"I know," I mutter, brushing a particularly stubborn piece of magical debris from my sleeve. "I look like I've been through a reality-bending washing machine."
Hygiene Analysis:
Current Status: Catastrophic
Magical Contamination: 73%
Note: Subject requires immediate cleaning
Additional note: Aurora's hunting instincts concerned about scent trail
FRIDAY's text appears with its usual blend of snark and practicality. The void energy around me crackles slightly, responding to my growing frustration. After destroying a sacred grove, fighting off nymphs, and navigating the Wyldwood's ever-shifting paths, I desperately needed a proper wash.
The Twilight Seed in my pocket pulses with what feels like sympathy, its golden light creating tiny tendrils that seem to be trying to help clean my jacket. Aurora circles me with the focused attention of a lioness guarding her cub, her luminescent form casting dancing shadows as she scents the air for potential threats.
"Not helping," I tell them both, watching as another piece of magical debris falls from my hair.
Analyzing local terrain...
Water sources detected:
- 2 potentially safe streams
- 1 suspicious lake
- Multiple questionable puddles
Note: Recommend thorough threat assessment before bathing
Additional note: Aurora detects predator scents near water sources
Aurora's ears flatten against her head as she pads closer, a deep rumble in her chest conveying both concern and mild disgust at my current state. Her fur ripples with captured light as she continues her protective circling.
"Yes, I know I stink," Kali sighs. "Friday, tell her I'm well aware."
Translation of Aurora's response:
- "Your scent will attract every predator in the Wyldwood"
- "This is unacceptable for my human"
- "You smell like chaos and bad decisions"
"Friday has helpfully informed me that you think I smell terrible," Kali tells Aurora dryly. The lioness's whiskers twitch in amusement, her tail curling with feline satisfaction.
"Okay," Kali addresses both her companions, "let's find somewhere I can wash up that doesn't involve becoming a magical creature's snack. Any suggestions?"
The Wyldwood seems to have other plans. As we search for a safe bathing spot, the forest around us shifts with an almost deliberate sense of mischief. Trees part and close like living curtains, revealing glimpses of promising clearings that vanish the moment we approach.
"I swear this forest is playing with us," I mutter, watching a particularly promising stream shimmer into existence, only to dissolve into mist when I take a step closer.
Analyzing forest behavior...
Probability of deliberate interference: 87%
Note: Wyldwood appears to have a sense of humor
Additional note: Aurora finds this hilarious
Aurora stalks around my feet with feline grace, her unusual fur catching the light like morning dew as she moves. A rumbling purr vibrates through her chest, harmonizing perfectly with the forest's mischievous energy. Her tail, shimmering with an otherworldly glow, flicks playfully as she prowls.
"Oh, you're enjoying this," I accuse, watching as another potential bathing spot materializes and then vanishes like a magical mirage. "FRIDAY, can you get a read on what's happening?"
Forest analysis in progress...
Current status: Actively trolling void sovereign
Recommendation: Negotiate with local flora
Note: Aurora suggests offering a trade
Additional note: She's plotting something
Just as my frustration reaches its peak, a cottage materializes between two ancient trees. It's not the kind of sudden appearance that suggests magical trickery – this feels more like the cottage has always been there, just waiting for someone to notice it. Weathered stone walls covered in moss, a thatched roof that looks like it's been home to more stories than most libraries, and a thin curl of smoke rising from a stone chimney.
"You've got to be kidding me," I say, looking at FRIDAY's interface. "A random cottage? In the middle of the Wyldwood? That doesn't scream 'trap' at all."
Cottage analysis:
Structural integrity: Stable
Magical signatures: Complex
Warning levels: Moderate
Note: Definitely suspicious
Additional note: Also definitely has a bathing area
Aurora's ears flatten against her head as she drops into a protective crouch, her unusual fur bristling with an otherworldly glow. Her form shifts seamlessly into that of a massive lioness, muscles rippling beneath her light-refracting coat as she circles the perimeter of the cottage. Each step is silent despite her size, and her tail lashes back and forth as she scents the air, instinctively positioning herself between me and any potential threat.
"You sense something?" I whisper to her.
Aurora emits a low growl, her form radiating a menacing red glow. Friday Translation: "Nothing immediately dangerous, but something old lives here. Very old. And it's watching us."
Just as my frustration reaches its peak, a cottage materializes between two ancient trees. It's not the kind of sudden appearance that suggests magical trickery – this feels more like the cottage has always been there, just waiting for someone to notice it. Weathered stone walls covered in moss, a thatched roof that looks like it's been home to more stories than most libraries, and a thin curl of smoke rising from a stone chimney.
"You've got to be kidding me," I say, looking at FRIDAY's interface. "A random cottage? In the middle of the Wyldwood? That doesn't scream 'trap' at all."
Cottage analysis:
Structural integrity: Stable
Magical signatures: Complex
Warning levels: Moderate
Note: Definitely suspicious
Additional note: Also definitely has a bathing area
Aurora's fur bristles as she shifts into her lioness form, muscles tensing beneath her light-refracting coat. Her ears flatten against her head as she prowls around me in a protective circle, her tail swishing low and alert. A low growl rumbles in her throat as she scents the air, her eyes never leaving the cottage. "Easy there, fierce one," I murmur, but she only responds with another warning growl, positioning herself between me and the cottage while keeping her body close to the seed in my pocket.
"Right," I say, approaching cautiously. "I'm going to go out on a limb and guess this isn't just a friendly woodland bed and breakfast?"
Analyzing cottage intent...
Multiple magical signatures detected
Primary signature: Neutral
Secondary signatures: Protective
Tertiary signatures: Mildly amused
Note: Something is definitely watching us
Additional note: Aurora suggests proceeding with caution
A wrought-iron gate swings open as I approach, its movement smooth and deliberate. No creaking, no sudden movements – just a quiet invitation. The path to the cottage is lined with flowers that seem to glow with an inner light, their petals creating a welcoming corridor.
"This is either the nicest trap I've ever seen," I mutter, "or the Wyldwood just got tired of watching me smell like a week-old battlefield."
Aurora rumbles in agreement, her form shifting to create a protective barrier around us. Her fur catches the light strangely, creating rippling patterns between shadow and illumination as she moves. Her ears swivel constantly, tracking every sound while her tail lashes with nervous energy.
The front door opens before I can knock, revealing a warm interior that looks like it's been waiting specifically for us. A fire crackles in the hearth, steam rises from what appears to be a copper bathtub, and the entire space seems to breathe with a welcome that's both inviting and slightly suspicious.
"FRIDAY," I whisper, "please tell me this isn't about to eat us."
Cottage threat assessment:
Probability of immediate consumption: Low
Probability of magical shenanigans: High
Note: Bathing facilities appear legitimate
Additional note: Aurora detects no immediate threats
Sometimes, in the Wyldwood, you take the win.
"Well," I tell Aurora and the seed, "looks like we found our bath."
The copper bathtub gleams invitingly, surrounded by an array of glass bottles filled with liquids in colors that definitely don't occur in nature. Some shimmer, some pulse with their own internal light, and one appears to be singing softly in what sounds like Welsh.
Aurora prowls around the tub with predatory grace, her tail held high as she performs what can only be described as a magical safety inspection. Her fur shimmers with an otherworldly light as she moves, muscles rippling beneath her coat as she alternates between protective guardian and curious investigator. A low rumble emanates from her chest – part purr, part warning – as she sniffs at each mysterious bottle.
"Right," I mutter, approaching the tub. "Magical bath time. Because why would anything in the Wyldwood be simple?"
Bath Analysis Protocol:
Water Temperature: Optimal
Magical Signatures: Complex but non-hostile
Feline Guardian Status: Intensely curious
Note: Aurora appears to be conducting unauthorized experiments
Additional note: She's definitely taking notes for later
Bathing Area Analysis:
Threat Level: Moderate
Note: Copper tub appears standard
Additional note: Steam suggests actual, non-transformative water
Aurora perches on the edge of the copper tub like any curious housecat, her fur catching the light in mesmerizing patterns. Her ears swivel to track every mysterious sound in the cottage while her tail, shimmering with an inner light, dips occasionally into the water to test its magical resonance. "Not going in there unless it's safe," she seems to say with a flick of her whiskers.
"Not helping," I tell her as she creates ripples in the bathwater with another careful tap of her paw. "I know you're protecting me, but I can handle a bath."
Bath Guardian Analysis:
Current Status: Overprotective
Scanning Intensity: Maximum
Note: Displaying typical feline bath supervision
Additional note: Her purring indicates amusement
"You're enjoying this far too much," I tell her.
Status Report:
Current Status: Highly Amused
Secondary Status: Protective
Tertiary Status: Definitely Judging Your Hygiene
Note: She finds your current state offensive
Additional note: Recommends thorough cleaning
The sentient bath bottle - which I'm now thinking of as Grandma Bath Product - continues muttering to itself. "Void essence, hmm. Tricky stuff. Need something special for that. Been a while since we've had a proper sovereign come through..."
"Been a while since I've had a normal bath," I mutter, stripping off my travel-worn clothes. The void energy around me seems to resist, creating tiny dark tendrils that curl reluctantly away from my skin.
Void Energy Interaction:
Current Status: Resistant to cleaning
Probability of Accidental Dimensional Rift: 37%
Note: Recommend gentle persuasion
Additional note: Aurora suggests purring
"No," I tell Aurora firmly. "Absolutely no purring."
She growls softly in disappointment, her form shifting as she paces around the tub. Her fur catches the light strangely, creating dancing patterns on the walls as she moves.
The bathwater begins to glow more intensely, its surface rippling with strange patterns. It's like the water itself is preparing for something more than just a simple wash.
"Okay," I announce, looking around the cottage bathroom, "I'm going to need some privacy. Everyone, please turn around. That means you too, Aurora."
Aurora's ears flatten against her head as she shifts into a more protective stance, her tail lashing in what can only be described as indignation. Her entire posture screams "But I'm your guardian!"
Analysis: Privacy Request
Aurora's current status: Reluctant
Protective instincts: Maximum
Note: She does not approve of being excluded
Additional note: Twilight Seed appears curious
The sentient bath bottle cackles. "Oh, modesty! How adorable. As if I haven't seen countless forms of beings bathe over the centuries..."
"Well you haven't seen mine! Everyone. Turn. Around." I emphasize each word, void energy crackling slightly around my fingers.
Compliance protocols initiated
Aurora: 62% resistant
Bath Products: 100% nosy
Twilight Seed: Seems interested in bathing process
Aurora dramatically turns away with a huff, but her tail keeps twitching back and forth, and her ears remain perked backward - clearly still monitoring everything. The Twilight Seed in my pocket pulses with what feels like excitement.
"No," I tell the seed firmly. "You are NOT taking a bath. You're a seed. Seeds don't bathe."
Seed Analysis:
Current Status: Disappointed
Bathing Desire: Unexpectedly High
Note: Cosmic entities have strange hobbies
Additional note: Aurora seems to be encouraging mischief
Aurora's tail twitches playfully as she prowls around the tub, her fur catching the light in strange ways as she demonstrates bathing motions to the seed. The seed pulses in response, its golden light creating tiny steam-like patterns.
"Absolutely not," I repeat. "One of us is bathing. Just one."
Aurora and the bath products exchange what sounds suspiciously like a conspiratorial purr.
The Welsh-singing bottle chuckles, its glass surface rippling with amusement. "This Void sovereign is so particular!"
As I lower myself into the water, the bathwater immediately begins to react. Patterns of void energy dance across the surface, creating intricate light shows that make Aurora's luminescent fur shimmer with reflected light.
Bath Interaction Analysis:
Void Energy Neutralization: 67% Complete
Energy Harmonization: Ongoing
Note: Water appears to be... enjoying itself?
Additional note: Aurora looks suspiciously proud
"Are you seriously making this complicated?" I ask the bathwater, which has now started creating miniature void-light sculptures around me.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
The sentient bath bottle – still perched on the shelf – cackles. "Darling, you're a void sovereign bathing for the first time. 'Complicated' doesn't begin to cover it!"
The Twilight Seed in my pocket pulses with what feels like intense curiosity. I can practically feel its disappointment at being excluded from the bathing festivities.
"No," I tell the seed firmly. "Absolutely not. You're staying dry."
Seed Analysis:
Current Status: Pouty
Bathing Desire: Maximum
Note: Cosmic entities have very strange boundaries
Additional note: Aurora actively plotting assistance
Aurora's ears perk forward with interest as she demonstrates more elaborate bathing instructions to the seed, her tail sweeping gracefully through the air. The seed responds by pulsing its golden light in what seems to be a negotiation attempt.
"Not happening," I mutter, watching as the bathwater continues its impressive light show. Void energy swirls around me, slowly neutralizing weeks of travel grime while creating what can only be described as magical bath art.
Status Update:
Bath Normality: Negative
Magical Interference: Maximum
Note: Bath is definitely not normal
Additional note: Aurora's whiskers twitching with interest
The Welsh-singing bottle chuckles again. "Oh, darling. In the Wyldwood, 'normal' is purely a matter of perspective."
I have a feeling this is going to be the least normal bath of my life.
"So," I say to the Welsh-singing bottle, "just how many magical beings have you helped bathe over the centuries?"
The bottle chuckles, its glass surface rippling with memories. "Oh, darling, you wouldn't believe the parade of magical creatures that have passed through this cottage. Sovereigns are rare, but not unheard of."
Bath Product Historical Analysis:
Estimated Magical Bath Clients: 742
Most Unusual: Space-Time Sovereign (circa 1643)
Note: Tends to collect interesting bathing stories
Additional note: Seems to enjoy reminiscing
Aurora's ears perk forward with interest as she prowls closer to the bottle, her tail held high in an interrogative curve. Her fur catches the light strangely as she moves, creating subtle ripples of luminescence. FRIDAY Translates: "Tell us more about these interesting clients of yours..."
"I'm going to regret asking," I mutter, "but what happened with the Space-Time Sovereign?"
The bottle's laugh sounds like wind chimes. "Let's just say dimensional boundaries and bathing don't always mix well. Poor dear accidentally turned the bathwater into a time loop. Took us three weeks to get the temporal residue out of the copper tub."
Analyzing Sovereign Bath Incident:
Temporal Anomaly: Confirmed
Damage Report: Significant
Note: Explains protective magical reinforcements
Additional note: Aurora's tail lashing with excitement
The Twilight Seed in my pocket pulses with what feels like intense curiosity, sending tiny golden tendrils of light that seem to be trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"No," I tell the seed firmly. "You are not getting any ideas about time loops or dimensional rifts. This is a strictly no-chaos bath time."
Seed Behavior Analysis:
Current Status: Disappointingly Thwarted
Mischief Potential: Temporarily Contained
Note: Seed appears to be plotting
Additional note: Aurora's tail twitching with amusement
The bathwater continues its ethereal display, void energy creating patterns that dance and shift with each movement. Near my shoulder, the water forms shapes that mirror our conversation.
"I don't suppose," I say to the bath products, "you could give me some advice about controlling these void powers?"
The Welsh-singing bottle's tone turns unexpectedly serious. "Void energy isn't like other magical forms, darling. It's not about control – it's about understanding. You don't master the void. You negotiate with it."
Void Energy Guidance:
Primary Recommendation: Negotiation
Secondary Advice: Respect the Chaos
Note: Traditional training methods ineffective
Additional note: Aurora's ears perked with interest
Aurora pads closer to the tub, her luminescent fur casting shifting patterns on the walls as she moves. Her tail sweeps through the air in graceful arcs as she demonstrates what looks like hunting techniques for dealing with void energy. FRIDAY Translates: "Think of it like stalking prey - you need patience and understanding, not brute force."
The Twilight Seed pulses in response, its golden light dancing with the shadows Aurora's movements create.
"Negotiate?" I raise an eyebrow. "With my own magical powers?"
"With the space between things," the bottle corrects. "The void isn't just darkness, little sovereign. It's potential. Every shadow contains a thousand possible realities."
Philosophical Void Analysis:
Void Energy Classification: Potential Incarnate
Dimensional Possibilities: Infinite
Note: Most sovereigns fail to understand this
Additional note: Your sister Maeve failed
At the mention of Maeve's name, Aurora's fur spikes defensively, her form shifting into something more leonine and protective. Her tail lashes once, a warning sign, as her ears flatten against her head FRIDAY Translates: "We will NOT repeat those mistakes."
"Your sister Maeve," the bottle says softly, "she was... complicated. A Space-Time Sovereign who tried to control her powers through sheer force of will. Always fighting, never truly understanding."
Maeve Reference Analysis:
Power Type: Space-Time Sovereign
Characteristic Approach: Forceful Suppression
Note: Attempted to subdue powers rather than negotiate
Additional note: Ultimately unsuccessful strategy
At the mention of Maeve, the bathwater shimmers, the patterns shifting and swirling with a newfound intensity, the void energy creating intricate patterns. For a moment, I catch a glimpse of something – a memory, perhaps, of a sovereign who fought against her own nature instead of working with it.
"She tried to strong-arm her powers," the bottle continues, "believing she could simply command space and time to bend to her will. But power doesn't work that way, especially not for sovereigns like you."
Aurora's form shifts instantly, her body lengthening into her full lioness form as she senses my discomfort. She positions herself between me and the memories dancing in the bathwater, her luminescent fur rippling with protective energy. FRIDAY Translates: “You are NOT your sister. We'll find a better way."
"Right," I say, pushing away the sudden complexity of the moment. "So. Negotiate with the void. Got it."
The Welsh-singing bottle chuckles. "Got it? Darling, you've barely scratched the surface. But," it adds with a wink, "at least you're clean now."
Bathing Efficiency Report:
Cleanliness Level: Excellent
Magical Contamination: Neutralized
Void Energy: Temporarily Stabilized
Note: Bath considered successful
Additional note: Aurora's tail swishing with satisfaction
As I step out of the tub, the towels shift colors again, wrapping around me in a way that feels more like a gentle embrace than simple fabric. The Twilight Seed pulses warmly, as if approving of the entire experience.
"Well," I tell my companions, "that was definitely not a normal bath."
Status Update:
Bath Normality: Negative
Magical Interference: Maximum
Cosmic Entity Satisfaction: High
Note: Mission accomplished
Additional note: Try to avoid time loops next time
A figure emerges from the shadows within the cottage – an elderly woman with silver hair that seems to catch starlight, her simple dress shimmering with what looks suspiciously like constellations. Her eyes, when they meet mine, hold the same ancient knowledge I saw in the void trials.
Aurora immediately shifts into her protective stance, her fur rising along her spine as she positions herself between me and the newcomer. Her tail lashes once in warning. FRIDAY Translates: "State your purpose, star-walker."
"Well," the woman says, her voice carrying echoes of wind through ancient caves, "I wondered when you'd arrive. The void sovereign who sings to plants, befriends AIs, and has a rather protective lioness guardian. I hope you had a nice bath, dear. The cookies are almost ready."
I blink, caught off guard by her casual tone. "You... were expecting me?"
She laughs, the sound making the cottage's protection spells ripple like disturbed water. "Of course. You're not the first sovereign to find their way to my door, though you're certainly the most... interesting."
Alert: Entity identified
Magical signature: Extremely powerful
Threat assessment: Complex
Note: She seems to know a lot about you
Additional note: Cookies detected
The Twilight Seed in my pocket pulses eagerly, almost humming with excitement. Aurora's ears flick forward with interest, though she maintains her protective stance. The old woman's eyes track both movements, her smile widening.
"Ah, and you've brought some guests," she says, her gaze shifting between Aurora and the seed. "How lovely. It's been centuries since I've helped nurture a Twilight Seed." She steps aside, gesturing into the cottage. "Come, child. We have much to discuss."
Aurora prowls forward first, her fur catching starlight in strange ways as she investigates the threshold. Her whiskers twitch as she analyzes the magical signatures. FRIDAY Translates: "The wards are ancient... but genuine. No traps detected."
I hesitate at the threshold, years of military training warring with void instincts. "You still haven't told me who you are."
Her smile turns mysterious. "I've had many names, but you can call me Moira. I was... close to your sister once, before she chose her path. But now," she glances meaningfully at the seed in my pocket, "perhaps I can help you choose a better path."
Processing implications...
Warning: Historical records of Moira indicate:
- Unparalleled magical knowledge
- Connection to previous sovereigns
- Excellent baking skills
Note: Cookies detected
Additional note: Subject's stomach growling
"Well," I mutter, watching as constellations drift across Moira's dress, "I suppose if you're going to potentially curse me, at least you're offering cookies first."
Aurora's ears flick forward with interest as she scents the air, though her protective stance doesn't waver. Her tail sweeps low behind her, ready to signal at the first sign of danger. FRIDAY Translates: "The cookies smell legitimate... though I'm keeping my eye on her."
Moira's laugh echoes with centuries of power. "Oh, child. If I wanted to curse you, I wouldn't waste good cookies doing it. Now come – your little void-touched friend there has questions, and I have answers that have waited centuries to be heard."
The inside of Moira's cottage defies physics in ways that make my void powers tingle. The ceiling stretches impossibly high, star systems drifting across it like lazy clouds. Bookshelves line walls that seem to bend inward at impossible angles, their contents occasionally rearranging themselves with soft whispers of paper on paper.
Aurora pads silently around the perimeter of the room, her luminescent fur catching starlight in strange ways as she investigates each corner. Her whiskers twitch as she analyzes the magical signatures. FRIDAY Translates: “The magic here is old... very old. But it feels... stable?"
"Coffee?" Moira asks, gesturing to a table that definitely wasn't there a second ago. The wood seems to be made of solidified smoke, its surface showing a glimpse of scenes from other worlds, other times.
Analyzing environment...
Reality stability: 47%
Note: More stable than expected
Additional note: Those cookies smell amazing
"Sure," I say, carefully taking a seat. The chair adjusts itself to my height, the wood grain shifting like liquid mercury. "Though I have to ask – why help me? The last person who offered me hospitality tried to turn me into fertilizer."
Aurora's ears flick back at the memory as she prowls the perimeter of the room, her luminescent fur casting shifting shadows on the impossible walls. FRIDAY Translates: "Don't remind me. I almost had to eat a dryad."
Moira's laugh sounds like wind chimes in a storm. "The nymphs lack subtlety. Besides," she pulls a tray of cookies from an oven that opens into what looks like a nebula, "I'm a little bored."
The Twilight Seed pulses warmly in my pocket, almost humming with contentment. I place it on the table, watching as its golden light takes on hints of violet where my void energy feeds into it. Aurora immediately moves closer, her protective instincts evident in the way she positions herself between the seed and Moira.
"You knew Maeve well?" I ask, accepting a cup of coffee that thankfully doesn't taste like turpentine.
Aurora's tail twitches at the name, her form tensing slightly as she settles into a watchful crouch.
"Oh yes," Moira's eyes grow distant. "She came to me just as you did, lost and powerful and terrified of what she might become. The Space-Time Sovereign," she sighs, "such a heavy burden for one so young."
Historical Data Access:
Warning: Information about Maeve heavily redacted
Note: Subject's family history complicated
Additional note: Aurora's protective instincts heightened
Moira's expression turns grave. "Power, dear one, is neither good nor evil. It simply is. But power without understanding?" She gestures, and an image forms in the air – a woman who looks startlingly like me, but with hair that ripples like the northern lights.
Aurora's mane fluffs up in agitation as she moves between me and the spectral display. Her tail lashes once in warning. FRIDAY Translates: "Some memories are better left in the past."
Aurora's hackles rise at the display, her form shifting larger as she moves to stand between me and the image. Her tail lashes with agitation, casting strange shadows that seem to dance with the void energy in the room. FRIDAY Translates: "Some powers aren't meant to be controlled through force."
Aurora's fur bristles at the display, her form shifting larger as she moves to stand between me and the image. Her tail lashes with agitation, casting strange shadows that seem to dance with the void energy in the room. FRIDAY Translates: "Some powers aren't meant to be controlled through force."
"She was brilliant," Moira continues, her voice carrying a weight of ancient sorrow, "but she tried to master too much, too quickly. The court pressured her, your mother especially. They wanted a weapon, not a sovereign."
Aurora's ears flatten against her head at the mention of the court, a low growl rumbling in her throat. Her luminescent fur ripples with protective energy.
As Moira spoke about Maeve, I couldn't help but see the parallels - another young woman suddenly burdened with powers beyond comprehension, expected to be something more than human. The difference was, I wasn't going to let the court's expectations crush me the way they had my sister.
The spectral image of Maeve flickers – a kaleidoscope of pain and power, her eyes burning with a desperation I recognize. Not just the desire to control her abilities, but to prove herself worthy of the immense responsibility thrust upon her.
"And now they want me," I whisper, understanding dawning like a cold sunrise. "That's why Mother sent áine to bring me back."
Aurora's tail sweeps protectively around me, her form growing more leonine as she senses my distress. FRIDAY Translates: "They'll have to go through me first."
"Indeed." Moira offers me another cookie – this one tastes like a sunset feels, all warm edges and fading light. "But you have something Maeve didn't."
"What's that?"
"Time." She smiles, an expression that holds centuries of wisdom. "And a place to learn at your own pace, away from court politics and your mother's... expectations. Remember, child - the void is not just a power to be wielded, but a force to be understood. Your sister tried to control her powers. You must learn to dance with yours."
Historical data accessing...
Warning: Information about Maeve heavily redacted
Note: Subject's family history complicated
Additional note: Cookie detected – analysis suggests non-lethal
As I settle into the chair, Aurora positions herself protectively near the seed, her luminescent fur casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the room. Moira's eyes track Aurora's movements with clear fascination.
"Your companion is quite remarkable," Moira says, her voice carrying the weight of centuries. "I've not seen a guardian quite like her before - she's void touched, isn't she?"
Aurora preens slightly at the compliment, her tail curling with satisfaction as her fur shimmers with barely contained pride. FRIDAY Translates: "Well, someone has to keep this one out of trouble."
Guardian Analysis:
Current Status: Enjoying Compliment
Protective Instincts: Maximum
Note: She knows she's special
Additional note: Trying not to look too smug
"She's... unique," I say, watching as Aurora's fur begins to shimmer with golden highlights reflected from the Twilight Seed. "Apparently guardian lionesses aren't exactly common around here?"
Moira's laugh sounds like wind through ancient caves. "My dear, there's nothing common about your companion. She's a void guardian - a being that adapts and protects. Most magical beings would kill to have such a companion."
Aurora rumbles with satisfaction, her tail sweeping in what looks suspiciously like a victory dance. The Twilight Seed in my pocket pulses in harmony, its golden light intertwining with Aurora's luminescent fur.
Interspecies Resonance Detected:
Guardian + Twilight Seed
Compatibility: 87%
Note: Unprecedented magical synchronization
Additional note: They appear to be communicating
"Communicating how?" I ask, watching as Aurora and the seed continue their intricate light show.
Moira's eyes twinkle with ancient knowledge. "Energy signatures, child. Not words, but pure essence. Your guardian is teaching the seed, protecting it. Helping it understand its potential."
Aurora turns, her whiskers twitching as she gives me a look that perfectly conveys. "Obviously. Someone has to keep this seed in line."
Historical Data Access:
Maeve's Guardian: Confirmed
Classification: Void-Touched Entity
Note: Previous interactions volatile
Additional note: Aurora appears more stable
The seed pulses warmly in my pocket, its golden light creating tiny tendrils that reach out toward Aurora. She responds by curling her tail protectively around it, her luminescent fur rippling as she welcomes the seed's curious exploration. FRIDAY Translates: "Yes, little one. I'll teach you everything you need to know."
"She's treating it like a child," I observe, watching the interaction.
"Indeed," Moira says softly. "Void guardians are rare - beings that choose to protect and guide. Your companion has chosen you, and now the seed."
Aurora puffs up with pride, her whiskers twitching as she demonstrates what looks suspiciously like proper grooming techniques to the seed. The seed responds by pulsing with golden light that creates tiny rainbows in Aurora's fur.
Guardian Bonding Analysis:
Maternal Instincts: Confirmed
Seed Adoption Protocol: In Progress
Note: She's already planning its education
Additional note: Possibly thinking about proper hunting lessons
"I don't suppose," I say, watching their interaction, "this is normal?"
Moira's laugh echoes through the cottage. "Normal? In the Wyldwood? My dear, you're writing the rules now." Then she looks at me with excitement in her eyes, "Well now, let's get you and your companions properly trained."
"You're offering to teach me?" The words feel both a question and a plea.
"I'm offering you a choice," Moira corrects gently. "Stay, learn to understand your powers properly. Or continue to the Twilight Markets and risk following your sister's path."
Analyzing proposition...
Benefits:
- Proper void training
- Safe learning environment
- Potential understanding of family history
- Excellent baking
Risks: - Time away from court
- Mother's disapproval
- Possible reality distortions
- Echoes of Maeve's tragic path
"I understand you want to go to the market for some answers, the markets will still be there," Moira adds, her voice soft but carrying the weight of centuries. "But truly understanding? That's harder to find than any trading post."
I look down at the Twilight Seed, watching as it responds to the ancient power flowing through the cottage. Aurora curls protectively around it, her luminescent fur creating dancing patterns of light and shadow that suggest both caution and curiosity. For the first time since awakening my powers, I feel... safe. Like I can breathe without worrying about accidentally unraveling reality.
"Alright," I say, meeting Moira's ancient gaze. "Teach me. Just... maybe keep the cookies coming?"
Her laugh makes the star systems overhead dance, each note carrying fragments of forgotten stories and ancient magic. "Oh, child. We're going to have such fun."