Log:Undermoon Embassy Social

2013/04/01 	 Lorelei Scrapper Titan Anna Lia Alasse 1

Lia is in the Undermoon Embassy, just kind of idlying around, relaxing and enjoying the exotic scenery of the place, looking more...comforted than she does elsewhere.

Anna's come with Lia, and has just come back from another room talking to a diplomat. Nodding at Lia, she grins and says, "Hey." before sitting down next to her and saying, "You know... This really has got to seem strange to you, but... No matter what, it'll be OK." she says, placing her arm on her far shoulder. "I'll be here, regardless of what happens, OK?"

Lia nods to Anna uneasily, "Yeah...Perhaps. I'm beginning to think the transformation is almost over, so that's a plus, I guess. But it doesn't make me any more comfortable with being like this. Though, just simply being here with its presence of mana feels oddly...comforting. "

"Still, just because it's finishing it doesn't mean that it's going to be permanent... Even if it's your default form, it could be reversed occasionally." Anna says, "Transmutation magic tends to be a bit hard to make permanent, but you could keep it going on a 50/50 basis."

Lia nods to Anna, and sighs, "Yeah...And if I could make it 'permanent', it would likely simply undo itself like it do before. Perhaps someday I'll become skilled enough with transmutational magic to transform myself into what I once was...though, I haven't made and headway with figuring out the basics of transmutation. Do you have any suggestions of where I could look to learn more of how to perform transmutational magic? Or anyone who actively practices it whom isn't always away on other adventures?"

"Transmutational... Hm." Anna says, "I'll try to dig up some texts on that for you. Some alchemists might be a good place to start, study inanimate matter before moving onto animate. Paracelsus, Heinrich Agrippa... Agrippa might be more useful, Paracelsus leaned more towards chemistry than occultism. Not to say that every wannabe Crowley (Or even Crowley himself) actually had anything worthwhile but who knows? They might've stumbled onto the truth somewhere. Finding texts of real magi tends to be... Difficult."

"Yeah...I was afraid of that. My going plan was to poke at throwing elements together until I figured out the primary transmutational elements by transforming a wooden cube into something else, though, that hasn't gone well. I ended up making the cube EXPLODE in my face. It took me months to perfect the spell that turned me into a mana being, though that wasn't really transmutation as much as simple conjuration... I'm still surprised it transformed me as opposed to simply granting me a mana pool like I expected. Perhaps gaining a mana pool has a side effect of transformation..." Lia rambles, then curiously wiggles her wings, moving them around through a range of motions. "Huh, I can control them." Lia mutters, looking back to her wings, with her attempting to hide the fact that this is exciting to her, and failing.

"Well, I can't say I'm an expert on how your world's magic works, specifically." Anna says, "Honestly, conjuration... Pulling one thing out of one space and into another, or simply raw creation could lead to a sort of backlash effect. Balancing out the transportation by shunting something nearby into another space. Could've accidentally conjured your body into another space while your mana pool became bound to your soul."

"Perhaps. Pulling one thing from another is generally translocational magic from where I come from though... More likely is that I ended up destroying my body in the proccess of binding my soul to a mana source...though, I wonder where the binding that holds me into a human-ish shape comes from...Given that wasn't part of the spell..." Lia hmms. "Also, at some point, I must find a mirror...as I haven't seen myself in this new state....Preferably one I can reach..."

"Hm..." Anna says, "Could be a psychological construct, I'm not really sure on that part."

"True...though, why would I be becoming something I don't want to be then?" Lia asks, considering the thought, rubbing her chin. "I mean, my form being a psychological construct would imply..."

"Will through mana to power." Anna says, "I'm not saying it's affecting your will, simply that you're more malleable now. The invested will of the mana around here is acting upon you, or so I would assume."

Cecila spends some time roaming around the embassy until she gets nearby enough to overhear some of the conversation. It's no secret that Cecila has incredibly good ears as she approaches "Either that or your form is adapting to whatever mana source is available" she pipes in "Arent laws of magic different in different worlds after all?"

Lia scratches her head, "So what are you trying to say? The invested will of the mana around here...? My form doesn't resemble this world's Fae, but instead resemble the Fae I've known from mine." Lia turns to Cecila, "Yeah, for the most part. Though, sometimes creatures are powerful enough to use their own magic rules in any given world."

"Hm..." Anna says, "Ok, so much for that idea... I'm really not sure just what exactly is going on, honestly. I'll do what I can to help, none the less."

Cecila hmms and ponders "You sure there arent fae here that look like you do?" she offers with a grin "I mean ... imagine you get transported to a world where dragons are in charge or something... I'd imagine your body would adapt to the rules and mana present and make you look more like a dragon right?" she suggests "Maybe if you spent more time on earth your form would turn more human? I dunno"

Lia nods to Cecila, "Sounds about right...perhaps you're right, but, I don't know. I can't bring myself to just...not visit and stay here for long periods of time." Lia looks to Anna, "Perhaps this has to do with the fact that I can feel some part of myself desiring the transformation...possibly loving it...though I like to pretend that part of me doesn't exist."

"Try to understand why, maybe." Anna says, "Your mind certainly isn't changing... Maybe this is part of what you wanted in terms of gaining more magic?.. Certainly not what you wanted in the way of changing yourself, but... It could be a tradeoff."

Cecila shrugs at Lia "Just do whatever feels right then... I mean it cant hurt can it?"

Lia hmms, and tilts her head slightly at Anna, "You mean, because I've gained more magic as a result of becoming a mana being, that I want to become more pixie-like?" Lia then looks to Cecila, "...Maybe it can, maybe it can't. I don't know what exactly is happening to me in the first place...I don't want to just accept it and go 'well, this is awesome!' in fear of inviting changes to my mind..."

"Change to your mind and change to your body are two different things." Anna says, "I'll be there to pull you back if your mind starts going."

Cecila smirks some and laughs "No shortage of people around to knock some sense into you if it's needed"

Lia nods slowly, and looks away, as if still uncertain of the idea. She looks at her tiny hands, examining the front and back of them, and sighing. "...I just can't accept the idea, the idea giving up my humanity for power. I never meant for any of this to happen...and yet, now I'm here. I used to be a magical scientist who worked on furthering the creation and research of spells, doing the insane on a regular basis in hope of it yielding something interesting. And it was bound to happen sooner or later, no spellcrafter lasts for very many years unless they're skilled in countering miscasts. I was just one of the lucky ones that wasn't destroyed outright. In retrospect, I question why I decided to take up the profession in the first place..."

Lia, Anna are gathered in an area of the Embassy, chatting. Lia looks rather...conflicted, to say the least.

Scrapper flies in from above, looking huge as she passes over the castle, then shrinking to normal size as she drops into the courtyard.

"Either way, you've got a better chance here than you did back home." Anna says, "Better to live with a bit of discomfort than to die, right?"

Scrapper confidently walks up to the trio, waving in greeting. As she arrives, she inhales deeply, checking to see if Lia's scent has changed with her appearance.

Scrapper says, "Hello again. How is everybody settling in?" then adds to Lia before anyone can answer, "Has the discomfort lessened any? I'm looking forward to seeing the end result."

Cecila yawns a bit and ponders "Well anyways, anyone have any plans for today? Isnt there some guy planning to take over the world or something?"

"Either way, you've got a better chance here than you did back home." Anna says, "Better to live with a bit of discomfort than to die, right?"

Scrapper says to Cecila, "If they are, the Overlords haven't made a public announcement." Looking back to Anna and Lia, she looks a bit confused, "Who is dying?"

Lia nods to Anna, "You do have a good point there..." Lia then turns to look at Scrapper, "Not really. And, evidently, my line of work had 'death' as its principle means of retirement before I ended up here."

Scrapper says, "I never got a chance to hear what you did before." Turning to Anna, she adds, "And we really didn't get a chance to introduce each other at all."

"Right." Anna says, "Anna Friedmann... Under other circumstances, I'd try to keep my occupation a secret but it seems that fate's forced my hand, what with all the help I've been giving. I'm a magical artifact hunter, specifically... Occasionally, I handle occult and magical crises as well. Long story short, I try to make sure magic doesn't hurt the world in any way."

Lia scratches her head at Scrapper, "...Have I seen you since I've underwent this transformation? I don't seem to recall it...And, I used to be a spellcrafter, a magical scientist who put various elements together and looked at what they did, and recorded the results, and repeated in an effort to learn about applications for magic not yet discovered."

The more attentive may noticed the small 'fairy approaching'. For the less attentive, Lorelei is suddenly standing there, by the flower beds. "Good afternoon."

Scrapper holds out her hand to shake Anna'a hand. "The wings were vestigal and you were taller. I landed and had to take off almost immediately, but noted the change in your scent." At Lorelei's arrival, she bows. "Good afternoon, your highness," she says pleasantly.

"Hello Princess Loreleli." Lia offers, looking to Lorelei, "I've been meaning to talk to you, actually." Lia stands up and out stretches her wings, at a not-so-impressive 1ft 6inch wingspan, with Lia's height no more than 4ft 1inch. Lia rubs the back of her head, figuring her appearance should be enough to convey the subject matter...

Lorelei says, "Oh, yes? What about?"

Scrapper doesn't seem too concerned by Lia's transformation. "We should start a pool: how short is she going to get and how broad the wings. Winner splits the pool with Lia."

Lorelei says, "Ah - that's not controlled, then?"

Lia shakes her head at Lorelei, "Well, this." Lia notes, gesturing to her body, "I was 5'1 with normal sized eyes and no wings less than a week ago...I was hoping maybe you could offer some insight onto why my appearance has changed as it has since staying here." Lia looks to Scrapper, and laughs at the idea.

Lorelei peers at Lia with the second sight, to see if that gives any insight.

Scrapper shrugs "I can't be much help on this one. The 'why' of magic has always sounded too much like religion to me."

Cecila smiles a bit and ponders "I'll say 3 feet tall and like 3 feet wings... maybe" she responds to Scrapper's pool idea

Titan comes walking into the courtyard, still talking on his PDA. Or he was. "And...no reception. I always forget about that."

Lorelei says, "You look much the same to me.... a being of pure magic held in form by a spell.... hm. I think maybe you're just picking up on the local flavour of the magic, as it were?"

Lorelei waves. "Hey, Johnathan!"

"That was my thoughts, evidently. But it's nice having them confirmed." Lia notes. Lia offers a wave to Titan, now much shorter and more faerie-like than she was before.

Lorelei says, "If it worries you, you might want to spend less time in the embassy."

Titan puts his PDA away, and then smiles, waving back to Lorelei. "Hey there."

[To Titan] Lorelei says, "Sorry I've been away again..... with the prospect of war things are pretty crazy at court."

Everyone who can detect magic can detect Lia's body suddenly starts outputting a lot of transmutational magic, all of it focused on doing /something/ to Lia. Lia notes only one thing as it starts, "Oh dear...You may want to make those betters sooner than later..." The last part was directed towards Scrapper.

Titan nods to Lorelei as he gets closer. "It's alright. You're a busy person. I understand. As long as I don't stumble across Emerdir again, though."

Scrapper shrugs, "Nobody has handed me any money yet. Considering what we do, hurrying the process might be a good thing. Get the discomfort over with and present a smaller target to those with such inclinations." Scrapper's purple armor appears over her body despite the calm tone of her voice.

Lorelei says, "That I can understand. I avoid Emerdir ar much as I can."

Cecila hrms and asks Lorelei "War things... wouldnt have anything to do with Lady whats her face and the attempt to futz with your birthdate is it?"

Lorelei says, "No. That matter is all settled, by the way. She was found guilty of treason. You know she invoked an ancient right to trial by combat?"

Cecila smiles a bit "Well yeah... she was blabbering on about something like that when we were bringing her in... I take it her 'undefeated champion' got defeated then?"

Lia sighs, "Well, I think you have a point there Jo. Perhaps it is best if this happened now rather than latter...Though, I'm don't have a clue what this is about to do to me. This isn't like the other times I transformed..."

Lorelei grins. "Oh yes. She trotted out her champion. But she was an idiot even to attempt that trick. You should have seen her face when Duke Istuaren the Red volunteered to champion me. I think it just hadn't occurred to her there are fae just as skilled who would support me."

Lorelei says, "Duke Istuaren fought in the Dragon Wars. And while I suspect that the stories that he's called 'the Red' because he took on a whole army singlehandedly and was the only one left not reduced to a bloody corpse by the end of it are *slightly* exaggerated, let's just say he knows how to use a sword."

Cecila grins and listens for a moment "Nice... Well it's good to know she didn't get out of any punishment because of it" then pauses for a moment "So...what exactly is gonna happen to her now anyways? Isnt Treason like you know 'off with their head' type thing?"

Lorelei smiles. "Still, it was a pleasant surprise to me. I really wasn't expecting that level of support from that quarter - it's not like he's been among my courters or anything... " At Cecila's question her face drops. "Well, that's the bad news. And no, the fae aren't much into killing, it may surprise you, and certainly not executing other fae. They regard loss of life as a serious thing. I'm afraid her punishment is exile - specifically, to live among humans. Poetic justice, perhaps, but - well, maybe we haven't seen the last of her."

Scrapper quietly takes Titan's elbow and tries to guide him over a few steps so that he is standing between Lia and Lorelei. She doesn't look worried, but accidents happen.

Lorelei glances at Titan to see how he's taking the news of court.

Titan doesn't let Scrapper move him. It's not like he can actually SEE any magical fluctuations.

Scrapper squeezes Titan's elbow, perhaps a bit harder than necessary.

Scrapper thinks, "Sometimes I swear I am the only person that remembers we are supposed to be bodyguards."

Lorelei says, "The looming war is another matter. The gobins of Wyrmwood are getting more aggressive......."

Titan glances to Scrapper, "Please...stop that. I'll ask nicely only once." He then looks to Lorelei, paying attention to the conversation. He seems pretty...stoic. His reactions toward the courtly machinations here have simmered, compared to what they were like the first time he had to deal with them. He looks...tense, in regards to the news about the attempted forgery, but he doesn't say anything.

Lia's entire body, sans wings, starts shrinking, while her wings in themselves only grow. "...The hell?" Lia asks, noting the changes, "This isn't the way I've transformed before, certaintly not..." Lia looks...bewildered as she shrinks...

Cecila laughs at the exile thought "Sooo... they shipped her back to earth so she can go rob a few more banks?" she jokes, since that was what she did last time to get in trouble.

"Wait, what's this about a looming war?" Lia asks, looking to Lorelei.

Titan shrugs, "Presumably, she won't have any diplomatic immunity, after being exiled."

Lorelei says, "Right. She could actually go live somewhere else entirely - but if she doesn't live among humans she'll never get pardoned. I guess we'll see what she decides."

Scrapper says, "If she looks, she will either find a kindred soul or justification for her biases."

Lorelei says, "The war - well, let's hope it never happens. But - how do I explain this quickly? There has been on and off war with Wyrmwood for - well, before grandfather became king, anyway. Things had settled into a sort of 'cold war' state, until, a few years back, Duke Palanir of Westmarch was exiled."

Lorelei says, "The central lands of the duchy border on Wyrmwood, you need to understand. And, for various.... um, complicated political reasons, no successor to Palanir has been found yet. So the duchy and its army lacks strong leadership."

Looking... Concerned, Anna frowns and says, "...Don't worry. Just... Stay calm."

Lorelei pauses, watching Lia's change, checking for any sign of a real problem.

Titan takes note of Lia's change as well...but seeing as Lia doesn't seem to be freaking out, he doesn't either.

Lorelei says, "Anyway - the goblins have been taking advantage of the situation. Raiding Undermoon more often, more severely."

Sukeban wanders in, and waves when she sees the gathering, "Yo. Did I miss a meetin' announcement or somethin'?"

Lorelei says, "And worse - recently they've been raiding into the Upper Heartland. Something they weren't even capable of before. So it's not fortified against them."

Lia nods to Lorelei slowly, then grabs her head, "Ugh...that doesn't feel good...or right..." Lia seems...more confused now than anything. As Lia continues to shrink, her eyes and ears grow slightly larger, and her nose actually begins to meld with her face. "Ugh..."

[To Sukeban] Scrapper says, "Nothing official. Lia's changing but it happened too quickly for us to start a pool and her highness is taking the opportunity to update us on the political situation."

Lorelei waves to Sukeban. "No, not at all - a chance gathering, really. Though since so many people are here, I might announce something I was going to hold to the next meeting!"

Cecila shrugs a bit "So you need more fortifications or some people to go beat the goblins into a retreat?" she asks.

Lorelei says, "Probably both. Or find out how the goblins are reaching Upper Heartland. But that's the army's concern - not the Princesses' Guard. At least, so far...."

Cecila nods some and notes "Well if you want some walls made out of rock and earth and stuff... I'm quite good at making those" she smiles "You know if they don't mind some help that is and you can manage without my awesomeness around here"

Sukeban shrugs and listens.

Lorelei says, "I should explain.... Undermoon isn't entirely in one dimension. It's mostly built on three different worlds."

Titan looks a little more concerned at Lia's reaction to the transformation, "Perhaps someone more magically inclined should make sure she's okay?" He looks directly at Scrapper, as Scrapper still seems to be hanging onto his elbow.

Lorelei says, "Two of those worlds, the Heartworlds, are very similar and very 'close' to each other. There are even certain places where it's possible for anyone to cross from one to another. But in most places, it takes a worldwalker to do that. And the goblins are not natural worldwalkers."

Placing an arm around Lia as best she can as she constantly shrinks, Anna says calmly, "Hey... I'm here."

Lorelei says, "Wyrmwood is on Nether Heartworld. That they can now attack Upper Heartworld - and we're not just talking about one or two isolated incidents - is worrying. Hence the talk of war."

Lia is coated in transmutational energy right now, all of it affecting her in some form of fashion, it could be affecting her mind as well as her body at this point. It also seems to be pretty safe contained, focused only on Lia.

Titan still can't see the magic the Lia's kicking out, so he doesn't react, other than to be concerned about her physical well-being. Which again, he really can't do anything about, being completely unable to work magic. He keeps an eye on her while trying to pay attention to the conversation about Wyrmwood.

Scrapper says a bit harshly, angry at Titan for having to say this out loud, "She is transforming. She will either be fine or explode. My guess is fine, but if she explodes, I can't do anything for her except keep her calm to the end and, hopefully, stand with you between her and the princess in harms way."

Sukeban raises her hand, "Just so ya know, I'm no soldier. My job is to guard ya, and this place, as I see it. Goin' off to foreign lands to fight in wars is not part of the deal."

Titan turns to face Scrapper, "Don't you DARE take that tone with me. If you want me to do something, you damn well better say WHY to me. Don't push me around like I'm some kind of chess piece! You're the magical one! If you think she's a danger to us...get her out of here! Don't just try to push me around to cover Lorelei!"

Sukeban blinks and pulls a packet of unpopped popcorn from her pocket.

Lorelei says, "I know that, Sukeban. I told you that this wasn't a military role from the start. You won't be asked to fight in the war. It's possible you might be asked to, um, lend assistance in noncombatant ways. Even so, it won't be a requirement -"

Lorelei breaks off as Titan thunders.

Sukeban nods to Lorelei, "Cool, cool. Just makin' sure."

Scrapper is shaking like a leaf, jaw clamped closed as she stares down one of the few people in the team capable of hurting her. "I'm sorry if your job interferes with your leisure time," she says in a voice that doesn't sound as brave as she intended.

Titan grits his teeth, "I don't understand magic. You do. That means you protect against magical threats. Like...Lia exploding. Do your damn job."

Standing up, Anna says, "I know enough about magic that I can tell that this isn't an unstable reaction. It's harmonizing, not about to blow up, OK? I can't see it, but I can recognize the underlying effects."

Sukeban opens her packet of unpopped popcorn and tosses a handful in her mouth. A red glow is seen behind her cheeks and there's a rapid series of pops.

Lorelei stays quiet, worried that intervening in the Scrapper/Titan dispute at this stage might do more harm than good. The team needs to work out itself how it works. Unless things get too far out of hand, of course.

Titan says to Scrapper, "And just trying to move me someplace without giving me a reason doesn't count as 'doing your job', in this case. You need to remove the potential threat, if you honestly think there is one that only you can detect." He then shakes his head, and looks to Anna, "Thank you. At least someone checked. You're positive on your assessment?"

Sukeban swallows her popcorn and tosses another handful in her mouth. *pop* *pop* *pop*

Lorelei says, "Maybe we should get you to the physician, Lia."

Scrapper nods to Anna's comment, "I agree with her assessment, but *our* job is to protect the princess, hundreds of times a day if necessary, against possible threats that never materialize. Do you want me to tackle every bigoted fae who double checks his sword when she passes?" Scrapper glances back when Lia's scent changes. "Oh sh*t."

Despite the fact that she's coated in transmutational magic, translocational magic begins to gather around her. Lia mutters, looking to Scrapper "She...has a point..." Lia looks straight up, and the translocational magic doesn't do anything but expire. Lia looks to Lorelei as her nose disappears, "Maybe..."

Lia also falls to the ground, in a kneeling way. Her strength is weakening, as is just about every aspect of Lia. This process is straining her.

Sukeban frowns and pulls a packet of salt out of another pocket and empties it into her mouth.

Titan raises a brow, and glances back to Scrapper, "No, I suggest you at least tell your allies about the threat you think might exist. As soon as you think it's a threat." He steps forward to Lia, crouches, and gently picks her up, "Let's get you to the physician. They'll be able to figure out what's going on."

Frowning, Anna kneels down and says, "Lia!" before she tries to pick up up saying, "...Hey, come on..."

Lorelei says, "It's this way," pointing to one of the buildings.

Lorelei frowns as she looks again at Lia.

Lia's mana signature seems to be becoming...less powerful to the magic detectors. To those that pick her up, she offers, "Thanks..." her voice reflects the change in mana.

Lorelei thinks. o O (I hope the physician has some clue what to do - but I can't think of anyone more likely.....)

Scrapper nods at Titan. "I agree that might be best, right now. I'll stay with the princess."

Sukeban hmmms and chews her popcorn for a bit, "Anyone got any butter?" She looks at Lia and shrugs, "What? I can't do anythin' for her. She'll probably be fine. Seen other people go through things like this before."

Titan nods, and then carries Lia in the direction of the physician, taking care to be as gentle as possible. He looks to Anna, "Can you do me a favor? Can you run ahead and let the physician know we're coming?"

Lorelei had been planning to go with Lia, but now wonders if that's Scrapper's way of indicating she wants a private word, so stays.

Lorelei gives Scrapper an inquisitive glance.

Scrapper blinks once and nods to Lorelei.

The physician appears a tall, slender woman, with a gentle smile but somehow sad or weary eyes.

Scrapper says, "May I suggest some fresh air outside, princess? I am sorry if my little outburst concerned you."

Lorelei nods and goes to walk with Scrapper.

Sukeban trails after Lorelei, having nowhere better to go.

Titan looks to the physician, "Lia here is undergoing some kind of mystical transformation? From what some of the others were saying. She seemed to be in pain, so we thought we should bring her to you. Can you check to make sure she's going to be alright?"

The physician nods. "Let's have a look at you.

Titan sets Lia down on an examination table, and then gets out of the way.

The physician looks closesly at Lia, including through some odd eyeglasses.

Lia looks to the physician, and nods to her, weakly. Lia's body is shrinking, and wings still growing. She's a good 3'6 right now, with her wing span 2'4. Her mana signature is growing weaker, becoming less distinct from the ambient mana of the embassy and more liken to it. And her own mana regeneration rate is diminishing, only causing her mana to be lost even faster. Oddly, the spell that binds her to her current form isn't weakening at the moment, only changing.

The physician breathes a soft sigh of relief at finding the spell is holding its strength, anyway. She continues to monitor the condition, however.


 * [To Scrapper] Lorelei says, "You wanted to say something?"

Titan waits patiently off to the side as the physician does her work. He's back to being calm, after his outburst just a couple minutes prior.

"I've not seem a creature quite like this before," says the physician. "But I don't think her life is at risk. At the moment, at least."

As her mana level crosses a certain threshold, her body begins to seem to become...less there. Starting with the one side of her head, it starts to become more wavy and blurry. "...Can you supply mana...?" Lia asks the physician. At this point, she isn't generating any mana, and as such, that binding spell is weakening, without proper amounts of mana to support it.

Titan nods. "I shall leave you to your work, then. If you need something from the Guard, please...don't hesitate to send a message."


 * [To Lorelei] Scrapper says, "I know your original intention was more of an entourage than actual bodyguards ..." Scrapper pauses a bit collecting her thoughts. "... but I hope you are starting to see that the need is there. You are incredibly powerful, but not immortal and things are moving around you."


 * Sukeban coughs and spits out some burnt, unpopped kernels.

The physician supplies some mana with a simple spell, and sends a runner to call other magically gifted people from about the place, though if Lia requires too much it's not something they'll be able to keep up for long.


 * Lorelei says, "Of course I see there's need. I also see millions of people more vulnerable than me who also need protection. What's your point?"


 * Scrapper says, "Titan doesn't think and act like a bodyguard. Pardon my presumption, he acts like a king. If that is not the role you have laid out for him, you should let him know."


 * Lorelei raises an eyebrow. "I've never known him to act that way."

As Lia is supplied with Mana, the binding stops becoming weaker and regains its strength. And, now her body starts to produce mana again...though this time, it is only a slightly modified version of the mana naturally present in Undermoon.

"...Thanks..." In fact, she /stops/ shrinking and transforming, her wings fully grown at a wingspan of 4'6, and a height of 3'3. ...Though she's still losing mana.

Sighing with relief, Anna says, "...Oh thank goodness..." then shakes her head, "I was really worried about you... I had no idea what was going to happen..."


 * Scrapper raises an eyebrow. "How many people give him orders and don't get yelled at in return?"

The physician has an idea. "Help me get her into this box...." Which box gets quickly cleared out.


 * Lorelei says, "I've never seen anyone getting yelled at for giving him orders, unless you count you just now." She adds more gently, "and strictly speaking you didn't order him, you tugged at him."

Moving Lia into the box, Anna sighs and says, "...I hope she'll be alright..."

And again, her mana passes that threshold and her binding begins to weaken, causing the side of her head to become wavy and blurry.

Lia also mutters, "What is...the idea...?"


 * Scrapper says, "Very well. You know him better than I. You and I both know why I couldn't explain things on a communication device that was being monitored by the very person I was trying to keep calm. If he didn't think himself as king and sole master of his fate, why did he yell?"


 * Titan leaves the physician's office, knowing that Anna's likely to stay there. He heads back toward the courtyard, only to find the others have left. He takes a seat on one of the steps leading into the nearby building to just take some time to think for a moment.

The physician closes the box - which should stop the mana escaping beyond the bounds of the box, at least, so that the lost mana increases the environmental mana.


 * Sukeban shrugs, "Ojou-sama is our boss. Other than that, we don't have a leader. Pushin' people around when yer not the boss gets ya pushed back at."

And the box helps with Lia, though, not enough as the fading spreads to her neck... though Lia comes up with a solution, and suddenly, her clothing disappears into her body, leaving her completely nude, though she has barbie doll anatomy. She also was hiding a small bag of chocolate between her breasts, and her communicator was against one of her hips. Thankfully, the box offers privacy, regardless. And a mixture of that, and the fact the box is containing her mana, she finally stops loosing mana, and her mana supplies begin to replenish themselves. "...At last..." Lia mutters from inside the box.


 * Scrapper shakes her head at Sukeban's comment. "Most of the others defer to my bodyguard training. Titan is the only person to ever yell at me while a potential threat was occurring."

"Nothing to do but wait - I can't see how she's doing within the box, nor open it without putting her at risk," the physician says.


 * Lorelei tilts her head. "Have they decided to make you team leader?"

Time passes, and sooner or later, Lia tries to escape from the box, or bangs on it if that isn't easily possible.


 * Scrapper shrugs, "The decision is yours, regardless of my opinion on the matter. I'm just filling the role until you make an announcement."


 * Sukeban snerks, "Plenty of people will do what someone says if that person shouts loud enough, or they sound like they know what they're doin'. Sometimes they just go along to avoid a fight. Ya try to give me orders sometime, and see how it goes if I don't think they make sense."

"...Would it be alright to let her out?" Anna asks, "I mean, she seems fine and... Well, I don't want her to suffocate."


 * Lorelei says, "I may feel the need to appoint a leader. But you're the ones who have to work with each other. I thought I'd give you a chance to see how you work together and maybe pick your own leader accordingly. Apparently., you believe you make a good leader. But that doesn't make you leader unless the others think so too, so I'd suggest you not just take it as read. And to coin the old phrase, respect needs to be earned. If you're not getting respect, that may be your problem, not the other person's."


 * Lorelei smiles. "Sorry, don't want to lecture. Just something to think about."

The physician nods. "I'll check before that happens, obviously, if she hasn't come out by herself." And she shout instruction to Lia to knock on the box if she's feeling better.


 * Scrapper nods. "I noticed you didn't answer my question."

The physician open the box to the knock.


 * Sukeban grins, "Besides, ya look like a twelve yer old. No matter how smart ya are, no one's goin' to listen to a twelve yer old."


 * Lorelei says, "Sorry, what question was that?"

And inside is the now fully transformed Lia, holding a bag of chocolates and her communicator, and otherwise not-so anatomically correct, but still nude. "I think I'm fine now." Lia responds, offering a nervous giggle. Lia sits up, and looks about the room.


 * Scrapper says, "... if my assessment of Titan's attitude is wrong, what is the real explanation for how he was acting?"


 * Titan remains where he is, in the courtyard. He hasn't yet heard word from either group, so he leans against the building for the time being.


 * Lorelei says, "You'd have to ask him. But if I had to guess, he probably resents being bossed about by someone whose authority is dubious, who doesn't ask nicely and who doesn't explain her reasons. Sorry. I didn't mean to be so blunt, but you did ask."


 * Scrapper nods "In any pecking order, the only person who always needs an explanation is the guy on top. My assessment still stands."


 * Sukeban's grin spreads into a nasty smile, "Why they heck do ya think yer anywhere near the top of the peckin' order, Chibi-chan. Why do ya think there is even a peckin' order."


 * Scrapper says, "Because Undermoon isn't a democracy."


 * Lorelei smiles. "Oh. Would you like me to apply full Undermoon rules of pecking order? That would be interesting."


 * Sukeban steps a little closer, "Right. So get on yer knees, Chibi-chan. Ya do what I say now. I got as must right to be boss as ya do. Don't like it? Tough!"


 * Scrapper considers Lorelei's comment (and ignores Sukeban's jibe), "If bodyguard was treated like a Craft, what would the assessment be? Certainly not the same as a Champion or every master potter would worry more about his swordsmanship than his pottery."


 * Sukeban snorts and walks away, "Good luck Chibi-chan. Yer goin' to need it with yer attitude."

Nodding, Anna kneels down and offers to help Lia up as she says, "...I'm glad this is over. I know you didn't really like it, but... I was worried for your health."


 * Sukeban waves to Titan on her way out, "Seeya Tai-tan."


 * Lorelei says, "Well, of course, the general social structure is not the same as the military structure. In the absence of any formal structure in the bodyguards, I suppose the general structure would apply. And bodyguard is a trade, not a Craft."


 * Titan waves to Sukeban as she passes by. "See ya. Have a good one."


 * Lorelei says, "So you would all be evaluated according to your best Art. Which would have to be established by testing, or according to agreed equivalances of qualifications."

The physician hands Lia a robe to cover herself with.


 * Scrapper smiles but doesn't say, "and what is Titan's best art?" Instead, she schools the smirk off her face and says, "I look forward to seeing how the team fairs when tested."

"You look a lot better - how do you feel?" asks the physician.

Lia clothes herself, trying her best to ensure he wings are free. "Much better now, thank you." Lia responds with a sigh of relief.


 * Lorelei says, "So do I, and I hope it's well. If you are acting leader as Lorelei says, it will of course reflect on you."


 * Scrapper says, "Shall we go in? I'm certain he will wondering what slanderous things I am saying if we stay away much longer."


 * Lorelei thinks . o O (I wouldn't be surprised.)

Lorelei nods, and returns.

Scrapper returns, following Lorelei and entering the courtyard looking much more subdued, much like somebody who had just received a severe dressing down for causing a scene.

Lia nods to the physician, "Thank you again, though, I should probably head back to the others. But anyway, I appreciate your services." Lia then heads out to find the others, "Well, I didn't explode." Lia's comment is aimed mostly towards Scrapper.

Lorelei grins to see Lia up and about. "Feeling better?"

Titan looks up as Lorelei and Scrapper return. "Lia seemed to be stable when I left he physician. Anna's still there, and I haven't heard any freakouts." He then looks over toward Lia as she arrives, "Ah...you're, looking much better."

Scrapper grins at Lia and gives her a big hug. "I knew you wouldn't. Forgive me for being paranoid when the princess is around?"

Titan raises a brow as the 'knew you wouldn't' comment, but doesn't say anything. He just stands up, and brushes himself off.

"Yes, I am. I had to dispose of my clothing, though the physician offered me this cloak." Lia notes as she awkwardly wears the cloak. Lia returns the hug to Scrapper, "I do, it's fine. I understand." Lia hmms, and loosk to Lorelei, "I assume being nude in public isn't exactly welcomed here?"

Lorelei says, "No. It isn't."

Lorelei glances out a window. "Oh. Hm... Could you all stay inside for a few minutes? Or you'll ruin a surprise."

Lorelei glances up, back toward the city. "Darn. So much for surprise. Um, nobody look."

Titan chuckles quietly. Apparently he's heard something like this before. He focuses his eyes on the tiles of the courtyard, and then shields his eyes, as if protecting them from the sun.

Lia turns invisible, though, her cloak does not. "At what?" Lia looks to the cloak, and grumbles. It's hard to see where she's looking, though she can't help but look.

Those who don't peek may hear the beating of loud wings, the rush of hair, a strange bird call, and the clatter of something on the tiles.

The sounds of wheel on the courtyard persist for a bit.

Lia doesn't keep her eyes on the carriage, however. She looks back to Lorelei, not that anyone can see her, "What's up?"

Lorelei says, "I'm saving that for our next official get-together. Not fair for some people to get an advance peek."

Lia hmms at Lorelei, and turns visible sometime after the noise subsides, shrugging.

Titan looks up after the sounds pass. "I assume it's safe to look around again?"

Lorelei says, "Yes sorry, should have said."

Titan smiles, "It's alright."