Warning

Mao would take into account what Pelintira said, being the keeper of souls of sorts. She had no troubles with keeping the soul of the girl for now or for as long as required. If it was ever required, she could come to them at any times to offer it to them. Mao didn't need it for herself, at least. There were many secrets behind collecting souls and what kind of power they could provide but the catgirl was not the kind to abuse of that power for herself. This said, Mao would be waiting for the moment that she would be needed, for any tasks or requests whatsoever. For the time being however, the purple familiar found herself enjoying the moment but most importantly, feeling like she was helping somehow. Even if she claimed to dislike hugs and being touched, at least by random students, she felt comfortable with Alenia. Soon feeling hugged tightly, Mao's eyes widened in surprise for a few seconds but simply accepted it and leaned against the girl, holding her for a moment still. Being thanked for it even made her blush a little but she responded with a nod. Mao would stay like this for as long as Alenia would need it.

Mao decided to stay, not wanting to leave so soon despite her opinions about Alenia's newfound powers. A question was also raised about the spirit of the girl but as the catgirl kept it hidden, chances are that it would not do anything unless Mao summoned it again, this close to the body that owned it only a little while ago. Her yellow eyes looked first at Pelintira, thinking about what was being said. "It will be alright, Mistress. I keep the soul safely... Where it is now, it cannot do anything. Should we need it soon...?", she asked curiously, wondering if something was to be done about that soon or later. If the girl somehow reconnected with the soul, there was also a chance to, in a way, bring her back alive. Looking at Alenia next, Mao looked surprised to hear what the younger elf had to say. Like if her own room bothered her. Like if she felt lonely, if the catgirl had to guess what she was going to say before she changed her sentence. To her, it meant that there was still some humanity in her mind and that perhaps after all, she was still needed to watch over her like she did before. Overcoming her own thoughts, Mao flew closer to the girl and simply hugged her quietly, ignoring the body for the moment. The actually alive one required her attention or so she believed. Besides, whether she admitted to it or not, she kinda enjoyed the warmth. In one way, Mao also hoped that it would help the girl feel better.

Blacky looked at them both, wondering if her bath comment did not set an awkward vibe even though she only meant it for herself, albeit louder than she should have expressed it. Anyhow, she had taken the comment of Pelintira with a nod and finally bid them farewell for the moment. As she had said before, she would not tell anyone what she had seen. Magic and its secrets were not always for others to know about and it was clear that this secret was one that was reserved for the witch and her student. But for now, she had left back to her workshop for business. Mao, for herself, watched Blacky leave then finally shifted her attention to the other ones in the room. The way Alenia made the body walk, controlling her in a way that made her appear less "dead" yet still very dead made the catgirl feel uncomfortable about it. A puppet was a plaything alright but this one was a former living human. The fact she was no longer alive was not the part that disturbed her exactly. After all, she was capable to collect souls. But the way that this body was used was slightly unsettling. Mao tried her best however not to show it to them. The small cargirl looked mainly at Pelintira now that they were alone anyway. "Do you wish anything of me, mistress?", she asked.

Blacky observed the situation but showed no signs of concerns from what she heard that was explained to her. Dark magic was more or less her business so she was not one to judge others for it. The black furred witch found amusing that Pelintira put it as certain discreet magic but it was not wrong to see it that way. Something like this was not an usual kind of practiced magic by most common witches. Or at least it is what it seemed like. Blacky could not imagine anyone or many choosing to volunteer and die for the sake of being transformed into a puppet. While Mao remained quiet on her side, having no real opinions on the matter, Blacky turned to Alenia when the girl mentioned that it was the first spell that she had learned from her mentor. "Impressive... I did not think that you had this in you. Your innocent look may fool many but this body that you control may fight for you one day.", she commented, not even asking how they both happened to find a body for her to control. The process was not really her business. What was done was done. "Just remember, if you need any potions, you know where to find me." Looking back to Pelintira, only eyeing Mao slightly, Blacky smiled softly. "Well, I believe that I should leave you be. Surely you have better things to do and I have potions and a shop to attend to. Perhaps even a bath for myself later... Hmm...", she said, thinking loud to herself with a smirk but soon cleared her voice, looking embarrassed for a bit, as she eyed away. "Very well! I think it's time. Thank you for this little time together. I will keep this meeting and what I've seen here between us.", she assured them but waited a moment, making sure there was nothing else.

Mao nodded to Pelintira, keeping quiet mostly because Blacky was with them. The furred witch thought nothing of it as it sounded like the she in question was possibly a doll, which was a reasonable assumptions considering that magic could be performed using many kinds of objects including even dolls and plushes. For Blacky, it also was a bold assumption based on what kind of person Alenia looked to be and for her, there would be no surprises at all if she was the type to play or practice magic with a doll. Mao however simply preferred to know where she was. The catgirl would get her fill of surprise when Alenia responded and even brought the girl through a portal. This alone would keep her quiet but Blacky instead stared for a moment before her gaze shifted between the ones present. "Well... This is not a doll, after all.", she said, making her assumption clear for all to hear. She still had questions. "She is not one of your students, is she?", she asked, curious about how such a body, clearly being a real one or so she assumed, found herself controlled by who she thought was innocent. "And she is not very alive...", she remarked.

Blacky smirked afterwards, having listened to the lecture and the young elf speaking, she looked at both. "Potions do not come without risks, unless you know what you're getting into. I am not entirely careless about who I sell my potions to, however. I mentioned having poisons but they are rarely sold to anyone. I would not want a murder to take place in your home. Let's just say that I keep them around for educative purposes.", she explained, not without some amusement. The majority of her potions were harmless. Other ones had very special effects. Mao looked at everyone, having been quiet. She still looked somewhat intimidated by the imposing anthro even if she was not bigger than Pelintira, minus tail and ears. Or perhaps there was something about her that allured her. She looked at Alenia, feeling like there was something more important and at least it worked well to distract herself. "Where is she?", Mao asked, referring to the girl she took the spirit from. She wondered if the body didn't have to be with Alenia at all times. "She?", Blacky followed to inquire, curious about who she was.

After Blacky entered the room, she watched the others calmly while they spoke. Mao seemed to observe her quietly on her side as well. When Pelintira addressed her about a certain potion left somewhere, Blacky's eyes showed some concerns, wondering what kind of potion that it was. Especially if the witch herself did not know what it was. Her eyes shifted to Mao who obeyed and brought the heart sticker potion to her, which made the furred witch smile slightly. Blacky picked up the bottle, opened it and took a sniff out of it to confirm before she looked at Pelintira. "Ah yes, the scent of naive passion seekers... I believe that I've sold this potion no longer than a few days ago. Very careless to leave this around but not harmful. As I can see, someone had a bit of fun with it already, without surprises.", she said, seeming amused by the situation. Clearing her voice, Blacky closed the bottle and looked at the others in the room. "As you may have guessed already, it's a potion made specially for one to make another fall in love with them. I am sure the heart was a giveaway but I've had put a label on it. I think some careless student not only removed it but also left it alone... I will have to give them a scolding the next time I see them. If someone else had drunk the content, he would have be in for quite a surprise.", she explained while Mao felt glad she didn't take a sip. At the same time, she also knew that potions were not to be treated lightly. They were not only a delicious drink at times but also gave diverse and sometimes unwanted effects on the drinker. Blacky's eyes shifted to Pelintira once more. "I will be taking this with me and dispose of it properly.", she told her, putting it away.

As they both left together, Blacky took a good look around, as she enjoyed the ambience of the fortress. She usually didn't hang very long with a student or another but the time she had spent with Alenia had been worth it. Maybe she could become a future customer. Everyone needed potions once in a while. It would not be too long before they reached the study and Blacky recognized the area and the door. Since the elf girl was the one knocking for a response, she remained behind to wait while letting her do their entrance. IF Pelintira was there to see them. Mao was waiting patiently in the room while the old witch seemed to know exactly what was happening or what was going to happen. The catgirl didn't really feel the need to question it. Of course she would know everything, with the amount of experience and magic means she had. Still, after the witch told her that they would soon find out about the potion, it did not take long before a knocking on the door surprised her, making her turn around. Flying to the door, Mao pulled it open with her weight against the close wall and looked outside, staring at the sight. Outside was the elf girl they knew and then was this taller furred humanoid who, in some ways, could be comparable to her own self in paws and other similar details. This woman was definitely bigger than she was, though. Out of politeness, Mao pulled the door open and flew back away. "Mistress, we have guests...", she simply said, informing her of their arrival. Blacky couldn't help but smile at the sight of the little purple familar who opened the door for them. 'Definitely cute', she thought. She would wait for Alenia to enter before she did go in herself, however.

Blacky nodded with a smile, soon leaving behind this awkward moment. Although the black witch was fine with it but explaining it was, if anything, an amusing experience. "If you require my services, you know where to come. For the time being...", she said and picked up her hat that she set on her head once more, minding the ears that fit into specific holes made for them, she looked at Alenia. "You said that you knew the Lady Pelintira. Are you by any chance going to visit her? If so, I will come with you. I may inquire about her need for a potion, if there is." Making sure that everything was in order in her shop, she prepared to leave it once more since Alenia said she would not take more potions than the healing one offered to her. There always was another day for something fancy. Besides, she was still on her break and other students probably would not come to see until the afternoon. With this, the furry witch looked at the elf, waiting for her to leave for the study.

Blacky smiled a little as Alenia faced the trouble of having lot of choices. "Oh, I understand... Still undecided on what you may need now or later. But you see, I am for the most always here so you may return whenever you like. Perhaps you might need something today and then something else, tomorrow.", she told the girl, soon bringing another potion to her. "I know you have spoken of healing, before. This is a common one for you. A simple restoration potion that you can use however you like. Think of it as a first time gift.", the furred witch said with a soft smile. When asked about the potion she just brought, Blacky herself seemed to blush slightly before she recomposed herself. "Ahem... I do not believe that this one would interest you. But I would not judge if it did... Remember when I mentioned desires? Unlike a love potion that might make you lose your clarity for the sake of love, this one...", she started, looking at Alenia and wondering how she could explain this in an appropriate manner, "...This one affects the body instead of the mind, so to speak. Oh but the mind will enjoy it.", She said, blushing. "For being naughty..."

There seemed to be a potion for about anything Alenia could imagine or about. Some clearly marked with poisons of many kinds, some made to alter body proportions somewhat, or slow down the aging. Invisibility potions, love potions here and there, colorful liquids to help with one's strength or even one's resistance to damage or pain. Simpler potions for concentration or a boost of intellect, usually helpful for spell casting. Potions for stamina, speed, luck, etc. Of course, the amount of possible potions went beyond what Blacky could have in stock and some potions had to be made on demand as well since they involved more "personal" effects regarding the user. Those had to be requested from Blacky. The witch soon came back and eyed Alenia. "So, anything you fancy? There is no shame about anything found here. Even desires can be fulfilled with the help of a potion and I am not one to judge.", she said with a smile, having carried another potion with her that she put on her shelves. This one seemed to be aimed for something a little more... inappropriate to discuss openly. After what, Blacky removed her hat and sat down, seeming to need a moment to relax while still enjoying the presence of Alenia. For now, she would observe in case the elf needed anything.

Blacky would give her a nod and this time, she would try to remain quiet. Only when they had finished, Blacky got up from her bench but waited for Alenia to follow before she would lead her elsewhere. Thankfully, her shop was not in any dark corner of the fortress. In fact, the area looked well lit. Inside the room, the window did well to provide some light inside but most of the light would be from some torches. Inside, the girl could find a set of potion making tools including a cauldron, many vials of many shapes and forms, the ones filled were mostly stickered or tagged except for a few that contained flowers or objects. There were also scrolls and books, maybe recipes as they were titled with potion-ish titles. "Here we are... You are free to look around and even enjoy the scent. My only request is that you do not touch anything. Some of these potions or rather mixtures are not only dangerous but may also cause... uncomfortable effects, so to speak. Please tell me if you wish to buy any of them or you have any questions. I am will glad to answer you...", Blacky explained, warning her as well, before she went to take care of some business in her workshop, not leaving the sight of Alenia at least. The furred witch looked very comfortable with her work space, even if surrounded by potions that could give life as much as take it away and pretty quickly. The relaxing scent around the room seemed to be from a flower bottle.

Blacky observed her young guest, trying to read into her about what she would really wish for. When Alenia made her demand, a faint smile formed on her lips as she nodded and continued eating then finally. "There are many kinds of strengths and not only a single kind of healing. I think you should come pay a visit to my shop... Perhaps you'd find something of your interest. A body change, a transformation.", she said with a wink. "I even have something that helps with staying young for a long time but it doesn't come cheap.", Blacky was so caught into her profession that she now realized that perhaps she was too much into it for the poor girl. "Here I go again. Once I start talking, I can't stop anymore..." Leaning forward, she gave Alenia a headpat while smiling softly, then leaned back as she didn't want to impose too much on her. "I can lead you to it after we're done... I will even give you a friendly discount, too. Think of it as a compensation for listening to me being so chatty.", she said.

Mao looked surprised by what she was told, feeling a bit like a fool as well for not having found the potion seller first. If Alenia was with her then at the very least someone HAD found her. Still, what sort of business could she be talking about? If it was about the potion seller then was Alenia interested in one? If the old witch was not worried about that then she did not have to be either, herself. It was probably best she did not interfere either. Pelintira sounded like she had a plan. Mao would simply obey if she was asked to do something. Still, she could not help but feel curious. Seeing the interest Alenia suddenly had, Blacky grinned mischievously but only because it excited her and made her curious to see what someone interested in her potions really wanted out of them. Still, it sounded like the young girl saw this like a replacement to training. "Ah but you see, my potions are not an alternative to your mistress' teaching. What would be the use of studying magic if my potions did everything?", she asked, begging the girl to think about it. "No, what I sell only has temporary effects. Mostly. A poison would not necessarily agree.", she said giggling. Looking at Alenia carefully, Blacky grew a little more serious as she continued. "My preparations help with a lot of troubles that require them, sometimes once in a lifetime, sometimes many times in an adventure. I cannot give you eternal strength but I can give you the mean to become stronger. Or a boost to go beyond your usual limits. How you use it is up to you entirely.", the furred witch explained, stopping for a moment to eat before her stomach begged. "Think of it as a way to cheat life a little... So tell me, what is it that you wish? Love? Power? Healing, perhaps?"

Mao had not found the potion seller but found what looked like her atelier, at least. With this, she reapeared in the witch's study and looked around before she approached, unaware that Pelintira was already aware of everything. "Mistress... I found where the merchant sells potions from. They were not there when I found it, though...", she informed her, even though she already knew. "Also, I found no signs of sick students while I searched. I think it's safe to say that there is nothing to worry about.", Mao reported, even though she had missed the eatery. Meanwhile, Blacky seemed satisfied with Alenia's answer to her offer to eat together. After they had picked some food, the black furred witch went to sit down with her new friend, looking at her with some interest. "Ah, so you know the Lady Pelintira? Of course you do, who doesn't?", she asked with a smirk. "You see, I come and I go. Making potions requires the finest materials and ingredients. But what brings me? Let me ask you. Would you not be tempted by feeling stronger? Or luckier? Perhaps you need a poison. Or a little help elsewhere. I provide all of that." Blacky seemed proud but remained composed, simply smiling teasingly at Alenia. After she started to eat, she remained quiet to let the young elf comment if she wanted to. Hearing of the old witch reminded her that she could perhaps try to visit her soon, if hopefully she was not too busy. Blacky also didn't want to bother this girl too much with her sales pitch but since she didn't know who she was, she wanted to try and make it inviting for her. There were other students who came to her at times with their troubles and the furred witch was happy to help.

I get that this part might be confusing but I threw Mao back in case Satai wanted to do her input. (Doing my best there to not skip her turn. She probably has thoughts about Alenia as well but whether she wishes to post something or not is ultimately up to her). I might not have given her a lot to work with but I CAN edit something in if I must, if she requires. As for Blacky, it can wait for after Satai posted if she wishes to do so.

I know it's a bit early to say (And sorry if I'm paranoid) but with the awkward activity stop, I hope my post was fine and didn't mess anything. I tried to give possibilities to others to keep rolling the turn order but a part of me can't stop thinking that I messed up or something. x.x (I like my post but I don't know if it is mutual so yeah). Just saying that if anything's wrong with what I post, please let me know and I'll do what I can.

A grin formed on this furred woman's face but it wasn't a vile one but rather an amused one. Hunger being the basic need of livings, it made sense that she would ultimately request food. Perhaps this girl needed something else without being aware of it, without knowing that she wanted it. But that would be for another time. "Food sounds wonderful just the same... Very well. How about I invite you to eat with me, then? Don't see anything bad to it, I am here to fill my stomach as well.", she told her, still curious however. "Pray forgive me for confusing you, I sell potions and other goods. You may call me Blacky.", the woman anthro spoke with spunk. Her stomach did not take long to make itself heard to cry for food. Mao continued her search, going further than usual and even managed to find a small unusual shop with lot of valuable looking potions and the likes. All seemed to be identified somehow however. Either with a tag or a sticker on the bottle itself. Some other ones that were not identified were put together away of the identified ones. The room seemed like a cozy little workshop but nobody was around. That must have been why there was an away sign on the door. Students should know better than going where they did not belong so maybe this room was fine to leave alone. Could the merchant have left to go see a student? Or Pelintira? For now, it was best that she returned to her and so, she teleported away.

Mao flew around the fortress for a while, simply seeking signs of what happened and that merchant who Pelintira spoke of. She did not exactly think to check the eatery first however. Fortunately, the catgirl did not find signs of a sick student or anything either. At least, nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps the probability that the potion had been harmless was true after all. If such a potion had killed a student, she or even the elder witch would have heard of it instantly. Perhaps there was nothing to worry about after all. But Mao continued to search around. Meanwhile, at the eatery, a black pawed and tailed character in witch uniform stood around for food when Alenia arrived. She needed to eat between her other activities after all. Stretching herself, after perhaps a rough awakening, her red eyes noticed the student coming inside. She was not particularly different or special compared to the many other ones but something about her made her wonder if she didn't need anything. She was alone, for one. Other students sometimes wandered in small groups. Smiling, the furred witch approached the young elf. "Are you in need of something...?", the black witch asked, not referring to anything in particular but rather speaking of whatever she could need. "I am sorry, I don't mean to startle you.", she said, just in case but still smiled softly, trying to appear amicable. "I simply assumed that you might need something. I am not sure what but that would be for you to know... It is likely that I might be selling what you need, whatever it is that you might need. Don't be fooled, however... It's not about money but about satisfying you. Interested...?", the woman asked kindly.

Guilty? I have been in some activities in the past where I was shooting lead ammo with a rifle. Not sure if it applies. The next person did something special on this first day of the year. (Special involving anything out of the ordinary)

In a sort of way, my characters are free right now due to the fact that I can't really continue with them right now. Perhaps Gardsorm will not be back so yeah. Florence, Warning and ARA are technically free unless I leave them locked due to current development.

Mao listened to everything, nodding to Pelintira as well as the idea that it could be a harmless potion made sense. All the catgirl had to do was to look around and make sure that the student who drank it didn't suffer anything wrong from it. At the same time, even if she didn't find the actual drinker, a simple patrol around the fortress would do well to find if anyone is in a bad state or not. It probably was not anything to be alarmed about since she had found the potion the day before, only a few hours past before she went to bed herself. Now, for the potion merchant, Mao would have to see if such a character was still in the fortress or not but again, nothing that some patrolling around the fortress would not give away, assuming that they were still around. Surprisingly, the catgirl didn't exactly visit every areas of the fortress and some areas just were not needed for her to go. She usually enjoyed the library itself but also patrolled the dormitories at times or any other studying spaces. She was not really required to be anywhere else but this one time, she would be to find her. With this, Mao bowed lightly to the old witch. "I will find them, mistress. I will report if I find anything.", She said before she teleported.

Guilty and I loved it! I am someone who likes electronic music a lot so I had to try once. I'd go back, maybe one day. Next poster, uh... wishes to go to space and might even succeed to do so one day.

Mao heard about this resident potion expert but she was not sure she had met with her directly. What she knew is that it was indeed odd that a potion was left randomly by a potion keeper on a table unless it was left by a student instead. If that student had also drank from the potion then... Her eyes widened suddenly with concerns and more so as Pelintira explained what the potion might be but was not necessarily what it looked like, especially if the bottle was made to fool the one drinking from it. Unless identified, potions were as vague and volatile as spells... But still, if it was from a trusted potion maker, even Mao doubted that such a person would leave poison laying around where curious students could go ahead and test them out. It did not look like it was made by a student at least. The catgirl had an idea, however. One that even Pelintira herself probably thought about before she did herself: "Mistress... Should I find the one who made this potion? You could ask them yourself. Also... Should I also try to find the student who may have drunk from this potion?", she asked, feeling that both were good questions...

Mao remained still, listening to the statement made by the witch, which made her glad to know that Alenia was actually doing fine. Even if it was not in very good manners, so to speak. And yet, the sacrifice and body manipulation gave the impression of being a completely normal thing within these walls. This was not a surprise to Mao, considering her position, but she was not necessarily comfortable with it. The first time she had met with Alenia however, it was worse for her, to the point that the catgirl had to step up to be close and comfort her. Things had changed. When the question about the bottle came up, Mao looked down at what she had in her grasp then back up to the old witch before she replied with a nod first then followed with an actual answer, "I found it in the library, on one of the tables. I think it's been opened and someone drank from it. Unless it should not be full." The bottle actually looked half full but otherwise, the cork was set tight in the opening. The only identification on the bottle was this red heart on it but for reasons, no words or anything were actually written. In symbol terms, it could be love related...?