[IC] Make Me Purr, or Roar. . . ~ PopeAlessandros x Crawkid

[PopeAlessandros]

With a loud whoot of joy Jin takes a dive at a group of water birds flying low over the sparking waters of the river. A few people out and about in the early hours of the morning chuckle and wave at the young man as birds cry out their fright and frustration at the sudden aerial maneuver. Jin laughs at the sound and with a roll of his shoulder and a huge gust he's once more high above the town. His eyes scan the village, jumping from street to street as he spots one person after another. 'Looks like it's time to head home for the morning. They don't like me up here when the kids have their morning classes. Apparently I'm distracting. . . .somehow. . . .' He giggles aloud and dips the left wing of his rig.

The rig is a simple device, looking a lot like pretending wings as he holds the flaps open, and the impression isn't entirely off. The forest green body suit comes with a set of flaps that normally would hang limply behind him like a cape. But by taking up the hard wood rods hidden inside the front of each flap and spreading his arms wide he can fill the flaps with a hard breeze and lift off the ground. The flaps attack at the hip so he can fly horizontal through the air, and attached to each boot is a set of fin like protrusions which help him steer at high speeds. Jin flies as often as he can, but today he has some work to do. That coupled with the request by the teacher of the young ones in the village is what drives Jin towards home.

“Too bad. They could learn a thing or two just from watching me, I'm sure.” He giggles again, the wind whipping across his body making him a bit giddy. The village whips past, the clay tiled roofs looking like a rainbow at the speed he's flying. As he closes in on the cliff below his home he casts out a hard gust directly at it. The marking on his face and neck flashes as he summons up the wind element more than usual and as the winds meet there is a harsh rustling of the trees in the area. The mix of winds provide Jin with a strong blast of lift and like a shot he rockets up to the top of the cliff. When at last he crests the lip of the cliff and his home comes into view, all the winds around town settle into their natural state and nature once more sends it's soft cool morning breeze through the village.

Jin drops his feet with a sigh, his landing as soft as ever, and following the sigh closely is a groan. Humans are not meant to keep their arms out like that for so long. 'In the woods I have to bend and fold my arms often, so it's easier on my body, but that speed soaring. A rush, but so hard on my body!' Rolling his shoulders he carefully slips out of his rig and hangs it on his wash line so it can dry. Jin works up quite a sweat when he flies. “I'll was you later. . .” he murmurs to the inanimate object before giving it a wave and heading towards his front door. The light breeze feels good on his bare body and he turns into it for a few seconds, letting it cool his heated flesh.

Behind him the leaves of the great tree growing around his house rustle gently, making a soft kind of music Jin always enjoys. Once he has his fill of the wind he turns and passes under the archway of roots and opens the door to his home. Inside the front room offers up many places to plop down comfortable, which Jin decides to do on to a large plush pillow like lining on a wicker scoop shaped chair. The young man has a very fine home by anyone's standards, but every bit of it he either paid for himself, or found discarded. He doesn't like getting rid of things that still work, so when his fellow villagers would toss something out for one reason or another and Jin felt that he could make use of it, he would scoop it right up and bring it home.

Stretching out in the chair he tries his best to ease his aching muscles, his hands running all over his body to each little hurt to try and tease out the pain. “I really need to remember to stretch next time. Yeah, that would definitely help. . .” he murmurs softly, finding a knot in his arm that makes him gasp. After a while he just gives up and falls back into the chair with a grunt. 'I don't have too long to lay around. I have that thing to do for the council in the forest. I wonder why they picked me. . I mean, yeah, I am the only one who still visits the shrine, but wouldn't a priest be better for the offering? Not that there are any left, but. . .' He knows that his thoughts are quite pointless, but he still can not help but grumble to himself a bit.

[Crawkid]

It had been a long morning for Allendrois too. Having traveled a great distance from his village to find a place populated by the people who his ancestors used to live with and protect and mentor, he was exhausted after so many disappointments. Though, one could hardly call them disappointments. ~He never really believed in these people. The ancestors had to have forsaken them for a good reason.~ Yet, he had made a promise to his elder councilwoman...and it would have been nice to find someone worthy enough to garner his attention and respect enough for him to reveal himself. But there was no one.

He had started today with his usual pessimistic and overly critical views, skittering about and watching people prepare for their day through their windows. He looked from mothers, to fathers, to those who were single, and even to the young. It was barely into the day and he hadn't technically seen half the population yet, but his pessimism gave him need to take a break. So, acting on his more wild side, he ran about in the woods and grabbed a few bugs to snack on before finding a tree over hanging a cliff, deciding that it would be a great idea to check out the view. And it would have been a great view to any of a humanoid body, but to Allendrois in his ferret body, it was an excellent view.

That was until something, or someone, came flying almost directly at him, creating an incredibly strong gust which almost threw him out of the tree, and would have if he hadn't been at the joint where the branch met the trunk. Suddenly the gust and the source of it was gone and he was left grumbling and confused. Apparently trees weren't safe around here. Quickly climbing down, he focused his mind on his task. He didn't want to keep looking in vain for his chosen one in this town, so he would look for a shrine to his people and see what shape it was in, if they even had one.

'Not having one would almost be better than what the last village did...'he thought to himself as he ran through the woods, stopping to peek around occasionally. He had a specific task in mind, but he looked for everything - bugs, grasses, flowers, dead things, predators, puddles.He was a ferret after all. Well, ferret-like. Excluding the occasional large beetle, and tuft of grass that he'd roll around in, the rest of his exploration was pretty unremarkable. Finally, he came to what appeared to be a stone path, and he followed it to a shrine. Having found his destination, he climbed into a tree and gave the whole area a good look over.

It's better than the last one, the path appears to have been swept clear of debris...but the shrine itself didn't even get that much attention. Why even bother then? he sneered.

[PopeAlessandros]

Not too long after he gets comfortable a knock resounds through his house, pulling yet another long groan out of his nearly endless supply of them stored deep within his tense body. Dragging himself out of the comfy chair he lets out a sigh and meanders over to the door. The knock comes once again just as he reaches and and without thinking he pulls the door open. The female runner looks him over once, turning a deep shade of crimson before coughing and bringing her gaze back up to his eyes. “I-I've brought the offering from the council. They offer their thanks once again for agreeing tot his task.” He blinks at her stutter for a moment, then remembers that he's not wearing anything.

The breeze picks up slightly as he reaches over to a hook next to the door and pulls off his robe. 'I really should start remembering to put this on before answering my door. After all, it's not like she hasn't seen it all already, and putting it on is almost a a moot gesture. But I suppose it may make her more comfortable for the remainder of the exchange' Living alone atop a large hill no one climbs, next to a forest almost no one goes in, Jin has grown quite use to remaining as comfortable as possible most of the time, and as a windkin allowing the air to almost constantly be touching every part of his body is how he is most comfortable.

Slipping on his robe he ties it carefully before bowing low and accepting the parcel. 'I know I have done this for years now, but I still can not help but wonder what is in this little box. I can feel it's magic pulsing, but it does not feel familiar. . . .' “I thank the council for bestowing upon me this honor. Please tell the council I hope to continue to serve them in this way for many years to come, and that I will do as they ask with the reverence such a task deserves.” Despite his silent bellyaching over having to complete this task they give him each year, he really does mean it when he speaks so highly of it to the woman at his door. As he speaks he notices he gaze shifting not down to his waist, as one would expect, but to his arm.

His chest tightens and he knows that he can add another person to the lift of people intimidated by his marking as with each glance she seems to grow more and more uncomfortable. When he finishes he lets out a little sigh and looks he square in the eyes. “I'm done now, you can flee.” She looks startled but does not respond to his statement past a little bow before she takes off at a fast walk out from under the roots and down the little pathway leading to and from his house. It is little more than a goat trail, but it is the only way to reach his house on foot. Huffing he closes the door a little hard, once more feeling the sting of being on the outside of things. However after a few minutes, filled with him getting dressed properly, he calms down and in no time is once more calm and carefree.

Once ready for the hike he taps his earring gently, liking the way it feels, before scooping up his broom and slipping the box into his travel bag. Making sure his door is closed behind him, not needing the stray breeze pushing it open and letting the critters in while he's gone, Jin sets off down the well worn, albeit thin, path to the shrine of the forest. As the wind tickles the branches around him Jin holds his arms out wide. He normally keeps tight control over his powers both inside and outside his house, save for when he's flying, however when he is in the forest, away from things he can break and people he can bother, he lets himself relax a bit, letting the wind express itself with his emotions.

He uses the wind to clear the path as he walks, the trip taking well over an hour to complete. As he walks he hums a tune, watching various little critters skitter a few feet away only to turn and stare at him. They are quite use to Jin walking through, most having been born in the past few years, after Jin had moved into his home at the edge of the forest. They are content with his actions, as long as he doesn't destroy anything. Once he is out of sight, they return to whatever they were doing. When at last the shrine comes into sight he stops using his wind to clear the path. Somehow he's always felt it more respectful to use something made from plants to clear the immediate area.

Of course, the animals tend to hand out directly on the small stone shrine, and as such it's always a mess when he arrives. Once the area is clear, Jin having remained in silent reverence the entire time, eh approaches the shrine proper. He clears the leaves off from the steps leading to the little stone platform it's on, the entire thing only coming up to his navel when he stands right next to it, and for the last bit he puts down the broom and clears off all the clutter with his hands. 'I thank the stars that for some reason the animals do not defaecate on this thing. Makes my job easier' After a half hour of work, the shrine is completely clean.

Sitting back on his heels he surveys his work and after a few seconds he nods, smiling. 'That should do it!' Slipping off his bag, he carefully extracts the box, setting the bag off to the side. Holding the box delicately in both hand, only the tips of his fingers touching it's glowing surface, he begins humming softly. The wind gathers around him as he hums, taking his voice all through the forest. His humming slowly grows louder, and eventually, he begins singing. He doesn't know what the words mean, but they are exactly how he heard them sung each year at the little festival they have in town in celebration of the forest every year.

The actual festival takes place days from now, but this ritual must take place before that day for the festival to be a success, at least, that is how the legend goes. As he sings the wind continues to carry his words through the woods, stopping animals in their tracks to listen, and making it seem as if the tress are singing with him. When at last the song comes to an end Jin sets the box down gently before the shrine, and bows with his forehead to the ground. “Good luck forest shrine, and spirits if you're out there. May you make it to another year in one piece.” He whispers these words softly with a light sigh before sitting back up on his heels, his knees digging into the hard dirt.

[Crawkid]

Allendrois was about to ditch the place when he felt a strange wind, and heard the hurried whispering of the forest's inhabitants below.

"Smell him? Here he comes."

"Oh, its the wind kid."

"He can be a nuisance, with all that sudden wind."

"Damn, got sand in my eye."

"Hey, is that the spirit package?"

"I wanna watch, come on."

"Hurry, hurry!"

"Hush now..."

There was a spirit package?

Curious, and with a trace of hope so miniscule even he wasn't fully aware of, Allendrois sat back and and watched in the direction the wind was coming from. It wasn't long that he saw someone walking down the path. His ire was almost about to be risen, but the wind cut out suddenly and he watched as the male started sweeping silently, and with some form of precision and practice. His little ferret hackles were at rest as he watched the entire ceremony and offering be played out, and was relaxed by the humming. For a single moment, he was actually happy.

But this moment could not last. The ferret spirit was faced with an important choice. Did he answer? If he answered, the truth would be found. This would probably change their world views. They might start actually seeking out his kind, or expecting things from him. On the other hand, time was running out. This shrine was by far the best he'd seen, in terms of having been taken care of. He groaned a little ferret groan. He might not end up being worthy, but Allendrois had to try to get someone to help.

He skittered down the tree and sat at the base of it, before humming back in answer to him. It was meant to be short and meaningful, just a quick answer back was all they had needed in the past after all. Once he was done, he ran over to the package, fully intending to sit on it and give the young man a good look over. The young wind child might be the key to the future of his kind, after all.

[PopeAlessandros]

As Jin sits and stares at the offering, a smile on his lips as he recalls putting his own little efforts into it as a child. His eagerness had marked him out from the beginning as one who may be able to continue the traditions on into the future and is one of the reasons he was selected to take extra studies. He was special, and the elders knew it. They could sense that he was more interested in things more and more children didn't seem to have a care about, each generation getting further wrapped up in their own lives, their own studies, their own problems, the idea of being a guardian seeming less of an honor and more of a burden.

But here now, years later, Jin is just as humbled by the task as he was as a bright eyed little boy near free of markings watching the then guardian vanish into the ancient forest.

His head suddenly comes up, snapping out of his memories by something he's never heard before. His heart begins racing, he recognizes it, he thinks, and if he's right then something is about to happen. 'I've only heard stories of people getting replies. No one around here has had a reply in. . .In several generations!' He remains still, not wanting to disturb the moment or upset whoever is answering his call. He closes his eyes, trying desperately to understand the song, however it is over quickly and his eyes open once more. He feels a little dejected that it didn't last longer, convinced that he'd have been able to understand it if only. . . .

Blink. Out of nowhere this little rodent comes skittering over and without so much as a glance it mounts the offering box and turns to sit on it's haunches to stare at him. Now, Jin is no expert, butt hat doesn't seem normal. He knows that the animals in the forest don't run away from him any more, but running right up and. . .He shakes his head lightly, could it be? He looks back at the critter just as intently as it studies him and after a moment he realizes that that is exactly what it's doing. It's examining him. On impulse he slowly scoots back on his knees a few inches, then drops into a kneeling bow. Raising his head he once more looks at the critter and murmurs softly, “Are you a Seraas, an ancient spirit?” His tone is soft end respectful, just in case he's guessed correctly. He knows full well he could be bowing to simply a very bold little rat thing, but even if he's wrong, no one is there to see him so who cares? His heart is still racing in excitement, hoping against all hopes he's right about the little critter.

[Crawkid]

Allen kept watching the human, even as they were watching back. Eventually they scooted back and bowed to him, and asked if he was a spirit. His little spark of hope showed up again, but was quickly squashed. There was still the chance to back out, not let him know by answering forth-wright.

He remained still for quite a while before he turned back to look at the shrine. He had only one chance to give humanity, and while this appeared to be a child of the elements who still knew and seemingly worshiped his people like it was described to him, the little spirit could not bring himself to trust that this was going to be the right choice.

It seemed that he was at a standstill in his mind, so he took a mental step back. Because this was the official ceremony, he had a job to do before he decided anything else. So, he decided to ignore the boy's question and get started. First he licked the egg whites and rose petals off of the outside, and nibbled away some of the basket- enough to get inside and eat the crickets. After the first couple, he peeked out and looked back at the bowing human. He finished the cricket he had in his mouth and began to think again. His mark was certainly very prominent, the biggest one he's seen so far on his travels. Seraas and their elemental were supposed to become a team, but Allen wasn't entirely sure how that would work because he was pretty sure this human had stronger magic than he did...not to mention he wasn't sure about his true nature.

He turned back to the package, finished off the crickets, and nibbled at a couple of the rose petals. Floral, but not his favorite. In his own mind, he came to a decision. He wouldn't outright answer this kid...but he would claim the package for the forest and follow him back to his home. With that, he grabbed the edge of the box and slowly drug it into the shrubs. Curse his small size for this.

[PopeAlessandros]

He remains in his kneeling position, his knees aching a bit on the cold hard packed earth but he does not dare raise himself up lest he is correct and this creature before him turn out to truly be a spirit. He remains still, watching as it begins eating, a faint tingle running through him as it proceeds in order, diapering from view for bare seconds before reappearing with a piece of the offering in it's mouth. His breathing is shallow, his eyes wide, and he carefully stays as still as he can, just waiting, and watching. Then at last it does something rather odd for any normal creature of it's size and drags the box off the later and into the bushes growing along the stone structure's back.

Once both things are out of sight, rodent and offering box, Jin finally permits himself to rise and without a word he gathers up his small broom and satchel and heads out of the forest. He moves along at an even pace, his mind racing a mile a minute, the flurry inside causing a small one to dance around him on the outside. He can't hear them but the beasts of the forest chatter softly about his passing, wondering what's got him tossing about dust on his way out on foot. Normally when he's on his way out on foot he's a bit more solemn. But this time, he can't help the waves of excitement manifesting around him as he heads back towards his home.

'That may have been a spirit, and I gave the offering, and, and, just, WOW! I mean, a Seraas, right here, at our shrine! No one's seen one foe several generation, and most don't even think they're around any more, but, but, that could have been, and I never doubted! I knew they still existed! And to think, one came to our shrine!' His internal fanboying makes it's way into the bushes along the path and the rustling draws his attention to th fact that his element is slipping out of his control. Sheepishly he pulls it back in, instead contenting himself with reciting the song once more, letting the trees around him know how proud and happy he is that there's a chance he met a spirit today.

“I know I can't tell the elder yet, as it's just a hunch, and the spirit may not even want the elder to know. They haven't been seen in so long, maybe they want to stay a secret. Who know?” he mutters to himself after the song ends, his house coming into view. With a spring in his step he races the last fifty yards and flies into his house with a happy whoop. Without hesitation he quickly pulls several old books from his shelves, the books handed down to the keepers of the shrine over the years, and he settles down to take a quick refresher course on how to interact with the spirits. Reading passages aloud so that they are easy to remember he doesn't even bother with a mid day meal for himself, too wrapped up in his research.

When at last his stomach demands his attention the sun has set and a glance at the clock lets him know that it's been far too long since his last meal, especially with how much energy he's used today. Now humming the chant to himself, the one meant to placate a spirit and invite them near, he begins cooking his evening meal. He makes enough for two, dressing the second plate up carefully so it doesn't look like the food is just slapped right on there, and once he's finished heads outside with it. A small hollow in the tree makes an alcove with a flat bottom and as is custom he places the plate inside, bowing his head for a moment before heading inside. He's not the best cook ever but he took great care this time, his heart set on meeting the spirit again if indeed it was a spirit this morning.

Back inside he settle into his own meal, still humming softly as he continues his research. He already knows everything that's there, having spent many many long hours over the years reading and rereading the keeper's tomes, but a part of him is terrified of forgetting something and ruining this chance. 'I've spent my life outside the norm, and with this burning belief. I will not let a simple mistake keep me from this chance, this possible life changing event. I won't!'

[Crawkid]

Once he was sure the human had gone far enough to not be seen or heard, Allendrois popped out of the bush again. And for the first time in a long time, he reverted to hi other form - that of a human. The golden bangles on his wrist jangled quietly and melodiously as he drew his fingers through his long hair in order to make sure it wasn't too messy.

Once he was satisfied, he bent down and grabbed the package, being mildly annoyed how he had to drag such a thing as a rodent. But he remembered a lesson that the elder woman had taught him, and in her memory he sighed and relaxed a little. Be grateful for what you have, he could hear her gently reminding him, at least you weren't born as a mouse spirit. Or a frog spirit even, he sneered. How unlucky he would have been to be such a small creature with his abilities. He would never get anything done outside of his human form.

Speaking of his abilities, he could just feel the outside wisps of the boy's power, and it felt like excitement. He smiled slightly. Even if this doesn't turn out to be the one, Allen will at least have fun with him.

Now, back to business, Allen carefully opened the package the rest of the way, letting the wrapping fall to the ground. With a sigh on contentment, he bit into the first acorn cake. "Mmm...haven't had one of these since the councilwoman made them for us.."
Holding it his his mouth, he grabbed the next one in the stack and began ripping it up and dropping it on the ground for the other animals to enjoy it. He smiled more as all sorts of critters slowly began to ease their way into the clearing, picking up the food. "There you go...have a treat guys. It only comes around once a year, right?"

With the cake scattered, he finished his own and then the last one. I wonder who normally handles the package at the shrine...

Shrugging off his curiousity, but at the same time making a note to look into it if he has the chance, he slowly followed the path the boy took, his wooden sandles making their distinctive sound as he walked on the stone path - only to be silenced as he came to grass. Calmly, he followed both the trail, and the boy's scent back to the house. As he came within sight of his destination, he went back to ferret form and climbed into the nearest hiding spot he could find.

He watched for hours, and even though he found it interesting that he was reading some seriously old books, he quickly became bored of watching someone do nothing but read. At one point he got hungry and just rolled around a bit, groaning to himself. Kid...do something other than read books...please...I don't know how much longer I can sta-oh, he moved.

Shifting his position to get a better look, he can see than he had gone to make food...the smell of which was enticing to the poor hungry ferret. He groaned slightly again, but quickly shut up as the guy came out with a plate and set it in the tree. Suddenly grateful for this human's presence, his body tensed itself in wait for him to leave. As soon as the door was shut, he ran and skittered up the tree and climbed up into the hollow. He sniffed it a bit, exploring it and seeing what was on the plate. It all smelled good to him. He climbed out and onto the nearest branch, turned back into human form, and reached back down to the plate, pulling it back up to him.

While Jin dove back into his research, his research subject sat on a branch and let his legs dangle down as he shoved food into his face. Thank you, elders who made the rituals...it had been so long since I had a hot meal.

And he enjoyed every bite of it. When he was done, he looked at the empty plate. It was a shame that it was over already, but also, what was he going to do with the plate? It took some thinking, but he eventually smirked mischeviously to himself. It was time to have a bit more fun with the human. Jumping out of the tree, he ran over to the front step and, giving the plate one last clean licking, set it on his front step and left. He would watch from some tufted grass next to his door to see his reaction...maybe even try and sneak inside, he thought later on. That would be great.

[PopeAlessandros]

His eye pause in the middle of a sentence, the chant playing through his mind as he reads it dying out as his magic picks up the feeling of a touch of magic approaching his door and swiftly vanishing. He can feel his heartbeat jump into a faster pace but he is careful not to overreact. For all he knows someone was dropping off a note or something. 'At this hour!? But, ti has happened. . .But it didn't feel like a villager, it felt. . .different. . . But how am I suppose to know what's different? I was in the middle of something. I guess the only way to know is. . . .'

Letting out a long breath he slowly pushing himself up, only a few moments passing between his initial reaction and this moment. With quiet steps he makes his way to the door, trying to calm his erratic heart beat as his excitement grows and grows. The door swings open silently at a faint tug, the door latch letting out barely a sound. Slowly and carefully he searches the area past his stoop before his eyes fall to the plate at his feet. His licked clean plate. Containing his excitement, but just barely – the sheets of paper and pages in his house feeling the brunt of it as the wind gathers softly around him – he kneels down and takes the plate in hand, murmuring a traditional thanks to the spirit, wherever it is.

Standing he looks once more about the area, a part of him hoping against hope that the spirit will present itself, but not wanting to look too needy he spares only a few moments before bowing his head and backing into his home. Looking upon the plate as if it's some kind of treasure he hums happily, twirling in such a way that the faint wind kicks up and scatters many of the looseleaf papers and parchments laying around. At the sound however he lets out a whine, setting the plate carefully on a counter before dropping to his knees to hunt down and order the mess into something semi recognizable as an acceptable filing system.

Once the work is done thirty minutes later - his magic having relaxed considerably making the job much easier than it was initially with papers scattering and fleeing from him every so often on a wisp of wind – he looks once more at the plate and lets out a happy sigh. “Thank the ancestors for their good record keeping, and thank the spirits for accepting my humble offerings. . .” Placing the last stack of papers away on a shelf he carefully lock the glass cabinet – a system he came up with after scattering the important tomes and parchments three nights in a row upon moving in – and with one last touch to the glass he makes his way over to his bed.

His comfy little mattress, packed full of sheets and blankets and pillows, is in what looks like a hollowed out part of the back wall, stretching ten feet in, and twelve feet long. The mattress is actually circular, and the alcove is tall enough for him to sit up in with one foot clearance overhead, and the circular mattress rests in the middle, big enough to fit a few people, but with it's shape they would have to be very comfortable with one another to share it.

The pillows and blankets packed in there with him are another control measure, keeping the wind from just curving around the edges and using the alcove as a focusing point to blast the area outside of it. Slipping out of his clothing Jin crawls into the space, the smooth sheets and pillows feeling nice against his bare body, and with a wide smile and happy thoughts about the spirits he settle in to sleep, his hopes soaring once more towards being able to actually meet a spirit of the forest. . . .

[Crawkid]

Well, his first plan was to enter quickly as the door opened, but he realized he would be noticed as the kid bowed. So, the ferret spirit was shut out again as the door closed, prompting the little guy to sigh. How was he going to get in now? He came out of the tuft of grass and looked the house over. It wasn't long after that the kid let off a gust of wind, and blew a piece of paper out the window.

He looked at it before smiling to himself. The boy didn't have windows? running over and gathering the paper, he gave it a little scan. it was about his kind, and some old historical notes at that. Was he studying the old ways? That would explain a few things.

After waiting a moment, Allendrois heard the activity die down. Taking his chance, he climbed up and peeked through the window. the place was organized again, he imagined it was a pretty bad mess before, judging by the gust that went through earlier. But he still stayed, at least until Jin left the room.

He took his chance and quickly climbed through the window, jumped down onto the floor, and found a place to hide just in case he was heard. After a moment of nothing, he slowly started to snoop around, making his way over to the documents. Shifting human, he returned the piece of paper to the piles of similar papers, sat down, and used his powers to bend the moonlight just enough to have some light to read through the papers.

He was up a good portion of the night, looking through what appeared to be hand written notes. Eventually both the lack of sleep and the use of his magic took their toll on him and he yawned. Lazily stacking the notes back into what he thought was probably their place, he shifted back into ferret mode and wandered around, until he found Jin's pile of clothes. Tired enough to not be picky, and not quite be aware of how things will go down in the morning, he made himself a bed, covered himself, and went to sleep.

[PopeAlessandros]

Morning greets the man in a somewhat dreary way, the rain pelting down from above making his house dark even after sunrise. However as Jin rolls around under his sheets he can feel nothing but joy and contentment. He knows that unless the spirit wants to seek him out, Jin will never see him again, but after such a good reception, including it following him home, he feels no doubt that he will be seeing the little one again soon. Smiling into his pillow he peeks out at his house, watching various things shift and move as the little wisps escape his alcove in his joy.

'Now now, stop that. I can't have you causing a ruckus so early in the morning' His eyes dart to the only visible window and he grows a little wary. 'I hope the Seraas has a safe dry place to stay nearby. My tree has a lot of alcoves in it large enough for the beast form I saw, so hopefully it's stayed nearby and I'll be able to see it again today. . .' Once more little wisps find their way out but this time they are no more than the little ones that regularly escape him in his sleep so he has no worry for the organization of his room as he watches them dance about.

Finally with a long yawn he rolls over once more, but with this roll he slips out of bed and stands. Stretching he curls and shifts with no shame as he does so without covering himself. It's his own house, why should he bother? It is hilarious when he answers the door this way, but after a few long stretches a chill runs over his skin and he decides to at least put a shirt on to stave off the cold. Reaching down he tugs his shirt free of the pile of clothes he'd left on the floor the night before. To the slight fortune of the creature within this does not expose it's furry little body, but likely would wake the beast if it was not roused already.

Turning to the room he moves to pull on the shirt, one arm in his sleeve before he notices something off. 'My notes. . . .I thought I put them away. . .' He eyes the stack sitting half way out of it's hiding place and looking a bit jumbled with a critical eye, straining his vision in the semi darkness. Pulling his shirt a little further on as he moves towards the stack he slips it on his other arm before suddenly freezing, feeling an unfamiliar tingle against his back. 'This is not my magic' His wind begins curling around his body protectively as he turns to the pants and unders still resting on the ground next to his bed. Staring for a long moment it finally clicks and his wind flares for a moment – setting off almost all the chimes hanging about his house – before settling and dying completely.

He can sense it now, still there, still fresh and real. He longs to go over and uncover the creature within but instead he resist, remembering his manners. 'It will address me if it so deems me worthy. All I can do right now is go about my day. . . .' Biting his lip he does his best to keep his excitement down and begins preparing his morning meal, making twice as much as usual as he prays he has two to feed now. As he works he begins humming the offering song softly, hoping his morning voice is just as soothing as his normal voice is and that it won't drive the Seraas off. 'It's not required to have a nice voice, but it can't hurt' he muses, smiling to himself as he works.

[Crawkid]

The little furry being slept peacefully through most of the night, being protected from the wind by the pile of fabric he had found the night before. He was happily asleep when Jin had pulled out his shirt, bringing him out of his peaceful dream of an enveloping warm blackness slightly. He didn't mind it so much, but when all those chimes went off and a blast of magic wind stronger than the ones he experienced through the night went through, he couldn't sink back into the bliss.

The bundle moved around as Allendrois sat up, making the pants leg her was in almost appear as to be a clothing snake. Slowly, he stretched out and yawned. Inside his mind he tried to remember what had happened yesterday, and the events slowly unfolded.

Oh, that's right. He thought as he sank back down into the bundle and inched out to the point where he could watch the boy, who had seemed to be doing things such that looked to be everyday activities...but with no pants or underwear. Truely, a wind user. he added with a bit of a mental smirk and chuckle. His eyes went to the symbol for Jin's power, noting how it was the largest he's seen so far. He'd be a good partner...He respects and follows the old rules, he actively studies them, and his power would be formidible. Judging by his devotion, he probably would be alright if I asked him...and that'd be best if we're supposed to be partners. He sighed to himself. He was running out of time, and he doubted he'd be finding anyone better...besides, he kind of liked being revered and worshipped.

He paused mid-thought as he picked up the sounds of the offering sound. His attention focused on his current host. Well, there goes the idea of continuing to observe him. Then a thought hit him. He had a duty to perform anyways, since he accepted the gift at the alter. It would be a good chance to use this young one and get that done with too.

Sneaking out of the pants, he finally shifted into his human form, fully clothed of course, and sat on the side of the bed. "Way to say you know I'm here, kid."

[PopeAlessandros]

It takes all of his control to not just drop the pan and turn around. Both his self protective instincts and his fan boy desires tell him that this is the correct course of action when there is a sudden surge of magical energy behind him that is now most definitely identified as a Seraas. However, his self discipline keeps his hands moving after only a slight pause in hesitation. Finishing the song, it had almost been over anyways, he takes a calming breath before speaking softly, continuing to cook as to not ruin the food.

“I thought it only appropriate as most of the actual greetings have been lost over time, and I found that the one for your kind is one who's words have likewise been taken by time.” He knows his speech is a little formal, given the almost lighthearted words from the beast, but in his nervousness he feels the urge to be careful least his delight lead him to just run over and glimpse the creature. 'Male, it sounds male. I wonder what it looks like right now. It definitely got bigger, the magic shift, he's changed form. Ooohhhh, I wanna loooook!' Suppressing a whine he carefully continues cooking, making sure everything is perfect.

Once the meal is close to completion he pauses long enough to pull out plates, catching a small sliver of the creature out of the corner of his eye as he turns to do so, but ever the serious man when it comes to his duties he does not actually turn to look and instead begins filling the plates. 'He looks small, around my age, but obviously he's older. It's not like we age the same or anything' Once the plates are filled with breakfast – scrambled eggs with cheese and a tasty variety of peppers and meats – he finally turns to look at his guest and smiles softly, doing his best to not grin like and idiot. After saying the proper words he hands the plate and a fork to the Seraas and picks up his own plate to begin eating.

'This is so surreal. . . .There is a Seraas, and ancient spirit of my people, in my house, and here I am just eating breakfast. . . And staring' His eyes drop as he thinks this, realizing he's being rude, at least by human standards. With a polite wave of his hand, the one holding the fork, he indicates his house and says, “I welcome you to my home Seraas. What's mine is yours. May I. . . .inquire as to how you prefer to be addressed?” His speech becomes formal again, but this time he chides himself, willing himself to relax. It does not help that the form before his eyes is an attractive one. While not self conscious, he's never been good around people, let alone ones he finds appealing.

[Crawkid]

His eyes watch the young man cooking. He's aware that he's staring and intently so, even. However, Allendrios glances away when he's looked at, to at least not appear rude. He doesn't like to admit it, but he is a bit impressed by this human. He worshipped him, but somehow kept calm, something the ferret man was thankful for- he wasn't sure how he felt about being worshipped at this moment. It puts a lot of responisibilty on his already full plate.

Oh, a plate.

He semi-awkwardly mumbles a thank you as he takes the plate and still watches the one in front of him. Then there;s silence as he thinks about how to introduce himself. '...my name is Allendrois...but according to the names I've been hearing...you can just call me Allen...if you'd like'

He shifts slightly, wondering if he's being too informal with that. After a pause, he soothes his awkwardness with a bite of food- which only incites another pause due to its tastiness. '....your food is good.'

[PopeAlessandros]

Nodding at the permission to use a more familiar name for the Seraas he keeps most of his focus on the plate before him. 'So, Allen, I can talk to him informally, but how much so? Gah, I wish I knew more! I should have been reading all of those daily. . .' He eyes the papers hidden away behind the glass doors and wonders if the creature would find it rude for him to read them while he's right there. 'Probably. . .He's right here, so, I should find out from him. He seems. . .He seems pretty lax on the formality. I mean, that adorable little “thanks” when I gave him his plate. . . .' Mentally shaking himself he feels a jolt of joy and pride at the compliment, sitting up a little straighter.

“Yes, well, I have been living alone for some time Master Allen. It's only natural I've worked hard to treat myself, and today, having a guest. . .” he flushes slightly, looking back to his food, coughing slightly as he eats too fast. Flushing deeper he wipes his chin and looks anywhere but at the Seraas in his embarrassment. After a moment he glances at Allen and smiles faintly. “So, may I ask if there's anything you wish of me Master Allen? Is this just a visit, or a check-up, or has something happened, or. . .” His voice trails off as he realizes he's rambling, flushing again as he goes back to eating without another word. He chides himself as little wisps of wind die slowly, having whipped up in his excitement.

[Crawkid]

Said Seraas watched all of the movements from the young man behind keen eyes. To even his amazement, his host managed to pull a light chuckle from him. For a moment afterwards, he relished in the ease of the air around him, even with all that nervous energy. It had been so long since he'd been able to relax and talk with someone, the fact that it was a human only bothered him a bit. That didn't mean he'd trust him right away or anything...but he was his first solid lead in finding someone who has a healthy amount of respect for his kind, and the nature they protect.

He continues his thoughts while consuming the plate of tasty food in his hands, quietly holding it after he was finished. Now...how to explain the seriousness of the situation?

"...Something has happened, but it has been a long time coming. Officially...I will be answering your prayers for a good harvest next year. I took your food and can help with that." A pause, waiting to see his reaction before getting a tad more serious.

"I am on a bigger mission, though..." and he frowns a bit at this part, remembering the wish of his favorite elder. "Your kind has mostly forgotten us. The festivals aren't to celebrate an answered prayer...they're for your entertainment...a reason to make fanciful foods. The balance of nature is respected less. The shrines aren't taken care of, and less children are taught how to make the offering..." he trails off at the end for a bit and sighs, "I know...I've been looking, watching."

And a pause as he remembered the stories he'd been told, and what he'd seen so far. Would this work? Could he really form a team with this human...and bring back the old ways? How did the others fair, he wondered.

[PopeAlessandros]

The chuckle makes the man flush even more as he stares at his food, wondering if he looks a complete fool now. He pushes his food around a bit before taking a small bite, wanting to be ready should the Seraas require him to respond. His eyes snap up as the other begins talking and he listens intently to what he has to say. 'Officially? Meaning there's an unofficial reason he's here? Something to do with the thing that's happened?' Swallowing hard Jin nods, eyes still locked on the Seraas, giving the being his full attention.

He feels his chest tighten at the description of how the world's respect for his kind has declined and he feels, a bit irrationally, responsible for all of their failings. He wants to promise that they will do better, that they will turn things around, but he knows he's only man and there's no way he can promise such a thing. The air around them shifts and flows a bit, making the chimes jungle melodically. Jin is worried, thinking, and ashamed all at once. “I have. . .Actually noticed this too. I mean, I am the only one this generation who even volunteered for the task of taking care of the shrine and making offers that I know if in my village.” he says softly, the wind dying down.

He looks down, truly ashamed, but after a moment he looks back up, an earnest look in his eyes. “I want it to be different. I think people have forgotten. They don't know, they can't see, so they've lost their trust.” He smiles, slightly excited. “The old keeper, our elder, he still believes, and he is the one who taught me and gave me all the things I use to take care of my duties. I mean, it's not like we all have lost the old ways, so, maybe, we can change things?” He looks almost like a puppy looking hopefully up at Allen. All that's missing is the wagging tail.

[Crawkid]

He is in a deep, thoughtful, and slightly dark mood at the topic of how the old ways have been forgotten. He also went over the duties he'd have to perform..how the town might react...and then...there was another thing eating away at him. Surely, someone or something else had been eating the offerings. If these people didn't believe anymore, he doubted it was a Seraas. Not to mention he couldn't sense any traces of one nearby. Was it as simple as it being an animal, or could it be something else?

He ripped himself away as the tones of emotions changed around him. The energy was different too, just like his voice. Sadness...but also determination and hope. The news of an elder that also believed was a bit uplifting. A town with two believers! Still, he had to think carefully. He could only team up with one human at a time, and had to make his choice carefully. His eyes drifted to the boy's mark. Such power was rare these days...

He tapped the empty plate with his finger a few times, thinking out and weighing his options.

No. He didnt think he had the time or patience to go looking for someone else. Not when there was a believer with as conviction and respect seemingly as strong as his elemental power. He sighed internally. He didnt even want this job to begin with, but this looked like the best he could get. He might as well continue to observe him and maybe give him a trial run while he was in town. Still silent, he pointed his finger at the boy, using his power to try and coax the natural energy of the boy's powers to calm down some.

"I think...we may need to speak with your elder."

[PopeAlessandros]

Jin's eyes dart downwards as he hears fingers drumming on the plate and he can feel his heart jump into his throat. 'Does he want more? I only made so much, I should have made more! I am a horrible host!' The panic dies a little however as suddenly the Seeras is pointing at him. He can feel the being's magic wash through him and he shivers slightly, the soothing nature of it stilling the chimes around the room. 'I guess I was just being too excitable. . .' He can feel his metaphorical ears and tail drooping, but at the idea of visiting the elder with a Seeras at his side Jin is once more a bright smiling figure.

“That would be good! I'm sure he'd know better about everything and could help with whatever you need and. . .” His voice trails off as he is hit with the sudden sad idea that he's not enough for this creature he reveres so much. His smile stays in place however, not needing to bother the Seeras with his own insecurities. “I think he should be home today as there aren't any major events going on right now besides the offering, but I took care of that, so, yeah!” Jumping up he begins getting ready. Little wisps is wind trail through the house here and there as he rushes about, his excitement getting the better of him.

He pauses as his hand lands on his flight suite and he looks over at the Seeras, clearly nervous. “Um, flying would be the fastest way, but if you'd rather walk, we can do that too. I mean, it's up to you really. I'm sure I could fly us there just fine, but I know a lot of people are uncomfortable in the air, and, um, yeah. . . . .” He flushes brightly, realizing he's rambling and cutting himself off before it gets too far.