Mao listened, interested. The witch managed to make her very curious about what she was going to do. The power she felt around, being sensitive to magic, was something she did not quite recognize. Yet, seeing Pelintira close her eyes, Mao thought best to do the same and play along. The feeling she then felt was extraordinary. She knew it was all for the sake of meeting with this soul she had sealed and oddly enough, it did not feel all that different from what she could do herself. Yet... It was not quite the same either. The world of magic was a world of so many mysteries and unknowns and her mistress had somehow mastered a way to connect to the souls. The feeling of not being in control in her own element was an odd one. Despite that, Mao could not help but be amazed at the sight of where they were. It was like an alternative reality of what she was normally used to. Even she could not expect to know what was going to happen now, as Pelintira was the one in control over this reality. Or was she? Surely, everything was fine. The grand witch would not have mastered this magic, only to lose control of it now. Her eyes took a good look around before they shifted to her mistress, "This is not the chamber I know... I can hardly feel anything, here. She might remember, though... I am the one who sealed her.", the familiar said while forming her scythe. She might not have control but maybe she could summon the soul or such a memory of her existence. Using of her magic, this is at least what Mao tried to do. In her own reality, she was capable to pulling certain tricks befitting the universe of life essences. But here? She was not sure what her power could do yet she had a feeling that she would still have some power over at least the soul itself as its mistress. For now, she tried to summon anything. A memory, the soul herself or whatever was tied to her in this reality but without forcing the reality out of balance, as she was not sure of what it could take, especially if it depended on Pelintira's magic.

Pelintira had walked many worlds, interacted with many beings, spoke directly with gods. It was a simple thing for her to do this her own way. “I’m sure you can help. Perhaps we will do it your way, if we make multiple visits. But I feel like showing you something a little different. It is perhaps a reward for your loyalty.” She said with a smile, closed her eyes. Her power surrounded the room. Her mind and soul reached out. Grabbed for Mao’s. It embraced her in a sense. Immensely powerful, yet protective, familiar, yet alien. Powered and shaped by countless years of practice and ritual, arts and deals. It drew Mao’s soul out into her embrace and traveled to meet the soul of the girl. It also linked to the mind of the girl. She did not free the girl’s soul. But gave her a small connection to her mind. They appeared in what could be called an illusion, a memory? Pelintira released her embrace of Mao. To let her see where they were. “She should appear soon. But we will see how. Perhaps she will speak us. Or perhaps we will see a memory of her life first?” She did not know exactly how their first contact with the girl would go. Though the three of them would speak before it was over.

Mao watched and listened, understanding easily what she was told, being herself the keeper of souls. The manner she dealt with such things was sometimes simple, sometimes complex. The neko knew of ways to communicate with souls that was not a gift to simply everybody however she would not have underestimated Pelintira's capabilities to do so as well. Mao knew way too well that this witch had magic potential beyond the majority if not all of the mages she had ever known. What made her curious was how the witch would proceed to do so; The process she would use to access her and communicate with her. If that truly was what she was meaning to do, at least. Pelintira's offer seemed to make it sound that way. "Maybe I can be of help, Mistress...", Mao spoke carefully but not as a mean to decide for the witch. There was more than one reason that the soul was crystalized. For Mao, it did not need to be but the prism could also be used as a prison for the soul and, like any prisons, it was a place that could be visited, as one might say. However, the floating familiar was also curious about what Pelintira would do to contact her, especially if they are supposed to see her memories by another mean than her own. If what she said was true, the witch could be capable of being a soul keeper of her own. Mao, like anyone else, only had a glimpse of what this legendary mistress was capable of and nobody dared to underestimate her... The neko would still remain close, holding the pulsating soul crystal. Or rather, it floated above her palm, even spinning very slowly. Her golden eyes observed it for a moment then shifted to the witch, looking ready to accomplish whatever task that she had in mind for her. "I can take us to her or you may do as you like, Mistress...", Mao finally proposed. Either way probably would be alright. The stability of the prism worried her a little but she would be a bad soul reaper if so little allowed the soul inside to escape. All depended on what Pelintira had in mind for inspecting the soul in question. If her magic would conflict with her or her glass seal. It's something Mao would have to deal with, in time, if anything happened.

Pelintira drew her attention away from the other two temporarily, as Mao expressed her concern. She did hope she did not miss seeing anything interesting, but this was more worth her attention. Not really surprising either. “She is reaching out. Knows her body is near. Trying to make other connections. Not the most effective time for her to try though…”. She considered the next step. She could just let it play out, but it might be more interesting to step in. ”Perhaps it is time to get to know her a little. Teach her what to expect, what might come. You can come along if you wish.” For her it would be a simple thing to reach in, make contact with the spirit. It was just another aspect of the world to her. “Though we may get a look at her old life, memories as well. Sort of like walking into her dreams.” It was probably more accurate to say Pelintira would be entering the girl’s soul temporarily. Two souls becoming one briefly. A simple thing for her, no danger in such things anymore. She could bring Mao along easily enough. It might even be a sort of bonding experience for the two of them.

It was fine. I’m still working my writing frequency again too, now that I got most of what I intended to do on the other club, I’ll probably get the reply in tomorrow evening.

Mao would have returned to the study after a while, having read more than enough books for the entire day. As per usual, the floating catgirl would have stayed around quietly unless addressed or interacted with, usually waiting or simply relaxing on her own but still listening to what was going on. She was observing at all times, sometimes trying to see what or how people thought. In no way could she really tell what the great witch was thinking but Mao remained by her sides, in case she could be useful for something. There was nothing else that required her to be elsewhere at that moment. She also figured that Alenia would be safe, wherever she was right at that moment, by herself or not. Still, something had been bothering her ever since she had come back. Something that stirred within the complexity of her power, something only Mao could feel but that was relevant to the young elf girl in a sort of way. The small familiar was not sure how to address this particular concern but after waiting that Pelintira seemed free to interact with, she finally approached to her side. "Mistress...? It appears that the soul taken from the girl is not behaving peacefully. I thought you would want to know.", she told her, while soon summoning the crystalized soul in question. Its restlessness was rather clear with the way it was glowing and shaking lightly, as if it was active or fighting somewhat.

Sorry, I was about soon but I did not find the time to write. I will try to have something up and ready today. I apologize for delays. I didn't mean to make you wait. x.x

You can start it, unless Allie comes back before you get a chance to write it. Have Mao notice some unusual restlessness from the soul or something like that and come back to Pelintira.

Posting this a little earlier than I intended. Tried to come up with something flexible, that could be rather short or maybe a little longer, depending on exactly when Allie is back. It was an aspect I was originally going to explore other ways (and might still, if she is back before we get it started). But maybe an exploration of the dead girl’s soul. Mao and Pelintira interacting with it. Finding about its past and what might happen over time.

Pelintira had decided to keep an eye on the two of them, out of curiosity. To get an impression of Alenia's current thoughts, and two see what the two of them might get up to. Talk of overthrowing the emperor again? Alenia was thinking a little small scale. Her village was just a small piece of a tiny empire. That man had to be dealt with to achieve her goals, but there would be much more work as well. Her potion seller was getting pretty ambitious as well. Not just making offers of helping an enemy who was probably much stronger than she realized. But was she teasing her apprentice, tempting her for a different sort of fun? It made her think a little. It had been long since she had sought the pleasure of another's touch. Especially conventionally. Though she had found a number of...alternative pleasures. A thought came to mind, if the girl committed to her apprenticeship, followed the path deeply enough, did she have a different sort of potential? There was no rush, but but maybe when the girl eventually became more equal to her power, could she have another place here? Perhaps the girl should be given a different sort of 'initiation'? Her companion could maybe have a little reward too. Alenia was still just an apprentice, after all, Blacky had done nothing forbidden, if anything, she desired some praise. And best for doing it subtly. It was even possible that line would not be crossed, if Pelintira did not step in.

I'm still working my way back into my earlier writing frequency. Finally got caught up on the reading, should get my planned post up either tonight or tomorrow. Will think some more about that. But it will depend on if Allie is back this weekend or not. If she is, we will consider bring Pelintira into the bath scene. If not, I'll see if I have anything to consider, probably Sunday afternoon.

I am fine with that, if you wish. I have not been able to really post but I will do as soon as I can. Unless you have something else in mind. Feel free to say if you have ideas.

Will try to get that one post in the next few days at least. I’ll admit was skimming as you two were writing. Have to take time to really read those. After I write that, we will see what happens. I had not heard anything, but my guess is Allie is unusually busy with school stuff. See if she is back by the weekend. Depending on how long she is busy, we can consider some sort of side story while waiting for her.

Name: Silas Chronicle Gender: Male Native World: Modern Species: Human Unique Physical Traits: N/A Age: 20 Height: 5'7 Hair: Medium, messy, dark purple Eyes: Red Short Bio: Silas is a very quiet and reserved photographer and journalist. He's so passionate about photography that it consumed his entire life. If someone bothers him, he will comply with their every demand so that he can get back to taking pictures as soon as possible. Although, it is speculated that deep down, he desires some sort of connection Sexual Orientation: Bisexual Reference:

Go ahead, keep doing that. I don't mind. I might write a post of her just observing and considering when/how to join in. Looks like Allie might be temporarily busy as well.

Alright... Please make sure to let us know if you want to have a part in it. I know I comment here a lot for asking things but I feel that communication is important. ><

Pelintira might walk in on them at some point. But you two can still keep going for now. She’s probably watched part of it, curious to see how far it is going to go. She could join in to either encourage them to go further, or share the fun if they start going further on their own. She may or may not use magic to add to the experience.

Okay so I've been a bit in a down for a bit but I remember Satai mentioning before that they would let us go for a while (Not sure until when) so I wanted to ask (Instead of simply going on and on) if you plan to interrupt our characters anyhow soon or later? I'm really just asking so to not make you wait so long. I feel bad for making this last, as fun as it was. I have no idea what Allie thinks about it herself but yes. I felt like it would be important to request the opinion of our third partner. It's just to make sure everything goes the way we like it.

Alenia blushed as Blacky came back over to where she was and soon enough she would feel her arms wrap around her once more as she was hugged. She not not just feel her arms pressing against her body but also Blacky’s breasts and stomach. The touches made her blush but she was beginning to get used to feeling it. As Blacky began to tease her about what they could do together, Alenia would feel herself beginning to blush more but, was there a part of her that wanted this too? She took a small moment in silence before answering. ”S-sure… we could… wash each other… I don’t mind…”

Blacky turned toward her a little and blinked in surprise. Was she really telling her that she enjoyed the moment they had spent together? The fox witch realized that not only did she seem to leave a good impression on her bathing partner, it even looked like it left her wanting for more. A smile drew on her face as she moved closer again. "I understand... You don't have to worry. After all, you're the first one who I have ever approached this closely...", she explained, looking glad about it. "I did not want to make you uncomfortable with my presence, is all... If you felt this good about it, we don't have to end it yet. In fact, I would be happy to do more for you. As long as you're enjoying it.", Blacky continued and moved behind Alenia, gently hugging her. After a moment, she looked at her and spoke again. "What shall it be? I can wash you completely... Or you can help wash me. It can feel nice for the both of us. Or I imagine it would... Only one way to find out.", Blacky said, a bit teasingly but kept a gentle gaze at the girl, giving her the time she needed to decide. The fox witch, holding Alenia lightly from behind, was curious to do more but waited to make sure that the girl was comfortable with her idea before she did anything although her tail betrayed how enthusiastic she was being about it. Even if, luckily, Alenia probably could not see it from where she was, sparing Blacky from the embarrassment of having to explain that to her. She was merely having a good time or it was the way she was seeing it.

Alenia would blink as she suddenly felt Blacky loosening her grip on her body. And then felt her lips as they connected with her shoulder as then finally she felt the hands completely let go of her. For a moment she stood there in the water, continuing to blush at what had just happened. It was new for her, something she had never done before, it felt a little uncomfortable, but it also felt good. Part of her felt a little disappointed feeling the arms let go of her. She turned to look at Blacky and uttered, “h-hey… I um… I’m sorry… if I seemed uncomfortable well… I was… I’ve never done something like that before… with another girl… never been that close… b-but um… it wasn’t… all that bad… it did feel… good….”

Blacky smiled to the response, formulated with a bit of stutter. She was sure that it must have had come off as embarrassing or something, considering their closeness. Granted, the furry witch liked to be a little provocative but this one was not entirely intended the way it sounded. "Forgive me, I did not mean to make you feel uneasy... What I meant was if there is anything I can help you with. But... I may have overstepped my bounds already.", she told the girl, knowing that her own body was squeezing against Alenia's. Blacky's grasp on the girl still held her close to her. "I'd like to thank you, nonetheless. It might sound strange but I only wanted a discussion with you at first and I didn't think that it would come to this.", she said, unsure how to show her appreciation. Leaning close, she gave the girl's shoulder a gentle kiss then finally released her but not without rubbing her head lightly with her hand, giving her an innocent smile. After moving away, Blacky remained not too far to start washing her own body. Turning her back to the girl so she didn't see anything, her tail roamed underwater but she made sure to keep it away from Alenia so it didn't cause any unfortunate incidents. Her first bath with someone didn't feel bad but she felt like she might have ruined it. Despite this, the fox witch could be heard humming as she was washing herself, at least satisfied with what she had felt, hopefully helping Alenia relax as well if she stayed around or did anything.

Alenia nodded softly. That was a possibility. She could possibly gather some help from students, maybe Mao, maybe even Palentira herself but she had already expressed her desires to her mistress and her reasons. She needed to do this. It was the only way. The elf would blush a little as she felt Blacky squeezing her gently in her arms, making their bodies press more. “No um… n-nothing in mind…” she told the furry witch.

Note to readers: Another story in the lovely, ever growing Vanoria setting. Though this one will be in another part of the world, with no contact with and little awareness of the Vanorian Emipre. A three person story, to explore other aspects and lands of the world. Far to the north, beyond the Vanorian Empire. Beyond the Ancient Elven Empire north of Vanoria, was a wild lightly settled land. Ancient homeland of the elves, a reminder of their wild past. Now mostly abandoned for the great empire to the south. The only realm so far strong enough to hold back the might of the Vanorian Empire. But the empire of the elves could be suffocating as well. There were no slaves there. But everyone had a purpose assigned from birth. It did not matter what you felt. That would be your role for life. And elves did not grow old. Only the emperor himself could give an elf a new position. While that did happen, it was exceptionally rare. For most who wanted something else abandoning the empire was the only solution. This was allowed, but it meant forever giving up your citizenship in the empire. No help would come to you if you were unprepared to live on your own. Deep in wilds there were many secret things happening. Many creatures lived out here, self exiled elves, small human settlements, villages or tribes, with no king united them, dwarves in the mountains. Other unusual creatures could be found as well, some never heard of in southern lands. Deep in the woods, along the mountains that bordered it, was a woman spoke of in legend and rumor. The elf Pelintira. She was quite old, though as an elf she certainly did not appear so. She went into exile long ago. Stories said it was because she was a mage of the elven emperor. A powerful one. But she could not stand the rules, limits, of what magic she could study or use. She established a home in the wild, where she was free to study. Legends about her in the empire became wild. Forbidden magic, forbidden knowledge, freedom. If you were brave enough to seek it, to go into exile and find her, maybe you could gain these things. Necromancy. Demon summoning. Zombification/mind control. Mutation. Life beyond dealt. The stories suggested she studied all these things, who knew what else. That performed sacrifices to obtain her power. That even the emperor feared her power now, hated it, but did not dare move against her. Only someone who found her could learn the truth of these things. She did have a few apprentices of course. There were others as well. That she employed in her home to provide various supplies, that they could also sell to those near by. The home was best described as a fortress magically crafted into the mountain, continued underground and up into some of the surrounding trees. At the moment Pelintira was in her study. A room full of books and a great collection of artifacts. She was doing study on her own. But at this time of day, her students and others were allowed to visit her. She encouraged students to study on their own. But she would give advice too, sometimes personal lessons. Sometimes they worked together if the student was doing something that interested her. When students asked about the legends, if she performed such magic. She usually did not answer the question. But she encouraged her students to dig through the library and artifacts. Not be afraid to study anything. They were here for freedom, nothing was forbidden to study.

For anyone thinking about joining in on the fantasy setting centered around the Vanorian Empire. A place to ask questions, and set things up. I might also just occasionally post thoughts on details about the setting as well.