes fun at me, says I would make a lovely housewife for someone, as long as I had a cookbook to tell me the way. I see no problem reading out a recipe; I am no expert cook, so why not allow one who is write a book and tell me how it goes?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/24/2018
“Anja always talks about having a nice harem of cute maids.”

Alina pouted and plopped herself on a kitchen stool.

“And ever since we’ve got here she keeps on dragging maids and butlers into our room and it’s impossible to sleep when she’s doing it.”

She puffed her cheeks and folded her arms.

“Maybe she should just get married.”
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/24/2018
"I... hm. I see. She would probably get along well with sis, now that you mention that... I had wondered, considering the rumors going around..."

Beth paused at her cooking long enough to frown at Alina.

"I understand she is your guardian, but I would not take her example too closely, here. I am sure you have seen all sorts of things that you perhaps should not be exposed to at your age."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/24/2018
*I’m older than you brat.”

Alina narrowed her eyes. Beth wasn’t that much bigger, and Alina had been alive much longer than her too. Maybe she’d drop the child act and just prove her wrong.

“Hmph! Who said I was following her example anyways?”

She unfolded and refolded her arms and looked away haughtily, pretending to be some kind of princess.

“I can make my own life decisions.”
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/24/2018
Beth sniffed at that, giving Alina an appraising look at the change of manner.

"So you say, so you say... But I seem to recall seeing you passed out asleep in the library under a stack of books, just yesterday. If you wish people to treat you as a child, then act like one."

She flipped the pan a few times deftly, then dropped the lid on top to let it do its final sear. She turned, and folded her own arms

"But, if you want them to treat you like an adult... then act as such. That is what I do."(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/24/2018
"Th-th-that was just because Anja was being too loud!"

Alina blushed from a multitude of reasons and stuffed her hands into her pockets.

"I couldn't sleep, so I went to the library to read and...and..."

Alina began to sputter as her brain caught up with her mouth, biting her tongue in the process. She squeaked, and stuck her throbbing tongue out, which was fortunately not bleeding.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/24/2018
"Sure, sure. Blame her for not being able to sleep, rather than then yourself for wanting to stay up reading all night."

She reached out and poked Alina on the nose with the tip of her finger.

"Still, I suppose princess mode has a certain charm, itself."

She turned back and lifted the lid, neatly spooning the food off onto a couple of waiting plates. Sliding the pan into a nearby sink, she grabbed both and headed to the tables.(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/24/2018
“Well would you be able to sleep if Bella was moaning loud enough to be heard from outside all ni-ACHOO”

Alina’s complaints were interrupted by Beth’s finger, which caused her to sneeze. She grumbled and wiped her nose with her sleeve, dropping the princess act for the time being. However, she felt a certain bit of pride that Beth had liked her princess attitude, and she happily skipped towards the tables after Beth.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/24/2018
"Oh yes, normally I just throw a pillow at her, or something. Or make her leave. Still, she promised she would be more... Discreet with Hichi, so perhaps she is learning."

She started into the food, taking a big bite at first, then slowly her chewing to study what was on her tongue. It was good, warm with cheese and salt flavors, and the texture of the mushroom lending itself well to the dish.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/24/2018
Alina blushed as she imagined trying to interrupt Anja in the middle of a session, and covered her face with her hands. She was 52, she could handle it right?

“Nuh uh! I’d rather sleep in the library! Its more comfortable there anyways.”

The smell of the food finally wafted into her nose, and her eye’s sparkled in excitement. She held her spoon in the air like it was a legendary sword, and began rapidly shoveling the food into her mouth.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/24/2018
Beth raised an eye, spoon holding another bite halfway to her mouth.

"You... would rather sleep... in a pile of hard edged books.... on a wooden table... then in a comfortable feather bed? I like to rough it on campaign as much as the next merc, but I am not gonna let Bella or anyone else deny me a bed when I am given one."

She shook her head and went back to eating.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/24/2018
Alina shook her head.

"I made it comfier! I added all my favorite stuffed animals and blankets. And I made sure the maids wouldn't clean it up either!"

She felt her throat begin to clog with food and she quickly downed a glass of water to clear it.
November 25, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/25/2018
"So you just... Made a bedroom in the library?"

Beth pondered this for a moment, unsure if that was brilliant idea or a crazy one. She finally shrugged it off.

"Unusual idea, but I will allow points for style, I suppose. There is that old table near the back no one ever sits at, maybe you can just throw a blanket over top, make a little fort. Keep you out from the main aisles at least."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/25/2018
Alina nodded, and nibbled on a chunk of bread.

“There was this really comfy alcove under the bug window next to the fireplace. I even managed to fit Paolo in there!”

She thought about the idea of making a fort as well, but it sounded more like a boy’s thing. Not finding any progress with nibbling, Alina began taking large bites at the bread, gnawing it like a dog on a bone.(edited)
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/25/2018
"It might work better if-"

Beth shook her head, using her own bread as a sort of sop, to dip up the left over sauce in the plates. It soaked in quickly enough and softened it to a nice chewy consistency.

"So you truly intend to follow Anja to the battlefield? She seems she can handle herself fairly well, but..."

Beth looked the other girl over; no caution by the way she walked, she had no callouses on her palms from weapons training, and though while undoubtedly well read, she didn't strike Beth as a mage or cleric of any sort, either. She just came across as a young, somewhat foolish girl, nothing more. Surely she didn't intend to hit people with those stuffed animals she always had with her... did she...?(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/25/2018
Alina paused, unsure of how to answer.

“Anja takes care of me, so I don’t really have a choice.”

She took out Cookie and plopped him on the table after sweeping away the plate.

“And I have to protect Cookie!”

Alina felt bad about lying to Beth, and plenty of people already knew about her secret. So far not that many people inside the castle bother her about her ears, but she suspected some people knew about it but just didn’t comment. She probably could wack people with Cookie too, but just because he was indestructible didn’t mean she wanted to.
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/25/2018
"You seem perfectly able to take care of yourself here at the castle, with the maid staff to help keep you fed."

Beth sighed, understanding she shouldn't really be chastising something who was technically older then her like this.

"...still, if you want to come along, I suppose it is not my place to  say otherwise. Sorry, I should never have brought it up."

It was her choice, after all.(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/25/2018
Alina hugged Cookie to her chest, and looked out the window with a spacey look on her face.

“What can you do to fight?”
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/25/2018
"Uh... well, I suppose I can do many things. I am alright with a sword, spear, and rather skilled with light magic, if I can say so myself. Dawnstar and I are quick on our, ah, wings, and can move to flank and strike from many angles on the battlefield. I am also fairly well versed with tactics, and can lead both formations and squads of men, offering advice and supporting the thrust of an assault. Rallying the troops to fight their hardest is an important skill, you know."

She started fast, then slowed to a stop, as she realized it might sound as if she were boasting, or just puffing herself up.

"...is that what you mean?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/25/2018
Alina pulled back her sleeve and gave her thin arm a poke, not feeling any muscles at all. She couldn’t read a tome either, it was all just gibberish. As Beth talked about all the things she could do, Alina slowly began to feel more and more useless in her current form. She could just say what she was, Anja probably wouldn’t find out, but it didn’t feel right. Every-time someone found out, it felt like a parasite had burrowed under her protective mask. It was disorienting. But if Anja was really going to fight, then she would help, and everyone would know.

If I told you...

Alina hesitated, there was no point in asking her to not tell anyone else anyways. But for some reason Alina felt safer telling Beth. Beth made her feel safe.

Alina frowned and looked into Cookie’s left eye, which sparkled like a blue piece of ice. She didn’t give it a hug like she usually did. She wanted to act like a child, it made her feel safe. It made her feel like all the uncertainties of the world were excused. She had, after all, only been in Zaldos for 6 of her 52 years.

“I’m....”

She couldn’t do it. She brought back Cookie into her arms and squeezed him like her life depended on it.

“You’ll see eventually.”

She laughed, like it was a funny joke. Just playing pretend. She was a child, she didn’t know better. She didn’t understand the mannerisms of the new continent, or the history, or the people. As an adult, that would be weird, but perfectly fine as a child right?
November 26, 2018
Artemi☆, Unmoving Great Library11/26/2018
Beth opened her mouth to say something, then stopped as it seemed like Alina was working herself up to a... something. Confession. Moment. whatever. Instead she waited, to let the girl say whatever she needed to say, and finished off her own food. Seeing as Alina had done before her, she began to gather their plates to take them back to the kitchen.

"Well, if you insist on coming, then I shall try to keep an eye on you, if you need it."

Walking back, she plopped everything down next to the pans and bowl she used to cook the meal in the first place.

"It turned out to be a lovely mushroom you found, Alina! Now... I shall leave you to clean up, since I cooked; I have to attend to my coat, still."

She grinned and turned to leave, with a little wave behind her.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/26/2018
Alina nodded, and gave Cookie a stroke on the head. As she did so, she watched Beth walk over to the counter and plop the dishes down by the sink. Quickly rubbing her cheeks, Alina composed herself and shook her head, returning to her normal childish self.

"Ehhh? Beth you're so sneaky!"

She puffed her cheeks but hopped over to the sink anyways. Washing dishes wasn't so bad, and there weren't that many either. Stuffing the narwhal back into her jacket, she rolled up her sleeves and began washing the dishes.
=== End Rp ===