2018-11-15: Sisterly Visit

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<Pose Tracker> Catenna has posed.

The group may know roughly where the Photosphere is, but there's still a certain amount of searching involved. It's a search Catenna has made with help from her old nomadic standby: Her traveling tent and cooking gear. She's set them up in a snowy valley along a frozen riverbank, where she's caught and cleaned some fish and begun preparing a meal.

What's bubbling in her big black cooking pot smells delicious - a sort of whitefish curry with chunks of vegetables floating in it, most notably okra.

Some of the fish she saved as-is. At the moment she's sitting on a log, feeding some to the Owlet, which is bundled up in fur and silks in her arms, still incredibly weak and unresponsive but at least able to eat.

The Moon Priestess sighs as the Owlet swallows its bite. She gives the little bird's forehead a gentle stroke with the pad of her thumb. "I'm worried about her," she admits quietly, probably talking to those others at the campsite. "She draws her essence from Celesdue. The influence of Mother has made all such contacts challenging. I fear that if Mother is not defeated quickly, the Owlet will only grow weaker...."

The attentive may notice that a large shadow is passing overhead. Catenna doesn't see it just yet.

It looks for all the world like the shadow of something large and winged. 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

Kourin has been nearby to the cookpot with wide eyes and a wagging tail--Oh. No, that's Spirit. Kourin has been nearby to the cookpot with wide eyes. If she had a tail, it would be wagging.

What? Kourin loves spicy food!

"I pledge my sword to assist in any way I can," she tells Catenna in response to the revelation about the Owlet's health. Kourin knows about animal bonds, even if hers isn't magical-like. 

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

    Riesenlied knows where the Photosphere is. People haven't asked, though, and maybe it's... kinda for the better? It's not like she'd keep it a secret, but there's definitely no small amount of anxiety involved with the fact that there's a large undercaste of impoverished, disenfranchised people who're in the direct warpath that will ensue between the Drifters and the Metal Demons.

    She also came by the campsite a day ago in a fairly injured state, and has been recuperating here since; her arms are bandaged rather extensively from what appear to be unusual burn marks which...

    ... appear to have been caused by her new Medium. The Original Artificial Medium of Life. 'It's complicated' has never been a more appropriate Status marker, really.

    "If only I could channel some of the Ley to her..." Riesenlied whispers, though she huddles and blinks as she looks up towards the shadow.

    She's looking pretty frayed right now, a shade of her usual self. Elru's been difficult for her. 

<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.

Combing Elru was difficult. If it wasn't the terrain causing trouble, it was the weather. It was good, then, that they had Catenna with them - someone who had experience with handling both made traversal that much easier and safer.

There would always be danger, of course. That was the nature of these lands. But knowing what to expect meant they could be as ready as they could be for whenever it did show up.

Of course, Jacqueline couldn't have expected for them to run into Riesenlied, who she's probably been fretting over constantly due to her injured state.

"I'm sure we'll come up with something. She's still holding on strong...we have to do what we can for her sake, too." Jacqueline says, trying to reassure Catenna as best she can. It certainly would be helpful if Riesenlied could channel the Ley, as she commented.

Unfortunately, Jacqueline's own methods were...quite a bit more unlikely to be able to help in this situation.

She spots the large shadow flying overhead and subtly shifts a Crest into her gauntlet. If they can see it, it could likely see them. She just had to hope that it didn't - or at the very least didn't care. 

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

    Ethius is as stoic as ever. He may have pointed people in the right direction, but he hasn't been saying much of anything one way or another since. He endures the frigid climates as he has the scorching ones - with that same apparent emotional barrier he seems to put between himself and everyone else.
     He has not made Riesenlied's situation any more soothing. If he was ever present in her company when she was sneered or jeered at, he has said absolutely nothing in her defense. He hasn't even conferred with her on any step of the way as to when he knew where the Photosphere was, or why he didn't just simply ask her or Noeline for something so simple and easily surrendered.
     Even now, he stands distantly from her - but that's never anything new.
     Facing away from the lot, he enjoys(?) a small helping of Gooey Stuff. His professed specialty rations, which is... um. Well, he made a lot, and he is gradually eating it down. If that helps him keep the minimum calorie intake for a sorcerer as active as he is, then...
     A large shadow passes overhead, and the man lowers the (EDITOR'S NOTE: utensil's lawyers have filed a request that its identity not be disclosed in relation to the ongoing crime against culinary arts that is Gooey Stuff). He hastily throws his bandanna back over the lower half of his face.
     "Overhead." Ethius states. "Large avian. Possibility of attacking predator."
     Here in this part of Elru, food is scarce. With so many Drifters having come overseas, it's been hunting season by the local wildlife. They can't let their guard down for a minute in these environs. 

<Pose Tracker> Cyre H. Lorentz has posed.

Cyre is...

Well, he's been better, let's just say that.

The journey to the heart of the Wehacan underworld and the battle there against the Primarch of Wing has left the wind shaman somewhat worse for wear. While his skeletal system isn't exactly broken in several dozen places anymore, it's hard to ignore the numerous aches and pains that come with surviving being chucked bodily through a pillar at speeds high enough to pulverize it to so much dust.

Why, if it wasn't for ~certain~ circumstances, he wouldn't even be up and moving at all!

Said circumstances here meaning the acquisition of the Silver Medium of Fengalon and the restoration at least in some part of his Nahual abilities.

Of course, that doesn't really do much for the... other elephant in the room. Or rather, on the snowfield.

Cyre sits next to Catenna, wrapped in a fluffier version of his usual travelling robes. He seems somewhat... fluffier, too, but only somewhat. This isn't quite as cold as it was on that mountain-- but it's still pretty damned cold. Cold enough that Waffles, growing slowly into his enormous paws, is curled up against his legs to keep warm. "If we could find some way to open a connection to Celesdue, even for a little bit... But right now, you're doing all you can. I know the little one appreciates that, Cat--"

A shadow passes overhead. Cyre glances into the sky, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "...I hear wingbeats. Something's coming." 

<Pose Tracker> Lydia Seren has posed.

Lydia Seren ends up dragging a cart over. She hasn't asked where the Photosphere is, but honestly she isn't sure they can really take on Mother with what they've got so it's been kind of a non-issue. Maybe they're getting closer now, but--

--Lydia comes to a stop near Riesenlied, placing a hand on her arm with concern. "Are you doing okay?" She asks, quiet and hopeful. Of course, it's at this point that Catenna mentions that she's worried about the Owlet too.

The still unnamed Owlet...!

Lydia suddenly feels like she's shaded too and before she can even express concern to Catenna as well...she looks up.

And she keeps looking up.

"Uh." Lydia says. 

<Pose Tracker> Carina Wynne has posed.

Carina doesn't like the cold at all! She grew up in the Badlands, which can get surprisingly cool at night but never THAT much. She's bundled up in a large fluffy coat all cozy-like, being the CaraKin's primary supplier of warm-but-combat-ready clothing and knowing what she personally likes.

And two things she likes are curry and the Owlet! Which is why she's currently hovering around Catenna's general vicinity.

"Awww, poor birb..." She shakes her head. "We'll find a way, don't you worry. We'll kick Mother in her giant head, and I'll even prepare a big boot with 'That one's for Friend Owlet!' written on it."

She doesn't notice the omnious shadow. People point it out but she doesn't look up, mainly because her cozy bundle situation is actually a little restrictive. "Huh??"

<Pose Tracker> Catenna has posed.

"Thank you," Catenna answers Kourin with a small bow of her head, before leaning into Cyre. "...Thank you for being with me," she says quietly.

With a sad smile, she nods to Riesenlied, once more stroking the Owlet; the bird has drifted back to sleep. "If only it were so," she murmurs. "She is of Celesdue... and Elder Halle has assured me of the importance of that connection...." When Jay speaks, though, the Moon Priestess nods, her resolve quiet, but there, bolstered all the more by what Carina says. "...You are right. We can find a way to restore the connection. I must."

It's Ethius who vocalizes that something is amiss, and Cyre with him. Catenna looks up - and the colour drops from her face subtly. "Oh no," she breathes with quiet horror.

The creature circling above descends - and as it swoops into range, it becomes clear what it is. An enormous gryphon.

Kicking up snow beneath the sweep of its enormous wings, the gryphon touches down, a distance from the group. It's significantly taller from claw to head than even a tall man, with the foreclaws and head of a massive golden eagle and the haunches and tail of a majestic lion. With a snap of its bill, the huge creature sets its foreclaws apart and eyes the group - but it doesn't move to attack.

Something comes arcing through the air to one side of the huge creature - a human shape, touching down in a crouch, then straightening with a dramatic flick of long, glossy black hair.

The woman looks to be in her mid-twenties, with her hair done up in big, blown-out waves. Her dark complexion and angular, pale-grey eyes resemble Catenna's, though she's more stylish and extravagant, in a splendid dress in violet and white, crisscrossed by the diagnostic sashes-and-rings pattern that seems to be a Zortroan tradition, and with a little silver and amethyst diadem centering her forehead.

Catenna immediately clenches her jaw.

The visiting woman just smiles, folding her hands neatly. "So it is true. You did make it back to this side of the world, dear sister. And you brought friends, I see."

"Hello, Riima," Catenna says as politely as she can manage, though there's a cautious edge to her tone as she glances towards Cyre. carefully sets her wrapped bundle of birdlet to one side and comes to her feet.

Some in the group might recognize the new pair. They aren't red-themed here, but they are the self-same forms taken by the red Mannikins across the board from Catenna in Castle Rabenstein. 

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

    Riesenlied does spare a flitting glance or two towards Ethius, but his distance speaks all the volume -- and she's in an even less confident mood to try to deal with his impenetrable shell, perhaps pessimistically accepting that she'll never earn his trust.

    It's depressing to see a pessimistic Riese, perhaps.

    Jay's assistance does come appreciated, though; the burn marks appear a bit unusual, but they heal all the same. It reminds Jay a little of the scathing positive energy back at the Lost Village of the Fereshte.

    But the shadow touches down -- a huge creature, and a human riding it. It takes her a little bit, but Riesenlied eventually is reminded of Elluria, or more precisely, the Zortroan tribe.

    She herself is dressed in the robes of the Fereshte, so Riima might notice them. She pauses for a moment, and then -- if allowed -- quietly tucks Owlet into her arms when Catenna sets her down, to bring bear some life to her, since she's not approaching the other woman.

    "Good evening..." 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

Kourin's hand flies to her sword hilt, the left pulling out a rimebomb--which she does not throw, as it soon becomes evident that the newcomer isn't hostile.

Though from Catenna's response, antagonistic may not be ruled out entirely.

Either way, she eases her stance somewhat, but remains wary. Spirit, by her side, is taking cues from her attitude. 

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

--addendum since I missed Lydia's pose:

    Riesenlied also looks up towards Lydia, biting her lip. Lydia's used to Riese's habit of answering 'I'm okay,' without even thinking about it, pushing over her hurts with a smile as she tries to hide it.

    She... doesn't do that this time. "... I'm glad you're with me," is what she goes with instead. 

<Pose Tracker> Carina Wynne has posed.

A gryphon lands. This is bad.

"Ah, I'll be right back, I just gotta go hide behind a rock..." she says, sounding muffled. This seems like a job for...

Oh wait, it's not attacking. Moreover, there's somebody there! Someone who seems a little... familiar? ...OH, Catenna's sister. This makes sense.

"Heya!" Carina waves as best as she can, considering the limited amplitude her coat affords her. Her voice and what can be seen of her expression are bright, at least. If there's any coolness between the sisters, she isn't noticing it, or she figures it's just how the weather is around here. "That's right, we're Catenna's friends! We're here to help out!"

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

    As the great gryphon swoops into greater clarity, Ethius is on his feet with his quarterstaff held in one hand like one might a walking stick. In his free hand, his left, two fingers twist in uncomfortable ways as he murmurs the first syllable of a Symbological spell - 'chambering' the first stage of both somantic and gesticulation as to cast the rest of it a fraction of a second faster. A fraction of a second can be the difference between life and death, if the gryphon moves any closer. Ethius does internally note that it is odd for this creature to land this far away, unless it's part of a pack tactic to--
     Another, a young woman. Her posture does not appear aggressive in the martial sense, but he keeps that free hand's fingers as they are. (It does not look comfortable to hold them that way. This is correct - it isn't.)
     ...
     His eyes glance towards Catenna as she attributes a name to her. A familiar presence to her, then...
     ...ah, that game board at Rabenstein. He doesn't move to introduce himself (but this is normal even in less trying times). 

<Pose Tracker> Cyre H. Lorentz has posed.

Cyre drapes an arm acrosss Catenna's shoulders, gently squeezing at her far arm. "Of course. Where else would I be?" He chuckles softly, but stops at Catenna's sudden... 'oh no.'

A gryphon descends. Not just any gryphon. A massive, regal, but evidently tame beast. The woman who descends is... Familiar, for very good reason.

Catenna did always say that the Zortroans were beast tamers-- and this one is no ordinary Zortroan. A sister. But in spite of her apparent courtesy, there's no way Cyre doesn't recognize the beast and the woman.

He was, after all, there in Rabenstein that day.

Fortunately, if there is anyone among the Carakin who understands the often... prickly relationship between siblings, it's the guy whose brother literally tried drowning an elemental horror in toxic humanity because he fucked up. Cyre carefully takes the little bundle of birdlet up and shields it from the cold. He returns Catenna's glance and... Nods. He'll be here if she needs him.

'Riima' huh. 

<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.

Those burn marks are definitely unusual, and a little familiar... Jacqueline stowed them away in her mind, but there was little she could do about them but treat them with her usual methods.

The creature up above has noticed them - or, perhaps, had decided it'd watched them long enough. It descends, and along with it there was a woman. There was a familiar look to her, and the reason why becomes clear when she addresses them.

Jacqueline stands to her feet, glancing toward Catenna. That edge in her tone does not go unnoticed. Still, Jacqueline rests a hand over her heart and bows politely.

"We are her friends, yes." Jacqueline says. While Carina's agreement is bright and cheerful, Jacqueline's is a bit more measured and careful. She studies Riima carefully, but does not make any direct movement. 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

"Friends..." Kourin echoes, mildly creepily. 

<Pose Tracker> Lydia Seren has posed.

Lydia Seren manages a small smile at that answer. "I'm glad I'm with you too." She gives her a small hug. "I'm with you." Granted, the answer in of itself may be worse than 'i'm okay' but it's a more honest one, at least. "I'm really proud of you. Every day. I know I'm not always great at--"

Of course then she's staring up at the creature in the sky. She blinks several times at it. And then she says, "Oh." Pause. "Ohhhhhh."

She smiles and is about to wave over to Riima when she catches Catenna's tone. She blinks a few times and lowers her hand.

"Well the name's Lydia." Lydia says. "Whatcha want with us? We're pretty busy sorts even if it doesn't seem like it." 

<Pose Tracker> Catenna has posed.

"Now that is a curious garment," Riima remarks with an arch of her eyebrows, giving Riesenlied a look over. "I feel like I've seen the pattern somewhere. Hm. Either way, hello, miss. My name is Riima and this is my dear familiar, Akash."

The massive gryphon screeches at Riese. Presumably that's birdcat for hello.

When Kourin goes for her weapons, Riima raises a delicate hand. "That won't be necessary. Politics aside, I only came because I had heard my sister was back in Elru... if somewhat far afield. I'm not here to battle you, miss...." Her sentence trails off as Carina hits her with some concentrated cheer.

"I like your spunk," Riima decides, setting her hands on her hips and tossing her hair back with a little flick of her head. "And it's nice to see my dear little sister traveling with friends, even if they are foreigners. Though I wonder what possessed you to come to this forsaken part of Elru. You know nothing lives here but Strangers, right?" Her eyes dart to Lydia.

"That's alright," she assures deceptively mildly. "I'll let you know when you can get back to what you're doing."

Catenna presses her lips together for a second before shaking her head. "There is nothing sinister going on here, Riima, no matter what you seem to think. We have been sent by the Guardians. What we are doing is important for the fate of Filgaia-"

"Oh, is it this again?" Riima interrupts with a scoff that practically tears through Catenna's politeness. "This Guardian silliness? That's a shame. I had hoped that a little time abroad would have changed your mind about that delusional cult nonsense Mother impressed upon you." 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

"...Icehand. Kourin Icehand," Kourin introduces herself, possibly unnoticed. "Miss Catenna is one of the first friends I made, in this world or any other, and I hope you can understand why I would be prepared to defend her however necessary." Her stance has gone from wary to unfriendly by the time Riima dismisses Catenna's faith.

"How dare you! There is no delusion in Miss Catenna's faith, and if it was truly shared by your Mother it is precious even more!" No personal thoughts on that front, nope nope nope 

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

    Riesenlied smiles very warmly and weakly towards Lydia, giving her daughter a little hug in turn. She might be hurting, but she can at least still be sincere. "Thank you," she whispers to her, as she embraces Owlet a little bit closer to her. She's proud of her. She's with her... she just has to also inform herself...

    "A-ah," Riesenlied stammers as Riima comments on her garments. They're quite old, but she's not surprised the Zortroa still remember the design. It's quite lasting, as far as the Baskar steppe tribes go.

    She flinches a little as the gryphon screeches at her, though. Aah! Though she seems to understand a moment later. "H-hello..."

    She listens to Riima for a moment, before sighing softer. She doesn't particularly want to correct her on being a foreigner. Her tribe is not one that.. technically exists anymore, outside of herself, after all.

    But Riima disparages on the Guardians, and she flinches a little. She clenches her Medium. 

<Pose Tracker> Lydia Seren has posed.

Lydia's eyes narrow faintly. Riima may be speaking in a deceptively mild tone, but Lydia definitely knows the phrasing behind Riima's words means. She gives one look towards Catenna. It's a studious one, as if she's trying to gauge something. Lydia's never been the best at reading Catenna despite her appreciation for the lady. This little hesitation lets Kourin get the first licks in, but Lydia isn't too far behind. It's doubly infuriating because she just wants to spend the evening appreciating her mother and other associated loved ones of whom, really, everyone here is but now she has to deal with this lady, out of nowhere, who seems pretty gosh darn condescending to her.

"Even a half-brained oaf can see and sense what Mother is doing to this world." Lydia says to Riima. "For one with such a 'familiar', it concerns me that you haven't noticed the change."

Lydia draws out her Silver Medium into her hand. "You act as if we are a cult, but we are the religion with scientific proof in our ideals, for our Gods are one with this world, they are one with nature, they are one with the stars. Other Gods must rely on faith of their very existence, but the only faith required in Guardianism is the faith in ourselves to do our world right."

The Silver Medium starts shining in Lydia's hand. "Oh Guardian of the Stars, oh Wandering Guardian hear my plea. Show thyself to this non-believer so she can leave us the fuck alone." Oh okay Lydia almost sounded like a true priestess for about half of that.

Rigdobrite materializes into the air. Maybe not the best use of Guardian power, but Lydia was given this medium so she can do what she wants with it. They believe in her, so she can believe in herself.

The surprisingly large 3-eyed shrimp in an asteroid blinks its eyes and then looks down at Riima, then at Lydia. Blink. Blink.

The third eye doesn't blink at all.

"Catenna is going to be the High Priestess of Celesdue." Uhhhhh did Catenna agree to that? Also, did Celesdue agree to that?? "I know this because I see how much she cares for Celesdue's creatures, and for the Guardian itself. Of course Celesdue can put her faith in her." 

<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.

"Jacqueline Barber. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Riima." Jacqueline says, her tone polite. It's a little difficult, though. 'I'll let you know', Riima said to Lydia - as if that was up to her. Her superior tone did not make it easy.

"I'm afraid it is not just 'delusional cult nonsense'. Have you heard about the fall of Arctica? The culprits have spread to Ignas - and our information leads us to believe they reside in the northen reaches of Elru - information provided by the Guardians." Jacqueline explains. Well, technically Ethius acquired it, but...it served her purpose to word it that way. "Have you spotted anything amiss? Things missed that shouldn't be, or creatures made of metal roaming the countryside?"

She then blinks and stares blankly at Lydia, a little overwhelmed but also impressed. There's not really much she can add to that! 

<Pose Tracker> Cyre H. Lorentz has posed.

SO IT TURNS OUT Cyre didn't have tiny adorable birbpal, because Riesenlied has her instead. Probably for the best. Birds go where birds are, after all.

But in the meantime, Cyre--

Seems to have already learned to dislike this particular member of Catenna's family.

In fact, he's already standing up! And already the winds are beginning to whip around his ankles. And already, he's staring daggers at the woman and her giant, particularly vocal gryphon.

"Excuse me," Cyre says, his tone as friendly and chipper as a bright sun over a snowy field. Not one bit of hostility or anger hidden behind a thin sheet of cheery ice, no sir! "I think it's best that you apologize. It isn't particularly polite to interrupt someone like that while you're a guest at their table, you see."

"Moreover," Cyre walks another few steps, until he's standing side-by-side with the far more friendly Zortroan. "I hate to say it, but you kind of picked the exact wrong crowd to disparage the Guardians to--"

Oh, and now Lydia is straight up summoning Rigdobrite in the sky with her silver medium.

'Well,' Cyre thinks, 'At least she's not throwing it into another piston-powered mega-crusher.'

"Yeah, so like my friend over there and her friend in the sky up there says, you've kind of strolled into the wrong neighbourhood here, friend. So how about you cool your head, apologize for being a terrible guest, and state your business so we can get back to more important things, eh?" 

<Pose Tracker> Carina Wynne has posed.

"Hey, thanks! You seem pretty spunky too!" Carina answers Riima, still brightly, continuing to fail to read the room. This may be because they aren't in a room at all! "Hello Riima, hello Akash!"

But then Riima dunks on the Guardians, and this causes Carina to look back and forth between the two sisters. "Wha--? The Guardians ain't nonsense! They keep showing up all dramatic-like and savin' the day!" This whole alien concept of 'sisters not getting along' is throwing her for a loop, to tell the truth!

Jacqueline elaborates, while Lydia does so as well and even provides a demonstration. Carina looks at the Guardian, appropriately starry-eyed, mittens on her cheeks. "Whoaaaaaa... I wish I had a Guardian buddy too, sometimes..."

This is a nice distraction from how things just got awkward. Carina is half-considering flopping into the snow, rolling away and coming back as Locus just to... Hm, she's not sure yet, so probably not the best plan.

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

    Ethius relaxes the tension in his posture with the seeming indications that this will not be an assault, and so he lets his fingers come to rest. He continues to hold his quarterstaff like it's a walking stick. The stare, though, that stare never relaxes. Even his eyelids are afraid to get in the way of that stare, and they see one another all the time!
     Nothing lives here but Strangers, Riima states. That perspective is useful information to him - to everyone, by proxy.
     His head turns sharply as Kourin initiates the volley of fervent counter-arguments. It escalates quickly, with forceful choices of words - especially fervent on Lydia's behalf as she goes as far as to summon Rigdobrite before her.
     The same Guardian that has bestowed their own favor upon him. In that strange way, the two of them are connected - for all the ways they have been driven apart (...by Ethius' own words and actions, mostly).
     As Cyre further aggresses verbally to accompany Lydia's heartful defense, Jay tries to smooth things over. He takes note of where she claims her information originates - good, he thinks to himself. Nonetheless, as everyone seems to be taking turns to become more and more animated in defense of their faith...
     "She may believe what she chooses." Ethius speaks up, in defense of... Riima?!
     Huh. Did he take a hit on the head while no one was looking? 

<Pose Tracker> Catenna has posed.

Cradled neatly in Riese's arms, the Owlet looks up at her quietly, watching the Hyadean's expressions. For a creature of the Guardians, it doesn't seem particularly against being held by her.

Meanwhile, Catenna sets her jaw and opens her mouth to say something in her religion's defense.

Kourin beats her to it. Catenna trails along behind her with a flat, "The Guardians are real, Riima. You should know that."

Touching a hand to her collar, Riima raises both her eyebrows and her chin, eyes darting towards Kourin first. "Do you know anything about our mother?" she asks levelly.

Lydia preempts anything further. Catenna stares at the Metal Star in disbelief as she outright calls up Rigdobrite to deliver some sass. Riima does much the same, though in her case it's less staring than it is arching one eyebrow and folding her arms over her bosom.

"Granas was real, too," she points out mildly. "That doesn't mean his doctrines were right or that his followers weren't a cult."

With half the group seemingly intent on confronting her, Riima moues her lips a little - but when Ethius comes to her defense, that expression turns to a mellow smile again. "Perhaps I was a little... over-harsh. Our mother's beliefs are... unique. Most of our people don't follow those ways. Mother and my dear sister here are the only ones."

Catenna narrows her eyes. "You have the same mother I do. You've seen us talking to Celesdue. You know how much it means to her."

Riima flicks her hand in the air before lowering it to rest at her gryphon's upper forearm. "Yes, and I know how utterly she alienates everyone when she talks about it. You realize that father only took her because of those skyclad moon dances of hers. I think he hoped the Guardian thing was just a phase and she would eventually behave like a Zortroan. But... ah well. Her beliefs are her own."

Her eyebrows coming up, she moves forward, the gryphon moving with her as if to keep Cyre from whacking her. "But the giant star shrimp said you had a creature entrusted to you!" Riima says with cheer. "I think I would like to see it."

Catenna clenches her jaw. "That won't be necessary," she says, but Riima's already leaning in to look at what Riese is holding. The Owlet cracks an eye open again, looking up at the older Zortroan.

Almost immediately, Riima lifts a delicate hand to her mouth and laughs.

                                   "OHOHO~"

Catenna's expression darkens with indignation.

"How cute~" Riima continues on in a tone just on the edge of another condescending giggle. "You found another baby owl. You really do have a preference, don't you? Or at least a ceiling!"

"Stop that," Catenna says flatly, moving to stand beside Riese and rest a hand defensively over the Owlet. The bird has opened its other eye now as if to watch Riima intently. "You will not mock her."

"Oh, don't be so ashamed of yourself," the older woman scoffs with a flick of her hand, her tone still dangling on the ragged edge of outright laughter. "Every beast tamer starts somewhere, dear sister. There's nothing wrong with being a little slow," she assures, her tone making clear that there's everything wrong with it. "What eager child among us hasn't tamed baby birds? I'm sure if you keep it up, you'll catch up with the other ten-year-olds and tame a grown-up bird. And we'll all be so proud of you." 

<Pose Tracker> Cyre H. Lorentz has posed.

"Actually," Cyre says, draping his arm up and over Catenna's shoulders, "The creature entrusted to her..."

He... pulls down his hood. Ears wiggle pointedly. "Is me." 

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

    Riesenlied feels more withered and alien the more the conversation goes. She is one of the 'creatures of metal' Jacqueline mentions, and by that measure, she as much qualifies as a 'Stranger' so much as the Metal Demons are foreign elements to the land, as much as the Veruni are...

    She lets out a faint, rasped gasp as Rigdobrite appears. The weave of the Ley bristles against her, causes the Medium to throb a little bit.

    Riima moves closer to see Owlet, and she feels a little more protective of the little birdlet. ".... it hurts me," she admits. "It hurts me to see family driven apart such..."

    She draws a breath as she listens to Ethius' insistence. She... doesn't honestly disagree, only the insistence and venom in which she imposes that disagreement upon Catenna.

    She looks to Riima with wet eyes. "Every life is precious, no matter a half-inch bug or a twelve-foot elephant. These children..." as she strokes Owlet's top, "Do not make the desire to nurture any less so."

    Her lips thin a little. "That is what the Fereshte have taught me."
Riesenlied
(Image: https:'dreamchasers.spaceimages99eRieseAct2.jpg )
Glance upon Riesenlied on the streets and you're likely to first notice the dark, twisted horns on her head. These grow out to metallic scales upon the sides of her cheeks and temple, and monstrously envelop her right arm and leg, ending in sickly discolourations upon her skin.

Aside from those bizarre features, she bears the look of an attractive, but ill young woman possessed of a pallor -- her fine pale-blonde hair is worn long and flows demurely to her sides, following the trim of her tribal capelet and modest, form-fitting gown. Dark leggings cover her legs, ending in a single flat shoe at her left leg where her scales have not overtaken them.

She carries herself genteely and softly, often speaking in a mild and calm demeanor; her posture and gait also very much reflect that, owing to a soft naivete that seems so very out of place at times in this harsh and unforgiving world of Filgaia. 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

"You ask if I know your mother, and to that I must answer no. But I know my mother. At last. She abandoned me in the snow--she did not even have the *decency* to abandon me in the snow, but left my father to do it in her place. She claims she had no use for me. Has no interest in me. Did not even give me my name. That, I received from the church which raised me."

"You asked if I knew your mother, and I ask, do you know faith? For that is all that sustained me, in those years without a mother. It is what keeps me alive now--and yet you dismiss it utterly. You dismiss the love of a mother who clearly cared for you and Catenna, as well."

"So please, spare me your superior attitude, for it reeks to me of a spoiled brat." 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

Kourin is quite passionate, and she said all that. 

<Pose Tracker> Lydia Seren has posed.

Lydia lets Rigdobrite go with a small close of her eyes. "I think believing in true things is actually the opposite of being a cult." Lydia says. "Science is a process not a delusion or a set standard of beliefs. If something can be observed and repeated--"

Ethius speaks up and Lydia looks at him for a while before exhaling and seeming to go along with his words this time for once. Even without being a dad. "Well, whatever. Believe what you want."

She crosses her arms. The giant star shrimp probably didn't say anything though Lydia is saying plenty. The chastisement from Ethius slows her down again, but it's possibly Riesenlied's words that make her reconsider her strategy. Lydia exhales.

Cyre makes his crack and she covers her mouth as she giggles into it. She takes in a deep breath, exhales, and then says, "Well Catenna. Do you actually want to talk to her or should we just move off somewhere else?" 

<Pose Tracker> Carina Wynne has posed.

Carina's eyes widen, and she has to wave her arms to keep from falling over from the sheer force of that sassy laugh. Even Rosaline, currently on another continent, is feeling residual awkwardness from that quip about the Granas 'cult'.

Okay, Carina has made her mind up. She has decided that she doesn't like this woman very much! She's MEAN.

"Hey, what's your problem?" she snaps, "Where do you get off dunkin' on moms, baby birds and your own sister? Aren't you happy to see her back? Jeez!!"

Then, Cyre makes a dramatic reveal. It's rare that Carina is actually worked up to such a level of steam, and already this bit is knocking it out of her. "What??" Yes, she thinks this is an actual plot twist. "--Oooh, I get it." She has a little, muffled laugh.

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

    The family drama continues to unfold, along with the usual terse interfaith dialogues in which Ethius seems to not really have that much stake in speaking up for. (Isn't he a Guardianist? He looks like he could be from the Badlands region, odd vocabulary choices and weird mannerisms inconsistent with anyone who lives there notwithstanding.)
     He closes his eyes when the laugh happens. (He might have limits after all...!) They open again as the haughty laughter passes, free hand to his forehead... and yet, he doesn't move to intervene as an uncomfortable situation unfolds. Riima is already disparaging the Owlet. What if it escalates from there? As seems to be the case, Ethius remains distant at a traveling companion's time of need as regards other people in their (former) ordinary lives.
     Similar to the meeting with Iceheart on Lunar. Similar to any time he's been in proxy of day-to-day dscriminatory actions by various people towards Cyre (possibly even right now, depending on Riima's attitude towards Beastpeople), especially Lydia (who had much of her formative years defined by her parents' insistence on sawing off her horns), and most recently even the kindly Riesenlied.
     He lowers his hand from his forehead and his gaze returns level, but it's the same Ethius in those aforementioned situations.
     The same Ethius who is presently doing absolutely nothing to help stand up for them or correct their ways. 

<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.

Jacqueline observes quietly, her arms folded in front of her. Her even, carefully maintained expression gradually falls to a frown as Riima continues. No, Jacqueline decides, I don't like her very much at all.

'She can believe what she wants', Ethius says, and he's right. It's not the contents of the words that bother her, but how he says it. She sends him a frown, then looks back to Riima.

"She's right." Jacqueline says with a nod of agreement toward Riesenlied, looking back toward Riima. "Raw strength can only get you so far in this world. It speaks a great deal toward Catenna's character that she can see the value of the small and fragile things, and her ability to care for and nurture them."

"So, I would kindly ask you not to ridicule her for it." She says. "Please." 

<Pose Tracker> Catenna has posed.

Catenna splutters visibly and turns beet red when Cyre speaks.

Riima opens her mouth as Cyre pulls his hood down. She bites delicately down to one fingertip and lowers her eyelids just a shade. "My my, dear sister, perhaps I've underestimated you," she murmurs.

When Kourin fires off at her, though, Riima hardens again, flicking one hand. "Please," she scoffs. "My mother treated the rest of us like garbage. But because this one was born under a full moon-" she gestures at Catenna dismissively. "-she got to be the favourite. You were abandoned. Imagine being abandoned in spirit by someone who you see every day, who professes to care for you but--"

The quiet, sad words from Riese and Jacqueline, though, seem to bring Riima up short. Frowning lightly, she folds her arms again, then takes a slow step back, eyes darting to Riese. "You're an interesting one. And possibly correct." She hasn't caught on that Riese is a metal demon.

Through it all, Catenna hasn't had much to say, though she's been blushing furiously since Cyre's comment. She's squared her jaw and scowled at her older sister flatly. Her touch, however, is much more gentle as she takes the Owlet for herself, cradling the bird in her own arms. "I never wanted to be anyone's favourite," she says quietly. "But understand this. I do not need a powerful familiar. This Owlet means more to me than any tarrasque or gryphon or whatnot. If you cannot understand that, then I suppose you have much to learn about faith and compassion."

She looks towards Lydia and nods, stiffly, beginning to turn away. "I have nothing more to say to her. Let's break camp."

In her own right, Riima takes a step back, next to her gryphon. "And here I had hoped you would come home," she remarks as she begins to turn away. "Take my advice. Don't. I doubt the Chieftain would want you as you are now."

The sassier sister begins to boost herself back up onto her gryphon, ready to swoop off. Catenna doesn't look back, just holding the Owlet close and trying to hold back tears. 

<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.

    Riesenlied winces again. Ah, there, with more context, things become a bit clearer. Much the stage for any two sisters to be separated...

    It makes her tremble, reminds her of her time in the village of the Fereshte. As 'Nazgul', there was clearly a superior sister between them. The one who was 'Heritor'--

    She shakes her head away for a moment, shivering. Should she say more here? It isn't her choice to interfere in the conflict between two sisters. Of course, she wishes she could see them bond together, work together. But such an approach requires more than a third party to be a bridge.

    "... thank you, for considering my words," Riesenlied speaks softly, her voice a little frayed.

    She quietly hands Owlet back to Catenna genteely, horns wiggling softly as she rises. "Thank you for having me at your camp. I think I'm well healed enough to travel, so I'll be making another shipment of supplies to New Arctica," as she looks to Jacqueline with a nod, then to Lydia again.

    Little did they know that'd be the last some of them would see each other for a while... at least in this familiar manner... 

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

Kourin takes a deep, shuddering breath, turns to Catenna, and bows her head. "I am sorry." 

<Pose Tracker> Lydia Seren has posed.

"Well just because you're hurting," Lydia says quietly. "It doesn't mean you can take it out on her. It's not her fault."

Lydia looks to Catenna and nods. "Catenna, are you...?"

But honestly, the question she was going to ask sounds so stupid to her she doesn't even ask it. She just quietly goes to help break camp. 

<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.

Jacqueline frowns slightly. It seemed there was a reason for Riima's behavior - even if it was misplaced. There's definitely some wounds there, still fresh after all this time.

Jacqueline hesitates somewhat, watching Riima make her way back to her familiar.

"Travel safely, Miss Riima. You and Akash both." She says. She is, at least, sincere. She turns away, then, walking up to Catenna.

Without saying anything, she rests a hand gently on her shoulder. It was the best she could offer - she wasn't sure words would help, here.

She glances toward Riesenlied, then. She said she was fine, but...Jacqueline can't help but be a little concerned.

"Are you sure? ...Hm. Do you want me to accompany you?" She asks. Just in case, of course. 

<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.

    Further context is provided - Ethius turns his head in Kourin's direction as if knowing and acknowledging there is a sort of likeness between her situation and theirs, and he seems to share in that exact same likeness by not speaking up further in support of either of them.
     Quietly, he'll move to help break camp once he can confirm that Riima and Akash have both taken their leave. The distant man maintains this even through where Catenna is holding back tears... but she is, on the whole, not lacking for emotional support.
     He gauges Riesenlied's movements with far greater caution as she speaks aloud about her next movement - directing more supplies to New Arctica.
     She could not know of his knowledge or movements, Ethius reasons from his carefully reasoned Safe Distance(tm) from any prospective Dragon's Tear skimming, because she has no use for secrets. She wears everything openly on her sleeve. She said as much when she tried to coax him to her side with the Ebony Wings.
     An emotional anchor of support as she has been for countless people, bridging gaps that seemed unthinkable within the sordid histories that yet remain known upon Filgaia, there is one harsher truth - to himself - he acknowledges is the most important distinction which he is aware may be unique to him but remains one.
     She continues to represent a most dangerous liability.
     Trying as the circumstances are, everything rides on this. 

<Pose Tracker> Cyre H. Lorentz has posed.

"Underestimated? Pffah! That's a hell of an understatement," Cyre answers, his lips parting in a fierce grin. "While you've been cooped up here, Catenna's seen more of the world in a few months than some have seen in years! We've witnessed things that we'd never have dreamed were possible before, and made more than a few miracles ourselves."

Nevermind going to the moon, even 'surviving Chaugnar Faughn' and 'Killing Berserk' are accomplishments that'd cap off entire lifetimes.

So.

Yeah.

"So tell your Chieftain to stuff it. The wayward daughter of Zortroa isn a hero, and I'll challenge anyone who'd dare say otherwise." 

<Pose Tracker> Cyre H. Lorentz has posed.

"Underestimated? Pffah! That's a hell of an understatement," Cyre answers, his lips parting in a fierce grin. "While you've been cooped up here, Catenna's seen more of the world in a few months than some have seen in years! We've witnessed things that we'd never have dreamed were possible before, and made more than a few miracles ourselves."

Nevermind going to the moon, even 'surviving Chaugnar Faughn' and 'Killing Berserk' are accomplishments that'd cap off entire lifetimes.

So.

Yeah.

"So tell your Chieftain to stuff it. The wayward daughter of Zortroa isn't just a hero, she's also the lady I love, and I'll challenge anyone who'd dare tell me otherwise." Cyre huffs, puffing out his chest while simultaneously trying to keep the TERRIBLE PAIN from showing on his face. He does a good job of it! Cyre is an excellent bluffer.

(Do not play poker against the guy who has resting catface)

But soon, the TERRIBLE SISTER departs, and Catenna... Looks like she's about as spent as she can possibly get. Cyre frowns and leans in to give her a quick peck on the cheek. "You did great. If she shows up to give us trouble again, I'll whip up a tornado right underneath her overgrown cucco's wings." 

<Pose Tracker> Catenna has posed.

Cradling the Owlet close to her chest, Catenna hugs the tiny bird tightly, her head bowed.

"Please be well, Riesenlied," she manages, her voice quiet, but throatier with emotion than it usually is. The experience is weighing on her. "When our paths cross again, I will do my best to help you."

As Lydia and Kourin close in around her, Catenna doesn't immediately answer. She just bows her head a little lower.

In the distance, Riima and her gryphon are soaring off to Rigdobrite-knows where. Catenna doesn't watch them go. When she finally opens her eyes again, she lets out a low, tired sigh. "...Thank you for standing by me. I...." She tries to find the words that could somehow explain it all away.

"...I would like to continue our search," she finally says. "The Owlet is counting on me."

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