Curiosity May Kill Me Yet

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While it might work if he left a request at the temple in Nova he didn't want the same result as when he had tried to contact Saden to give him a copy of his grimoire. So he was out in the woods doing something that most likely would get him hurt very badly if not killed. Finding the right place was a pain in the ass on its own but setting up the summoning ritual was going to be something of a ordeal itself. It took him some time to get it set up and start executing it and calling on Teleska to come meet him in person.

He knew his chances of her responding were slim to begin with, the other issue was how she would react if she showed up. So while he waited he removed his sword from his belt and set it off to his left side just out of his own reach. Doing the same thing with his staff but on his right side before he sat down on the ground with his legs crossed and hands palms down on his knees. He wasn't sure how long the wait would be so he slipped into a meditative state to help calm  himself and remove any energy or feelings that might make him seem hostile. First impressions were important and well he was already being a pest by summoning her directly, he was curious about her and curious why there wasn't as much mentioned in the books he had read so far about interactions with her outside the temple practices and protocols.

Teleska

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She was perched in the branches of the tree behind him, her limbs delicately resting on the branches not making a single noise. Her long honey coloured hair cascaded down her right side, swaying lightly with the breeze. Her skin was like smooth caramel, covered by the lightest of sheer gold fabrics along her arms and midsection, a white corset covering her bust. Her legs were wrapped in gold ribbon, a loose skirt flowing in the breeze, similarly to her hair, while her feet remained bare, pressed against the wood of the branches. She peered down at him, her opal eyes filled with curiosity as she titled her head to the side assessing him.



She leaned forward a bit on the branch, grabbing ahold of another branch above her to keep her balance and she leaned down some, her hair falling over her should and down the tree. If she were not a few feet behind him, the hair would almost reach the top of his head. She looked like a tigress, perched ever so carefully over her prey, a slow grin creeping on her face.



Why are you here? She asked without warning, her voice startling the birds nesting above her, causing them to fly out of the tree. This is why she hated visitors. Visitors bothered the animals. She didn't like things bothering her animals. She narrowed her eyes down at him, waiting for his response.

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While in his meditative state his senses were slightly heightened and he was actually enjoying the peace that had settled in around him in the forest. He didn't hear her arrive or even move for that fact nor did he pick up on anything his five senses could detect even when heightened. So it was just as much a surprise for him as it was the birds in the tree when she spoke and asked him why he was here. The answer wasn't simple and the fact she looked like she was about ready to pounce on him didn't help him keep from going into ambush mode.

His head snapped around along with a twist of his torso, eyes opening and glowing gold as the aura filter rune activated on instinct. He actually closed his eyes right away and turned it off as her aura was akin to looking into the sun, especially this close up. "Greetings and sorry to disturb you. To answer your question I wanted to speak to you before I started up a personal project since you are the Goddess of the Animus, ruler of the forever forest, and protector of wildlife."

He moved deliberately to turn to face her though wasn't trying to make eye contact out of respect and caution as she may take it as a challenge. "I have a spell that lets me copy an aspect or ability of another living being and give ti to myself permanently. It doesn't harm the being I use it on and some of the aspects I would like to obtain belong to the wildlife you watch over. Instead of just going and taking these things from them and potentially angering you I figured it would be wiser to come ask your permission to seek these beings out and acquire the aspects from them." He was nowhere near arrogant enough to think she would just say yes to his request or trust anything he says at face value. He was centered again though now that she was here and staying in the same place and eyes avoiding her face though at least keeping her hair in his line of sight. He did wonder how she moved through the woods without it getting caught or frayed since it looked quite soft and in great condition.

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She arched an eyebrow, catching the glow to his eyes before they snapped shut again. She wasn't sure what magic he was brewing, but it clearly caused slight distress for him when he laid eyes on her. Interesting. The intro to his speech also had her interested. She shifted her perch, she that she was no longer looking like she would pounce and was now sitting in the tree, legs swinging softly over the branch, leaning against the trunk. Go on... She urged. There was a small smirk on her lips, noting how his eyes never quite reached hers; trying to show respect. What a wise human.

As he went on to explain himself, her eyes hardened. He could copy her animals trait by trait? That was new... She knew of beings who could merge with a couple animals, but they turned into those animals entirely, not just stole their traits... She didn't quite like the sound of it. Her eyes roamed over him as she thought over it. She tapped her right fingers slowly on her leg. He was smart; he came to her. He respected her enough not to just steal like 90% of the rest of them would have. That was a good sign. She arched a brow at him again. Hmmm... She braced herself against the tree, pushing her arms against the branches to propell herself off of the tree entirely, down onto the ground. Of course, she landed gracefully on all fours, like a proper tigress should. She rose slowly, her hair veiling her face until she was upright again and it fell around her shoulders like silk string. You were smart to ask first; many are foolish and just take what they believe is theirs, just because it does not reside in a shop, or behind guards. Her posture was strong, standing tall and confident. Yet there was also a fierceness in it, like she was ready to pounce into action on the flip of a dime.

... I am wary of your request, of that I will be honest. However, She took a step foward, cocking her head to the side. I want you to look me in the eyes and tell my why it is you seek their traits, and which of my creations you're going to take them from. Of course that wouldn't be her deal for him, but it was a start; plus she wanted to see if he would be nervous, or if he would stick to his confidence. She waited patiently; he'd caught her on a good day.

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She was at least not trying to rip his throat out right now and it also appeared she was at least intrigued by what he was asking of her. Most people would get nervous or at least would have jumped as she landed on the ground not more than a couple meters from where he was sitting. "Just because the guards are not visible doesn't mean they aren't there. That and there is a difference between pissing off a moral and pissing off a Deity, the Deity is more likely to have an easy time correcting the transgressor."

He just thought to himself that anyone would be wary of what he was asking her to allow him to do. The second part of her request was easier than looking her in the eye but a direct request from a goddess wasn't something a mortal should just shrug off or ignore. So in response he stood up and pulled back his hood so that nothing about his facial features would be hidden from her and his eyes would be clearly visible. His left hand reached into his satchel and produced one of his notebooks and he flipped it open to the page containing his list of creatures and Deities he wanted to obtain aspects from, "Let me refresh my memory as I've been doing a lot of research over the last few months now. Drakes are an intended subject for aspect assimilation, serpentine for their manna based flight and winged for their fire resistance. Either a thunder bird or sea serpent for their ability to self generate a electrical current. A phoenix for their regenerative qualities as well as their self generated flames. Lastly for when I'm feeling particularly suicidal I am interested in obtaining the manna channels of a deity's physical body."

His eyes didn't leave her face after he had looked at the note book to refresh his memory on what ones he had decided on. "The reason I'm looking to obtain these things is to allow myself to better protect myself from other mages, fated, and a particular Dova. My magic is almost solely based around self augmentation which leaves me with very little options on the defensive end as my body can only take so much. While I could easily go to the arena in Nova to obtain the things I want from the creatures there I would rather find them in the wild where it will be a challenge to obtain them. Plus the ones held in the arena have endured enough suffering as is we don't need to add insult to injury. That sums up my reasoning for wanting to do this and what I'm after, was there anything else you wished for me to disclose?"

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A laugh snaked its way out of her mouth, smooth and silky. He wasn't wrong, though she doubted he fully understood how she would "Correct a transgressor." She had quite a lot of fun doing so as well. She cocked her head to the side and stayed silent as he pulled out his list and began going on about it. She nodded slowly as he spoke, considering each one.

Drakes and the Serpentine she saw coming, those were obvious choices. The next two she wasn't expecting, but they were good choices as well. The pheonix she wanted to wish him luck with, though she wouldn't aloud, as they were fickle and quite the challenge to come across. It was his last choice that had her narrowing her eyes and hardening her face at him.

She stayed quiet still as he spoke more, allowing him this chance to explain. He wanted protection from all conceivable threats, including the abominations spawned by her fellow Gods. Or at least one in particular. Interesting. When he was finished, she raised her head some, pursing her lips in thought. It was a few minutes before she spoke.

You had to have known I would question your final choice. But your reasoning has me intrigued. And honestly, that final one doesn't require my permission; the Deities are not apart of my kingdom, so I'm curious as to why you included that in your list.  She crossed her arms over her chest, eyes still narrowed at him. Here is my decision; I wont repeat it again. You can have the qualities you asked for so long as you find them on your own. And only from the creatures you have listed. Additionally... She stepped forward until she was looming directly over him. I am not to be the Deity you pull from. I couldn't care less if you obtain that skill, so long as its not caused by me. However, there is a catch. You must tell me which Dova it is you wish to protect yourself from. A sly smile reached her lips as she crouched down to meet him eye level. 

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As she moved to stand over him and gave her terms of what he was allowed to take from and how. He just nodded it was when she was looming over him that he chose to stand up and actually look her in the eye. There was a very real reflection of disgust and mistrust as he spoke a single name, "Fate."

He moved to pick up and put his sword back on his hip and pick up his staff from the ground, "Figure you'll either let me leave or end me. If it is the latter I would at least like to go down fighting. Rolling over and dying isn't something I can do as I'm sure you're aware we mortals tend to be rather delusional and prideful. In regards to the manna channels if I had wanted to take them from you I wouldn't have told you. For all I know you'll inform the others up on the glade of my intent as you seem to be one who respects her elders, a quality we mortals should try to emulate. Permitting you allow it I would take my leave now and let you get back to whatever it was I interrupted with my summons." While not wise to turn your back on a god and seem so arrogant it was more him acknowledging that she ultimately had his life in her hands right now. He had meant no disrespect despite his manner of speaking so bluntly about the situation at hand.

[NPC Teleska]

A slow grin curled on her lips. Of course. Yes. Yes good. He knew of Fates true nature. He knew what half the world didn't realize. Fate had convinced many over the years that he was of full God status, when that was not the case... not at all.

She took a step backwards, tossing some hair over her shoulder and watched as he put his sword away and picked up his staff. This man had spunk in him, challenging her as he was. She arched a brow as he went on his speech, tilting her head to the side slowly like a curious tigress. When he was finished she stared at him, her golden eyes scrutinizing his entire being.

You're correct, you have no idea what I may chose to do. So I find it strange you decided to tell me that your spell works on the Divine. Why trust me with such knowledge? She paused. I'll keep this information to myself for the time being. It's leverage, should you ever decide to cross me. She scoffed, like ever a day should come.

You may take your leave now, mortal. Our bargainn has been concluded, and you have your answers. Do with them what you will. Teleska turned her back on Arthas, knowing full well she could rip his throat out before he could land a blow on her, should he try. She walked to the tree she'd been perched in before, pulling herself up into it before launching herself off to another branch, and within moments she was out of site, somewhere in the Forest.