Sept. 9: Into the woods (Open)

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

Vivienne sat beside a small creek with large silver bowl on her lap. She appeared to be arguing with it.

"I need more time. So much has changed here, Albion is no longer the center of things. Tell the Masters they have sent me to the Forrest and asked me to gather information about the leaves on every tree without allowing me to leave the sunlight of the Medowlands. If they could see the reasoning behind giving me specific items they wish to know about, then I can focus my time here more efficiently."

There was a reply from the bowl and it sounded brisk and unyealding.

"Then get someone else who has the authority to speak to the Court. I was sent here on their orders, I demand to speak someone who is of sefficant rank to properly deliver my messages to the Lords."

She suddenly pitched the contents of the bowl into the river. She sat in silence with the bowl beside her and few dozen small glass vials on her lap.


(Open)

[Tereza Rozanov]

Tereza was still shaking her hair out from her time in the pool when she stumbled across Vivienne. "Hey, Viv. Nice bowl."

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"Contemplating contacting my mother. My attempt to contact...another did not go as I had anticipated." She chooses a small vial at random.

[Tereza Rozanov]

"Should I go then?" Tereza said, leaning against a tree.

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"If you prefer. She would be pleased to meet you and I would be proud to introduce you to her." She opened the vial and poured the contents into the bowl. She closed her eyes a moment the lightly blew across the water in the bowl. The contents glowed and moved slightly as the image of a blue green female face appearing and smiled. It looked very similar to Vivienne's "fey face", much older obviously.

"Good Morn, mother."

"Good Morn, my precious one."

"Mother, I would like to introduce you to Tereza. She is a fellow student here at the school. She has been helping me to navigate this world. Tereza this is my mother, the Lady Niamh Chinn Oir. "

"Well met, young Tereza. You may call me Nimue."

[Tereza Rozanov]

"A pleasure, Nimue," Tereza said, maybe just a little bit impressed. But only a little.

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"Mother, I want to ask you if you have heard anything from the Court concerning my presence here."

The older woman looked thoughtful. "I have not, but they do not speak to me if they can avoid it. Are you having trouble?"

"I attempted to speak with someone and I was only able to contact a bodach."

Nimue frowned. "I am sorry my light, you have been slighted."

"What? Why? Am I...banished? That makes no sense, why summon me to Court. Why teach me? Why the letter of introduction?"

"You misunderstand, you are not banished. I would know. They are simply attempting to insult you. What they want from you is too great in their minds, but you are bound to their whims, not them to yours."

"Games.."

"Indeed. Now tell me, Tereza, what is the year? Your attire is most fascinating."

[Tereza Rozanov]

Tereza gave her the year. "As I understand it, it's been quite some time since you were here. A lot of things have changed since then."

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"I see and magic is still possible?" Nimue asked.

"The human science has replaced much in their hearts but I believe enough of the population still wants to believe. I have been able to create a Sanctuary, but have attempted little else. It also seems to lessen the farther I go from this place."

"Yes, I thought as much. There have been six banishments since you left. Be alert my daughter, make allies and more importantly, friends, this school is more important to you then they would have you believe. The founding principals are very familiar to me, keep Cal close, it will guide you."

"I will, mother. Be well and give my love to your sisters, I have missed their songs."

"I will, we miss you as well child and Tereza, be true to her. Everyone needs loyal friends. Be well, both of you." The image smiled and shimmered away.

Vivienne sat for a moment then held her hand over the bowl and directed the water out and back into the empty vial on her lap. She turned slightly and smiled at Tereza.

"I believe a great quantity of alcohol is required tonight."

[Tereza Rozanov]

"Good required or bad required?"

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"It may be best to have them in my room. Intoxication and magic do not always mix well."

[Tereza Rozanov]

"I know just the thing," Tereza said. "Meet you in your room after dinner?"

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"Sounds wonderful." She carefully placed her vials in the empty bowl and stood.

[Tereza Rozanov]

Tereza chewed her lip for a moment then asked, "Need someone to walk you back?"

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"Your company would be most welcome." She dusted off her skirt with one hand.

"So, am I still insane?" She asked with a smile.

[Tereza Rozanov]

"Probably," Tereza said, "Just not for the original reasons."