yo let's get some more fantasy au up in hurr

[makingsouffles]

[It's sort of weird, being somewhere relatively peaceful. Normally, when Oswin's little band of travelers stops anywhere, it involves a lot of running away from creatures and/or angry civilians and saving the day, as they normally do. But, they do sort of need a break for a bit after their last adventure, even Oswin can agree to that. Bit of a pit stop so they don't get too world-weary.

They've landed in a forest, and Oswin's taking a bit of an opportunity to do a little practicing with her magic a little ways away from where Idris is most likely napping. The dragon is hidden away well by the stretch of forest between her and the outcrop of rocks Oswin's perched herself on to look out over the trees. All mages have something of a connection to nature, even if Oswin's element just happens to be more in the realm of light and fire.

And, given that setting the forest ablaze is probably a bad idea, she's decided to focus on the former.

Tendrils of light race through the bushes, swirling through leaves and branches at Oswin's command and she laughs as Raniel chases after them. The fox familiar may be just that, but he's got some of Oswin's playfulness in him. Definitely enough to snap at a few of the lights when he gets close enough.]

Comments

[makingsouffles]

[This time, Oswin's delighted laughter rings out around the trees as she watches the elk prance about the clearing below her. Raniel, too, barks his amusement bounding after the illuminated animal.

In another shower of sparks, Oswin's created an elk of her own that dashes after the other one, tossing and bowing its antlers playfully.]

[atthetavern]

[Merlin smiles at the laughter. A girl. Girls are usually good signs. Not as likely to be evil. He stands and awkwardly steps out of his hiding place, watching the two magic elk dance and run.]

[makingsouffles]

[As he steps into view, she tilts her head curiously, folding her arms and grinning ever so slightly as she watches him.]

Not bad.

[atthetavern]

[A hesitant, awkward smile spreads across his face and he gives her a bit of a nod.]

You too. I mean, your magic. Your magic is good, is... [He laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.] There's not many that would be so free with their magic around here.

[makingsouffles]

Can't say I'm really from around here. [Oswin settles down on her rocks again as Raniel darts up to her side.

She rests a hand in her familiar's fur.] There's not too many of us 'round here, then?

[atthetavern]

'Fraid not. [Merlin shakes his head.] It's punishable by death.

[makingsouffles]

[Her face falls briefly at that, in a look of genuine sympathy. At home, magic's a gift, something that's passed down through blood and generally regarded well. Oswin can't imagine living in a world where it's the opposite.

She gives him a faint, sad smile.] Must be hard.

[atthetavern]

It's... [He trails off awkwardly, shrugging.] It'll change in time.

[makingsouffles]

Hopefully. [She gives him a more ready smile this time, hopping down to his level as her elk vanishes.] Looks like you've been doing okay so far.

[Then again, she's only known him for a few minutes. Still, not being dead's always doing good, right?]

[atthetavern]

[He offers another shrug. Honestly he'd rather not talk about it.]

I'm Merlin. [He holds his hand out to shake.]

[makingsouffles]

[And Oswin can take that hint!

She smiles, taking his hand with only a quick moment of hesitation. Comes from being locked up away from people for so long, even after all this time.] Oswin.

[atthetavern]

[He smiles as well.] That's a beautiful name. I've never heard anything like it before.

coding why this

[makingsouffles]

Like I said, really not from around here. [She grins.] Me and my friends, we're just sort of passing through.

[At her feet, Raniel gives her skirt a sharp tug.]

Oh! Sorry, that's Raniel. He's my familiar. [As if having one is totally normal.]

gj

[atthetavern]

One of the nearby kingdoms? It's alright, just have to watch your step around here.

[She draws attention to the fox and calls it her familiar, and Merlin's eyes widen in surprise.] Your familiar? I didn't think those were real.

[makingsouffles]

[Yeah, sure, she'll go with that. Best not to draw too much attention to their presence here, especially since they'll be gone in a day or two.

Oswin laughs.] Lots of people've got them where I'm from. People like us, anyway.

[atthetavern]

[Merlin's interest is peaked.]

Where are you from?

[makingsouffles]

Really far away.

[She grins mysteriously.]

[atthetavern]

Alright. Fair enough. [He shakes his head, smiling.] You've got secrets you'd like to stay that way. I get it.

[makingsouffles]

Smart man.

[She gives him another smile, this one a little less smug.] You're good for someone who's had to learn in secret.

[atthetavern]

[He goes a tad pink at the compliment.] Honestly I haven't really learned. Just found a few spellbooks.