Bats and the Wasps

======**[ From the POV of Adrien Shee-Slaugh ]**======

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Well, time for my undoing."

Cheliyi blinks.

You chuckle quietly to yourself.
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Esei sways back and forth.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Evette's lips.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi asks, "Wh-what?"

In a bit of a louder voice, you say, "The Bats and the Wasps, a Seminar. Please, do take your seats."

Ethna D'Rose says to Cheliyi, "I've brought us to our doom, I guess."

Cheliyi shifts uneasily, glancing around at those gathered.

Cheliyi sits herself down on a bench made from a rowan tree trunk and makes herself comfortable.

After much surveying of her locale, Ethna flutters her wings in triumph before alighting upon Cheliyi.

Climbing from the shoulder of a caliginous leopard to her head Evette sits down comferably with a clear view of Adrien ahead.

Esei sits herself down on a bench made from a rowan tree trunk and makes herself comfortable.

Briefly searching for where in the Gods' names to begin, you say, "Most people, at a certain point in their lives, begin to take a more acute notice of other people around them."

Cheliyi blinks.

Nodding as if he knows what he's talking about, you say, "They will begin to pick out traits that they find pleasing in others, these can be personality traits, such as finding someone's laugh or thoughts charming, or physical, such as being struck by a beautiful pair of wings."

Evette closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

Cheliyi closes her eyes, branches growing still as she listens intently.

You have emoted: Falling silent for a brief, awkward stretch, Adrien gestures to fill the gap in his explanation as he does his best to actually hold on to a single train of thought. "Finding yourself drawn to specific traits in others is called 'attraction', particularly when it leads to an increased desire for their company."

You think to yourself: Help.

Cheliyi brow creases briefly as the hint of a frown passes over her features, but she doesn't interrupt.

Ethna gently pats the branch that she is sitting on, offering Cheliyi a comforting touch.

Frowning in evident concentration, you say, "Aaaah..... Oh! There are many different ways to find people attractive."

Cheliyi's branches swish as she perks up, eyes finally opening.

Evette sips oolong tea from a silver wolf pup tea cup.

You have emoted: Listing things off by ticking them down on his fingers, Adrien explains. "There is platonic attraction, an intense desire for friendship - aesthetic attraction, wherein you deeply admire someone in a manner that is not actionable;" he seems far more sure of himself, now, nodding while he speaks, "There is romantic attraction, the desire to pursue a relationship that involves deeper emotional and interdependent commitment than a platonic one; sensual attraction, the desire for physical contact in a platonic manner, and sexual attraction, a desire to connect with someone in a manner that is sexually gratifying."

Ethna stares blankly into the distance, her face showing no emotion.

Cheliyi slowly nods, her leaves rustling softly.

Cheliyi blinks.

Esei places her face in her hands, eartips slightly pink.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi asks, "So a crush would be...?"

Evette glances wryly at Ethna and hides a grin behind her hand.

Nodding, you say, "The latter three are of a sort that generally involves more explanation and link more into what a crush is, I'll touch upon each of them now."

Evette nods her head at herself.

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating with song.

Deep in thought, Cheliyi leans her cheek on her hand.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "I'm going to begin with sensual attraction: this can manifest as wanting to cuddle up to someone to nap, to wanting to reassure them or be reassured with touch, to feeling a great joy in imagining or recalling moments wherein you were hugged or had some other excuse for physical closeness."

Deep in thought, Esei leans her cheek on her hand.

Thoughtfully, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "Hugs are nice."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Romantic attraction manifests as a desire for a relationship; the exact quantifiers as to what makes a love platonic versus romantic will change from individual to individual, but it is generally agreed upon that it involves a bit more 'brain space' than platonic attraction. It is difficult to shake the thought of your romantic desire from your head, and a great deal of thought goes into imagining scenarios wherein you reinforce your affection to one another in ways that makes you both feel comfortable. This stage of imagining and hoping is called 'A Crush'."

Cheliyi frowns, glancing at the ground as she clearly tries to work through this new information.

Ethna shifts her attention towards Esei as she listens to you, her cheek pressed against her palm as she leans against the wyrdenwood's trunk.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her leaves rustling with laughter.

Cheliyi returns her attention to the lecture, humming thoughtfully.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "And sexual attraction is a physical yearning of similar magnitude; the act of sexual gratification is also, something that plays to many different tastes. I'll not be getting into those today: but many people find the act of coupling in this manner to be meaningful, or at the very least fun; and certain forms of coupling result in the birth of children."

Ethna's eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across her face.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Sometimes, people will refer to a desire for sexual intimacy 'a crush' as well."

Esei glances askance.

Evette nods her head at Ethna.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "I see. So... " she gestures airquotes around the word "sex ends with... more people?"

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Sometimes. I can get into that if you like, though it rarely sounds pleasant from an academic standpoint."

Curiously, Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge asks, "Does this happen with everyone?"

Cheliyi blinks.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "No. Not everyone experiences all types of attraction, may do so in different degrees or have different things to which they are attracted in different ways."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "And it is quite possible to feel them in different intensities, including 'none at all'."

Suddenly looking much more relaxed, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "O-oh. I see!"

In a quiet murmur, you say, "The intricacies of how each form of attraction manifests in a single person can be quite complex, and even more so when other people are brought into the equation."

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi asks, "... So where do wasps and bats come into this?"

You chuckle quietly to yourself.

Esei glances askance.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "It's an old - far older than me - nickname for the very long and complicated conversation that is discussing both attraction, how it is actionable, and reproductive behaviors."

Ethna stares blankly into the distance, her face showing no emotion.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "I'm not entirely sure for the reason that bats and wasps were specifically chosen - something about stingers and soft bodies, perhaps."

Cheliyi blinks, slowly. "Okay?" She says, sounding completely unsure, but unwilling to ask.

Esei chokes on an aborted laugh.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "...I suppose I will have to touch upon this. Right, reproduction:."

Cheliyi glances at Esei nervously.

Esei pats Cheliyi in a friendly manner.

Gesturing vaguely at the trousers he wears, you say, "Mortal bodies come equipped with a number of organs that are specifically used in reproductive endeavors, generally - I haven't studied all of the mortal races, but generally - between the legs. I'm not going to show you mine, as it's considered an impolite thing to do, but you can catch a glimpse of them when someone's spent a few too many years asleep."

Esei claps both hands over her eyes and wheezes.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi not so subtly squints at her own skirt, before glancing back up for the lesson.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "These generally - again, I can't speak for all races, but, generally - come in one of two varieties. A protruding 'stinger' of flesh, or a soft orifice. During reproductive sexual activity, one slots into the other." He gestures with his hands, briefly. "Often repeatedly."

Averting her eyes from Adrien's hand motion, Evette quickly glances down towards the ground.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "This is a pleasant physical sensation, by all accounts, and eventually the individual sporting a 'stinger' will release the mortal race equivalent of pollen; albeit a far denser, and more concentrated delivery thereof."

Cheliyi blinks.

Solanine arrives from the up.
[Adrien's note: I am deeply sorry for what you have wandered in on, Grandchild.]

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Which allows for creation of seeds, within their partner's bodies,
until the seed is strong enough to thrive outside of it."

Esei appears on the verge of tears.

Oblivious to everyone's suffering, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi asks, "Hm. That sounds like a lot of effort. And wouldn't that... hurt the soft one?"

Ethna presses her hands against her mouth, a muffled giggle rocking her frame.

Solanine blinks quickly, canting her head in confusion.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "No, both sets of organs are built with the express purposes of responding positively to stimulation."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "It's quite a pleasant sensation."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Much in the same way..... scratching an itch is pleasant, even if being scratched under other circumstances would not be."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Evette raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Smiling placidly, you ask, "Does that answer all your questions for now, or do you have any others?"

With a hopeful smile, Ethna raises her hand high in the air.

Cheliyi blinks.

Pulling out a single piece of popcorn at a time Evette listens to the conversation, popping kernel by kernel into her mouth.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Ethna.

Tilting her head to the side, Ethna D'Rose asks, "Have you done, ah, research on the nagasith and how they reproduce, or no?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "They can't."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Ah, I have not yet had the opportunity, but now that I have a working laboratory....."

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Tau comes into view.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Neither can sileni, or wyrdenwood."

Ethna shoves an entire cookie into her mouth.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "That said, I do believe the curio-races are Time-displaced and cannot procreate in the same manner as those that are not."

Esei nods her head at you.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi greets Tau with a respectful nod, her leaves swishing.

Tau curtseys gracefully before Cheliyi.

Tau lopes around Solanine in a tight circle, sniffing at her alertly.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "Oh. Well, I suppose that's... less to worry about, for me?"

You nod your head at Cheliyi.

Solanine sniffs at Tau, tail wagging energetically.

In a quiet murmur, you say to Cheliyi, "Honestly, it's something that should only be explored at your own comfort, and not before. If that never comes, then that is no loss in the quality of your life."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the company of others."

Cheliyi slowly nods, her leaves rustling softly.

Evette nods her head affirmatively.

Tau peers about herself unscrupulously.

With a quiet growl, Tau Shee-Slaugh, Enur Il'dal says, "Is that why you all seemed as though you were caught, when I arrived?"

Ethna nods her head sagely at Tau.

Solanine tilts her head curiously.

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating with song.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "Well, this makes much more sense now."

You nod your head at Cheliyi.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "But I do have one question."

In a quiet murmur, you say to Cheliyi, "People will occasionally tease that people have 'a crush' on one another without any merit or basis, simply because they enjoy the notion of people finding romantic bonds with one another; pay them no mind if they're mistaken."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Cheliyi glances around, mossy eyebrow clearly raised, "Why is everyone so... uncomfortable? This seems very reasonable."

You chuckle quietly to yourself.

Ethna presses her hands against her mouth, a muffled giggle rocking her frame.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "People occasionally get squeamish regarding the public discussion of bodies."

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating with song.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "But then you all do not mind bloodshed? This is... confusing."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "The organs involved reproductively are not considered polite to be seen by others outside of a partner, you see."

Canting her head, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Solanine says, "I assumed it was a... eh... propriety thing?"

Cheliyi closes her eyes, branches growing still as she listens to you intently.

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating with song.

Barely above a creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi says, "I... see."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "The areas in question are considered private, yes."

You nod your head emphatically.

Cheliyi opens her eyes, and nods once. "Thank you for explaining this to me! It was very helpful."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "You're quite welcome."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "I did my best to make it informative and tasteful."

Ethna stares blankly at you, her face betraying no emotion.

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says to you, "I think you did very well."

You nod your head at Evette.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Despite the somewhat dubious start."

You chuckle quietly to yourself.

Bluntly, Ethna D'Rose says, "It was, ah.. Much more tasteful than when Papa told me the story."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "I sort of agreed to do this with no plan in mind, shame on me."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement at Ethna.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "I suppose that's a point for me, then."

With a quiet growl, Tau Shee-Slaugh, Enur Il'dal says, "Far more tasteful than what I learned from
my parents. Those were... times."
7440h, 6600m, 7020e, 10p esSixk-
Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I need to rest for now."

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating with song.

Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Solanine says, "What I caught was very... informative."

Cheliyi waves goodbye at Esei.

You nod your head at Solanine.

With a minute buzzing, Ethna hovers in front of Esei before placing a gentle kiss on her brow.

Solanine gives Esei a friendly squeeze.

In a quiet murmur, you say, "I'll be making it into a stage production."

In a quiet murmur, you say, "Lectures and whatnot."
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Solanine nods her head at you.

After much surveying of her locale, Ethna flutters her wings in triumph before alighting upon Cheliyi.

Tau touches two fingertips to the corner of her eye in greeting, murmuring, "Blessings of the Hallowed Ones upon you."

Tau shifts her eyes suspiciously from side to side.

With a quiet growl, Tau Shee-Slaugh, Enur Il'dal says, "They are too quick, sometimes."