[u]Lyamis and Amaryllis, Courtyard[/u]

Lyamis heard Myrn mutter something, causing his eyebrow to raise in question. His eyes watcher her place her book away and seem to follow his advice in not pestering the Matriarch until he heard her mutter something. The male naga’s expression almost flinched in reaction to her next actions, wondering why he thought she would understand and actually behave. His sight turned to watch the weather old Naga, her skin bleached white from the underground and lack of sun, pull back her waist length hair. The platinum colored strands shifted gently to the side while she looked over the young wood elf before her.   

[color=fff79a]"Greetings, Matriarch. I hope you and your people are well. I know you all intend to leave the college, and..."[/color] The woman looked as if she was about to break some important promise to Mayra’s brother when she looked over to Lyamis, the male showing slight signs of embarrassment over her next actions.  Quietly, Amaryllis listened to the concerns pouring out abruptly without restraint. 
[color=fff79a] "Have you considered taking up the college's hospitality and staying here? I'm certain they can arrange some way for the naga to earn their keep. War is coming, demons from the Inferno are rallying their forces against the college, no, the entire world. I cannot say I know the motives of the Yarosmere were, but I fear that if they learn of your survival, they may attempt to attack you again, or convince others to attack you. I understand that the naga as slow to adapt to new situations, but if they return to their old ways your troubles will only come back, stronger than before. And even you cannot deny that the naga are not strong enough right not to fend off another attack by any forces, be it demons, monsters, or men. If they must go into hiding, surely they could do so with the protection of their allies?"[/color] 

Quickly the woman realized her mistake, her next words made to apologize. [color=fff79a]"I... I do not mean to offend, Matriarch. It's just... As a Vaan'Dred, a historian, I have seen great people similar to the naga. I have learned how they met their end. And while death may come to us all, that's no reason not to continue living. The naga have so much more they could be capable of. An unknown, bountiful future ahead of them. I wish to see them flourish and prosper. I would hate to see only their shadows as they vanish into the sands of time."[/color] 

Amaryllis sighed, listening to the young woman and replied. “The Naga are a hardy breed. We’ve faced much worse in our past and still progress, but times are changing. As a people, we can’t remain the same forever. However change must come gradually, unlike what you and Lyam have come to believe. Too quickly, and is the cost worth the price in the end? Thousands of death over the heads of those who have managed to survive?” 

Her eyes widened and made wiser through the ages stared over her people with a sorrowful gaze. “I wish it was easy, I do, but it’s not. Life isn’t smooth or easy to overcome ages of conditioning, tradition, and more. To attempt to force change too soon could risk a division. Take Mar’s young… daughter, her existence means Naga are able to breed what some might consider abominations or monsters worse than demon, something worth extermination. A tainting of what we are.  This will time to adjust to and sadly, if the issue of conflict is present then it’s only likely to fester.” 

Amaryllis, or called Amar by others, looked toward Lyamis. Her next words seemed to suggest he wasn’t fully acceptable of the move or the refusal of taking aid from the college, through in the end he had accepted it. “You’re not the only one opposed to my final decision, but rest assure we won’t be completely isolated like before. I’m fully aware of the threats coming to purge our kin from the world and change will come. It will gradually, but will happen.”  

[u][color=pink] Lyn, Orchard[/color] [/u]

Lyn spotted the bright yellow ring, her smile widen she spoke about it. [color=pink] “Rurik gives out excellence gifts and rewards in exchange for goods trade, aid, or for a good price. I might be basis as I often get a candied sweet or trinket whenever I visit his cart. He also have some pretty fabric for clothing making if you’re ever interested. The college has some good seamstresses who would be willing to make some tunics and breeches for a few favors.”[/color] 

When Helena pointed out her mention of not being able to cook, Lyn lowered her eyes as if the fact was something to be ashamed of it. Her boot twisted about the dirt while she smiled sheepishly. [color=pink] “No and could you teach me? “[/color]  

She watched Helena extend a hand then jerked back, surprised at the vampire’s temperature. “Fuck, you’re cold,” 

Keri was amused by the woman’s reaction as well, her voice chuckled softly. [color=silver] “I should have warned you that I have a really low body temperature. Sorry about that Helena. I guess I forget that other humans can't stand the cold very well.” [/color]

Lyn giggled to see Helena jerk, uttering about how cold Keri was, then nodded. [color=pink] “I know the feeling. My body temperature is much lower than a normal person so touching Keri is like embracing ice. It takes a few minutes longer for me to warm up through, It will pass in a bit, just rub your hand.”[/color]  

That’s when Annabeth pipped in. [color=plum] "I'm a pretty good baker. And if you want, I could bring it to Tyrael later. He tends to go to Underhaven a lot so I can give it to him during work."[/color] 

Lyn paused to think. She still wanted to learn, but giving uncle Tyrael a rottenly made pastry wasn’t something she wanted to do and she pondered the option in her head. After a few moments, she bite her lip and gave in. [color=pink] “I don’t want to give him a crappy treat but I don’t want to create more work for you. It might be better if we make it together and that way, it won’t become a mushy mess?’[/color] 

[color=plum]"How many berries did you get Lyn? If you have enough, we could make it into something easy like a pie. Or we can make it into a jam and go from there."[/color] Annabeth asked. 

Again, Lyn thought then answered honestly. [color=pink] “Not much, sadly. I was just collecting some when I ended up losing one in Helena’s hair and stopped picking. My basket is barely filled. Can you help?”[/color]