epidemiology | Oska Bounties

Entry tags:

Oska Bounties

CHARACTERS: Dipper and Loki, Nami and Shiro, Sieglinde, and Pomarr (plus anyone else along!)
DATE: Any time throughout their stay at Oska. Please indicate the day in the thread subject!
WARNINGS: n/a
SUMMARY: Oska Bounties.

Whether it was Dagny, Uruz, or a message from Lloyd that found recruits to ask them to do something about the resident bad-weather-machine, or simply a good Samaritan seeing someone that looked in need of a good cheering up, Pomarr is in dire need of a smile.

She spends most of her time out of doors, and can be found walking along the lakeside, meandering through the greenhouse, or sitting in the stables with her unearthly blue eyes downcast and making the more skittish mounts uneasy. The rain that falls throughout Oska is concentrated most heavily above Pomarr, meaning that the grayish, largely colorless tiger of a woman is never too difficult to find.

If it looks like she hasn't smiled in a month, that's probably because she hasn't.

[Please notate when in their stay at Oska each thread takes place. If it's during the Lost in Translation plot, recruits will find that Pomarr is quite adept at languages, and has had little else to do with her time than study those spoken among recruits. For those characters in groups, feel free to thread back and forth for a while before indicating when they run into Pomarr — or just jump straight into it, whichever you prefer!]

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[It's hardly difficult to find Pomarr. The actually difficult part is getting close to her without getting absolutely soaked. Sieglinde had planned to approach her soon after getting the message, but first there was research to be done on weather spells. She had a few from Merlin's tome she'd copied before he left, and one from the book Gilgamesh had brought her, but she hadn't practiced them all that much, so despite having received the ability to cast such things from ALASTAIR... it took work.

Work she had set up in the greenhouse, since it gave her easier access to herbs to use, (and she had weeding to do). It is there that, by coincidence, Pomarr sort of... finds her, sitting in a circle of heavy skirts with open spellbooks and dried herbs all about her.

When she spots the feline woman, Sieglinde raised a hand-]

Greeti-

[Then lowered it awkwardly, and half-raised it again to get her attention. Right, antiquated High German was in a bit of a minority here. Perhaps her English, heavily accented though it was.]

Greetings. You are Pomarr, yes?

[This... wasn't how she'd planned to do this, but. When opportunity came knocking...]

[ Pomarr moves through the greenhouse slowly, her heavy tail doing barely more than swaying as she walks. Sieglinde has her attention from the moment she speaks, though, and she slows to a stop to consider her. For a moment the only sound is the heavy rain on the glass of the greenhouse above them as she considers the spread around the girl, and then the language used. English. It's one of the more common ones with this group. ]

Yes, that's correct. [ Her English is accented as well, harsh edges spoken in a low, slow tone. ] You are... I'm sorry, I do not know your name.

[There's a bit of relief on Sieglinde's face that English would serve as their lingua franca, and she need not dig for another. She read in nearly ten languages... But almost all of them were strictly that- reading, and research, and she's never used them to really communicate with someone. At least she had the confidence she'd be understood now, sitting up a bit straighter.]

My name is Sieglinde Sullivan, the Green Witch of Wolfsschlucht. [a brief pause] Not that such titles mean much in this place.

[But it was a habit, unable to seperate her name still from the duty she'd always simply known, putting her spellbook down in her lap to try and show the other had her full attention.]

I was in Nalawi.

[She wonders if it's something she should say, fearful it might dredge up unpleasant memories, but... For identification, to place her. She'd not been the one to speak to Pomarr directly, but she'd seen her from a distance, been part of the crowd. If not much shorter than most of said crowd.]

[ She nods slowly, attention full and steady on Sieglinde now. It's quite a long name for such a small girl. She comes a few steps nearer, settling into a slow crouch at the edge of Sieglinde's assembly of herbs and books. ]

Yes, I remember.

[ They may not have spoken, but Pomarr was at least aware of everyone in the group that had been brought to her home. She'd had godlike powers, before the goddess that granted them was killed. Observation was easy. Her attention cants downward, to one of the books. ]

You're studying. [ It might be a question, but is pitched too low to be sure of it. ]

Ah- yes.

[People said "honesty is the best policy", and though Sieglinde wasn't quite a believer of that philosophy, (too many things she wanted to hide about herself in order to live by it), she saw no harm in it now, obligingly flipping her spellbook, Latin though it was, to face Pomarr instead of forcing her to read upside down.]

I was thinking to approach you, but I did not wish to get wet, so...

[Even if the language doesn't translate, the images and diagrams might make it clear enough that the spell is supposed to call forth a sunny day. A minor spell, and one Sieglinde had doubted would stand against a more experienced weather Mage, but.

She could hardly just jump immediately to the difficult ones.]

[ When word gets to Dipper and it's about Pomarr, there's absolutely no way he could say no. He hadn't expected the near constant rain around Oska to be her doing, but in retrospect, perhaps it isn't all too surprising; if he remembers correctly, the same had happened back in Nalawi, with the rain coming down as she grew more somber during their meeting.

It's worrying, truth be told. Dipper had hoped she would find something for herself in ALASTAIR, but... was it possible he had made a mistake after all?

He doesn't hesitate venturing out to look for her, hoping he can avoid running into more of their current infestation problem in the meantime. From the library Dipper jogs down the halls, where Pomarr is nowhere to be found. The castle is a large place, but maybe she isn't inside...?

Dipper begins heading toward the main doors leading out, and after turning another corner in the halls he spots none other than— ]

—Oh! Hey, Loki! [ He skids to a halt, fidgeting on his feet. ] Have you seen Pomarr around? ... Uh, y'know—the big cat lady from Nalawi?

[ whatever Loki was doing (scheming, probably) abruptly comes to a halt as Dipper stops in front of him. ]

How could I forget? [ there's tossed hand and an obvious look of recollection that comes from him. he's dressed simple today, no horns or tacky green jacket trailing behind him, instead he's comfy in an olive green hoodie, hands tucked into the front pocket. ] You're in search of her? That shouldn't be too hard.

[ Loki keeps walking, not voicing his intent but making it obvious that he's joined the search. ] My brother is the god of storm. You know what they say about those who have storm powers, don't you? When they're feeling particularly moody, all you have to do is follow the little black cloud.

[ he draws out a long finger, tipped with a black nail. green tendrils lick around it, casting an unworldly glow. ] But a little sorcery doesn't hurt.

This way. [ and he starts at a swagger toward the lake. ]

Edited 2016-08-26 16:28 (UTC)

[ Given that the amount of those Dipper knows with storm powers can be narrowed down to... basically Pomarr (as far as he's aware), he can't quite say he knows the saying. But hey—it makes enough sense.

Dipper doesn't hesitate to fall in a step behind Loki while he leads the way, eyes growing wide in a sense of curiosity. ]

Is that... like a tracking spell?

[ It's a wild guess. He hasn't seen anything like this yet. ]

Bing bing bing bing! [ It comes in handy, sometimes. what he doesn't say is that there are a lot of stipulations on it, the biggest one is that he has to know who or what he's looking for.

with a wave of his finger, he puts it out as if he'd put out a glowing green match, tucking his hands back in his pockets. it leads them out of the castle and toward the lakeside, Loki as casual as ever. the rain is easy to spot, like a smear of sadness infecting the air. there's a heaviness to it. ]

Though I don't think we even need it. That big cloud seems Pomarr-ish, don't you think? [ he raises a brow at Dipper that says now what? ]

[ Pomarr does obligingly look over the book as it's turned toward her, although it takes a few seconds for her to register just what she's looking at. Magic. Dakals didn't use magic -- even now, she doesn't think of her newfound ability to weave storms as magic. But some time spent looking it over, piecing together the language from the once she's studied already, and she's able to discern the extent of it.

Finally she nods, leaning back from the book to show she's done. ]

That would have been clever of you. [ She wants to be encouraging as she says it, but can manage only the faint trace of a smile. It fades again. ] I'm only sorry I made it necessary.

[Once she nods Sieglinde pulls the book back into her lap, small fingers smoothing over the page as she shook her head.]

If I had succeeded.

[Perfectionist as she was, she was always striving for better- but it was difficult, when the spells weren't the sort she'd she'd been raised reading. Well, in the style of the false spells she'd been raised reading, anyway, reliant on ritual and invocation and her potions. She wasn't anything but grateful for ALASTAIR granting her the ability to learn the magic of other worlds, but... occasionally, she was jealous at how easily their spells could be cast in comparison.]

There is little need for apology- effort is not wasted, and, [She squints down at the page, nodding with pursed lips], it is a spell that could be useful in a variety of circumstances, perhaps...

[ He isn't sure he would call it "Pomarr-ish", but there's no denying the rain has been getting gradually thicker the further away from the castle they walk.

Dipper had remained behind Loki, following close, but after exchanging glances he jogs past him, hopping through the thick of overgrown grass and closer toward the lake. ]

Pomaaaarr! [ Dipper calls out, cupping both hands around his mouth. ] Are you around?

[ Dipper runs ahead of him and Loki follows at a steady stride, ready to get wet. ]

[ Her smiles edges back in, just a flicker of it. Effort is not wasted: it sounds like something she'd have told her own students. She nods in acknowledgement. ]

I feel sure you would put it to good use. [ And with a small, curious tilt to her head: ] You said you wished to approach me?

[ Pomarr is, in fact, around. She stands at the edge of the lake, in sight once they're clear of a draping willow tree, hands clasped behind her back and still as she gazes out over the rain-rippled water. It's not a scene that changes often. It's been much the same for the last quarter of an hour, and it's likely she'd have seen it continue on for the next if not for the sound of Dipper's voice.

She recognizes that voice.

A long ear flicks toward him, followed slowly by her gaze as she tilts a look back toward her arriving company. ]

I am here. [ She lifts her voice no louder than necessary to be heard: English, to match Dipper, with a few harsh edges to it. ]

Ah, yes-

[Magic, and study of any kind, really, was something of a large distraction for the little witch, forcibly pulling her gaze from the page of her time and shutting it for good measure, though she hesitated briefly before she actually answered.

Would she appreciate knowing that her mood had drawn the attention of the higher ups? To know that, Sieglinde assumed, would either invite gratitude to know someone cared, or irritation of shame it had been noticed. Would she not feel embarrassed by such a thing herself? Was it better to lie, or?]

I was hoping that... Were it not an imposition, that you could instruct me on what you know. About that weather work, and the technology of your people. What we saw on the island it was unlike anything my world could produce-

[So she simply omitted the part about being pointed Pomarr's way directly, but. Her desire to learn at least seemed sincere.]

[ —Ah-ha!

She nearly blends in with the grey skies and heavy downpour, but once he ducks under through the drooping leaves of the willow tree, Pomarr comes in sight. Dipper slows to a walk several yards from her, and despite the showering rain that's bound to get him drenched in a matter of minutes, he no doubt looks relieved to see her. ]

Hey. [ He greets her casually as ever, despite his earlier—and still current—worries. Dipper glances over his shoulder briefly (only to see Loki still catching up; he definitely got a little ahead of himself there), then casts a small smile Pomarr's way. ] It's been a while, huh?

[ he's coming, he's coming.

there's hair sticking to his face, and as he comes to shelter himself beneath the willow he slips his fingers back through his hair, pushing it back. Dipper's already found Pomarr, so he doesn't have to go far to find him. his hands go into the pocket of his hoodie, shaking the water from it. the job isn't well done, he still looks damp. ]

He's concerned for you. [ he says outright as a pair of green eyes focus back on Pomarr, and then flicker toward the rain. ] It seems he has reason. This isn't exactly a jaunty showtune-type rain.

[ he knows the difference. thanks, Thor. ]

[ The weather work she could have guessed was coming, but the technology is unexpected. She considers the question thoughtfully, head tipped back slightly to watch the glass roofing overhead, still beat gently upon by the rain. The rain of her doing, isn't it? She often forgets that. ]

I would have an easier time instructing you in our technology, and I was no engineer or mechanic. Only a teacher. [ She drops her eyes to Sieglinde again. ] The weather work... this is from Ryba, her lingering magic in me. I could explain to you how I will it, but I am not sure it could be applied to anyone else.

[ It feels like a disappointing answer as she gives it. She's not much of a teacher fit for either of the requested subjects. ]

[ Despite the pair's dampness, it seems to take Pomarr several seconds to realize what Loki means. Then -- ah. The rain, of course, yes. ]

It has been a few weeks... several, perhaps. You're well, I hope.

[ She waves a hand vaguely and the rain immediately over Dipper slows to a sporadic sprinkle. As an afterthought, she does the same for the sky above Loki under his tree shelter. The rain continues unabated everywhere else, including above Pomarr herself. She doesn't notice it anymore. ]

There is no need for worry. Oska has been uneventful.

[Sieglinde listened, nodded, processed. She had heard similar answers before, from people she had asked similar things. It was difficult for her to understand using things such as technology without understanding of their workings, but that was a side effect of how she'd been raised... And she was slowly learning that depending on the world... One took things for granted, or culturally found different purpose. (Perhaps, in the end, she was the strange one, but-)]

Then... What did you teach?

[Her voice only slightly betrays a mild disappointment, but she's still curious even if she agrees that if the weather was all Ryba's work, she'd likely be unable to duplicate it.

There was never nothing to learn, though.]

[ It's no flashy magic by any means, but her command over the rain still leaves him impressed. Dipper tilts his head back in subtle awe as the suddenly light drizzle that makes it past the brim of his hat sprinkles his face.

But in a matter of seconds he's lowered his own gaze again, and the childish wonder on his features melts into concern. Loki didn't beat around the bush, and he's absolutely right; Dipper is concerned, over whether Pomarr will find the happiness she was promised. Whether they made the right choices back at Nalawi, for her sake.

Granted, it hasn't been very long. Dipper doesn't know how long someone needs to grieve and heal—her circumstances are far beyond what he'll ever possibly experience in his lifetime—but he's part of the reason why she's here right now. And he'll continue to help, if at all possible. ]

Oska's usually pretty quiet. [ Usually. The freakishly large acidic worms are new, but they're also about the most exciting thing that's happened in the pocket universe since he's come to know it. If you didn't count the faux apocalypse, at least. ] But I mean, I'm... we wanna make sure you're feeling okay, too.

[ Dipper quickly gestures behind him toward Loki, as if to signal, see, there's two of us here wanting to help. Whether Loki simply came to help seek her out or actually lend a hand, he can't say for certain, but Dipper goes ahead and implies the latter regardless. ]

[ it's not entirely the truth, but it's not entirely a falsehood, either. green eyes glance down at Dipper, and Loki makes no move to disprove him. he's the god of lies, and he knows as well as anyone else that some lies are good lies; some lies mean all the difference. ]

Change is good, but—ah, well ... it does take some adjusting at times.

[ it comes from someone who's constantly reinventing himself and trying to escape old baggage. as much as he would like everything to be swept away as easily as the tide sweeps away the sand, he knows it's not that easy. Nalawi had been difficult, for more than just the recruits.

then he shrugs up his shoulders, wet and uncaring. ]

Treat yourself.

Edited 2016-08-31 01:27 (UTC)

[ It's been so long since she thought of what in particular used to fill her living, working days. She's quiet for a few moments, still watching that rainy ceiling overhead. ]

Many things, ultimately. But most of all... language. [ Her gaze drops slowly, settling back onto Sieglinde. ] Poetry, story-weaving, the construction of language itself... [ There's a small smile once again tentatively in place. ] Nothing so practical as machines or magic, but I did enjoy it.

[ It is sweet of Dipper to care, she realizes slowly. Many realizations filter in slowly these days. She watches him for a few seconds, but whatever fondness living eyes might have held is well masked by the unearthly glow in dead ones. ]

I am less than well. [ It's out as a sighing admission, even framed in that sharp-edged accent. He and his green-eyed friend deserve honesty -- full honesty, though. She continues. ] But, Dipper, understand that I have no regrets. The choice you helped me come to was the best one.

[ And here her attention swings to Loki, an edge of puzzlement creeping into it. ]

To what?

[It might not be what she'd hoped for, really, but that wasn't to say it was a bad thing.]

Technically I think you could argue that language is in fact far more important than magic or machinery- seeing as without it we would not be able to create or dissiminate either.

[At least, technically. Without words, and spells, one couldn't use many forms of magic. Without language one couldn't communicate an idea to another- it was what seperated man from beast. Words, and alphabets, and songs, and poems.]

My people created poems as well- I have never tried, but. They are very long. Maybe more like ballads than poems.

[But Pomarr smiled- so Sieglinde just kept talking.]

[ It's an honest response, at the very least, with some assurance added on. One Dipper can find some relief in; if even Pomarr feels that way, then he didn't royally screw up on that front.

His shoulders droop slightly as if a weight had been lifted, a bit of tension in them fading, but anything he could think to say drops from Dipper's mind when Pomarr asks: 'To what?'

With curiosity to accompany her puzzlement, Dipper averts his eyes toward Loki, as well. ]

[ then they're both looking at him like he's a fire giant at a tea party.

green eyes go to Pomarr, and then to Dipper, and his face pinches at the center as he stands in both their attention. ]

To something, generally of the variety that will make your day a little bit brighter. [ Pomarr didn't really seem like the type for fancy anything, really. so, he starts with the basics. then, to Pomarr: ] Seeing as there's a few dozen worlds between us three, tell me, what do you like to do?

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Oska Bounties

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