Settling In (Belxaria)

[Deleted]

Once Belxaria had arrived at the Arch and was given a spot of their choice in the Alchemical Gardens that was clear of the various plants, herbs, and berries that were perpetually being cultivated by the Alchemy division of the Arch. The Alchemical Gardens spanned over several acres, built in a massive, enchanted for durability greenhouse that covered the span of it. It was able to be adjusted in various capacities, and wind was able to travel through it to provide a breeze and natural sensation. When they first arrived here, Adrdain would have coaxed a large root to come from below, expanding and being shaped into a small house-like shape which would be coaxed via earth magic to the shape and preferences that Bell would want for her comfort along with being able to contain whatever possessions or furniture they may have had in her previous rooting ground. They were also given several sets of robes and apprentice clothing to have options to wear as they saw fit.

Adrain had given Belxaria time to unwind since he figured the nymph needed time to rest and adjust to their new surroundings. He would of course spend time with them when they requested and brought them fruits and vegetables several times a day since he didn't want to pressure them to go to the cafeteria so early. At some point the Midwinter holiday had started, and Adrain had an idea of a welcoming gift for Bell. Plus they were adorable in a sense that he couldn't help but feel a fondness for them to some extent.

When thinking about what gifts to get them, he did think long and hard. He knew they had a wanderlust and figured to get a few items to help them. When thinking about the style, he noted that they wore a skirt, and based on their mannerisms, he concluded that Bell was at least more feminine than not in terms of choices so would get items appropriately. If they wish a change, he can certainly have the items replaced with more appropriate styles. One item he would make, the others he would have to get made by a tailor working in the city who could also make magical items.

Thus one morning, when Belxaria awoke, they would find on a table that Adrain had been putting food on periodically during their rest periods a bowl of fruit consisting of whatever Bell had indicated was their presence by this point along with three wrapped packages, one small, one medium, and one a more bulky box with a note.

-Belxaria

Right now is the season of Midwinter, a time of giving gifts and spending time with those that matter to you. I wanted to get you a few things of use and aesthetic appeal I hope suits your tastes. I will also prepare a meal of your choosing for the evening personally if you let me know what you would like. I'll see you soon.

-Adrain


When Belxaria would open the boxes, they would find in the small box a silver necklace with a fire gem polished like a ruby at the end, set in a silver ornament looking like a flower's blossom. The necklace would emit a comfortable heat perpetually.

In the medium box, there would be a silk gown of a yellow coloration, flowing and loose around Belxaria's best guessed proportions. It v-necks just above where a bust would normally manifest loosely fitting. A few gems would be interwoven in the neckline for additional appeal.

In the last box, there would be a pair of waterproof leather boots black in primary color with two water gems lining the top of each. There was an obvious sense of magic, but the use wasn't obvious.

[Deleted]

Belxaria was amazed by the beautiful sight from where they had rooted in the garden. It was an honour to be given a place like this and they were completely comfortable there. The aura of the place made them calm down as well and relax easily. Even if that also meant being a little more oblivious and sidetracked easily. Sometimes, Belxaria would take root outside of the small home Adrain had made for them and they'd simply feel the wind rustling their leaves and swaying their branches. They experienced this as if they were really out in the forest, but they were actually alone and completely safe.

Belxaria was given strange looking clothing to wear when they wanted to, but they didn't complain. It was comfortable clothing anyway. Just...different. It made them smile that Adrain was so thoughtful and considerate. Belxaria made note to give him gifts in the future as a thanks for everything he had done for them. Adrain was kind enough to keep Bell company in this new and strange place whenever they wanted, so they were never lonely. They adjusted quickly this way as well.

One morning, when awoken by the sunlight of the sunrise, they noted a bowl of fruit and packages on a table and their eyes lit up golden with excitement. They nearly ran over to the bowl and began eating, already working on opening the first smallest package. The necklace inside was gorgeous and the perfect size for them. The gem in the middle was warm, but not too warm, and that made them happier. Adrain was beyond kind! There had to be a word for that. Belxaria immediately put the necklace on and let out a sigh of happiness. The next box held a beautiful flowing gown, just as Belxaria liked. Trying it on right away, they found that the material was nice and soft, perfect for moving around in the warmer time.
The last box held a mysterious and nice pair of boots….the gems seemed to be omitting a cool aura, though didn't have an obvious purpose. “Huh… nice.” They muttered to themselves and put them on. Bell looked down at their feet and wondered what those gems could possibly be and what for. They walked around the room a bit to break them in and we're satisfied. They knew right away that they just had to go find Adrain and thank him.

The moment they stepped outside, however, they realized they had never actually gone into the main part of the Arch and would easily get lost. “Awww….maybe he'll hear me if I call for him?” They thought and hit their lip. Belxaria nodded to themselves and climbed up a nearby tree to sit at the top and call at the top of their lungs. “ADRAAAAAIN!!!”

[Deleted]

Adrain meanwhile was in his mini-sanctuary at the top of the tree, the Headmaster's Terrace. He was occupied with some Headmaster paperwork, nothing really exciting but well out of range of Belxaria's initial bellow from the ground level. Belxaria would have to enter the tree proper to find Adrain or someone who could at least contact him.

As Belxaria inevitably made their way towards and in the tree proper, Adrain would have shown them how to do so but also that they would have initially hesitated at the idea, the interior of the tree would look magnificent. Elegant carpentry accented the natural setting of the tree, the tree itself showing no signs of being forced to be carved or pushed back which Belxaria might note for inquiry later.

As they would likely wander aimlessly, a few students saw them staring aimlessly. It was known that Headmaster Kaiaru was giving special attention to this dryad-like being, and after a muffled whispering, an idea came to mind.

"Get your Midwinter's Poitions here! Buy clever supplies for your family, friends, and loved ones here!" a skinny, lanky student would say as the other two would put tables up and a number of potions, a lot of them pink, swirling liquid in crystal vials off for display.

[Deleted]

Belxaria had tried their best to find Adrain in that maze of a tree, but it was no use at the moment. Then, they heard shouts of mid-winter gifts being sold for family, friends and loved ones. That would be the perfect place to get something for Adrain! Running over to the stand with those women, Belxaria looked excited and also nervous about the idea of gift giving. What if it wasn't good enough? What if Adrain was offended? "Excuse me, you say there are gifts here and potions for the mid-winter festival? I have to get something for a friend of mine...whome I can't seem to find, at the moment...and I don't know what is best. Could you ladies help me?" They asked hopefully,biting their lip as a nervous habit. Their eyes had gone to a more purple-ish colour, reflecting their nervous feelings.

Belxaria wanted to get Adrain something equally important and beautiful as Adrain had gotten them. But what?

"Do you by any chance have a shirt with gems on it or perhaps a fancy wand he might like? Although we do hang around each other a lot, he hasn't told me a whole lot about himself, strangely enough..." Belxaria frowned a bit at that and sighed. "I wonder why....does he not like me, you think?"

[Deleted]

The leader of the trio looks at Belxaria with a warm smile on her face as she seemed to be nervous. Playing right into hands so far. "Why certainly girl, surely we have something here for you. Who is your friend, we may be able to help you locate them" she says, not knowing that Belxaria didn't seem to follow conventional gender but making assumptions based on appearance.

When Belxaria asked for a shrit with gems or a wand, the other two giggled a little and the main one shook her head. "No, no we're just students of alchemy, you'd have to go to the artificers for something like that." the reply at first, then looking at Bell once they became crestfallen and expressing doubt as to whether Adrain liked them.

"Oh actually, now that I think about it, I think I know who you're talking about, I've seen him with you, the Headmaster right? You know, he is a very important person here and does tons for us and everyone around him and probably is stressed out. But yet he seems to give you special attention, that must mean he likes you yeah?" she says, then leaning in coyly.

"So I shouldn't tell you this, but if you want him to 'really' like you, you should take one of these stress relaxation potions and drink it the next time you hang with him. It causes you to emit an aura of pleasantness and relaxation which will make him definitely appreciate the time with you."

[Deleted]

Belxaria felt a little less and less confident in Adrain liking them as those girls talked up how important and busy he was. If he had that much on his plate, surely he wouldn't have enough time for paying attention to Bell. Those girls told Bell that even through all the stress and responsibilities in his life, he paid special attention to Bell. That would mean thst he at least liked her a little. It made her just a tiny bit happier to hear that and more hopeful.

"Really? If he'll like me more thst way, then I'll take one. Or two, even. I want to show Adrain that I appreciate him as much as possible! He's done so much for me in the past. How much is it to get some of those potions?" They asked, speaking quickly. Bell was looking forward to this.

"What other sorts of potions do you have that will help my situation with Adrain?"

[Deleted]

As Bell asked for the potions, the girls all smile broadly. When asked how to pay for them, the main shopkeeper girl shook her head, placing two of the potions in a brown sack

"Oh it's the season, don't worry about it. Just promise me you'll give the Headmaster a good time when you spend time with him next, okay?"


This was going better than they could have planned, if only they could be there to see Adrain's reaction when the fun begins, but the Headmaster's Terrace or his chambers were heavily restricted. When asked as to whether there were more potions, one of the girls giggled as inspiration struck the main one.

"You know, there just might be...I need to go to my room real fast to get them, I don't normally give these out but for you with your pure intent I'll make an exception." she says scurrying off into a nearby room. The sounds of rummaging and rustling could be heard for a few minutes before she ran back, trying to catch her breath. She adds three potions to the bag and then hands them to Bellxaria.

"Those three should do it, if you drink them along with the first two, I think some wonderful things will happen for your relationship with him." she says. "I think he's at the Headmaster's Terrace at the top of the tree, he usually is. Just go to the top floor through the pod elevator and then find the glowing white crystal with a gold tree on it, that is sort of his alert system when he is needed.

When Bellxaria would follow directions, they would find themselves looking at a high vertical shaft with a green, plant based pod for them to sit in. When they pressed a button on the pod for the highest number, it would shoot up abruptly and quickly, leading them to a broader area that seemed to be an entry room, a number of magically sealed doors along the edges along with a crystal panel with the one specifically mentioned.

When Belxaria inevitably pressed the button and responded to Adrain asking who it was, they would hear him sound somewhat excited they were here and a stairway would lower of wood and energy. Bell would have to go up about sixty steps with several intermediate platforms every so often, leading up to a larger door with sunlight shining through.

On the other side, Adrain would be sitting on a couch at the far edge of the terrace, looking over some papers, but checking every so often to see if Bell had made their way up.

[Deleted]

Belxaria was grateful for all the help that the girls were giving them. So many potions and it cost nothing at all! How generous. "Thank you very much, girls. I'll be sure to thank you later!" and with that, Belxaria was off in search of the elevator thingy mabob. After finding it and pressing the button once seated, the pod shot up to the top a lot faster than Bell expected it to and it scared the living daylight out of them. Once at the top, they sat there for a moment to catch their breath and straighten out their new clothing. They took a deep breath in and exhaled, stepping out of the pod. Belxaria took out the pouch of potions and found the first potions to take, drinking them each completely. Then the other ones came next. They hoped these would all work to make Adrain feel appreciated.

After the last bottle was downed, Belxaria went to where Adrain's room was and they knocked gently before entering. "Good morning, Adrain. I got your gifts when I woke up. You're really too kind, you know?" They giggled, walking over and looking around. This was the first them they had been in and seen this place. It definitely screamed 'Adrain'.

"How has your morning been so far? Not too busy, I hope" They smiled. Belxaria was already feeling a little warm inside and figured it was just the potions working their magic.

[Deleted]

As the nymph scurries off and they hear her inevitable yelp at being launched vertically, the three then bust out in giggles and laughs. "Do you think the Headmaster will catch us?"

"Nah, he's kinda dumb when it comes to alchemists...we just have to shut up about this. Besides, maybe we're doing him a favor."

"Yeah but that dryad might get stronger than normal effects from the potions since shes sorta plantlike. Hope it doesn't harm her."

"Nah, probably not."

As Adrain got the notification from his crystals that someone was looking for him, he held his hand up as an image of light appeared, Belxaria wearing the gifts that he got them below. He smiled seeing them wear all of the pieces which meant he had chosen well by all appearances. He casts a spell causing the staircase to manifest to allow Belxaria to join him. He admitted that he was impressed they found their way up here on their own. Perhaps they asked someone. Either way, it was certainly a step towards more comfortable for them.

When the door opened, he put the last document he was working on down, putting it in a case and then putting the case under the couch into a secure compartment. Standing up, he approached Belxaria wearing just a black tunic, slacks, and boots. He didn't really feel the need to completely dress up while he was up here and was more relaxed without the full Headmaster robe setup.

"I'm glad you liked them. I wasn't completely sure if they would have fit your style but it's great they do. They look good on you. Your necklace and shoes also have some special abilities I had enchanted on to help you if you do any exploration or just general help. The necklace I made myself. With the words 'Luminus Expera' it releases a flash of bright light which can blind anyone looking into it. 'Luminus Oros' allows it to function as a light source for a longer period of time." he says, pausing and figuring he may have to write these down for Bell later.

"The shoes can manifest a heel out of ice which is a style choice and a bit of a more feminine way of walking if you want it to. Also if you feel parched and need water on your feet which I assume function as roots for your biological needs, just think of it and the water gems should fill them with water with the words Aquaeus Vistrae. It's waterproof inside and out so it shouldn't get damaged. In the event you need to walk on water for some reason like to explore a stream's other side or get away from something, say Aquaeus Tredais." he says, then pausing with a warm smile.

"The gown, I just hoped would look good on you. I wanted to give you something personal and comfortable that wasn't just the issued robes. I'll go with you to the city some time to get you more of a wardrobe for the future. I wanted you to truly feel welcome here so I wanted to include you in the Midwinter festivity. I'll prepare for you a favorite meal this evening if you just let me know what you would like." he says, then rolling his shoulders when she asked if he was busy.

"I am always busy to some extent, but today has been slow compared to some of my days. Certainly I have time to spend with you." he says with a charming smile. "Please look around, get comfortable. If you want anything let me know."

[Deleted]

Belxaria was somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer amount of different spells and uses of these clothing items. There seemed to be endless possibilities! They would have to write these down later or just keep asking Adrain for the words. That would at least give them an excuse to visit more often. That, on top of wanting to talk about starting magic lessons soon, since they had been talking about it on the way to the Arch of Ages. Belxaria still wanted to explore the different kinds of magic and Spell uses.

A small blush appeared on Bell's cheeks upon being complimented on how the clothing looked on them. "Thank you. That means a lot, coming from you, Adrain..." They smiled in a fond way, looking into Adrain's eyes without thinking about what that might mean to the other. "I must say...you do look rather good in your clothing as well." Belxaria found that the words were spilling from their mouth before they were able to think about it first. The warm feeling within them increased quite a bit and they bit their lip, looking a little more flirtatious. "I only want the best for you, Adrain. After all, you've done so much for me so far. I'm really...really grateful." They said.

As the two spoke, Belxaria's physical appearance began to change. Slowly, at first, but a change nonetheless. Their chest was beginning to form two slight lumps, their hips seemed a little more prominent, and their facial features softened.

[Deleted]

"Oh, uh sure, no problem Bell" Adrain says, admittedly a little surprised by their comment about it meaning a lot coming from him. He knew that Bell had an increasingly fond friendship with him but that sounded a little more flirty than he thought they would say. The comment about him looking good in his clothing really made him blink for a moment.

"Oh, well thank you. It is just my casual clothing I wear when I don't have to worry about the formal appearances so much like around the students, we all have an appreciation for comfort, yes?" he says, then noting the fact they were biting their lip. "I'm just happy to help Bell, you're fascinating as a person and I also want you to stay safe, so don't think too much of it." Adrain says calmly. Maybe giving them the gifts brought out a lot more gratitude out of Bell than he anticipated they would.

Adrain blinks at a few points, noting that Bell seemed to have changed? It had to be his imagination. The clothes were loosely fitting, plus Belxaria was something of a shapeshifter with occasional variance in their appearance. But he could swear he could see hints if a bust and a more full hip. Maybe that was just him projecting the image of femininity on them. That had to be it.

"So, uh, have you thought about what you'd like for a Midwinter Dinner?" he says, not having gotten an answer yet.

[Deleted]

Belxaria was feeling more and more bold by the second, having a feeling that the potions they took were really coming into effect now. Unbeknownst to them, their chest had suddenly grown a great deal larger than how it started, of average human size now. Not to mention the curvy body now, more slender and soft looking. And not that it would be very noticeable, but they now had longer more prominent eyelashes. This all made them look just like a normal human female would. Belxaria felt a yawn come on from the last bit of tiredness from the previous night's sleep. They stretched their arms up over their head, letting the yawn come out. Unfortunately, they lost their balance in the process and leaned a little too far forward, causing them to need to put their arms around Adrain for support. "Oops! Silly me~" They giggled, simply hugging him now. But of course it was all still just to show appreciation...right? Or was there something more going on in their head now...?

Bell stood up straight, but still hugged Adrain close and nuzzled their head up against his chest. "You know...you're very warm...and feel very strong too." They spoke as they felt his back. One hand then moved around front to feel his chest too and test out the musclyness of that. "Wow! Impressive, Adrain. You know, I think you'd look just as good with no clothes as you do with them. Maybe even bett-" They cut themselves off before they finished that sentence, realizing it was way out of character for them and far too bold/revealing. They wanted to scream and run out, they were so embarrassed...but it also felt a little freeing to be able to say that.

[Deleted]

Adrain had turned his head away for a moment having thought he heard something, he looks in the direction of the branches for a few seconds but when he turned back to Belxaria it was a fairly sudden change. Suddenly Belxaria had sizable breasts and a curvy figure along with a more feminine face than normal. The look of confusion on his face would be evident, but then Belxaria would stretch and the imbalance of her newly found bust would cause her to tumble.

Reacting to her tumble towards him, he puts his arms around Belxaria, raising a brow as they said 'Oops, Silly me' in a more flirtatious reaction. At this point he could feel the new bust against his body, a heat coming off of them. As he stood in close contact with Belxaria, Adrain couldn't help but to start to feel warm himself. Belxaria began to look rather attractive actually. He blinked, not sure about the appropriateness but Belxaria decided to up the ante herself.

Being felt up by the dryad, his face couldn't help but redden and the comment about looking better without the clothes threw him for a loop. But as he thought about it, a wording slipped which was admittedly a little out of character for him. "I could say the same thing about you...silly me to get you clothes for Midwinter." he says as he then begins to trace his hands down Belxaria's back. Part of Adrain was admittedly not entirely sure what was going on but he couldn't help but feel like he should go along with it.

[Deleted]

Belxaria's face reddened along with Adrain's as he spoke those words. It confused them, but they as well just went along with it. Because why not? It's not like anyone could see them or was watching. The hands traveling over Belxaria's back made her shiver a bit and scoot a little closer. "Silly you~..." They muttered back, looking up at him. This new bold side of Belxaria made them a little more willing to show off...and since they now had breasts, they took advantage of that. Belxaria arched their back slightly in a position that showed off their body at the best angle.

"You know, Adrain...we are alone here....and we clearly...very clearly," They gestured to both of their bodies. "Need something a little more than just friendship... We've known each other for a little while now and...we haven't trained yet...we're just sitting around together...doing nothing but talk and eat...and it has been very lovely so far, but...I want more" Belxaria traced patterns over Adrain's chest as they spoke, trying to pull a tiny bit of a guilt trip or something of the sort.

[Deleted]

Okay, so Adrian was definitely a man and Bell was by all apparent definitions a woman right now. The way she bent back to show off her bust definitely got the attention of his eyes. On some level, he still wasn't entirely sure why he was so readily going along with this number of changes of events, but Bellxaria had such a sweet smell to her with many a desirable feature right now. As Belxaria got more and more flirtations, Adrain's hands traveled further and further south along her back to the obvious end point.

"Well the training I...ah..." he stammers, as Belxaria exhibited her newly found assets quiet a bit. He was trying to keep his eyes off the bust that was creeping through the top of the dress almost, the cleavage more challenging than it should be to keep his eyes off of. "I was waiting til you were fully ready and settled in as to not pres...pressure you." he says, then admittedly going a little red faced when they said they wanted more. Now what could Bell mean when Adrain had given quite a bit to them as it is. Well it was obvious enough what they seemed to want right now but the mage sort of began to wonder if he had been neglecting the dryad's needs in some shape or form.

"Oh? How much more?" he says curiously, feeling a chill go down his spine as Bell drew patterns on him. Was this some kind of a guilt trip? He admitted he never expected to see this side of Bell, he didn't even anticipate that this side existed based on Bell's normal shyness. He takes a step back and moves to sit back on the long couch, watching Bell carefully. "Well if there really is a need I will certainly fulfill it for you." he says, the effects of Bell's scent influencing him, the words that he said admittedly questionable. Did he want her as much as she seemed to want him, or was this some kind of odd trick. All the same, those curves were incredibly tempting. He might need a bit more of a nudge to actually go for it.