Elua stared at the green eyes of the disciple she found by chance. If they hadn’t been there that day when she visited the orphanage... if the headmaster hadn’t hinted at things that made her further interested... and if, most importantly, they hadn’t been good people - then these sorts of conversations would never have happened.
"Now, that is a very good question. I suppose that depends on your own efforts and desires. However, if you are looking for to tell you what the woman’s problem is, I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you."
The hand on the boy’s shoulder slid down in disappointnt at the Goltbred’s words.
"So you don’t know, either."
"Not a great assumption to make, disciple. I know exactly what it is and exactly why your ability will be able to help. I just refuse to say words that I consider to be a detrint to your progress. I would be going back on my previous words, practically *shouting* at you to run instead of walk if I told you."
’Especially when the progress will be fixing lingering trauma from Voidling attacks.’
The two teenagers were understandably lost due to lack of context with her assertion, but they didn’t argue back further. Elua gauged the closing distance of the servants and unusually ’untroubled’ couple and decided that there was room for a little more discussion.
"You’ll need to explore your Aspect further. I can’t promise that I will be available at all tis, but you are as welco as ever to use that room I showed you - should I be working out of that house. Your spiritual sense will be key to effective use of *all* of your abilities."
With a slow inhale, the reincarnator brought the facade back. Her eyes gained more light and the movents on her face beca warr and softer. The voice she used to speak to them gained back its emotional cadence.
"For now, Nohre, I want you to pay attention when and where you feel that ’tugging’ sensation. Try to puzzle out the connection on your own. Oh, and Fusand... your talents will be crucial in helping to docunt any patterns she might discover."
The disciples clearly grew excited by the prospect. The illusionist ’smiled’ at them, knowing that this unexpected discovery could prove quite useful in a number of her long-term plans. It was also a wrench thrown into the wheels, in so respects.
’Having a future fad cultivator that shows you and your family respect certainly sounds nice. Keeping them alive, unbound, and focused on training until that point is likely to be a problem.’
The small brunette clapped her hands together to get their attention.
"Now then. Food and familiar company is about to arrive. I expect you to be on your best behavior in front of the Talcres again, despite all we just talked about."
"Ah... don’t worry, master. We won’t talk about their secrets."
Elua looked up into the clear sky and theatrically ’sighed’.
"I care less about their secrets and more about my own, disciple. None of that slip of address in front of others, rember?"
"O-of course. I’m always good at rembering that!"
The sandy haired boy covered his mouth while trying to stop the start of his laughter.
"S-she made so many aborted ’m’ sounds on the train ride as we chatted with them, young miss."
The embarrassed girl balled her fists. There was no need for him to say that!
"’Young miss’ is strange, too. We are ant to be friends in their eyes. ’Elua’ is fine if you have to say sothing. Just don’t use ’El’ or you won’t be welco in front of any longer. It’s entirely reserved for Qat to say. Understand?"
Frantic nodding responded to the way she ’smiled’ at them with wide, unblinking eyes. The disciples exchanged nervous glances. They had not truly seen her upset... yet growing up in an environnt with lots of people always around, they were used to learning which kids to never ss with - and their master was that kid.
The three waited for the pair of Goltbred family friends to climb down the stairs. A steady breeze carried the salt and sea-tinged air across the beach and the sound of footsteps drew their attention. The Talcres couple had finally made it down the silver-inlaid cliff stairway.
yran’s eyes were slightly bloodshot from overconsumption - and Zyris visibly stifled a small yawn as they approached. The reborn cultivator was quite accustod to locating the signs of a spirit that had recently endured a night of ’punishnt’ in alcohol. Despite these tiny signs of a less than restful sleep, both wore smiles on seeing the three young people.
"Good afternoon. The view from up there and down here are both rather breathtaking aren’t they?"
Elua greeted the husband and wife first. As the primary connection between them and the reason they got acquainted in the first place, it was her duty! The woman’s gaze matched hers, but notably sweeped over the disciples as she talked.
"Oh, absolutely. This whole venue is beyond lovely. Though the company is often what makes a place far more intriguing."
A sharp toot from a cliff-mounted horn sounded from above. All eyes turned to watch as a large wicker basket rimd with silver was slowly lowered down by rope and pulley. The container was laden with dishes and other items to make a picnic on the beach.
The adult man chuckled in good humor.
"Quite the clever system they have here. Perfect timing, as well. The staff was preparing to send your lunch down when we left. I hope you don’t mind that we requested them to send our portions, or that we are intruding on your ti together."
"It’s not an issue. In fact, sharing our al together is the least I could do for watching after my friends. Thank you, once more."
"U-uh, I’ll get it!"
Nohre exclaid, while bounding towards the descending basket. She was feeling the tug again... and knowing now that sothing might be ’wrong’ with the woman, she was feeling awkward. Fusand muttered a phrase, completely ignoring his own past behaviors.
"Always so excitable..."
He trailed after her to help return with the heavy basket. All five worked together to spread the provided canvas on the dried sand and set up their eating area. Elua noticed Zyris wincing when so of the plates clinked together, so she decided to ’innocently’ inquire despite knowing it as a lasting hangover.
"Late night?"
’Cultivators always overestimate their own healing capacity... and of course the backwater ones have trouble efficiently converting light toxicity into physical energy.’
The Talcres couple exchanged a quick glance.
"We may have stayed up a bit too late discussing... various matters."
The husband admitted while rubbing the back of his neck. Suddenly, with that attempt at not stating directly what they were *really* doing... the heiress felt like she didn’t want to know what they ’discussed’! In fact, she regretted pointing it out at all.
Now, she couldn’t help but think of all the revelers who might have *enjoyed* their night with a partner. Which naturally led to frustration of her own ’evil thoughts’ for Qat that wouldn’t allow for simple cuddling. It had been a little while since she felt forced into having a certain other thought-
’I’m going to need to go stomp on a rock until it is dust...’
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