Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/25/2018
The alcove in the far corner of the library had quickly became Alina's favorite spot in the castle. It was near a fireplace, so it was always warm, and right next to the biology section so she always had something interesting to read. She had personalized it with A tidal wave of soft quilts and stuffed animals, to the point where she could bury herself to hide from the maids. Although she did have a shelf of snacks she periodically took from the kitchen, the alcove remained free of crumbs and scraps. Her favorite part of the alcove however, was Paolo, a whale stuffed animal twice the size of her. Paolo took up almost the space of the alcove, and Alina would often have to sit on top of him to fit. Cookie was still her favorite, but Paolo was one in the top 10.

Today, Alina was feeling quite happy as one of the maids had found a new book for her to read. It was a storybook about a fairy kingdom whose knights would ride fluffy cats into battle. In fact, she liked it so much she had already read through half of it that afternoon, and was currently lying on her belly with the book on Paolo's head, happily swinging her legs. She owuld be sad to finish the book, but the story was too riveting to stop.(edited)
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/25/2018
Cheyenne walked into the library, pulling a cart of Albert's books. She sighed and walked up to the Biology section and returned Albert's books before stopping and looking around, feeling she wasn't alone in the room.
"Hello? Show yourself!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/25/2018
Alina's head shot out from the pile of blankets, curious as to who was shouting in the library. Usually she was the loudest one, so this was quite a surprise. Realizing that she could do the shushing this time, she got a little excited. Upon seeing the maid, she put her fingers to her lips and shushed as loud as she could.
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/25/2018
The woman bowed and sat down next to the Alcove.
"I'm sorry, I'll be more quiet. What are you doing up there?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/25/2018
Alina stuffed a bookmark to her page and excited handed it over to the maid. Now that she wasn't holding on to it she grabbed Cookie and held him over her head.

"Reading, duh. It's a library."(edited)
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/25/2018
She nodded and crossed her legs as she sat, resting her back against the shelves.
"I see that, but what are you reading?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/25/2018
Alina flipped the book over so the maid could read the back.

"It's a book about fairy knights that ride on fluffy battlecats."

Although she didn't have a cat stuffed animal, she did have a dolphin which she handed to the maid as well.
October 26, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/26/2018
She grabbed the dolphin and cuddled it close, moving closer to the dragon.
"Ah, I see. I have a friend who read fairy tales very extensively at one point."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/26/2018
"Oh! You like Rocky!"

Alina happily patted the dolphin's head and took back her book.

“What about you? What books do you read?”
October 27, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/27/2018
"I tend to read adventure novels. Although I have read my Master's books on biology and alchemy before in order to aid with his research."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/27/2018
“Oh! Know!”

Alina dived down into the depth of the fluff pile, disappearing completely save for the shuffling of the surface. After a few seconds, she emerged with another book.

“This is my favorite adventure book. Its about a prince who rides a dragon to help save his sister. But he’s-“

Alina clamped her hand over her mouth just as she realized she was about to spoil a large plot twist.

“Anyways, I think you’ll like this one!”

She hands the book over and gives Paolo a pat on the head. From his perch next to Alina, Cookie seemed to frown with jealousy behind his eternal smile.
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/27/2018
She smiled and put the book under her arm.
"I'll take good care of it. I'm sure we'll have time during this campaign."(edited)
October 28, 2018
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/28/2018
“Uh huh uh huh!”

Alina nodded excitedly and also pointed to the dolphin.

“What about Rocky? I bet he’d love to go on an adventure too!”

Although Alina had plenty of stuffed animals, she couldn’t really give all of them the same attention so she’d be happy if someone else would take care of some too.
October 30, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/30/2018
The woman smiled and took the dolphin closer.
"Well if you insist I'll have him travel with me and Albert. After all, I'm sure I can bring another with me."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/30/2018
“Oh! You can take Onyx too then!”

She pulled out another identical dolphin and handed it to her as well.

“Is Albert your master?”
October 31, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/31/2018
She took the second dolphin and nodded.
"Yes. I've been training to serve him since I was a child. I went through a lot of training in the past, not all of it easy or fun."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/31/2018
“Oh! So you’re like his childhood friend!”

Alina scooted closer, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face.

“So do you like him?”
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/31/2018
This caught her off guard, but she quickly recovered.
"T-that's hardly appropriate. I am his servant and he is my master, nothing more."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/31/2018
"Uh huh, sure it is."

Alina giggled and stared at the maid smugly with her chin propped on her hand.

"What's your name anyways?"(edited)
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia10/31/2018
"My name is Cheyenne. What is your name?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician10/31/2018
"My name's Alina!"

She reached out and shook Cheyenne's hand before sitting back onto Paolo's back.

"What about Anja? Did you meet her yet?"(edited)
November 1, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/01/2018
She nodded and reclined back.
"Yes, we met in the baths. She seems interesting. From what she told me I assume she's your caretaker?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/01/2018
Alina's face darkened a bit when she mentioned baths.

"Yes."

Alina really didn't like baths.
November 2, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/02/2018
She chuckled at the dragon's face.
"Not into baths? I don't think many your age are."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/02/2018
Alina shook her head.

“Nuh Uh! Anja always gets soap into my eyes!”
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/02/2018
"I see. If you would have a bath without soap in your eyes would you enjoy it?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/02/2018
"I dunno."

Alina narrowed her eyes, unsure of what her new friend was implying.
November 3, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/03/2018
"You know...maybe you'll like it if you don't get soap in your eyes. Just saying, you might as well try it."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/03/2018
Alina began to grow suspicious, and stowed Cookie away in her parka.

"Did Anja... suggest anything to you in the bath?"

That Anja really was a sneaky one.
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/03/2018
She shook her head.
"No, no it's just...nah. I suppose a girl your age wouldn't care anyways. It's a mature woman thing."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/03/2018
"..."

Alina stared focused on Cheyenne's chest, then looked at her own dejectedly. Was that the secret to growing bigger? Taking baths? It didn't make sense but...."

She narrowed her eyes again and looked back up at Cheyenne.

I'm probably older than you, hag.

She folded her arms and looked away with a huff, trying to salvage what pride she had left.

"Well... I'm pretty mature myself, so I do take a bath once in a while."
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/03/2018
"Really? If you say so..."
She says in a disbelieving tone.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/03/2018
“Fine I’ll prove it!”

Alina shoots up with her fists balled at her side determinedly.

“Then...I’ll get to grow bigger.”
November 4, 2018
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
"Okay! It won't happen right away...but maybe...."
She put a finger to her chin.(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/04/2018
"Maybe what?"

Alina fidgeted impatiently, wanting to try this secret to growing bigger as fast as possible.
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
"Well, if you take as much baths as possible it might work faster. After all, I know I try to take a bath as often as I can. And other women here are the same."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/04/2018
"Anja doesn't take a bath everyday either!"

...

Then again Anja wasn't that big either.
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
"Yes, and Anja isn't as big as everyone else now is she? Have you seen Tamlen? I'm sure she takes a bath as often as possible."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/04/2018
"Ah..."

Alina hadn't met this Tamlen woman, but an image of a large woman appeared in her mind nonetheless.

>:V
She stared back at her chest, and looked back up at Cheyenne.

"How many times per day?"
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
"At least once if you can. I don't always have the luxury but... I'm not the biggest here if you haven't noticed."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/04/2018
Alina put one hand on her hip and jutted it out, doing her best to do a "mature" look.

"Well... maybe I'll go take a bath today then."

She tried to flip her hair maturely, but only managed to get her pig tail a small bounce. This demoralized her, and she puffed her cheeks in anger. She could act like a mature girl! Who was this woman to say otherwise!
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
"Checkmate. Anja owes me a drink."
"Alright...if you say so."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/04/2018
Nodnodnod

Alina hopped from the alcove onto the floor, her floofy parka floating down with her.

“Do you think...”

She blushed a bit and hugged Cookie to her chest.

“You could help wash me without getting soap in my eyes?”
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
The woman nodded.
"Of course, anytime you wish I will help you as long as I'm not aiding my lord. Shall we go then?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician11/04/2018
Nodnod
Foss | Rip no Christmas Sumia11/04/2018
"Good, I'll help you the best I can."
"Force can only get you so far, with kids you need to play this out more tactically...."
With that she left the library with Alina following her, smiling a bit as she moved once again to the baths.
==End==