Mechanical flowers can bloom even in winter

[mecha_eihwaz]

[The other person on the ship that just arrived on White Chalice? Yup, it's Lily.]

Is this on...? Right! Hello again, everyone. I bring good news! The increase in Chaos activity back at Cosmic Ark was stopped, and the council decided it's time to aid Earth! In a few months, our warriors and scientists should arrive, to help you fight both normal enemies and environmental problems. I'm sure they will help find a cure for the Ruin, among other things.

In the meantime, my mission is to survey the current situation. We know very little about Kairos Aspida, after all, especially their stance towards non-human sentient life. I hope they didn't give you too much trouble in the meantime...

It's good to be back. I keep going away from White Chalice and returning, and every time, I feel the same way.

Comments

[mecha_eihwaz]

It's alright, Mr Richard. Cosmic Ark is filled with all kinds of warriors, including many of my friends! We manage it all just fine on our own.

Now, how hectic things were on Earth in the meantime...

[paladin_robot]

Drop the 'mister' - we're friends, aren't we?

[Richard is pretty much beaming at this encounter, if wincing slightly when she asks how things have been.]

Well... we've lost a few good people. I was almost among them. On the other hand, we've also kept the situation from getting any worse, and hell, I know magic now. Like, properly trained and everything.

[He says, flicking a flame from his finger.]

[mecha_eihwaz]

I guess casualties are unavoidable when you're getting into so many conflicts... At least you're safe.

Is it real magic? Not just an in-built flame thrower?

[paladin_robot]

[Richard pulls back his sleeve, before flicking the flame away. He utters some small words, and then summons the sword he forged under Isaac's tutelage to his hands.]

Real as it gets. Still learning a few things from the tome my Master gave me, but at least it doesn't have to come alive for me to do so.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Hey, that's pretty great! What else can you do? Throw magic missiles? Teleport around? Summon creatures to do your bidding?

[paladin_robot]

Well... in theory, though I probably need to learn those from the book. I can cast all the spells used by Ideigi, but also use a variety of minor charms and spells, plus a few bits of alchemy here or there.

[mecha_eihwaz]

But Ideigi can't do most of the things I just described, can it...

[What's this? Disappointment?]

[paladin_robot]

Yes, but I just said I can do other stuff as well. My spells aren't just from Ideigi anymore.

[And to demonstrate, he pulls a small spanner from his pocket, the kind he's probably got more than a few of. He utters a few small words, and suddenly, metal gives way to planet life, a small bouquet in his hands.]

...Master said I should use this one around women, never could figure out why.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Hey, that's a neat trick! Are they made from metal or plant matter? Do they smell?

[Lily looks at the flowers up close.]

How old is your master, by the way?