(can i start now?)
01:04:20
The small pink fox is on one of her usual excursions into the forest again. It usually is to forage for various foods and to find things she can make into trinkets to sell in the city, but she often has another, more important task in mind as well
01:06:02
Today, she can be found hunched over and squatting by the riverside, brow furrowed in concentration, oblivious to everything else around her as she focuses all her attention onto the little clay bowl in front of her
01:07:18
Fresh spring water... Honey... one shredded berry...
01:08:14
Then I just have to...
01:08:36
she checks a book beside her
01:08:44
pour some energy into it...?
01:08:51
she places a hand over the bowl and tries to figure out what that means as she feels for the energy like Nagusa taught her
01:09:38
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it was yet another casual day for Beatrice but bored in her usual enclosure she decided to take a stroll in a forest... Of course she had little idea as to what the world looked like after all the years she spent in the isolation... That's why she set a teleportation circle and made it so she's transferred to ANY forest. Having safely arrived, she was greeted by a rather disappointing view. After all... Not much have changed. She was somewhat hoping for a vast change of the landscape. Of course she had no reason to expect it. It was merely what she has hoped for. Despite that she decided to take some raw samples to her workshop. It never hurt to play around a bit with some formulas she has already discovered. The work can always be perfected as the human as a living being is imperfect in its very existence. Whatever it was supposed to mean, crossed Beatrice mind as she made her way towards a nearby stream. There she quickly realised she was not Alone. A rather small fox was trying to... Make an offering to her gods... At least that's what Beatrice thought at the first glance given the odd position Kiuko was in, and the general awkwardness of the whole process... Curious she decided to observe a bit more from the shadows, before realising that it was some basic alchemy that the fox tried to perform. The sight was very amusing as it reminded her of her past... Without making any sound, Beatrice appeared behind Kiuko and with her usual, bored and monotonous tone asked:
01:15:32
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Thou seem to have a small problem with thine assay at the art thy try to perform
01:17:05
Kiuko was so intent on her task and not expecting anyone else to be deep in the forest that she was taken completely by surprise at a voice behind her
01:18:42
she yelps and jumps almost a foot into the air as she whips around to see who had sneaked up on her
01:19:03
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*As Kiuko turns around, she sees a woman, seemingly in her twenties with long violet hair, loosely falling over her back. The lady had a lot of unusual adornments from jewellery with jewels she hasn't seen before to a unique flower in her hair. Her pale smooth skin perfectly completed the listless expression she had on her face. Completely ignoring Kiuko's reaction as if she wasn't interested in her at all, Beatrice continues: * Thine have forgotten a crucial ingredient.
01:22:02
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But no matter. A guerdon is what awaits at those who put effort into their studies.
01:22:37
her heart is still racing as she reaches a trembling finger to the book at the side, running it down the ingredients list
01:23:25
water... honey... berry...
01:23:43
she looks at the bowl again
01:23:52
i-i d-don't think i'm missing anything...
01:24:03
she turns to address the stranger for the first time
01:24:21
she gapes slightly as she admires the stranger. Her attire, adornments and grace she carried herself with reminded her of Nagusa... although there was a slightly different air about her. It couldn't be helped, she reminded herself. This was a complete stranger, and could not expect the same level of care and concern
01:26:22
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Beatrice frowns a bit, seeing how the fox looks into some old book, verifying the recipe... All the years of research made Beatrice believe that those books were misleading, and in fact were making it harder for people to learn alchemy. After all, she has spent decades on improving and studying those formulas. That's why completely ignoring the question again, she took the bowl from the fox, as if Kiuko's role was to merely hold it for her, and poured some energy into it. A brief moment later, a thin cloud of smoke, escaped the bowl, before Beatrice handed it back to the fox Thy shan't believe all that is written in those tomes. It is thine duty to broaden and improve the knowledge we possess. The key ingredient... Is of course you. You have to believe you will succeed. After all it takes willpower to defy, and alchemy is an act of the defiance of nature.
She paused for a moment, after ending her monologue, finally "noticing" the fox for the first time. Ah. My apologies. It seems that I have started you. How unfortunate. I go by the noble name of Lady Beatrice, but you can use my name instead of the title. May I know who I have the pleasure with?
01:30:47
Kiuko's eyes sparkle as the liquid turns the brilliant shade of purple like it was supposed to, and stares in wonderment
01:31:56
i-I am Kiuko! I've only recently moved here, but it is nice to meet you, madame!
01:32:30
she executes a 90 degree deep bow like she was trained to, still holding the bowl with both hands
01:32:50
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Rise your hand. I see no reason why you should bow to someone who isn't your lord.
she said to Kiuko, while turning towards her But you have a rather... Unusual name.
Beatrice paused for a moment, watching her interlocutor thoroughly... If her gaze was a blade it would surely have sliced Kiuko into thousands of tiny pieces, but having finished her inspection, Beatrice discovered something intriguing about the fox girl... She decided to keep it a secret for now though It surprised me you were studying here alone... You don't happen to be a student at a royal academy do you?
01:35:40
Royal Academy? what is that?
01:36:13
The girl seems genuinely confused
01:36:20
No, I'm just out here... trying to learn new things...
01:36:39
I was gifted a few books by... various people...
here she blushes a little and pauses before continuing
01:37:05
*she bends down to pick up the book and show it to you,
01:37:45
I haven't been able to get it for weeks, and you succeeded just like that...
01:38:12
her ears droops a little
01:38:17
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Not being able to pick up on the subtlety of tone changes and Kiuko's behaviour clearly indicating that she's upset Beatrice coldy responds: This? It's no wonder you have failed.
She took the book from the girl and holding it in her one hand, she invoked a spark, setting the book on fire I fail to see how you could have ever succeeded following those... Naive thoughts and teachings. Those misguided fools wrote that piece based on a false belief that alchemy.... Just works.
Beatrice sighed, disappointed that her profession made so little progress over the years.... I suggest you find yourself a teacher then. A real one. And a royal academy is a good place to start.
realising that the girl wasn't aware of what said establishment was, Beatrice added It's a place where they teach alchemy.
01:42:10
but... this city doesn't quite treat... creatures like us the same... so I don't think they'll accept me...
01:43:16
besides, i don't have any money...
01:43:27
she looks up for a bit
01:43:35
are you saying the book is wrong? are you an expert?
01:43:48
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Ah... I haven't realised those greedy fools are still after money. It's funny how it's worth as much as dirt...
Having said that Beatrice bends over and takes a handful of dirt... A moment later, the contents of her hand are replaced with hold coins, that she soon tosses away into the stream It's a pity.
She sighs and looks at Kiuko, thinking deeply. After all, she always wanted to have an apprentice. That was the main reason why she made 27632 attempts at creating a human being from scratch. All obviously failed. But... Prolonging a life span, wouldn't be a problem... And maybe with a proper guidence, the girl could be someone great? Hmm... You could say that... I have spent.... Years researching alchemy. Yes...
Beatrice smiled very slightly, intrigued as to whether Kiuko will ask her to become her teacher
01:47:55
she stares at the dirt that had become gold in an instant, trying to figure out the magic trick behind it
01:48:52
she stares at Beatrice, looking at her closely, trying to see if she's human or not, or if there's some trick involved
01:50:09
[uuuu, i wish i had mom's ability to tell if someone was good or kind... what is this lady...] she thinks to herself as she plays with her fingers and hesitates
01:50:55
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Yes I have... Decades even... I don't remember how long has it been since I started... But that's no matter...
She paused for a moment pondering on one question she had in mind... After all it seemed that the girl lacked... A goal. And it was a crucial element to succeed in one's studies But... I do have one thing I do want to inquire about... If you're not a student... What's the reason you want to learn alchemy... I don't take students... So assuming you want to become one, you'd have to prove yourself to me.
01:53:10
Kiuko hesitates for a moment, deciding if she should tell a lie, then deciding against it
01:53:46
I was... sent away... told I should find my own life and adventures...
01:54:03
I didn't pick alchemy... I just happened to have... well had... a book about it
01:54:33
all i know is that i have more magic than i can control... and that's it...
01:54:46
no skills, no background... and i can't even control it very well...
01:55:04
I figured i need to learn something to do well.. maybe eventually go on an actual adventure..
01:56:34
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A cute lost lamb at her Mercy... Part of Beatrice wanted to turn Kiuko into a lab rat... After all she would be a perfect material for experiments... But she quickly dismissed those thoughts. After all she failed so many times but she has never tried to have a disciple. So why shouldn't she try that instead... I see... How... Pitiful...
Hearing the story, Beatrice realised that Kiuko wouldn't stay with her forever... But for long enough so she has some experience at teaching... That's why she decided to roll with it I see... I don't know of how much help I can be... But I am willing to teach you at least the basics so you can develop further.
01:57:54
Y-you will?
her eyes sparkle momentarily, then she coughs and blushes
01:58:50
O-of course you will!
01:58:58
I-i'm a great learner!
01:59:24
At least mom says so...
she mumbles the last bit
01:59:35
she blushes hard as she tries to look proud of herself, but her tail wagging happily behind her gives her true thoughts away
02:00:18
y-you'll have the p-privilege of having the best student in the world!
02:00:57
she puffs her chest and attempts to look smug
02:01:17
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amused by the sight, Beatrice smiles at the fox and adds: Well then... I think it's good if we move to my workshop for now... If you have anything you'd like to take with you, take it now and take my hand when ready...
02:04:32
*she looks down at the small mound of ashes, then shakes her head. She picks up the bowl, wanting to wash it, but not having anywhere to pour the completed contents into
02:05:45
she holds in in both hands for a moment, then shyly and gingerly reaches out towards your hand
02:06:24
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taking Kiuko's hand into hers, Beatrice recites a short incantation and soon both of them find themselves in a circle of light... With bright light blinding Kiuko's vision, they complete the procedure and make their way into the famous garden of Beatrice Wellcome to my castle dear~
02:09:19
Kiuko blinks for a few minutes, momentarily blinded, then just stares, swivelling her head to take in her surroundings
02:10:27
All her life she has only known the humble shrine, and then more recently a small apartment she was generously gifted. Sure, there was a short stay in the lord's mansion, but it was nowhere comparable to the castle and large garden before her eyes
02:11:27
shaking her head to get back to her senses, she sees that she's trailing behind beatrice and scrambles to catch up, her footsteps pitter pattering on the ground
02:12:38
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Ah. Your first travel might be a little overwhelming... You'll get used to it with time, but for now... Tell me if you have a headache or feel a bit nauseous... It's normal and will pass away....
Beatrice takes a short glance at Kiuko and waits for her to regain her composure. Now that they were safely being the walls of her castle, there was nothing that would disturb her from passing her knowledge onto her new acquired student. But of coruse she wanted to give her a short tour first.
02:15:25
Nausea? No...? I'm perfectly fine?
02:16:05
she stretches her limbs out one at a time, checking for abnormalities
02:16:28
Hee hee~ does that mean i have an aptitude for travel? Maybe one day I'll be able to zip around the world too~
02:17:09
she rambles on excitedly, momentarily lost in her fantasies of the future
02:17:42
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Beatrice... Oddly noticed that she wasn't... As cold as usual. It felt as if she quickly developed some sort of affection towards Kiuko... She wasn't exactly able to put a finger on it... But she felt... Something. She smiled slightly and said Indeed... You do seem very talented. But don't forget. The hard work is what makes talent into actual power. Take a look at this garden. All flowers... All plants here... Were made by me. It took me years of practice, but I wanted to have the prettiest garden out there... I put a lot of work into that and I have achieved my goal. So even if it's hard. Don't give up, and you'll make it.
02:20:08
Whoa... You planted all this...?
02:21:30
I know some basic gardening from mom... But not much about flowers...
02:21:55
But I'm not going to be beaten by hard work! Who do you think I am?
She tries to look smug again even as her ears twitch nervously
02:23:01
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Don't worry... Flowers isn't all that alchemy allows you to achieve... Those... Are but a stepping stone... But all in time...
she starts walking slowly, showing Kiuko different parts of the garden... Explaining everything about each flower and plant... until they arrive at a very high tower We've arrived. I haven't used this tower personally but I think it will be a great space for you to practice. Why don't we head inside?
02:24:28
she marvels at the tall structure, craning her neck to try and see its top
02:26:01
she stands to the side of the door, hands clapsed in front of her, waiting for you to enter first, like she was trained to
02:26:41
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Beatrice pushes the door and leads the way, so Kiuko doesn't get lost Stay close to me... It doesn't seem like it, but it's quite easy to get lost here...
The two of you soon reach the apex and a pair of wooden door is pushed inside, revealing a neat workshop
02:28:26
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Well? How do you like it?
02:28:34
kiuko follows dutifully, afraid of touching anything she wasn't explicitly instructed to
02:29:14
the workshop was... Not quite what she had expected. She expected messiness, lots of notes strewn about, half completed projects either abandoned or in progress
02:29:55
instead she saw a neat and immaculately kept room, almost like a study, with books neatly stacked up on one side and the tools neatly arranged on the shelf
02:30:46
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I like keeping things in order. * Beatrice explained laconically* After all it's easier to organise your work... Speaking of... Why don't we begin? I don't think you will be more ready than you are now...
Beatrice thought for a moment, not even thinking that Kiuko might say no Ah, why don't we start from the little exercise you tried in the forest.
Beatrice took a bowl and filled it with necessary ingredients before passing it to her apprentice
02:31:52
she puts down the bowl she was still holding on an undisturbed spot on the table, then takes the new bowl that was given to her
02:33:13
she peers in and sees the raw prepared ingredients, the clear water shimmering back at her
02:33:39
Um... I've never succeeded...
She starts hesitantly
02:33:57
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Remember... You have to visualise your goal... Focus on it, and don't let other things distract you... it's difficult at first and takes time... But once you gain certain proficiency, you'll be able to do it instantly... And when you have focused, when you have your goal in mind, pour just enough energy into the contents of the bowl~*
02:35:05
she sets the bowl down on the table, right beside the completed sample
02:36:20
she puts her hand over the bowl, trying to feel the energy flow within her
02:36:59
she keeps her eyes open, looking at the completed purple solution, trying to feel the difference between both bowls
02:37:31
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Focus... Clear your mind...
Beatrice steadily watches over the process, making sure it goes as it should
02:37:47
she furrows her brow as she pulls out energy from inside herself and visualizes pouring it into the bowl
02:38:32
the ingredients shake, then start to move slowly, picking up speed as the swirl around the bowl
02:39:04
they spin faster and faster, muddling into a blur, as the solid bits fuse into the liquid and turns into a bright shade of... Green?
02:40:06
She stares at her green solution, trying to figure out what happened and why her product turned out differently*
02:40:53
A simple antidote is supposed to be purple...
02:41:18
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Oh my... That's interesting... But that's actually... A good thing. An usual thing happened. And it's clearly... Not a failure.
Beatrice looks at Kiuko and gently asks Any ideas as to what has happened~?
02:42:10
I... I don't know... Should i taste it?
02:42:32
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It's one way to taste it... But you can examine the solution as well... Before that though...
Beatrice walks to a nearby shelf and takes a vial with a red solution out of it Do you know what this might be, Kiuko?
02:44:06
Some sort of health potion?
02:45:04
she hazards a guess based on the colour of the liquid
02:45:15
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Precisely~
Beatrice visually pleased with a correct educated guess, handed it to Kiuko Go on, you can open it and taste it. It won't bring you any harm and even relieve the burden you have acquired throughout your journey.
After waiting a moment, and making Sure Kiuko is watching, Beatrice continued Now what you have here... Isn't exactly an antidote. It's... Poison. But don't worry, before you jump into any conclusions. It's because the purple... "Antidote" you tried to make isn't an antidote either... it's a very weak poison that just happens to be able to fight some other toxins... But this here... Is much stronger... It seems that you have poured a but too much of your energy into the bowl...
02:47:45
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So we'll focus on that element first.
02:47:51
an antidote is a poison...?
02:48:26
she seems genuinely intrigued and curious at the new information
02:48:37
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Yes, indeed. It's not common knowledge, but there's an ancient... Technique that used to heal via injection of diluted poison. It was an art in itself... But it unfortunately was lost over time
02:50:00
o-oh... interesting...
02:50:50
she looks thoughtful for a moment, then her ears droop
02:51:00
I do have problems controlling my magic...
02:51:16
it builds up too quickly..
02:51:29
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I am... No magician. I am afraid I don't have knowledge to help you with your problem... Although...
Beatrice walks over to a chest in the corner of the room and takes a big vial with transparent liquid inside You can... take this. It helps you regulate the flow of magic power. But it's only a short term solution... But I might just know someone who'd be able to help you with your training. I don't mind reaching out to them and asking them to help with your struggles.
Beatrice in fact lied. She hasn't met the person, but she knew them well from rumours... And she had something that they'd trade for this little favour... A white lie, that led to a goal
02:54:00
oh? That would be fantastic!
02:54:40
Maybe i'll have less... episodes... now...
she mumbles to herself
02:54:54
she takes the vial and downs it in one go, expecting to feel something immediately, but is puzzled when nothing seems different
02:55:26
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Don't worry... The potion will take effect soon... But... It will make you sleepy too. So I suggest you go down one floor to your chamber... I'll show you the way, so you take a nap before we continue...
Beatrice in fact expected Kiuko to be knocked out for a good day or two, but she decided to keep that to herself
02:57:48
she follows Beatrice obediently down the stairs
03:01:09
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leading the way down the stairs two of them quickly make their way to a spacious chamber, that was overflowing with luxury. A queen sized bed was of course the one that was the most eye-catching... Ready to leave Kiuko for now, so she rests after ingesting the potion, beatrice leaves but one final word for her I shall see you soon... Hopefully with the promised help.
03:08:08
her mind starts to get fuzzy and sluggish as the potion's effects hit her, but she still can't believe the luxurious accomodations she was provided
03:09:34
this... for me...?
03:09:40
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But of course... It's but... a bunch of stone and dirt under a different form~
Beatrice chuckles for the first time in a long time, amused by the variety of lively reactions she got to experience from this cute yet somewhat naive fox girl that was only startign her journey into the world
03:14:52
s-stone and d-dirt...?
her mind no longer works as her limbs start to feel heavy, and it is all she can do to drag herself over to the bed before collapsing on it
03:15:47
Then... I thank you...
03:15:56
she is out almost immediately, cutely grabbing at the sheets and snuggling into it, dreaming of someone's soft embrace that she had missed for such a long time
03:16:34
