staircasetotheclouds | more fantasy!au aw yiss

[Finding a familiar is something of a ceremony where Oswin's from. She really actually hadn't even given it any thought until she and the Doctor had made a quick pop home for her to visit her relatives and it'd somehow come up. Honestly, she didn't think she particularly needed one, she was perfectly fine with just the Doctor and Jenny and Nina, but it was something that should've happened, if...well. If everything hadn't gone to hell.

The whole thing involved going off into the nearby forest for the night, to an old stone that held lots of magical energy. Oswin wasn't too sure what would happen when she reached it, but she certainly wasn't against leaping into the unknown without an idea of what to expect. Besides, she was allowed to bring people along.

She'd asked Nina, in the end. Sort of made sense, having her along, and besides, she knew the woods better than anyone. Oswin knew the general direction she was supposed to go in, but getting lost in the woods didn't exactly sound like her idea of a good time.

She's got a ball of light in hand as they make their way down a beaten path in the woods, one that will hopefully at least get them close. The stone is deep in the heart of the forest, away from any path that's been made.]

Almost there, d'you think? [Not that Oswin wants to rush things, but wandering alone in the dark isn't exactly her idea of a nice evening. Maybe that's just her, though.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

notrory

[Being in the forest at night is hardly something that really bothers Nina. Granted, at a time like this she's generally just dozing and enjoying the moonlight, but Oswin's asked her to come and it's a special thing to be able to witness. Nina's connection with the woods around her make her more acutely aware of what's going on, how important and special this is.

Her bare feet are quiet on the leaf-strewn ground, feeling the damp soil beneath her. It's exhilarating, really, being back somewhere that she can truly connect with her environment. She missed it.]

We're getting close. [Nina agrees. Her voice is a little softer than usual as she listens and feels what's happening.] We'll have to leave the path soon.

From:

makingsouffles

Right. [Oswin glances quickly around. She's used to being in danger, of course, but that doesn't mean she can't be a little wary. It is sort of exciting, though, even if she's not sure what's going to happen.

Nothing wrong with a bit of uncertainty after all.] Sort of funny how there's nothing in books about this sort of thing. No one's ever written down what actually happens.

[Not that Oswin's nervous, but with magical stuff, she usually knows exactly what she's doing. It's weird not to.]

From:

notrory

[Nina glances to Oswin, smiling faintly.] There's some things that have to be experienced yourself. It can't be...explained.

[She shrugs her leafy shoulders.] I've only seen this happen once, and that was by accident. But I couldn't really say what it was, because...well... [Nina lets out a little sigh.] You can't explain it. Does that make any sense?

From:

makingsouffles

Sort of, yeah. [Even if it didn't, Oswin's used to things that don't make sense. It happens when you're traveling with two Dragon Lords, one of whom happens to be a werewolf, and a tree.

She pauses, golden wisps of light from the ball in her hand reaching out to test the air. Nina knew exactly where they were going, of course, but she's not all that fond of relying on people.] Probably ought to get off the path now, looks like. [The magical presence in the air is more than strong enough for Oswin to feel.]

From:

notrory

[Nina smiles at that and nods.] Right about here, yes. Can you feel it?

[Nina may not be a mage, but she can sense the magic in the air. The trees are vibrating with it, and she shivers slightly. It's an almost euphoric feeling.]

From:

makingsouffles

[Oswin nods.] Bit hard for our lot not to in a place like this.

[It feels more like a warmth, to Oswin, something soothing and wonderful gathering in her chest. The orb in her hand glows a little brighter as they continue on, hovering a few inches over Oswin's palm.

Without even thinking about it, she reaches out to take Nina's hand, giving her a brief smirk.] You'd better not laugh at whatever I end up with. [Because, let's be real, there's loads of embarrassing animals she could wind up with.]

From:

notrory

It feels wonderful. [Nina smiles softly, just happy to be here and to share in this experience with Oswin. When the other girl takes her hand, she squeezes lightly, several vines snaking across their joined hands.]

I think you need to be more worried about Jenny laughing than me.

From:

makingsouffles

All three of you lot'd laugh if I got stuck with a platypus or something. [She grins, though, amusement in her eyes.

The warmth in her chest grows as they near their destination and finally, the stone comes into view. It's about the size of a smaller boulder, with a gleaming gem surrounded by runes in the center. Oswin watches it for just a moment before turning to Nina.]

Wait here, okay? I've got to go on from here alone. [She pecks the other girl on the cheek, carefully unwinding her hand from Nina's.]

From:

notrory

Well. Alright yeah. Probably. [Nina grins back sheepishly.

It really is beautiful. Nina's come here a few times before, just to bask in the magic that sent shivers along her spine and made her feel so alive. It's exciting to know that she's here to witness something truly magical and special.

She nods and the vines retract back into her skin as she lets go of Oswin.]

I'll be right here.

From:

makingsouffles

[Oswin leaves her ball of light behind for Nina, stepping forward into the clearing. The magic's humming in her chest now, as she gets closer and closer. It's almost unbearable, but nonetheless, Oswin continues on.

She's never been one to back down, after all.

Once she's finally standing before the stone, Oswin pauses, hesitating. Really, she's got no idea what she's supposed to do now that she's actually made it. After a moment or two, she steps forward, reaching a hand out and rests it on the shining gemstone in the center.

Slowly, Oswin exhales, feeling the magic flow through her veins as her eyes slide closed. As she does, a wisp of light floats free from her hand, circling Oswin once before flashing down to her feet where it begins to become solid.]

From:

notrory

[Nina stays quiet, respectful, watching. The magic vibrating through the air is nearly palpable and she shivers slightly, closing her eyes for a moment.

It's amazing to watch, but the intensity is starting to get difficult to bear, and Nina takes just a few steps backwards, hoping to ease the sensation.]

From:

makingsouffles

[The light coalesces at Oswin's feet and by the time she's taken her hand away, it's been replaced by a small, clearly canine figure sitting in the grass beside her.

Oswin's first thought is that she definitely could've gotten something worse. Which probably isn't the best firs thought, given that the red fox at her feet gives an offended huff, drawing himself up importantly.

Letting out a quiet laugh, she kneels down to get a better look.] Safe to come out! [Oswin calls towards the bushes where Nina's hopefully stayed if the powerful magic hasn't chased her off.]

From:

notrory

[Nina's still watching, sort of. Though the magic is most certainly a little overwhelming. She feels dizzy and shaky, but draws a hand over her brow and peeks out.]

Oh, he's cute!

[She steps out from where she's been lurking, taking a few steps closer.]

From:

makingsouffles

[That doesn't seem to please Oswin's new familiar either. He huffs again, padding over to sit by his person's side and give Nina a repproachful look.

She laughs again.] Doesn't look like he agrees. [Never mind that the fox's expression is almost exactly like Oswin's whenever someone decides to tell her she's cute.]

From:

notrory

[Nina chuckles. The magic in the air is still a little too strong for her to be comfortable, but Oswin doesn't look quite ready to go.]

Sorry. Handsome, I meant handsome.

From:

makingsouffles

[That's better. The fox fluffs out his tail, preening as Oswin watches in amusement, kneeling a little to stroke his head.]

…He's called Raniel. [It's more a feeling than her familiar actually telling her, something Oswin isn't entirely used to. She smiles, scratching the fox behind the ears.]

From:

notrory

Raniel. [Nina smiles.] I like it.

[She glances back over her shoulder, still feeling the magic press in a little too strongly on all sides.]

Ozzy, it's still a little rough for me here, I think I'll go back to the path and you can meet with me when you're ready.

From:

makingsouffles

Hm? Oh! [Oswin's completely forgotten that the magic aura in this place might be a little much for some people, particularly those that aren't mages. Gathering Raniel up in her arms, she straightens.]

We're about done here, I think. No need to wait. [She smiles.] Back to the portal, then?