#odyssey

"Oh? You know sky craft? I bet weather work is a natural for you guys, all that sky and sea" She doesn't deny the pride. She gets it. For her it's in her hold, her lieges, her lacross team, her mother's cooking and so much more, but everyone has some pride

and a reason for it

Thistle isn't paying much attention to the selkies - perhaps she is trying to seize the opportunity to spin stories into the baby's heart. The infant might not understand the words, but, perhaps, her soul will still remember.

"Auntie Kiara, she calls the storm, or sends it away. Uncle Marley, he can speak to the sea, and find where the fish hide, and when the ships will return. Mama Saoirse? She holds the wellspring of the island in her heart, the source of our Freehold's power, and the island answers when she calls to it."

"Badass" Impressed

Then she says "You said the other tests, skill and wits, what woudl THEY be like?"

"Those, I'm not too certain. Wits may be a riddle, or something that can be solved by cleverness. Skill is more open. Artistry, or prowess?"

"Mama Saoirse said that your Thistlethwaite, she can choose champions. That's traditional - when all is said and done, Fate guides us, so who does the challenge is less important than the choice of the Challenger."

"Fair, thank you Aoife" A curious look "Assuming my group wins, forgive the arrogance, is there anything I can do to help the Redfins after? I know your'e proud , you've got reason to be, but with the exception of one guy, you seem decent folk and I'd like to assist. " Then "My mom's a boggan if that explains my meddling" Sheepish proud

She shakes her head. "We are self sufficient, and proud. Merely keep our secret."

A nod at that, respecting their choice.

"Okay, " A thought "Aofie, do you fight? I don't mean that as a challenge... just curious if you consider yourself a warrior?"

"I can fight." She nods, and eyes Gladiola. "I would not want to fight you." She says, honestly.

Meanwhile, Art has also wandered a bit and is speaking to some of the selkies and their kin. They are a bit distrustful of the sidhe, but his youth, lack of title or presentation of superiority, and simple affable, unassuming nature seems to be winning them over.

Thistle may have attracted more than just Citrine by now. Though the little silly has lots of distractions, the Never tends to be a "home port" to return to between whims.

"Was just thinking of getting some surfside practice in, but thanks" A smile

There is a selection of native wildlife endemic to the islands, and Chimerical beasts that echo this as well. Jewel-toned lizards try to climb her legs from time to time, and colorful birds and butterflies would like to use her as a perch. Citrine tries to repel invaders like she is protecting her ship from boarding crews!

"Dingbat, you share with other Nevers all the time." As she chimes angrily at a butterfly.

In the darker areas off in the forest along the edges of the caldera, sparkling spiderwebs glitter with dew. It seems that some of African tales have made their way over as well, and there may well be a trickster spider or two hanging around.

Citrine blows a raspberry and chimes again, settling on one shoulder... A small creature perches on the other, delighted. It is NOT a dragon.. but it migh dream of them.

"Wouldn't you inspire a cute toy?"

Head tilt, and tongue curls out, tastes the air, and curls back in.

Another lizard comes swooping in and tries to take the spot! A fight might breakout...

"Hey! Play nice!"

In a bit of contrariness, now Citrine bands forces with the smaller, first lizard, and with sharp chimes and pointy fists, drives the new interloper away.

Then sits proudly on HER shoulder, awaiting praise.

A childling watches her with interest, the girl's eyes are deep as the sea, and seem to hold wisdom far beyond her years.

An amused tug of her lips into a lopsided smile. "Good job, dingbats." A brow at the childling. "Citrine can get fussy. She's only got two braincells to rub together. While that's really good for a Never, it ain't very impressive for most things."

Tongue flick. mlem.

The girl grins, and sticks her tongue back out at the lizard.

"I like your friends." She says to Thistlethwaite.

Aoife considers Gwen, and nods. "I would spar with you, if you wish. Omario is no friend of mine, and I don't fear his ire for seeming to side against him."

"It's water fighting I need to practice on and I bet you've got more experience there so it's really appreciated. HEck, your kith, my house, they both had heroes who fought in water up to their waists"

"So yes, thank you"

"They're nice. This is Citrine, she came with me. I don't know the names for the others yet. I'm Thistle." She extends a hand.

(The other still cradling bebe!)

"Can I see your weapon?" Aoife asks, curiously looking at Gladiola's spear.

"It's not mine" SHe says looking at the fishing spear "MY spear is.. at home. I didn't know I was taking this trip at the time. It's a shame because I could really use it. It's awesome"

"I'm Niamh. It is an old name. I am an old soul, or so they tell me so." The childling with the dark eyes says. "You will fight for your sister? Omario is very strong."

Aoife takes the spear (if offered) and her brows raise. "These look like selkie carvings. Not the same as ours, I can recognize Redfin work... but someone put a lot of love into this spear." She admires, then hands it back. "It is good for catching fish. Maybe not for a weapon. But for the challenge, they should let you both agree upon the location, and the form of the challenge. If you do choose swords, we will find swords for you."

Art has approached Gwen, and politely doesn't interrupt her conversation.

"THanks, And I'm sorry, do you know which clan this DID belong to? I could return it"

She looks closer, but shakes her head. "This might be initials, here..." She points out an ornate bit of work. "But nothing I recognize. Not all Selkie - I venture to say, seldom others, are as clannish as we."

"Okay. I'll see what willowwhsiper reveals later. " A look to Arthur "oh Arthur, please, meet Aofie. SHe's cool."

"If Gwen likes you, then you must be." He says, then abashedly, "Gladio- DAME Gladiola."

"I have to fight for my sister. Hopefully, I'll win. Maybe we'll be able to work something out so she'll be able to still visit her family here, too. Learn about the sea and the island and everything."

"If I had a sister, I would fight for her." Niamh says, then looks absent for a moment, and smiles. "I think I will, someday. Have a sister. Not a fight. Perhaps both." She amends.

"Well, I have a brother, but this is my first sister."

"Having a sibling is nice. I hope you get one."

"If I must fight, I will be ready. I have fought before." Says this small girl, probably of an age with Briar.