[The owlbear cub, compliment or not, bestows upon the cleric a spirited chirrup at the graciously given pets. That is, after it had demolished the promised wedge of cheese in barely two bites from its little beak. At the petting, its eyes seem to become crescents just for a brief moment, one of its rear legs rising to scratch at its side as if by instinct when the best spot is scritched.
Doglike behaviour, any druid worth their salt would mark. Likely the effect of Scratch's influence upon the little creature as it was still at such a formative stage- but worse could happen. Far worse things by all counts. Speaking of the canine, the owlbear hardly needs telling twice. With a shake of its feathers it is off, bounding around the campsite in search of its best friend in the entire world...
...Or rather, its second best friend. Seeing as Scratch could not feed it cheese, for the moment, Nepione takes that honour.
As for Ara... Well, He's still dusting himself off when he is addressed. Stretching his body this way and that, just to make sure nothing was sprained. Or twisted. And as all appears (sore) yet normal, he turns.]
Who knew? I'd imagined the little thing carnivorous.
[The owlbear's penchant for cheese being a welcome surprise, and all. And, while long overdue... ]
Thank you. We'll have to see if we can get into the supplies and get you another ration.
[When it's imitating Scratch, and who wouldn't? That is one prime good boy right there. Regardless, when it's doing its very best Scratch impression, Nepione could almost forget that it is, in fact, very much a predator. Ara is lucky that more damage wasn't incurred as a result. He may not be that fortunate in the future.
She watches the owlbear cub bound off into the distance, a small little smile drawn across her features before she turns attention back onto the decidedly more important thing at hand. That would be Ara. She watches him pick himself back up and where she would ordinarily be the first to go over him, she is learning to hold that part of her back. Nepione can, at times, be downright overbearing.]
I think they'll eat just about anything if you give it to them. At least, that's been my assumption. Out here, you can't always be picky, after all.
[At his gratitude, she shakes her head.] Think nothing of it. [And that's in reference to replenishing, too.] I wasn't actually hungry, so I can wait until later. I had it on me just in case. I usually do. You're sure you're all right? I'm impressed you lasted that long, though next time I'll worry just a little less if you don't wait to tell someone what's happened. Little guy might never have gotten off of you.
[It's news to him, but it makes sense. What could be said. The natural world was hardly a bastion of his personal knowledge, given that his inclinations were well and truly spoken for with arcane matters. Regardless! He turns his focus to what Nepione next says, tilting his head just so.]
Don't mind me. I'll live... [A twist of a smile, and a glint of his eyes.] Even if the owlbear didn't get hungry in the night and take a few chunks out of its makeshift nest, when morning came and the others got up I'd likely have died of embarrassment. A fate averted, thanks to you. But speaking of living and dying, I'll have to insist about your rations. Can't have the one that gets us out of scrapes not at her best come morning.
[With that, he takes a few steps. Yes. He's more or less fine.]
If we're lucky, there might be leftovers from tonight's meal.
[If a certain wizard didn't cook tonight, there most certainly would be.]
[She would certainly hope that he'd live. His rather cavalier attitude about it all, however... Nepione can only imagine she takes it the way she does because to her so much of life is precious. A shame when others seem to not take it quite as seriously. Perhaps, however, that is for the better. Too many like her would make things awfully complicated.
Ara may have the better approach.
Eventually, she does reward him with a subtle smile. Better that she got to him when she did. Someone like Astarion would not let him live it down.]
I wouldn't give myself that much responsibility. [Nepione does manage to slip in just as an aside. She wouldn't, though others clearly would. Truth is, she's earned that.] But I also don't want you to worry about me, so if it'll avoid that, then I'm not afraid to do what's necessary.
[Stretching her arms above her head, she frees a sigh.] I hope it's fish. Fish sounds good. But I guess I'm not very picky. We're lucky we can keep our food stores relatively full, all things considered.
[Seriously, the owlbear is going to eat them out of camp and home.]
[Oh, really. The cavalier attitude of which she spoke was something that came to him in all things- mainly because of what he was. As a sorcerer, much less one comprised of wild magic just as much as he was flesh and bone, there were certain... stances one needed to take with that magic. Which bled through to life in a general sense.
First and foremost? Laughing about it. Because if one didn't laugh, the only other recourse was crying. Being taken as a nest by an owlbear cub was a laughable thing, and if anything, he's only grateful that he was not torn to shreds by the owlbear cub's tiny little claws as it sought to make itself more comfortable.
But regardless...]
Tell me. Are all clerics of Selune so humble?
[That question might have sounded like it came out of left field. So he elaborates as they make their way to the stores. Regrettably, it did not seem fish was on the menu that night. So he uncovers a pot of... well. something, taking a sniff of it.
... Unidentifiable. That would mean that someone else cooked that night. ]
I've had experiences with other clerics prior. A whole temple, in fact- long ago. I must admit... before meeting you, I'd always thought them quite haughty. Divine favour this, and embodying the will of so-and-so that. Rather serious types. And quite full of themselves.
[He holds the pot to Nephione, awaiting if she can identify just what precisely is within the stew within.]
While you're quite the former, you're nothing alike the latter.
[She is only a little surprised by his gentle prying as she stays in stride. It is not as though she is unfamiliar with similar reactions to her person. Their own companions have found her strange, at the very least, at times. Perhaps not worthy of their trust as a result of her... occasionally clashing ideals. She understands that in some ways, she has a very adamant stance on the way she perceives things. She also understands that the same devoted approach can likely, and will turn others away from her.
There is such a thing, after all, as being too honest. Some would be right to consider her a liability.]
No. They aren't. [It's a very simple answer given. Although Selûne's history teaches acceptance and love, equality, and other like ideals, all of the concepts are somewhat subjective. When it comes to Shar, for instance, it's such a polarising concept. There are clearly lines divided in what should and should not be considered acceptable. Nepione, as she often seems to do, breaks out of the mould that some would expect of her.] It's probably best not to assume my treatment of others stems solely from my devotion to the Moonmaiden.
[She peers sidelong to him for just a moment before turning her attention onto the stew that he offers. She poises herself with thought, half distracted by his question that any temptation of food must be put on a momentary pause.]
There's a point at which I'm only myself. I'm sure I would have been the same with or without the clergy. I'm simply embodying the ideals I believe in, in the way I think they should be presented. I think that's fair, as long as I'm not making those same expectations of others. [After a moment, she hesitates.] You don't find that too troublesome, do you?
[Indeed so. Being too honest could easily be classed as a liability or a complex. But truthfully? Between their current ensemble of absolute weirdos, there are far worse liabilities about and around. And just like the aforementioned weirdos that make up the encampment, Nephione pulls her weight. And then some. ]
Hm? No. That wasn't quite what I was getting at. Hells. If you treated everyone as your doctrine demanded, either you or our Sharran friend would be lying dead somewhere, and we'd be worse off for it. It's more... you're serious. In all respects. While that's to be expected, literal braindemons and all, it's more...
[Well.] Solemn. Almost like you have the weight of the world upon your shoulders. It's none of my business to comment, of course-
[A twist of a smile comes then. As if the sorcerer knows this, but cannot help it.]
- But we're allies. Friends too- I think. Unless I've horribly misjudged things. So, I care about you. And no. I don't find it troublesome. I mentioned I've had a run-in with organized worship before.
[Taking Nephione's lack of comment on the stew as approval, he kneels to locate a wooden bowl and begins to ladle some of it within- adding a hunk of bread before he takes both to where the fire crackles. A look over his shoulder indicates that he would like her to follow. ]
That was troublesome. You're nothing like that. Hence seeing you as a friend... and poking my nose where it does not belong.
[Shadowheart is... It's complicated. Objectively, Nepione can look past all of that, understand that Shar is simply one half to what is made with Selûne, but there are very, very few Selûnites who would be that understanding. And though the tiefling is inclined to be somewhat open about her devotions with the others, there's a relative quiet she keeps with her half-elven ally. It would do no one good to have the two at one another, though Nepione would likely too-easily surrender if she felt she had to for the greater good.
Her expression turns curious at his assessment of her person. Serious. Yes, she supposes she rather is, though perhaps she's not realised how much that comes across. Maybe she's simply always thought no one else has noticed. Why would they? They've their own lives and demons (some literal) to deal with. But... this is Ara and he has been nothing short of observant in her time knowing him. It's something to be admired, and perhaps, feared a bit.
She does, so much, like keeping a good deal of herself to herself.]
If you keep that up, you're going to embarrass me.
[She laughs a little, following after him rather easily. He really is serious about making sure she gets something to eat. They've certainly had lesser pleasant things to eat. On the contrary, she doesn't terribly mind the adventure that will likely be the stew for the night. Folding her hands together, she manages to find just a touch more courage to speak.]
I'm all right. I know I can be a little too serious at times, but I don't think I realised anyone else noticed. Perhaps I'll adjust my approach a bit. I don't want to cause any of you concern. It's a little easier when I'm worrying about the rest of you as opposed to the reverse.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
➤ divinestrike
[The owlbear cub, compliment or not, bestows upon the cleric a spirited chirrup at the graciously given pets. That is, after it had demolished the promised wedge of cheese in barely two bites from its little beak. At the petting, its eyes seem to become crescents just for a brief moment, one of its rear legs rising to scratch at its side as if by instinct when the best spot is scritched.
Doglike behaviour, any druid worth their salt would mark. Likely the effect of Scratch's influence upon the little creature as it was still at such a formative stage- but worse could happen. Far worse things by all counts. Speaking of the canine, the owlbear hardly needs telling twice. With a shake of its feathers it is off, bounding around the campsite in search of its best friend in the entire world...
...Or rather, its second best friend. Seeing as Scratch could not feed it cheese, for the moment, Nepione takes that honour.
As for Ara...
Well, He's still dusting himself off when he is addressed. Stretching his body this way and that, just to make sure nothing was sprained. Or twisted. And as all appears (sore) yet normal, he turns.]
Who knew? I'd imagined the little thing carnivorous.
[The owlbear's penchant for cheese being a welcome surprise, and all. And, while long overdue... ]
Thank you. We'll have to see if we can get into the supplies and get you another ration.
no subject
She watches the owlbear cub bound off into the distance, a small little smile drawn across her features before she turns attention back onto the decidedly more important thing at hand. That would be Ara. She watches him pick himself back up and where she would ordinarily be the first to go over him, she is learning to hold that part of her back. Nepione can, at times, be downright overbearing.]
I think they'll eat just about anything if you give it to them. At least, that's been my assumption. Out here, you can't always be picky, after all.
[At his gratitude, she shakes her head.] Think nothing of it. [And that's in reference to replenishing, too.] I wasn't actually hungry, so I can wait until later. I had it on me just in case. I usually do. You're sure you're all right? I'm impressed you lasted that long, though next time I'll worry just a little less if you don't wait to tell someone what's happened. Little guy might never have gotten off of you.
no subject
[It's news to him, but it makes sense. What could be said. The natural world was hardly a bastion of his personal knowledge, given that his inclinations were well and truly spoken for with arcane matters. Regardless! He turns his focus to what Nepione next says, tilting his head just so.]
Don't mind me. I'll live... [A twist of a smile, and a glint of his eyes.] Even if the owlbear didn't get hungry in the night and take a few chunks out of its makeshift nest, when morning came and the others got up I'd likely have died of embarrassment. A fate averted, thanks to you. But speaking of living and dying, I'll have to insist about your rations. Can't have the one that gets us out of scrapes not at her best come morning.
[With that, he takes a few steps. Yes. He's more or less fine.]
If we're lucky, there might be leftovers from tonight's meal.
[If a certain wizard didn't cook tonight, there most certainly would be.]
no subject
Ara may have the better approach.
Eventually, she does reward him with a subtle smile. Better that she got to him when she did. Someone like Astarion would not let him live it down.]
I wouldn't give myself that much responsibility. [Nepione does manage to slip in just as an aside. She wouldn't, though others clearly would. Truth is, she's earned that.] But I also don't want you to worry about me, so if it'll avoid that, then I'm not afraid to do what's necessary.
[Stretching her arms above her head, she frees a sigh.] I hope it's fish. Fish sounds good. But I guess I'm not very picky. We're lucky we can keep our food stores relatively full, all things considered.
[Seriously, the owlbear is going to eat them out of camp and home.]
no subject
First and foremost? Laughing about it. Because if one didn't laugh, the only other recourse was crying. Being taken as a nest by an owlbear cub was a laughable thing, and if anything, he's only grateful that he was not torn to shreds by the owlbear cub's tiny little claws as it sought to make itself more comfortable.
But regardless...]
Tell me. Are all clerics of Selune so humble?
[That question might have sounded like it came out of left field. So he elaborates as they make their way to the stores. Regrettably, it did not seem fish was on the menu that night. So he uncovers a pot of... well. something, taking a sniff of it.
... Unidentifiable. That would mean that someone else cooked that night. ]
I've had experiences with other clerics prior. A whole temple, in fact- long ago. I must admit... before meeting you, I'd always thought them quite haughty. Divine favour this, and embodying the will of so-and-so that. Rather serious types. And quite full of themselves.
[He holds the pot to Nephione, awaiting if she can identify just what precisely is within the stew within.]
While you're quite the former, you're nothing alike the latter.
no subject
There is such a thing, after all, as being too honest. Some would be right to consider her a liability.]
No. They aren't. [It's a very simple answer given. Although Selûne's history teaches acceptance and love, equality, and other like ideals, all of the concepts are somewhat subjective. When it comes to Shar, for instance, it's such a polarising concept. There are clearly lines divided in what should and should not be considered acceptable. Nepione, as she often seems to do, breaks out of the mould that some would expect of her.] It's probably best not to assume my treatment of others stems solely from my devotion to the Moonmaiden.
[She peers sidelong to him for just a moment before turning her attention onto the stew that he offers. She poises herself with thought, half distracted by his question that any temptation of food must be put on a momentary pause.]
There's a point at which I'm only myself. I'm sure I would have been the same with or without the clergy. I'm simply embodying the ideals I believe in, in the way I think they should be presented. I think that's fair, as long as I'm not making those same expectations of others. [After a moment, she hesitates.] You don't find that too troublesome, do you?
no subject
Hm? No. That wasn't quite what I was getting at. Hells. If you treated everyone as your doctrine demanded, either you or our Sharran friend would be lying dead somewhere, and we'd be worse off for it. It's more... you're serious. In all respects. While that's to be expected, literal braindemons and all, it's more...
[Well.] Solemn. Almost like you have the weight of the world upon your shoulders. It's none of my business to comment, of course-
[A twist of a smile comes then. As if the sorcerer knows this, but cannot help it.]
- But we're allies. Friends too- I think. Unless I've horribly misjudged things. So, I care about you. And no. I don't find it troublesome. I mentioned I've had a run-in with organized worship before.
[Taking Nephione's lack of comment on the stew as approval, he kneels to locate a wooden bowl and begins to ladle some of it within- adding a hunk of bread before he takes both to where the fire crackles. A look over his shoulder indicates that he would like her to follow. ]
That was troublesome. You're nothing like that. Hence seeing you as a friend... and poking my nose where it does not belong.
no subject
[Shadowheart is... It's complicated. Objectively, Nepione can look past all of that, understand that Shar is simply one half to what is made with Selûne, but there are very, very few Selûnites who would be that understanding. And though the tiefling is inclined to be somewhat open about her devotions with the others, there's a relative quiet she keeps with her half-elven ally. It would do no one good to have the two at one another, though Nepione would likely too-easily surrender if she felt she had to for the greater good.
Her expression turns curious at his assessment of her person. Serious. Yes, she supposes she rather is, though perhaps she's not realised how much that comes across. Maybe she's simply always thought no one else has noticed. Why would they? They've their own lives and demons (some literal) to deal with. But... this is Ara and he has been nothing short of observant in her time knowing him. It's something to be admired, and perhaps, feared a bit.
She does, so much, like keeping a good deal of herself to herself.]
If you keep that up, you're going to embarrass me.
[She laughs a little, following after him rather easily. He really is serious about making sure she gets something to eat. They've certainly had lesser pleasant things to eat. On the contrary, she doesn't terribly mind the adventure that will likely be the stew for the night. Folding her hands together, she manages to find just a touch more courage to speak.]
I'm all right. I know I can be a little too serious at times, but I don't think I realised anyone else noticed. Perhaps I'll adjust my approach a bit. I don't want to cause any of you concern. It's a little easier when I'm worrying about the rest of you as opposed to the reverse.
[Ever the double standard.]