Play Pretend

Log Info

• Title: Play Pretend
• Emitter: Slixvah
• Characters: Slixvah, Eztli
• Place: Arcanists' Society
• Time: July 24th, 2022
• Summary: Slix is busy being a nerd and studying in a nook at the Arcanists' Society, disguised as not herself. Eztli runs into her, and Slix invites her to hang out for a bit. Small talk ensues before Slix metaphorically corners Eztli and asks some pointed questions from some astute observations. After a moment, Eztli spills the beans, and Slix happily helps the little makari build up some confidence with some simulated encounters to take the stress off of things. Slix learns a thing or two about Eztli, and they head out to go play cards.

Arcanists' Society, Midday

The halls of the Arcansists' Society are a typical bustle of students in between classes and scurrying to and fro of various locations of literature to reference. And, also, it's blazingly hot outside, ergo the indoors were more hospitable for conducting most affairs.

One figure is sitting upon some cushions in a recessed window sill, a tanned skinned, wild elf woman with sky blue eyes. Hair a deep crimson hue that loops around her shoulders and spills forward everywhere. She's leaned up against a side of the window, a book in hand, reading.

The arcanist's society was not a common haunt of Eztli, but curiosity of something or other made them stop by the building every now and then. It was one such day as Eztli wandered around the building with a few different books in her hands, a few large leather bound tomes, and one garishly red tome tucked between two of them.

Her wanderings took her past the elf that was in one sill, and the small makari offered her a small nod as she was passing.

The wild elf takes a quick glance from their tome, halfway turning a page before she perks up and smiles broadly. "Well, well, well," a familiar voice chirps. "If it ain't the cutie in the flesh, what's crackin'?"

Massive lopsided grin, drawl all over the place, and a bunch of nerd books around her? Yep. It has to be Slix.

Eztli stops, blinks, and huffs quietly. "Says the cutie not looking like themself." The small makari retorts, hefting the books she was carrying to adjust her grip. "Not much going on, so I figured I'd pick up some books here to read. Unlike the library, you can actually take them out of here to read elsewhere, if you want to. Probably some tracking spell on them or something like that."

She shrugs, and takes a look around for any sign of a small bird before sitting down on the edge of the windowsill. "And what about you? What's got you all cozied up here today?"

Elf Slix snorts and shaking her head, waving a dismissive hand. "Thanks thanks. Take a seat!" she invites, gesturing out to the other side of the empty window sill.

Which, in the middle, is the small, white plumed thrush. Eyes closed, taking a snooze in the warmth of the day.

"Readin'" she answers, lifting a book. "Tryin' ta get some stuff nailed down, making sure my two plus two's equal four. I ain't me right now 'cause I uh... heh." She rubs her neck. "Got kicked outta a lecture hall, so I'm layin' low."

"Why do I have the feeling you have no reason to be concerned about basic mathematics?" Eztli snorts, moving to sit up on the windowsill with a backwards push.

"Surprised I'm not kicked out of this place after what happened, but I think it's being kept hushed up." Eztli chuckles. "Why'd you get kicked out of a lecture hall, though?" The small makari inquires. "I don't imagine you'd be a bad student, either."

"Because I'm a smart cookie," Elf Slix winks, sticking a tongue out as Eztli gets herself settled in. She raises a brow. "Hmm? What happened? I guess the scuttlebutt ain't get too far 'cause I ain't heard nothin'."

A little sigh leaves her, the elf putting the closed book on her lap. "I'm a hell'uva good student. That ain't the problem. It's when I sit there and tell the lecturer that they're wrong on some stuff, and I get kicked out. They always on a bout how rigid some stuff is, and don't like it when I bring up shortcuts that work waaaay, way better."

She waves a hand off to the side, brushing the topic away. "It ain't important, they'll learn."

Instead, her eyes gain a mischievous glint, and her lips purse in a small smile. The illusioned elf leans forward. "'sides, I actually wanted ta talk with ya 'bout somethin'..."

"Well, there's a time and place for shortcuts, Slixvah." Eztli sighs. "Sometimes they're aware of them and teaching a certain way for a specific reason. If they weren't well, then that's just their fault but you know." Eztli shrugs.

"short-ish story, and it basically didn't happen, so I'm trusting you not to spread any rumors around. But basically, a couple of students were trying to start a club, and for their first meeting, they were showing off these sprites they captured. Said sprites escaped, and they were still armed, so, it's a miracle no one was badly hurt."

"Course, you're always welcome to talk to me." Eztli huffs, noting the strange look on the egalrin's false face. "Though I'm a bit concerned about what you want to talk about, still."

Slixvah huffs. "Yeah, I /know/ that. But gods forbid I mention them, as well as has supporting evidence-" she points to herself, "- about the applications, and I get a book thrown at me. Metaphorically speakin'. And throw books back. Metaphorically speakin'. Mostly."

She rubs her arm, brows pinched. "Hmm... that's juicy. At least no one's hurt outta it. But I won't say nothin'. My beak is sealed," her lips say.

The look doesn't abate, her putting her books aside as she scoots closer. "Sssssoooooooooooooo..."

She parks her chin on steepled fingers. "I couldn't help but notice that you... get a bit tongue tied 'round a certain one eared person."

The grin hasn't lessened in the slightest.

"Goodness, are you picking up that habit from Integrity?" Eztli snorts at the egalrin's explanation of what happened. "I guess you're right, and thanks. I don't want the two to get in too much trouble, their intentions were decent."

Eztli sighs, and rubs the bridge of her snout once before Slixvah aired her curiosity.

The small makari blinks, and sighs. The hand rubbing her snout instead rubbing one of her horns.

"So it got through to you, did it?" Eztli says quietly. "Well, yeah. It's complicated, but sometimes I do have trouble talking around her."

Slix snickers. "Naw, I've always butted heads with traditional magic folks. Been like that for a while."

She sways from side to side, humming a quiet bird song with a giggle mixed in. "Oh honey, I've been 'round many, many people. Trust me."

She smiles. "So... she's is pretty and cool, and confident, I get it. What's got ya lookin' respectfully~?"

"You're right, I guess that's why I wanted to talk with you sometime, Slixvah. You said you've been with a sith-makar before, I don't know many people that have. So, I was hoping for some manner of advice." Eztli sighs, setting the books down in front of her. "I'm just, I don't know if she's being dense, or not interested, or politely trying not to acknowledge it for some reason or other she feels."

The small makari rubs her snout again once. "She is pretty, I don't give a crap about the scars, just how they make her feel, and, yeah, she's real passionate about things, you know? I could listen to her talk about smithing or anything for hours. But I guess deep down, I want to help her. She's kind of like me you know? Trying to find herself in a new place."

Slixvah leans back, her crossing her arms as her back loosely rests on the wall. But not totally. Seems like her wings are still there. She bobs her head from side to side. "Weeeell. Some of the makari I've been with have been sorta... dense and straightforward with stuff. Long nights, and... well, ya get the picture. Wasn't much different than others, ta be real."

She tilts her head to the side. "Tho', ya ain't like any Makari like I've sle- met before."

The Elf Slix bobs her head along. "Yeah. I get what ya mean. She's don't express herself much, but when she do, it be pretty cool. I... don't really think she's tryin' ta find herself, but instead reinvent herself."

She thinks a moment overlong. "... I dunno how she feels tho'. I can tell she cares for you, at /least/ as a friend, 'cause she was a bit fueled when ya got ate into the ground."

Eztli blinks, and quietly chuckles once. "Oh, I wasn't expecting more than one." she snorts, taking a moment to settle down. "But uh, yeah, that's what I meant. She needs to get used to this place and how people act. I don't think she's a bad person, just, I don't know. The place she lived isn't exactly a good one for proper morals."

"She cares for me though? I mean, she is my friend, that small bit is true for certain, at least." She huffs. "Speaking of which, thanks for you know, not letting me suffocate to death back there. And for taking care of the others."

"Something happen when I was stuck in the dirt though? I couldn't really sense everything down there." Eztli asks.

Slixvah winks. "I get around."

She folds her hands in front of her, closing her eyes, humming quietly. "I don't think she's bad. Don't think she's good either. She takes care of herself, and those she has in her little circle."

She bobs her head. "Yeah. She do. She got sooooo pissed when ya went underground. Ripped 'em to shreds. And ya welcome. Did what I could. Ripped my wings to nothing for it. Worth."

The elf gives a light shrug. "Not much. Just a lot of fervored digging. Mori was cursing them if she'd find you in any worse condition."

"Well, I mean, I think she's nice. But, yeah, she's looking out for herself, nothing wrong with that."

"And, I guess me, too? That's, I wasn't expecting a response like that to her getting hurt. Granted, I did feel the same way when that illusion summoning monster attacked her."

"I might need to ask her about that in that case. I'm just worried I might screw something up. Hells, she barely lets anyone touch her to begin with, so I don't know."

"I'm still sorry about your wings though, Slix. I saw they were pretty beat up after everything, I wish I could have helped more with the digging." The small makari offers with a small frown. "Anything I can do with helping them heal up? I owe it to you, I'd say."

Slixvah gives a long sigh. The last time they left, her wings held no more flight feathers. Just the feathered spars remained. "It's cool. Still tryin' ta figure it out. Don't beat yourself up over it, we all did what we could."

A little shrug. "I dunno what can be done about 'em aside from time. They've just been aching for a long while. If you weren't pinnin' fo Momo, I'd have some suggestions," she winks.

The not-Slix tilts her head to the side. "I dunno if like, asking her straight up is a good idea. She seems like the kind ta be a slow burn. Maybe some alone time with her might be good."

An idea flashes through her eyes. She puts a hand in front of her face. Slides it down. And as it passes over, her skin turns from a light tan to a darker brown. One ear vanishes, and there's a calculating look coming from her. "... we can practice~"

"I could still give them a massage if you wanted. No problems there." The small makari suggests. "Don't, don't worry about it Slix, I'm not beating myself up about it. More just frustrated at how many people are refusing to evacuate, and suffering because of it. It's furstrating, you know?"

"You're probably right though. I'd like to spend some time alone with her, but Robert's shop is usually pretty lively. If Robert isn't there, it's Jay stopping by, or Gramarye working with them, or all sorts of people. And she doesn't get out that often." She half sighs, until she trails off, and blinks.

"Like, practice talking? That, I guess that would be nice Slix. You need to adjust your hair though, she always has it covering the one side so it's not obvious the ear is missing.

"That's a really good disguise though, Slix. How did you even sort that out?"

Slix shakes her head. "Maybe take ya up on that. Maybe. Lil' self conscious bout it right now. But yeah, people can be stubborn."

"Just hit her up after closing. Usually still workin' on stuff but not super busy."

The not-Momo tilts their head up and faintly smiles. "Yes. I can do that," she adjusts her speaking to where she's almost sounding like her, bird mimicry. Hair is smoothed around to cover the missing spot. "Yes, I do quite enjoy my illusory item. I can be many things, and wear many faces. I also just have a good memory."

Not-Momo leans forward, eye half lidded. "So. Eztli. You have my attention. What did you wish to speak with me about?" she says straight faced.

"You just dug me out of a not so shallow grave Slix, I'm not going to care what your wings look like because of it when I'm trying to help you." The small makari snorts. "Still uh, okay, Slix-er, Nemori? I guess I should call you that for now, then."

Eztli seems stuck to the spot, and her head tilts to one side, not sure what to make of the situation. "W-well uh, hey Nemori, it's always good to see you, you know." She finally manages to greet.

Not-Momo doesn't answer the question as she crosses her arms, turning her head slightly so that her single ear faces Eztli. "Hello Eztli. Is something remiss?" she inquires, raising a brow.

"No, everything is alright, or, no one is doing anything odd." Eztli sighs. "Well, I don't think so at least."

"How are you doing today, Nemori? I was wondering if you'd want to go out to the tavern with me or-"

The small makari sighs and drops her head in her lap for a second. "Gods, I'd never be that blunt, at least not with Nemori, I don't think." She groans.

Not-Nemori raises another brow, silently picking through what Eztli is stumbling through. "I am," is her answer to their current status.

A mote of silence as Ez talks herself though it. "Try again," the not-Momo intones. "Ask if there is a break in my work coming up."

"I hope you're doing okay." Eztli says, picking her head back up from her lap and facing the Nemori fascimile. The small makari sighs, and sits up a bit more again. "Has your work been going well? I know you've been working on that mithril chain lately, but if you've got some time to spare, would you like to go get some drinks? Or I could bring some here like last time, or bring them to the river, maybe?"

Not-Nemori squints somewhat at the questions poised. Nodding her head along as she's listening, but she shakes her head. "Be decisive. Select one location. Perhaps the river. And a time. Tonight or tomorrow. Nemori seems to prefer when things are thought through. Being accommodating is all and well, but it may come across as being flimsy."

She scoots closer to Eztli. "Try again."

"Decisive? But, I don't want to come off as too forceful about things." Eztli sighs. "But, you're right, I shouldn't feel bad for asking her to do something."

The small makari rubs her snout and coughs, before she allows herself to speak again. "Hey Nemori, Are you free tomorrow? I got a bottle of that dandelion wine you liked, do you want to join me at the river tomorrow?"

Slixvah disguised as Momo shakes her head. "Nonsense."

She watches Eztli a moment overlong, tilting her head to the side before scoffing. "Very well, I can meet you there at sundown."

The neutral tone drops as Slix's voice emerges. "Heck, you could probably tack on the front 'Hey, are you free tomorrow? I want to thank you for getting me out of that hole' as a way to ease inta it."

"Okay, I'll see you then! I'm looking forward to it." The small makari grins. At least for a moment, and it vanishes, the small makari sighs. "Well, not really, since it's all just practice I guess. isn't that kind of a bit of a lie though? Because inviting her out is because I want to get to know her better, not as thanks for getting me out of that hole. I guess I do want to thank her too, but you know what I mean, right?"

Slix shrugs her mul'neissian shoulders before she passes a hand over her face, and the wild elf from before takes her place. "I getcha'. But, you can just say that too, cutie, don't overthink it," she hums. "Just goin' for it is how I've had my luck."

She looks aside. "Or, at least, that's how it used ta work."

"Well, I'm going to give it a shot, I think. I'd like to try at least, spend some time with her, hopefully figure out how she feels." Eztli nods, looking a bit more relaxed now that Slixvah was no longer Nemori. "I've still got that worry in my head I'm just using Nemori as a replacement or something, but I do like her."

"Anyways, well, what do you mean how it used to work? I bet you could still find someone no problem, knowing how nice and cute you are. I don't think that has changed, has it?"

Elf Slixvah smiles, her reaching over to pat Eztli on the shoulder. "I think ya got it. Besides, if she turns ya down in the end, it ain't the end of the world. Elves and sith-makar live a long, long time, right? You'll prolly have another shot eventually."

She raises a brow. "A replacement? For what?" she asks. "Ain't nothin' wrong with needin' someone, even if it is for a little bit," says the egalrin that apparently gets around.

The question makes her sigh. "Well /yes/, I am fuckin' gorgeous. But also it's been sorta a problem? It's hard ta explain. Like. Yeah, I could totes find Tegri, grab him by the shoulders and throw him into a bedroom. Hell, I wouldn't mind that. Just, with him, he wants me around more often."

She raises a palm as if it would assist in her elucidating her point. "I don' wanna get /too/ attatched, ya dig? Considerin' what's goin' on with me that I told ya 'bout the other day at the smithy."

"It's a long, unpleasant story, and one I'd rather share sometime when there isn't a concern of people passing by overhearing things, Slix." Eztli answers, looking down the hall. "But the short of it is, you ever feel like you're comparing someone you're with to someone else? My previous girlfriend was a mul'niessa too, and there's a worry at the back of my mind that I'm just filling a hole left by them. And that's not fair to Nemori, if anything comes of that."

"I remember what you were saying back at the smithy, at least before I got too many drinks in me." Eztli nods. "It's not like you have to live with him if you do like him though, Slixvah." Eztli suggests. "Just make time to visit and go out like you're telling me to try with Nemori. I'm sure he'd be understanding if you need time apart as part of being together, strange as that seems."

Slix's elvish eyes shoot up high. "Oh. Wow. I didn't know that, honey. I won't lie, I wasn't expectin' a makari and a mul ta, ya know." She extends both index fingers and puts them together. "But shit, more power to ya. But, yeah. Maybe? Maybe not. Should prolly talk with Momo if you're thinkin' 'bout her as more than just friends."

She sighs and crosses her arms. "Yeah, I know but like... Tegri's a bit..." Slix waffles for an answer before a hand goes to her face. "Look. I.. spent the night with him. Didn't do anything, honest, but that guy is a real class act. Hella all over the place, but he means well. And I'm sure he'd be a really well to do guy."

"But." She holds up a finger. "I'm only thirty. And he seems to be the kind of person who latches on to one person and stays loyal to 'em. I wanna be a bit more..." A hand flutters about. "Ya know."

"That's another worry of mine. If I got together with her, what's that going to do to my relationship with everyone in Mictlan?" Eztli sighs. "I don't want to lose all the friends I've made over there in the process. I think I get what you're saying, though."

"Truth of the matter is, I'm pretty sure I died. Died and came back as a sith-makar. Used to be sylvanori, that's all. So, it didn't feel weird at the time. Now, I'm not too sure."

She stops to wipe a hand down her face and sigh again. "Well, you gotta be open with him, then. If you wouldn't be happy settling down with him, there's no harm in that. You'd either end up resenting him, or breaking his heart, and neither are good things."

Slixvah opens her elvish mouth to say something. "I don'-"

Her voice catches. She blinks. Once. Twice. Thrice. Her head cocks to the side in a very bird-like manner. Then in the other direction. "... you..." she trails off before a hand rests on her chin.

"... huh. That's... a lot to unpack there," she says after a long moment, the look in her eyes betraying a number of loose dots being connected in her head. "... that... explains quite a ton, if I'm honest."

She shrugs, and comments almost off handedly, "Well I haven't crushed his hips yet, nor have I flirted with him super hard, so there's not much to break really. I draw my lines carefully. There is the chance that I explain to him what I want, and he'll just try and do somethin' obtuse to attempt ta 'win me over' more."

"There wasn't anyone around or even coming down this way, it was empty enough." Eztli sighs. "I figured might as well clear the air, explain some of my worries. Besides, you'd figure out something was up anyways, what with the fact that I'm asking you for what staying with a sith-makar is like only to immediately after tell you I had a girlfriend."

She shrugs and shakes her head once. "I guess you're right, you're in a decent spot for the moment, but it's clear he does like you a lot. And, maybe your concerns are valid too. When I was trying to give him advice on his dancing, which still offends my as someone who used to dance, he said he only needed to get it right once."

Slixvah shakes her head, still a bit reeling from the reveal. "I mean, I knew somethin' was up, I just figured ya was raised in a different environment than a nest. But knowin' that... makes stuff make a ton more sense. Is Momo aware of this?" she asks, affixing Eztli with an appraising look.

To which, such gaze falls flat. Just like her tone. "He what."

She pinches the bridge of her illusory nose. "... that stupid, intelligent, cute, dense motherf-" she rattles off, only to cut off with a sigh. "I was /trying/ to pretend he wasn't doing a fuckin' mating dance at me that one day. And while he does need work, I jus'... ugh, I'm gonna have ta tell him ta cool it."

"Better to get it out in the air, you know? I figured you deserve to know." Eztli shrugs, then she frowns and lets out a sigh. "Yeah, Nemori knows. She, didn't take it well at first. I won't go into specifics, but she was hurt to find out I was sylvanori. But, we talked it out, and she seems to at least be understanding. So, that's good."

"That's what I thought, at least, and seemed to prove my theory correct." She chuckles quietly. "But, yeah. Might need a talk regardless, if that's what he was thinking. For both of your sakes, you know?"

Slix rubs her arm. "Weeeell... that makes sense. Considering how she bristled 'round some other sylvanori I was hanging with. But after th' whole Mill village thing, I think she's made an exception for ya."

She bobs her head. "... yeah. Gotta talk with him, draw some lines. Hopefully he'll understand instead of tryin' ta weasel his way around the lines. There's just some facts about me that I cannot change. And no matter how much he says it'll be aight if things happen ta him, it ain't aight to me."

She starts to slowly slump, lips pursed as she starts to think inwards.

"She did, didn't she? That was, it was really nice to hear with all the worries in my mind after telling her." Eztli chuckles weakly, rubbing one of her horns. But then she stops and sighs, setting aside her books. "Sorry there Fiadh, gonna need to move you for a sec." She apologizes, scooping the snoozing bird up and setting them on top of the books so she could scoot over to Slixvah and give her a hug.

"You'll figure something out that'll work, I know it Slix. You're smart, so is Jay. Just gotta figure it out. Nemori offered to help too."

Fiadh just cracks open a golden eye as they're being relocated, but soon the nestle back in and resume sun bathing.

And then the wild elf is hugged. Well. It looks like one, but it feels fluffy and soft. And- good, heavens, how many ribbons is she wearing? There's a veritable sheet of them behind her!

Slixvah stirs somewhat, but she readily returns the embrace as much as she can. She relaxes into it, resting her head on Eztli's shoulder. "I know, I know. I can do it. I'm just... a little lonely some nights, ya know?" she murmurs to Eztli. "I don' wanna get all involved 'til I get myself figured out with this fate stuff."

"Glad you're still you Slix." Eztli chuckles, hugging the egalrin gently. "I know that feeling, really well, you know. When I was first well, getting used to this, I was feeling lonely in my own body. Still doesn't feel entirely right. But, I'm getting used to it, I've had friends and mentors help a bunch even in a short time here."

Then the small makari pulled back, and grinned widely to the egalrin. "So, if I'm getting it straight, you're lonely, and you don't want people around too long, right? So how does this sound? One time offer, least for now, I'll have a sleepover at your place. I'll grab some food, we can play cards and read and just have a nice night, nothing more to it. If you can't always stay around people because of your concerns, just gotta have enough friends to cycle through when you're feeling down! And we'll always be there to pick you back up."

"And I'm glad I'm me," Slix intones. "And you're still you in there. Just instead some more scales and horns. Glad you could find some guidance."

The offer makes her blink. Then a wry grin plasters across her lips. "... tsk. And if you weren't pinning for Momo, I'd have thought you'd be offerin' somethin' extra."

She laughs quietly. "Yeah. We can do that. Tho', I don't stay in one place more than two nights in a row. So I hop from inn to inn."

"Have enough friends to cycle around..." she repeats slowly. "I mean, das what I'm doin'. Anywho, I guess I can crash at where ever you're at."

"That's why I made myself clear. Cute as you are Slix, I, I do like Nemori a lot." Eztli sighs, patting the egalrin on the head and sitting back on the windowsill.

"I bet you know all the best rest stops in town, you'll have to tell me about your favorite places sometime." She notes, stretching before she hopped down onto the ground. She pivoted on the spot, and reached out to pat the tiny bird on the head. "Just have to expand your horizons. So! how about we get going to the markets before they close up, and find some snacks? I know a wonderful bakery near here too that we could get some pastries and stuff at. You'd like the owner there, too I think."

Slix snickers. "I know, I know, don't worry about it." She coos in a bird trill as she gets a head pat. "Heck yeah I do."

Fiadh simply flops over. To which Slixvah just scoops them up unceremoniously and shoves the into a pocket. "Sounds like a good plan, lil' Ez. Lead da way."

The wild elf drops the illusion.

It's Slix in the flesh! Though she's got...

... ribbons adorn every inch of her bare wingspars, spanning from one end of the rainbow, to the other. They flutter and twist as they walk. "I bet Fiadh would want ta play card games. They like strategy."

"Ah, there you are." Eztli grins. "I'm not sure what you're worried about, wing feathers or no, you're still looking great."

"Leading the way, of course! That way if any professors try to throw a book at you, they'll have to go through me, first. Granted, they could just toss it over me easily, but you know." She chuckles as she picks up her tomes and crimson pen book to carry with her out of the society. "I hope so, card games are more fun with more people. And they'll be all rested up by the time we get there!"

"I told you it was to avoid getting tossed out," Slix reminds, rolling a shoulder. "I always look great."

The egalrin spies the book, squints in a smile and shakes her head. "If any books gets tossed this way, I'll be sure to throw it back two times as hard. Anywhooooooo-"

"Let's go!"

-End Scene-