agentlelog | .001 | Mostly Open

Entry tags:

piper mclean

.001 | Mostly Open

Who: Piper and mostly Open!
When: Throughout the month
Where: Throughout the city
What: Influence Threads! General interactions.
Warnings: Nah

For Jason
[ It would not be unjust to say that Piper McLean has a personal vendetta against cold weather. Having a snow goddess freeze your boyfriend right in front of you while her creepy brother talks about how you’ll get used to him and what an excellent kisser he is could do that to a girl. With her thin California blood already shivering in sympathy for the landen who were so desperate to get repairs on their houses that they shot a councilwoman, Piper is glad to volunteer to help make heating spells and witchlights. Even if the Ebon Council is organizing this, which is… strange to her. Why this, why not move to rebuild the houses instead? It seems like slapping a bandaid on, but she supposes a bandaid is better than nothing.

And anyway, this is good practice with the craft. And if she and Jason happen to see a few houses out there that they can try to help patch up so the heat doesn’t just evaporate while they’re at it, well, she’s willing to try.

As it is, so far the landen they’ve seen haven’t exactly been friendly when approached, more startled than anything, but so far they’ve been able to put heating spells and witchlights in several houses. All the same, Piper is kind of glad she’s not walking these streets alone.

B. Shock it to Me
[ Look. Piper is a vegetarian. Has been since she passed a slaughterhouse on a road trip and smelled what was happening. But this is the first time she’s gotten up close and personal with the animals she is no longer eating.

Cows… are big.

But even though she feels a little hypocritical leading them back to their fates… it’s not like it’s going to be much better for them out there. Feel free to find her either 1) trying to catch a cow, 2) petting one now that she’s caught it, 3) humming under her breath and walking back to the gates… several cows are following her. Her Opal jewel is active, if hidden. It is just… easier this way. ]

C. General
[ For the first three weeks, Piper can be found living in the Queen’s Residence, eating porridge, going to the training sessions, except not exactly in that order. She’ll be very curious about meeting the other Strangers and the members of Fayura’s court, so it’d be very easy to strike up a conversation during breakfast, or in the halls, and if she sees you, she’ll greet you.

After a while, she decides against getting her own place and goes to move in with the boys. It’s just… better that way. There’s not much at all to pack up, and this inspires her to head to the Old Town Bazar to find some clothing so she doesn’t have to keep doing laundry every day. The clothing, although fine, is expensive. She won’t be getting a stipend after she moves out, and has no idea what she can do to earn any money, so she heads to the River North. She’s surprised that the cloth in the landen district is actually of better quality, and less expensive. That doesn’t stop her from shamelessly haggling in order to try and get a better price, although she won’t use her power to do so. Feel free to come upon her while shopping in either place -- or even helping out a shopkeeper in exchange for being able to walk away with an extra pair of pants. ]

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[ ...oh well. She straightens her shoulders a little and then closes the distance, standing a little over an arm's length away. She's almost used to his wings by now, but her gaze did flick to them once before returning to his face. ]

I was hoping to ask your permission for something. [ A quick breath, and then a little bit of her determination steals into her gaze. ] I'm going to be leaving the residence tomorrow. But I'd like to be able to keep coming to the training sessions.

[ It SUCKED that they were so early, and that she'd have to get up even earlier to get there on time, but... she could deal with that. She'd dealt with worse.

Piper doesn't think she'll have stood out in the training grounds. She's far stronger than a normal human, more dexterous, but so were a lot of other people. Hazel made sure she was able to handle a sword, and she had managed to survive her fight with a giant, but Piper knew she was no where near Jason and Percy's level of swordsmanship. And then there were the new weapons, and she applied herself to learning them, caught on more quickly than she gave herself credit for, but was in no way remarkable. ]

[ Allairavar keeps one eye on Piper and the other on his work. While Allairavar with a knife in his hands would concern most people at least a little, his actions stay methodical and rhythmic. They break only when one of the kitchen staff stops by long enough to drop a cup of coffee next to him and to ask Piper if she'd like one as well.

At her request, surprise scrawls itself all over Allairavar's face and he doesn't bother to hide it. ]

You want to come to training. [ He restates what Piper asks as if no one has ever asked that before. They haven't. Never. And the Strangers aren't the only people that's he's tossed into buckets of freezing water when they dawdle. ]

[ She squares her shoulders, a defensive spark in her eye. What, was he insinuating she wasn't good enough? ]

Yes.

[ It's an opportunity to finish what she'd started, to work on making it so she wouldn't be useless when it came down to a fight. She is purely tired of being assumed to be an ornament, no matter what she does to herself. ]

[ Huh.

Allairavar cracks a smile. ]

You're more than welcome to attend training. [ He checks the edge of the knife thumb. Satisfied with its edge, he sat it to the side and picked up the next. ] How much experience do you have with weapons and what types?

[ It's probably telling that the first thing Piper thinks about when Allairavar asks about her experience is what she doesn't have.

She doesn't have Jason's years of training. She doesn't have Leo's ability to incinerate everything and walk through the flames himself. She doesn't have Percy's experience fighting monsters, Annabeth's strategy, Hazel or Frank's years in the legion.

She has a knife that no longer imparts visions. She had a sword that she took off an enemy which turned people into ice - it's gone. She had a magical cornucopia that shot out food which was surprisingly useful as a weapon - burying monsters in sandwiches might not kill them, but it'll slow them - she'd left that as an offering for Fear and Terror.

She has her voice, but with the way jewels work here...

What does she have? She shifts her weight back slightly, but meets his gaze. ]

My friend Hazel was teaching me how to use a sword. [ A moment's hesitation before admitting. ] I use a knife. I don't have any training with it, I just use it when I need to.

Edited 2019-03-15 10:29 (UTC)

[ There is no sign of judgement on Allairavar's face as he listens to Piper. The smooth glide of the knife over the sharpening stone remains steady. The look on his face is thoughtful and he nods when she finishes. ]

I make everyone in the Residence train for one reason: so they learn how to at least defend themselves long enough for myself or one of the other First Circle to get to them if needed.

[ Piper feels a mental brush that isn't invasive in the least. Just Allairavar plucking the Opal strand of power and nodding when she resonates with that Jewel thread. ]

So, my question to you is what do you seek to learn? Do you want to know how to defend yourself when needed, or do you want to know how to wade into the thick of it? We'll find a weapon that suits the how.

[ That... was a good question. Piper hesitates and then admits honestly: ]

I'm not coming to training because I want to be able to defend myself. [ She can do that to a certain extent. ] I'm coming because whatever situation comes up, I want to be able to handle it.

[ She doesn't want to have to wait around for someone to help her, especially if there are other people relying on her. She'd say that she's not a 'charge into battle when she or others are threatened' kind of person, except a few seconds of honest reflection - of what she wants... yeah, yeah she is. She just hasn't had the kind of weapons normally associated with that kind of action, and certainly not the training. ]

So more the 'wading into the thick of it' option.

[ Which... sounds really weird to say out loud, but... was the truth. ]

Excellent. [ He sounds pleased. Be wary, Piper. ] Since you want more than the basics - [ One can almost hear Fayura calling for Piper to run somewhere in the background. ] - you'll come to residence... mmmm, twice a week for now, an hour before the rest. Once, I get a feel for where you're at, we'll select a style for you and then we'll move to three days a week for special practice.

[ Allairavar scratches his chin in thought. Then decides that this time - an hour before the sun rises - is a good one to start. To be fair, Allairavar is up way before then anyway. ]

We might set some evening practices as well, but that will have to wait.

[ This. This is not what she signed up for, not at all. If only she'd actually heard Fayura telling her to run. ]

That's - way more than generous of you. [ ...but screw being polite about this, she is not going to be able to function if she has to get up that early. ] But I'm going to have a hard enough time getting up early enough to get her for the regular practices. Any earlier than that and I'm going to be making dumb, exhausted mistakes.

[ Which would totally defeat the purpose of training, right? ]

[ Allairavar's smile isn't cruel, but it is razor sharp as if he just knows precisely what is running through her mind. ] You want to be prepared for anything, yes? Anything can happen at anytime. If someone wants to take advantage and they have any sense about them, they will wait until you are your worst. The only solution is to take that advantage away from them.

Besides, [ He flashes a cheerful smile ] the kitchen gives me the best coffee because I'm up with them and you'll get that benefit.

[ ...Piper is slightly tempted. But also in a world of nope. He can't make her do this, and his enthusiasm for this is a tell. She'd thought she'd been asking for permission to do something that was no inconvenience to him, but that she'd still need permission to do. This, though? Volunteering an extra two -- three?? -- hours of his time? She has NO idea why he's willing to do this, but he IS and she is still so not agreeing, nope, not at all. (Even if... again... slightly tempting. Think of how much better she could get if...)

She crosses her arms. ]

I'll make a deal with you. I'll take you up on your generous offer if after a month of regular training I can't hold my own.

[ Is it a good sign that his grin widens? Maybe. Maybe not. But he does seem honestly pleased. ]

In a month, [ Allairavar amends. ] we will see not only if you can hold your own, but if your goals remain the same. [ And then more seriously: ] It is fine if they change. There are many ways to fight and not all of them include a weapon in your hand. Agreed?

[ Is it a good thing if his grin widens? Yeah, Piper has no idea. It's honestly a little intimidating. But that's okay, things can be intimidating without allowing herself to be intimidated by them... or something.

What she does know is that after a month of getting up to be at the practice field at dawn, if she has to get up to be there an hour before, it will be less of a big deal. And although it's comforting to hear 'it's fine if they change', although that makes logical sense... Piper looks at her friends, and doesn't want to stand in their shadows. She looks at how she's failed before, and she doesn't want that to happen again.

She holds out her hand. ]

Agreed.

[ It's a deal.

A quick, bright smile - sharp and grateful. ] Thank Alla-- Prince Allairavar.

[ Still getting used to these title things... ]

[ His handshake is genial and accepting. These Strangers were so different and yet that fact did not seem detrimental. Their safety was one of Allairavar's objectives and to have Piper be proactive was a delight. ]

Have you found it possible to sense the difference castes? [ He asks when Allairavar hears her correction. ] If not, I can show you. [ The First Circle and those Blood loyal to Lady Fayura know to give the Strangers some latitude. But there were those of prickly temperaments or who aligned themselves with the Council that might seek to take offense where none was meant. ]

[ Oh good. Handshakes are a thing in Draega. Piper hadn't been sure, and was relieved.

She brightens a bit at Allairavar's offer. She'd be a little embarrassed about her slip up - she's usually better about these things - but the conversation had felt so... friendly, almost? That she'd forgotten, and she wasn't going to waste the mental energy to beat herself up about it, (now, anyway. later on...), especially if she can learn something from it. ]

I didn't know the Craft could do that. [ Thanks to the information Lady Fayura had made sure the Strangers had, she knew about the castes' existence... but how to sense them? Not so much. It hadn't even occurred to her that sensing them could be a thing. ] That would be great. I'm really not used to -- titles and things like that.

[ A little shrug. ]

Mmmm, not Craft, specifically. [ Allairavar takes a moment to think over a concept that was a natural as breathing to him. He knows that Fayura has imparted, as a part of her web, a large amount of information to the Strangers. That the Lady had doesn't mean it was easy to sift through. ] It is not unlike the psychic tendrils that allow us to speak to each other.

When we come close to each other we can sense it. Like a - mental scent. A Healer smells like green fields - different than a Priestess who bears the scent of starlight that touches darkness. [ He pauses with visible frustration that isn't directed at Piper. ] That is to stay, I sense Healers a green field. Another might perceive Healers different, but all Healers will feel the same to them. A Warlord might feel like a balmy, spring breeze. A Prince like the beginnings of harsh summer, but not as hot as the scorching blaze of a Warlord Prince.

[ He looks at Piper as if to gauge the effectiveness of his explanation.]

The titles themselves are only recognition of those differences. A lady, no matter her caste is a Lady unless operating in her official capacity. Males are addressed by specific title because we are always operating - or should be - in our innate capacity: to protect.

[ ...as this takes place before her conversation with Verim, Piper is more than a little skeptical about a 'male's innate capacity to protect.' That has... not been her experience with most men. At all.

But, well... should be. She only wishes that people aligned with what they should be doing, herself included. ]

...so the titles for men -- for males are like reminders?

[ That's something she can understand a little more readily than 'mental scent.' Although, now that he mentions it... a certain recognition begins to stir in the back of her mind. ]

In the simplest sense, yes, and that reminder is as much for the male in question as anyone else. Used in the right tone and by the right Lady, title can help deter a Warlord Prince's temper. [ Picking up his cup, Allairavar indulged in a long drink. Coffee is just one of those all important things. ] His Queen can say his title and one other word and it's enough to draw the leash on his ire.

[ She blinks. Okay. Sure, that makes... no sense, but okay.

But more importantly... she can sense it now, the mental scent Alliairavar referred to. It's sharp and distinct and like... a low warning buzz in the back of her mind. It resonates on a similar frequency as her other senses, but... as if using a different sort of instrument.

Piper tilts her head and closes her eyes for a moment, concentrating, pulling at the loose strings of her awareness. Then she opens up her eyes and breaks into a brilliant grin. ]

Hot metal. That's what you 'smell' like -- like someone's left a metal spoon on a stove.

[ She did it, she did it! In that moment of achievement and confidence, Piper's honest enthusiasm and pleasure is infectious. ]

[ Hot metal. Allairavar laughs with easy amusement. ] That's more flattering than some descriptions that I've heard.

You learn fast. [ He observes a moment later. ]

[ Did she? The compliment knocked the enthusiasm from her smile, froze it before it shrank in stiff increments. That... was not the sort of thing she was used to hearing, at all.

Piper relied on her instincts, her perception. Looking back over what he'd told her to do, it would make sense that she'd been able to pick it up relatively quickly - a child of Aphrodite had to be subtle, had to be able to manipulate the faint ebbs and flows of desire and emotion in order to use her gifts effectively in battle. But now she was caught flatfooted for a moment - learn quickly? Years of being labeled disruptive and a failure battle against such a concept. ]

Uh, it was just - there. Once you pointed it out. [ A tentative flicker of a smile. ] And you said all the people in a certain caste feel the same way?

[ She wants to go try it out now. What would other castes 'smell' like? ]

[ Dryly: ] You'd be surprised how many people still cut themselves on the sharp side of a blade despite pointing out that it is the sharp side - numerous times. [ From the sound of it, he's had that experience more than once. ]

Similar, yes. Our psychic scent is unique, but there are common threads for caste. Those with the skill can hide it, but most do not bother.

[ ...physic scent. Okay. Was this place ever going to get less weird?

She blinks. And then she laughs a little - ]

So... my mind is smelling your mind. [ She smiles again, bright and amused and relieved now that the attention is off of her. ] Oh man, Leo is going to have a field day when I tell him. [ She shakes her head a little, sobering enough to tell him sincerely: ] This is going to be really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me.

In a way, yes. [ Allairavar's eyes fall half closed and his head tilts. ] You feel like Spring breeze. Crisp like an apple but tart. [ Most witches were, but Allairavar wasn't sure if she'd understand the context and see only insult. So, he kept that to himself. ] A hint of earth.

It's been my pleasure. [ He replies with equal sincerity. ] If you learn the patterns of psychic scents, they can tell you much about the person in front you. Not just their caste, but who they are. It's an art many fail to learn and it's to their determent. Trust what you sense from another and trust what your instincts tell you about it.

[ One of the kitchen staff came by to collect the knives Allairavar had sharpened. The young witch, wearing a Summer-sky Jewel seems to have no problems chiding him for seeing to a task that any of them could have undertaken and he seems to indulge her chiding with the feeling that next week, he'll do it again anyway. ] If there's nothing else, I should go make sure that no one else has forgotten which end of a sword is the pointy one.

[ That... was really good and fascinating advice. Patterns of scent, insight into the person, as well as the caste -- that's really something she's going to want to learn to do. Suddenly, she wants to go back and see Jason, see what she could 'smell.'

She's also curious about -- what does her 'scent' say about her?

She gives a quick flash of a smile, remembering. ]

I have a friend who'd say that was a valuable lesson. [ Learning by experience about which end was pointy would at least be a lesson they wouldn't forget, she can almost hear her voice in her head. She hesitates for a moment and then decides just to ask. ] Just one more question? What do you mean, the scent can tell you who they are? What can you tell?

Depends on them and on you. It won't be something direct if you detect it all. It will be subtle. [ Allairavar strokes his chin. ] It's a bit of a learning process not only to find what a psychic scent might tell you, but also what your instincts say about it. I will say this, though, if you run across one that feels wrong to you, trust that feeling.

[ She nods a little with a sincerity, but a certain wry reflection. Piper listens to her instincts, they're something she's learned to trust. ]

I can promise you that. [ And she decides she doesn't want to specifically ask what he can sense about her. She'd rather... wait and see what happens. ] Thank you again, Prince Allairavar . [ A quick, brilliant smile. ] See you tomorrow morning.

[ At dawn, but thankfully not before. ]

For asking for training, Piper gains +1 Reputation with Allairavar.

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