soft birbs

[arcaniststaff]

[ It had been a foolish mis-step. Urianger (and Elidibus, elsewhere) had been exposed to the most extreme of Sharlayan trap in the Great Gubal Library. If a thief triggered such... well, they usually wouldn't be leaving. Why not keep those who wished to be with the books as a guardian?

It was a dark secret. And Urianger had been exposed to it. Thankfully, his magic and the others had stilled it, slowed it - and now he was a half-Skatene man.

Urianger had found himself staying in Dravania, not feeling he could return to the Waking Sands. Not while he was like this. He didn't know if the curse would continue, or if he would become too defensive.

And then the pains had come, and he had begun to nest. Thankfully, he found somewhere safe to nest... not so thankfully, it was out in the open. So perhaps people would see the robed figure who seemed to just be sitting out in the open.

Thankfully, he didn't look too different from a distance. And he had brought some of the books with him. So now he read, letting out soft whistles. ]

Comments

[wordsinthesoul]

[Whistles that Thancred just catches, eras twitching to to listen. He's managed to ask the other to help him with glamours, having come back changed, though many of the instincts are still there- and Dravania is as good a place as any to stretch his wings, as long as he's mindful of the dragons.

He whistles back, turning his head to look for the source- there. A robes figure- one he recognises, and he makes a sound of surprise, banking to land a little ways away.]

Urianger? Doing some research out here?

[…is he safe, here? He glances about to check, trying to be subtle.]

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger went quiet, as he looked down. Making sure his hands were hidden by the book, he gave a little nod to himself. ]

Aye. It's fascinating out here, isn't it?

[wordsinthesoul]

[Not completely unusual for Urianger, so Thancred doesn't think much of it, leaning in to see the book.]

Mm. And pleasant as well, I should say. It's been rather a long time since we've been out this way, hasn't it? Has there been anything unusual to note?

[arcaniststaff]

[ It seems to be one written in ancient script - the sort that was forbidden in their youth. ]

No, not really... the skies are calm, as are the beast tribes nearby. It's almost peaceful.

[wordsinthesoul]

[Huh. Well, with the majority of Sharlayan gone, there's no reason he can see that Urianger wouldn't press further into the Library. It's not as though they're being used at the moment, really.]

For all the troubles we need to deal with, it's good to see that matters can be like this- good to see you out here in it, too. I imagine it's been some time since these books have been out in the sun- and good that they're with you. [He grins, settling a little more comfortable.]

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger couldn't help it - he let out a little chirp, happily, before seeming to flinch at himself. ] Aye - while it's hard to figure out, these words may help us with our next goal.

[wordsinthesoul]

[He blinks for a moment- gives Urianger a considering look, before he reaches out- hesitating before he touches Urianger's head. Just to stroke, gently.] …so that was you? May I?

I see. What have you found so far?

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger is quiet, as he shies away from the touch. ] ...I-- ahem. I... perhaps. [ Oh, he was shy. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

Perhaps? [He grins a little, a small chirp in his throat.] All right. Take your time.

[Perhaps it's not quite the same, but- he knows it was hard for him to adjust. And… Urianger has never quite been one to reveal his secrets too easily.]

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger hears that chirp back - he... hadn't heard of Thancreds' changes, honestly. Perhaps he was too preoccupied with his own tasks. But he looks to him - his now-feathered facial hair visible. ] ...Thancred? Did aught happen to thee when you were caught in Flow?

[wordsinthesoul]

[Oh. That's strange to see on Urianger, and Thancred manages to restrain himself from the urge to reach out and touch them.] …well. Not exactly during Flow, but… I was somewhere else, for a time. And… saw more than a few changes, there. …I have most of them glamoured, but if you wished to…. [He holds his hands out, palms up.]

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger stared for a moment. Before he lowered his head a little, putting his book aside. ] Oh, Thancred... I had no idea. I suppose I should not hath been so distracted, hm?

I'd like to see it all. [ But he did notice that his hands were different. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

…well. I wasn't exactly trying to make a point of it- I've been worried, with those who don't know us so well… [He gives a soft chirrup.]. Well. You're here now.

[And he trusts Urianger with this- with all of him, so he nods. Undoing the glamours is… a little tricker than it would have been before Flow, but he can make a start, hands becoming obviously scaled, feathers and wings more obvious, the latter tucked behind him.]

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger feels the undoing of the glamours, and moves to aid with his own magic. He'll remember those feelings, to help. ]

...You've changed so much, Thancred. But does that feel better - not having to hide it?

[wordsinthesoul]

[He gives Urianger a little smile, appreciating the help, before pausing to shake himself out, feathers spreading.]

…it's been a lot to adjust to. Yes- well, the others do know. I trust them- I trust you. But I worry for what others might think. …I suppose some will find out in time, but… for now…

[arcaniststaff]

[ Urianger began to let his sleeves slip up a little, to show the Skatene-like wings.

...even Thancred would have heard the rumours. That Skatene - some of them - were transformed thieves. Now forced to protect what they'd stolen, their body and minds stolen. One of the most vile punishments Sharlayan could use. And one they often only used for those who had tried to get to the most forbidden tomes. Could they have left traps behind...? ] For now, 'tis our secret. I shall take it to my grave.

[wordsinthesoul]

[He makes a startled sound, ears flicking forward for a moment. He hadn't pressed deep enough to run across those traps, though of course he'd heard the rumours, something for the seniors to scare the junior students with. He'd dismissed them- or that they'd affect anyone he actually knew, at least, and he stretches out his wings in a protective gesture around Urianger.] Thank you, Urianger. I know I can trust you to do just that- though I hope that won't be what happens. …I'll keep yours, as well, of course, but- is there aught you need?

[arcaniststaff]

It's been stalled. [ Urianger then said, looking serious - before his expression softened, as he pulled off his hood to show more of himself. ] By the aid of another. But I still worry.

You know I fuss.

[wordsinthesoul]

Good. By… someone you trust, of course? [He looks worried, still- wishing he could do more.]. …I know. It's strange, as well as that…

I'll help, however I can.

[arcaniststaff]

Aye. Somebody I trust, even if you may not. [ There is a light blush on his face. Before he looks back to his book. ]

...I... ahem, he recommended this book to me, as well.

[wordsinthesoul]

[He hums, still looking worried- ears flicking back a little. That's… well, he can't talk, really, so-] As long as you're happy, and safe. I imagine we both have that desire in common.

Oh- he did? Has it been useful?

[arcaniststaff]

Trust in me, at least. [ He laughed, a little. ]

...it has. It speaks of the soul, and how it may be saved. A quite curious idea, isn't it? [ He does not mention what he is implying. They both know what happened with the Warriors of Darkness--

--wait, is Urianger trying to disobey what Minfilia said she wanted? ]

[wordsinthesoul]

…I can do that. [He settles, somewhat comforted.]

The soul…. That would be most impressive, but- [He gives Urianger a sharp look.] Do you believe it possible to do so?

[arcaniststaff]

I believe it is. [ He said, his voice serious. ] While we may not have done it before, is it not my duty to do what's impossible?

[wordsinthesoul]

Well- you've certainly done that for us before. Would there be knock-on effects?