ROLEPLAY HQ - alchemy-101

Casper BOT 03-Dec-21 10:31 AM

“You’re sure this is the way?” Casper asked his guide as he looked at an ‘X’ he’d carved into a tree himself about an hour before. They were going in circles. “If you’re lost, I can lead us back, I just-“ “Who is the guide here? If you know the way, why did you even hire me?” Athena was a local who Casper has met in a village just outside the forest. While everybody else warned the violet-skinned man to stay away from the forest, that it would surely consume him, Athena had gladly volunteered to lead Casper to the ruins he sought. I f Casper’s research was right, there was a civilization that had lived in the forest long ago. Elves. They had a temple, one where they would offer sacrifices to their gods, and take a powder that would put them into a powerful trance, supposedly allowing them to see into the ‘Spirit Realm.’ If there was any remnants of that powder, even just residue, Casper was convinced he’d be able to study and replicate it. “Okay, but we’re obviously going in circles, Athena. I’ve marked-“ Athena held up a hand. “We’re here,” she hissed in a whisper. Casper looked around himself. Trees. Tress. Look, more trees. “You’re obviously delusional,” he muttered to himself, digging through his satchel at his side. “I don’t have-“ Athena parted some bushes, and Casper’s eyes widened. What he saw were not ruins of an ancient civilization but… a current, bustling society of Moon Elves. Athena gave him a smirk. “I might have to double my price for your doubt.” Casper went to take a closer look, but then felt a hand push him in the back, sending him careening down the hill. He bounced and tumbled until he rolled and finally stopped. He sat up, his vision blurry and dazed. “What the fuck..” he muttered to himself, and then looked up to find a pair of large, pretty purple eyes staring down at him. She had long bluish-violet hair, and similar purple markings along her face. She was beautiful. “Hello the-“ A foot was placed on his chest. Athena’s

foot. “Call the elders! I found this one in the outside village, sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

LeftistNerd 03-Dec-21 10:43 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 03-Dec-21 10:49 AM

Ivy sighed. Today was the day of the Full Moon, and her village was was excited. Each full moon was met with a ritual, a sacrifice to the Moon Goddess. It had been drilled into the moon elf that this was tradition, it kept them safe, kept them hidden. That the Moon Goddess demanded a sacrifice for each month of safety. Sat up in a tree, Ivy gazed up at the rising moon, the colour as bright as her eyes. Leaning her head back against the bark, Ivy stared, counting down the minutes until she would be called. She dreaded such a thing, it was barbaric, she felt, but there was nothing she could do, even as the elder's daughter. In fact, it was because Ivy was an elder's daughter that the rituals was to be lead by her. Beautiful, young, Ivy was a priestess of the Moon Goddess, chosen to lead said rituals. It was something she hated, dreaded, and every time she protested, she was shunned, told to do her duty. "Priestess Ivy! Your presence is requested." A male elf, Keaton, had come for the young priestess, and she turned her gaze to him, and frowned. "I done want to. Not this time." "We've been over this. It's your duty. Your father will only lock you away again if you refuse." Keaton's gaze darkened, and Ivy returned it with a deadpan look, before jumping nimbly from the branch. Standing at 5'2, with blue-violet hair to her hips, big eyes and full lips, Ivy was the picture of beauty. She herself didn't see it, rather, she ignored any comments made towards her looks. The elf had no intention of mating with anyone here, and her father had been outraged when told. Ears twitching in annoyance, Ivy let loose a growl, before marching off to the ruins, willow robes billowing behind her. It wasn't long before she arrived, clad in a thin loincloth dress, a saddened expression on her face. She moved up to her father, ears drooping. "Again, father? We don't need to do th-" Ivy's plead was cut short by a yell, and a voilet skinned male tumbling to her feet he opened snake l

ike eyes, white in colour, and spoke. He was soon cut short by Athena, a scout, with a foot to the chest. "Athena! What are you doing?!"

Koala Aly ☃ 03-Dec-21 10:49 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 03-Dec-21 10:58 AM

“I believe she was leading me to you, the part of her job she did exceptionally well at, in fact. However, I now believe she’ll try to kill me soon. That… wasn’t part of the arrangement.” Athena lifted her foot and stomped it down into Casper’s stomach, making his whole body buckle and then flatten again. “Mouth shut… got it…” he groaned. His eyes wandered back to the violet-haired beauty, clad in barely anything at all. She seemed more compassionate than the others. “This insolent abomination of a creature was trying to find his way into our village, to steal our secrets for his own use. High Priest,” she said to Ivy’s father, “I suggest we sacrifice this vile creature to the Moon Goddess as an demonstration of our dedication to keep her Holy Temple from being desecrated.” Casper frowned. A sacrifice, hm? “I’d love to help but is there a non-lethal option for me here? I’ve lived a very long time, and ending it all on an altar just really isn’t the way I imagined finally entering into the sweet embrace of death…” He felt another kick to the stomach. Should have seen that coming. His eyes went to Ivy’s, silently appealing to her.

LeftistNerd 03-Dec-21 11:01 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 03-Dec-21 11:15 AM

"Stop kicking him! If we do sacrifice him, he must be unharmed, you know this!" Ivy snapped at Athena, roughly pushing the older woman away. While it was true that a sacrifice had to be unharmed, the young priestess was trying to buy some time. "We can't give the Moon Goddess a tainted person." Athena paused, before begrudgingly moving away. It was then the violet man's words entered Ivy's head. She kneeled down, and pressed her hands against his stomach, checking for any major injuries. "You said she led you here?" Another glare was sent Athena's way. That in itself was against the rules, and Ivy physically put herself between her father, and the outsider. "Father, this is wrong. Athena broke the rules, we can't sacrifice this one." "We must. We don't have anyone else, and the Moon's rise is almost upon us. If we let him go, he will tell others of our home." The High Priest told her sternly, and Athena grinned, a vicious smile. "But Father-" Ivy protested, frowning. Her father held up a hand, effectively ending the conversation. "Tie him up! Make sure he doesn't escape." The elder barked, tapping the end of his staff on the ground. His verdict was final. Elves surrounded the violet skinned male, and yanked him to his feet, with Ivy protesting. In the clamour, the priestess was thrown to the ground, and the outsider pinned and tied to a tree. He would remain there until nightfall. Tears burned in Ivy's purple eyes, and she screamed at her brethren to stop, but she was drowned out, by the yells of victory. Athena smirked, crossing her arms and stooping down to talk to Ivy. "Another one you can't save. Give it up, little priestess." With a cruel chuckle, the older elf walked away, the majority of the elves following her. Ivy turned her eyes to the tied up male, and she stood, limping over to him. "I'm so sorry...." She sniffed, her ears drooping.

Koala Aly ☃ 03-Dec-21 11:15 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 03-Dec-21 02:35 PM

Casper looked down at his bindings. Simple ropes. If this sacrifice was so important to them, one would think they’d try a little harder to keep me here… It was the elf that limped over to Casper that got his attention though. “Hey, don’t cry,” Casper said, seemingly not all too bother by the predicament he found himself in currently. “Don’t worry. There won’t be any sacrificing going on tonight. I want you to do me a favor, okay? In my right boot, there’s a little vial of green stuff. I want you to get it for me, open it, and then just pour it on the ropes. Don’t worry about getting it on me, just make sure you don’t get it on yourself, okay? I’ve developed an immunity,” he explained. The vial contained a very potent magical acid, one that his violet-skin could easily resist. In fact, if this sympathetic Moon Elf wasn’t here, he’d simply kick his feet up, smash the thing, and let it run leak down onto the ropes. When an extra set of hands appear themselves though… and what pretty hands they were. “I’m Casper, by the way. Alchemist by trade, mostly. I came here looking for a powder that your people take, let’s you get in touch with the ‘Spirit Realm?’ I intend to replicate it and use it for medicinal purposes. Would you be able to help me find some?”

LeftistNerd 03-Dec-21 02:43 PM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 03-Dec-21 02:49 PM

Ivy was rather shocked at the lack of surprise, and concern the violet man had at being held hostage. It was almost as if he'd been in this predicament before. She arched one eyebrow, and tilted her head, one ear twitching. Her tears had stopped, though they still appeared in her moon like eyes. "You don't seem worried...." She said, her voice holding a sweet lilt. A vial in his boot? This man was intending to get away, and Ivy could see why. Sacrificial rituals were barbaric, and Ivy had had nightmares after every one. It was then and there that she decided to help him. With a determined gaze, Ivy limped forward, and kneeled down, retrieving the vial he had asked for. Rising to her feet, she held it in a fist, a pout on her full lips.* "Take me with you. I help you, and you take me with you." Ivy all but begged. She didn't know the man from Adam, but he had to be better than here. And he had knowledge, it seemed. "Please? I can't stay here anymore, Casper." Ivy used the name he had given her, and it felt rather pleasant on her tongue. She moved forward, and carefully uncapped the vial, pouring the contents over the ropes, before taking a step back, looking around quickly. No one in sight. "Ivy..." The elf said, watching the ropes melt before purple orbs met white. "You need medicine?" Ivy had never heard of the Spirit Powder be used as a medicine, but she smiled, and nodded. Pulling a pouch from her hip, she dangled it in front of Casper. "I'm the Priestess, the only one permitted to enter to Spirit Realm. The Moon Goddess prefers females, so.... I have to do it." Ivy failed to mention how every visit left her woozy, how she'd fainted after each time. It was half the reason why she wanted the rituals to stop. Still, now she had a bargaining chip. "Take me with you, and it's yours." (edited)

Koala Aly ☃ 03-Dec-21 02:49 PM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 03-Dec-21 03:09 PM

A perfectly groomed white eyebrow raised as Ivy begged for Casper to take her with him. “Ivy, pretty name by the way, I’m flattered, but you don’t know me. What if I was crazy? What if I put you in harm’s way? Because let me tell you something. I am, and I would,” Casper laughed. The ropes melted away, and Casper stepped forward from the tree, rubbing his arms where the ropes had been tightest. “Thank you, dear,” he said, about to start walking, but then she dangled the powder in front of his face. Casper was convinced that Ivy didn’t actually enter any sort of other realm, didn’t actually meet any Moon Godess, but instead suffered a manufactured hallucinogenic episode. If he could tap into that, potentially change what people saw, it would be a very powerful tool indeed. “That’s really all you want from me? To leave this place, hm?” He looked out at the village, the temple, and it did all seem a bit.. backwards. No up to the standards of modern times. Barbaric in a few key ways. He could see why Ivy wouldn’t particularly feel at home here. “I am looking for a student, but… I don’t know, Ivy. Alchemy requires hours of intense study every single day, a willingness to experiment with dangerous substances, and the ability to put yourself in situations like these, oftentimes with nothing to show for it. Is that all something you’re really willing to do?”

LeftistNerd 03-Dec-21 03:14 PM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 03-Dec-21 03:19 PM

Her gaze softened, and her bottom lips petulantly jutted out. "I want knowledge. To do.... something more than this. I don't want to sacrifice any more people. I'm a quick learner." Her eyes turned up to meet Casper's a steely determination in them. "Take me away from here, and I'm yours to teach." Ivy was under no illusion that Casper may have been dangerous, hell, he had knowingly traveled to a place that could have killed him. His words made her laugh, just a little. "I am being put in harms way every month, Casper. I'm not scared." The elf wasn't scared of the unknown, to her it was simply to be discovered. And that's what she wanted to do. She still held the pouch in front of her, the string clasped tightly in her hands. It felt like she were bargaining with a devil, and this man certainly had a devilish appearance, one that Ivy found mysterious, tantalisingly so. Roguish and mysterious, Casper was a man of secrets, that much she could tell. She wanted to know these secrets, more than anything. The secrets of knowledge. Soon, voices were heard, and the moon was full, illuminating everything in a soft glow. It was time. Becoming panicked, Ivy whipped around, eyes darting from side to side. There wasn't much time, and the clan would attack if they found Casper free. "Pretend to kidnap me. Use me as a ticket out." Ivy hissed, her voice low, as she quickly tucked the powder away. "They may not like me, but they won't kill me. If you use me, they won't kill you either. Hurry!"

Koala Aly ☃ 03-Dec-21 03:20 PM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 04-Dec-21 12:04 AM

Casper didn’t know what to expect from this Moon Elf priestess. After all, he’d known her for about all of five minutes total. Still, the way she looked at him, the resolve in her voice, it spoke more volumes about her than the three hour interviews he’d done with other candidates for this role. They’d always been great students, but they had no passion, no drive to do anything greater than replicate the experiments that had already been done in their books. Ivy though… she had a determination and resolve that Casper could practically feel radiating off her. She may have been a blank canvas, but sometimes, that was actually better. There’d be no bad practices or wrong takes that Casper would have to drill out of her. Casper was about to tell Ivy all of this, but then the clam could be heard approaching, coming to take their sacrifice up to the temple, to give his life for the sake of a rather cruel sounding goddess. He doubted they’d want a lesson in philosophy from him though. “Ooo a fake hostage situation. I like where your head is at, dearie. Improvisation. A very valuable skill. Don’t freak out though. This is a rather large knife.” As the clan approached, Casper removed a small hilt from his belt, but when he clicked the trigger, a long and thick shimmering blade emerged that he held to Ivy’s neck. He was now behind her, her body pressed back into his own with one arm around her slender waist, while his other hand held the blade against her neck. “This is kinda kinky for our first go round, isn’t it?” Casper whispered in the girl’s ear. It seemed that even in the face of danger, he was never one to let his composure be wracked. The clan came over the hill into view, with Ivy’s own father at the front, and when he saw them his eyes went wide in horror. “Stop! Everybody stop!” he cried, looking at Casper in horror. “Please! Don’t hurt her! She’s my only daughter!” The way he said that reminded Casper of the way men usually spoke about a firstborn son.

“Not to worry, my good people. I like to think myself a reasonable man, so I offer you a reasonable proposal. Consider young Ivy here your sacrifice to the Goddess for this moon’s cycle. Only, rather that killing her, she’ll be coming with me.” Athena growled next to Ivy’s father. “That’s not how it-“ Casper jerked Ivy as if he may actually stab her. “I’d really hate to get blood all over this knife. Well, save for yours, Athena.”

LeftistNerd 04-Dec-21 12:04 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 04-Dec-21 12:30 AM

If Ivy was something, it was a quick thinker, but the knife he pulled had her eyes widen, which effectively fooled her father. Her eyes wide, a blade at her throat, she looked fearful, terrified, and she leaned back against Casper for added affect. The whisper into her ear had her sputter, the blade pressing against a delicate neck. She had a few choice words, but those would be delivered later, when the danger had passed. The priestess almost scoffed when her father protested, the gasp of horror that left him. The only time he had shown such care for her life, and it was wasted here? Ivy almost broke the facade then and there. "Please, Father-!" Ivy cried, holding a hand out to him. She sobbed, her acting perfect. She looked the picture of a damsel in distress, tears streaming down her face. The pain she had suffered when she had been knocked aside helped this, her leg flaring up in pain. Her father looked to Athena, and swallowed, before turning back to Casper. "Please. We need her for the rituals. Only a Priest's daughter can do it!" He dropped to his knees, grovelling, and Ivy's blood ran cold. There it was. It wasn't her life he was worried about, or losing her, it was her ability and duty. That fed fire to her tears, and they became fully genuine. A small shriek left her as Casper jerked her around, the blade pressing just a little more to her throat, and she swallowed, purple gaze on her clan. This would be the last time she saw them. "So kill me, if you can little man. Let the priestess go." Athena snarled, her hands claws. Ivy had gone limp in Casper's grasp, her back leaning heavily on his chest.

Koala Aly ☃ 04-Dec-21 12:30 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 04-Dec-21 01:14 AM

“Would you even care about her at all if she couldn’t preform your little rituals?” Casper asked, with clear disdain laden in his voice. “This is why I’m an atheist. I’ve met many a deity, but none of them have been worth worshipping. They turn people like you cold. Heartless.” Snakelike eyes met Athena’s, and Casper’s lips curved up ever so slightly. “I propose a duel! If you best me, I’ll happily let the girl go and will be your willing sacrifice. If I win, I leave this place, take her with me as my prize, and you all stay here to rot without your priestess or your Goddess.” Athena lunged, Casper pressed his blade deep enough into Ivy’s neck to draw a trickle of blood. “A little pain is as good as pleasure,” he whispered in Ivy’s ear, his breath hot against her sensitive skin. Athena stopped in her tracks. As much disdain as she held for Ivy, she was still valuable to the village. “Fine. I can take a twig of a man like you with ease!” Casper let Ivy go, his hand going into the pouch at her waist for half an instance. “Right here? Right now? You’re sure you don’t want to better prepare yourself?” His question seemed almost comical, with her armed with a sword, dressed in her full regalia of armor for the ceremony while Casper was armed with a knife and dressed in clothes that would do little to protect him, meany for jungle traversal rather than battle of any sort. “I think I can handle you,” she sneered. Casper just shrugged. “Alright. Your move. Come at me.” Athena bared her teeth and lunged with pleasure. Casper sidestepped and tossed a handful of powder into her face, only rather than it’s usual blue color, it was violet. It’d been mixed with blood from a cut he’d placed in the palm of his hand. Athena roared in anger, but then… her eyes widened. “By the… no… no, this is impossible! He’s a demon! A demon!” she shrieked. In her perspective, the moon had turned quite violet, and now Casper stood before her not as a man, but as a ferocious beas

t. Her whole body started to convulse with excruciating pain, as if acid was running through her veins. In fact, all the veins in her body turned violet in color, bulging against her skin, and her eyes turned a similar white to Casper’s own. If he was a demon, he’d just possessed her. She fell to her knees, cowering before him, and Casper simply kneeled in front of her. “Kill me! Please! Put me out of my misery!” Her voice has dropped an octave, sounded distorted. Wrong. Behind him, Casper could hear the villagers cowering in fear as Casper had not only brought their fiercest scout and warrior to her knees, but had done so in such a nefarious and sinister way. Casper held Athena by her hair and looked down into her now-white eyes. “I win,” he said simply with a smirk. His knife was suddenly protruding from her back, and blood leaked from her mouth. “Thank you..” she managed to get out before her whole body slumped. Casper stood, wiped his blade on his pant leg, and put it away. He turned to the cowering villagers and smiled, giving them a wave. “Ivy and I will be off now. Take care!” He turned to Ivy and offered her his hand. “That is, if you’d still like to come with me?”

Ivy BOT 04-Dec-21 01:39 AM

Casper's blade cut into her throat, and Ivy hissed in pain, a stinging sensation welling up, yet it wasn't all that bad. His hot breath against her neck, the whisper helped her keep her cool. When the blood trickled, Athena stopped, glaring at Casper with hate filled eyes. Pain, pleasure, one and the same? Ivy wasn't so sure about that, yet in their current situation, she saw no reason to question it. A duel proposed, and the clan, including Ivy, turned to the Elder, waiting for his verdict. "A sacrifice must be made. We do not have time. Do what you will." The disgust in her father's voice was clear. "This girl is hardly a prize, but she is yours, if you win." Hurt shone on Ivy's face, her eyes crestfallen. She had known her father's opinion on her, but hearing it hurt all the more. Everything happened so fast, and Ivy didn't even see Casper's hand disappearing into her pouch. Now at the sidelines, Ivy could only watch with shock and horror as the warrior elf lunged ad the purple skinned male. She flinched, closing her eyes tightly, readying herself for the sound of the final blow. Athena was a skilled warrior, the best in the clan, unbeaten, and she held that title proudly. Ivy could see her hopes dashed, but when the sound didn't come, when it was replaced with a ghastly shriek, the moon elf's eyes shot open to witness the gruesome scene. Athena convulsed uncontrollably, a violet colour spreading through every vein, bulging, grotesque, and her eyes turned white, though not nearly as pretty as Casper's. She screamed, an unearthly sound, and when she accused Casper of being a demon, Ivy's eyes turned to the male, a hauling his appearance. She had thought before, that he'd had a devilish look, but to call one a demon, was to call them inherently evil. Ivy wasn't so sure Casper was, even though she hardly knew him. Athena begged, cried out for death, and that in itself shocked the priestess to her core. The scout had never begged for anything in her life, had

been too proud to, and even thougg Ivy disliked the woman, it was pitiful to see such strength taken down. Her voice was strange, distorted, like she were being strangled, and her words wouldn't come through. Ivy shuddered, a hand going to her throat. Still, she watched as the blade drove through the woman, instantly killing her. Thank you. Those were words spoken, and Ivy had a hard time stomaching it. She had seen death, yet this, it was something she hadn't expected. Turning to her clan, her father, she watched them cower, and it was clear to her that they were nothing more than cowards, telling on a deity that never responded. The sacrifice was complete, more or less, and Casper held out a hand to the priestess. Ivy glanced at it, before meeting his eyes. The man was dangerous, sinister, that much was clear, yet some part of the elf craved that, a deep, dark part of her. He had won, and his prize would be given. Slipping a delicate hand into Casper's, she nodded, before turning to her father. "You never cared. Not once. I hope you look back on this, and are haunted by your own cowardice. All of you. You are no clan of mine." Ivy drew herself up to her full height, a whole 5ft, and glared vehemently at her former clan. "Let's go." She whispered. Her face was strong, proud, yet hurt swirled in the depths of moon like eyes.

Koala Aly ☃ 04-Dec-21 01:40 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 04-Dec-21 04:49 AM

Casper watched Ivy’s interaction with her clan with a sadness in his eyes. Was it probably for the best that she was leaving? Yes. Would she be able to learn much under him? Yes. But had she deserved this? A life where she wasn’t valued as a person, but simply because she was the daughter of a priest? A life where she didn’t know the love of a parent? The company of a friend? Casper gave Ivy’s hand a squeeze, and when they were out of range of the village, he snaked his hand around her waist instead and pulled her close, giving the top of her head a kiss. “That was brave, what you did back there. You stood up to them. You let them know your worth, your value, and called them out on what I’m sure was years of bullshit. You should be proud of yourself.” Getting out of the forest was far easier than getting in, as if the trees, nature itself were trying to expel them, to rid them of its sight. With the pouch of hallucinogenic dust in one hand, and a new apprentice in the other, Casper was glad to be rid of the place. When they arrived back at the village, Casper showed her to a Jeep he’d been renting and helped her up into it before getting over to the driver’s seat. “The plane I chartered getting here isn’t too far away, maybe about half an hour. After that it’ll be about five hours of flying and then another hour drive. So downside, it’s a lot of traveling. Upside, I’m sure we’ll be seeing parts of the world you had no idea existed. Are you ready to start a new chapter of your life, Ivy?”

LeftistNerd 04-Dec-21 04:49 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 04-Dec-21 07:38 AM

The squeeze Casper gave her was reassuring, at least a little, but it was the hand at the curve of her waist, pulling her in, and the kiss to her head that had her nearly break down. The first bit of affection, and from a stranger no less. Her throat tightened as she struggled to contain her emotion, and she leaned into the man that held her. Much like the thoughts that ran through her new master's head, similar ones ran through Ivy's. Was she doing the right thing? Did she know what the future held? Was she sure of the outcome? All questions lead to more, and Ivy's head hurt. "Not brave. I'm a coward, running away from my responsibilities." Ivy admitted, glancing up her Casper. "I didn't want any more people to get hurt." Ivy knew this man was dangerous. His battle with Athena told her that much, yet there was something comforting about him. Something.... kind. Her neck was sore, and she rubbed at it a little, hissing slightly. It wasn't long before they left the forest, and entered the outside village. Without the cover of her trees, the moon elf felt very naked, and her ears twitched at all the new sounds, while her eyes widened in wonder. So many new sounds, sights. It made her nervous, and she leaned into the violet skinned man, her ears drooping with her nerves. It wasn't long before they ended up next to a large metal contraption, and Ivy looked up at it, while Casper opened a door. A glance from him told her it was safe, and he helped her climb up, a hand at her waist. It was surprising comfortable, yet she felt closed in.* "A plane? Hours?" *Ivy was bewildered, and she stared at the road ahead, even more unsure of her future.

Koala Aly ☃ 04-Dec-21 07:38 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 04-Dec-21 02:13 PM

It was obvious that Ivy still had a lot to learn, but if she was as quick to pick up on things as she’s said, as Casper thought she was, she’d be just fine. “Hang on. It’ll be a wild ride,” Casper warned her before putting the Jeep into gear and flooring it through the jungle path back towards the airport. The traveling was long, but it went by fast, at least for Casper who took the opportunity to learn about his new companion. He’d asked about her upbringing, what her responsibilities were as priestess, and then asked her a few simple questions to gauge her grasp on alchemical concepts. There… wasn’t much of one, but when they were on the jet, he pulled out some basic compounds from his bag and was able to demonstrate basic transfiguration and the most important law of all. “Matter cannot be created nor destroyed,” or in Casper’s simpler terms “Nothing comes from nothing.” When they landed, there was a driver waiting for them to take them back to his manner. On the drive, Casper laid out exactly what he was planning on teaching Ivy. Some of it was to be expected. Alchemy, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology. Others were… less expected. Hand to hand combat, driving lessons, world history, geography, language studies, and a very intense physical regimen to go along with all of it. “And of course, there’ll be time at night to experiment freely! To bring it all together, if you will. That’s the fun of it all. Discovering new things, or even just trying things that, sometimes quite literally, blow up in your face!” They arrived at the manor, a rather nice, if not old looking place that was just large enough that one might expect a staff that wasn’t there. It’d just be the two of them in the big old place. Casper gave her a tour, showing her the kitchen, the dining hall, a foyer, the living area, a study, a ballroom. Upstairs had the bedrooms, with Casper’s being the master and quite exquisite, though the room that would be Ivy’s was no less ornate. It

was downstairs that he was most proud of though. It was a full lab, that looked like something between a university science center and a wizard’s tower, with beakers and microscopes being as common a sight as runes and spell books. “So what do you think now, my dear? Are you ready to take the dive into this life with me?”

LeftistNerd 04-Dec-21 02:13 PM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 05-Dec-21 03:43 AM

To say the elf was overwhelmed was an understatement. Words she had never heard before fell from Casper's lips. Chemistry, biology, physiology. Was Ivy really ready for the unknown? She pondered this as the metal contraption shot forward, with a speed she didn't know possible. It was freeing, and the breeze pushed her purple-blue hair back. The plane had been just as strange to her, taking her to heights she had never thought possible. Ivy flew above the clouds, and for the first time, had seen the sun break across her horizon, a clear, untainted view. It was beautiful, and the sun reflected in her moon like eyes. She had settled back in her seat, as Casper asked his questions. "It was simple. From a young age, I was trained to be a priestess. It was to be expected of me. Rituals, sacrifices, appealing to the moon goddess. I had... no freedom." Ivy had explained, watching him work with what he pulled out of his satchel. It had confused her, but also excited her. Something new something fresh, she could learn. Nothing comes from nothing. Simple, yet complicated. It was a strange sentence. They soon arrived at the Manor, and Ivy's eyes widened. The place was massive, much bigger than her village she felt, and she turned to Casper, even as he lead her inside. "This is all yours?" Everything was a masterpiece, expertly decorated, certainly appealing to Ivy's taste. She would be staying here? An excitement coursed through her veins, and when the tour was finished, she stood in front of Casper, his question asked. Was she ready? Could she do this? No doubt it would be difficult. Ivy gazed up at Casper, moon like eyes wide and innocent. Her earlier assumption had been correct. This man was devilishly handsome, with a roguish personality to go with it. Her lips parted, and her heart thudded in her chest, as she raised a hand to place it in his. A smile curved her lips upwards, a gentle one. "I'm ready."

Koala Aly ☃ 05-Dec-21 03:43 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 05-Dec-21 06:02 AM

She had better have been, because her studies started that very night. Casper fitted her with her own lab coat, goggles, gloves, and gave her a tour of the lab, showing her where everything was. The only place in the whole manor she was not permitted to enter was a walk in safe at the back of the lab. “It’s for your own protection,” Casper assured her. It was where he kept his most dangerous and volatile ingredients and creations. If someone were to try and break into the thing, it would destroy everything inside. It would be years of work down the drain, but better that than them falling into the wrong hands. It was well past midnight, only an hour or two before sunrise before Casper called it quits for the night and escorted Ivy back to her room. He seemed… very chipper though. Despite the day’s ordeals in her village, the hours of traveling, the long night of instructing Ivy, he seemed as bright and chipper as if he’d just woken up from eight hours’ sleep. “You do have to forgive me,” he told Ivy, leaning against the frame of her bedroom’s door, watching as she looked around the room and got acclimated. “I don’t sleep, really. It’s kind of a waste of time if you ask me,” he chuckled, as if that were a valid explanation for why or how. “So I don’t always take others’ needs into consideration. Just do me a favor and tell me when you’re tired, okay?” A sudden realization hit the man, and his eyes widened. “Good god, you don’t have any clothes, do you? Or possessions of any sort, so you? That simply won’t do…” He left, coming back a few moments later with the sort of measuring tape one would find in a tailor’s shop. The violet-skinned man walked over to Ivy, and with a few flicks of his fingers, he had her dress falling to her ankles. “Let me get your measurements, and when you wake up in the morning, your closet will be stocked,” he promised her, bringing the tape around her chest, then her waist, then measured the length of her torso, then legs, seeming

to keep the numbers straight in his head. “Your measurements would be considered very desirable in today’s society,” Casper chuckled, finally standing to his feet in front of her. “Good news, and very good news. Good news first. I’ll be able to stock your closet with ease. Very good news… You’re quite the attractive woman, Ivy dear.”

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 05-Dec-21 06:48 AM

Casper was a whirlwind, and soon, Ivy found herself in a strange dungeon of sorts, filled with all sorts of glasses and shapes and strange things. The only thing in that room she knew of was the runes and spellbooks. Those were her area of expertise. Dressed in a heavy goat, with seeing glasses and gloves, it made her feel rather claustrophobic. The night was long, and Ivy was exhausted, yet Casper seemed full of energy. She was glad when he took her up to her room. "Oh, please don't apologise. I'm sure I'll get used to it." She smiled, even though she felt dead on her feet. The travel, and the long night had left her wanting a bed more than anything. And that bed, right in this room, was huge. Luxurious. Much better than the moss she usually slept on. A sigh of relief left her, until he mentioned measurements, and disappeared. Standing with a confused look, Ivy had barely any chance to question what the violet skinned man was doing, he returned with a long tape. She raised an eyebrow as Casper approached, squealed as her dress fell to the ground, revealing her nude body. Ivy gazed wide eyed at the taller man, and her arms raised to cover herself. "W-what are you doing?!" She spluttered, her cheeks turning a bright red. Casper ignored her protests, and wrapped that tape around her in various places. To do this, he had to get closer, and Ivy froze, her heart thudding in her chest. The elf bit at her lip, gazing at the alchemist. He was soon finished, and took a step back, with a chuckle. Still, Ivy stood there, nude, in front of a man she'd met only hours earlier. He found her attractive, and that made her cheeks redden further. "You.... you're the first to have said that... no one has seen me nude before..." To Ivy, nudity was a big thing, an intimate thing, yet this man had undressed her in such a cold way, nothing behind it. Is this what is was like in his society? Wrapping her arms around her tummy, the priestess suddenly felt bare, exposed, under Casper'

s snake like gaze. "I'm attractive?"

Koala Aly ☃ 05-Dec-21 06:48 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 05-Dec-21 07:01 AM

“Oh! Yes, I’m… sorry about that. I get caught up in myself. I just… act when I think to act. It’s not always the most considerate thing to do though.” Casper gave her a genuine, apologetic smile and kneeled down to retrieve her dress and hand it back to her. His eyes did wander though, over every curve and dip her body had to offer. Even without seeing her naked, nobody told this woman how beautiful she was? “You’re very attractive,” Casper corrected her with a warm smile. “Everything, from your eyes down to small little things like how your hip bones protrude just so,” he said, running a finger over exactly what he was talking about. “You’re exquisite, really. I didn’t bring you because you’re good to look at, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t going to be a lovely little perk.” Downstairs, the grandfather clock in the foyer rang, signaling the start of a new, very early hour. Casper could see the sleepiness in Ivy’s eyes, even behind the slight shock he’d just caused her. “Get some rest, Ivy. When you wake, come downstairs and I’ll make you something to eat before we get started for the day.” He placed a hand on her arm, one that traces down to her hand, which he gave a comforting squeeze. “Sleep well.” He left them, closing the door behind him, and while the girl slept, he was true to his word. When she’d wake, she’d find a closet full of outfits of all shapes and colors, from the most casual of loungewear to the most elegant of dresses, with everything in between from business casual to something she might wear on a safari. On her bed, a dress that was in a similar style to the one she’d worn the day before was laid out, only it was made with the finest of materials and craftsmanship. With it was a note. ‘A beautiful dress for an even more beautiful apprentice. Breakfast is waiting downstairs. Yours, C.’

LeftistNerd 05-Dec-21 07:01 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 05-Dec-21 07:31 AM

This man was dangerous. This Ivy knew without a doubt. Yet he had treated her with more kindness in a day than she had recieved in her entire life. Did that make her more partial to Casper? Yes. Without a doubt. Even the way he traced his fingers down her arm to her hand sent tingles through her. Her lips parted, and the words he spoke had Ivy blush. Then, all too sudden, the touch was gone, and Casper had bid her a goodnight. Pressing a hand to her chest, she tried to calm her erratic heart, and climbed up into the the large bed. It encompassed her frame, and she lay down, the silk smooth against sensitive skin. Exquisite. That's what he'd called her. A smile spread across her lips, and she patted her cheeks, trying to get rid of the blush. "Just words, Ivy. Come on." While no one had called her beautiful, there had been many willing to mate with her. She assumed it was just for the power her father held, and it was the reason why she had refused any courtship. Ivy yawned, the day's events having made her sleepy. Closing her eyes, she let the sweet slumber take her. Ivy dreamed of a violet skinned man, of touches considered sinful, and of her previous clan. These dreams, were positive, something she'd rarely had, and when she awoke, it was with a smile on her face. She was a little disoriented, having forgotten exactly where she was. Moving from the bed, she walked to the door connected, which revealed a rather large tub. She had fun working out the settings, and when she finally got in, a long sigh left her. She was used to the cold streams, that only warmed on a summer's day. This? It was breathtaking. She spent far longer in the tub than necessary, lathering herself with a sweet smelling gel. Finally getting out, Ivy let herself dry, before moving back to the bedroom. There she found a dress, beautiful, a deep blue, with a note. "Silver tongue" She chuckled, after reading the note. Slipping the dress on, she smiled at the perfect fit, and at how soft it

was against her skin. She finally left the bedroom, making her way downstairs, to see what breakfast was.

Koala Aly ☃ 05-Dec-21 07:31 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 06-Dec-21 12:02 AM

Downstairs, Ivy would find Casper lounging on a sofa, a book in one hand while he scribbled notes into a journal with the other, his eyes never leaving the words of the book. It seemed he was always working in the little moments between moments, trying to learn as much as he could. And why wouldn’t he? This was his life’s work, the thing he’d dedicated every ounce of himself, had sacrificed many parts of himself for. Black slits in a pool of white looked up over the top of the book as Ivy approached, softening into a look of fondness. “Good morning,” he said happily, letting the book in his hand slam shut. He stood and moved over to her, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek, though one could argue that most of his lips landed in the corner of her mouth. “I trust you slept well. You smell..” he took another whiff. “Mmm, you smell delightful. I assume you found the bath then. I’ll admit, that tub is my favorite, so I purposefully put it in the guest, now your bathroom. I’d lounge in it far too long.” Casper took Ivy by the hand and lead her into the kitchen where he had a buffet ready for them. Some things were basic, such as eggs, sausage, French toast, while other things were more exotic, such as the fruit spread that ranged in colors from blue to a majestic magenta or the jelly for the toast that seemed to… glow. “I’m not sure what your usual cuisine was like back in your village, so you’ll have to forgive me if any of this seems foreign to you. They didn’t exactly invite me in for a meal, did they? If you have requests for food, simply write a list and place it on the fridge… the metal doors over there,” he said pointing. “The shopper will make sure you have it, by any means necessary,” he chuckled. He served them both and then they went to the dining room table, an almost comically long thing that could host thirty people at the very least. He sat at its end and pulled out a chair for her just next to himself. “I’d like you to do me a favor, if you

would, Ivy. Could you tell me what it was like to take that powder, to go into this ‘Spirit Realm’? What was the ritual like? What was the experience like?” Casper asked, bringing up a journal and pen from beneath the table, seemingly out of nowhere.

LeftistNerd 06-Dec-21 12:02 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 06-Dec-21 06:35 AM

When Ivy arrived, and saw Casper lounging, a sudden sense of shyness ran through the moon elf, as she remembered the night before. He had seen her naked, and though she was sure it was innocent, he had only measured her, after all, the memory of his hands on her skin was still burned into her memory. Swallowing slightly as he saw her, Ivy smiled, a gentle look on her face. "Good morning." She said, eyes widening as Casper leaned in. She was frozen, as his hand laid on her hip, his lips at her cheek, or rather, the corner of her mouth. It felt like he lingered, for a moment, and she could feel his breath against her skin. Purple met white, her eyes flicking between his, until he pulled away, and Ivy released a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding. Her heart thumping, the former priestess allowed the alchemist to take her by the hand and lead her to the table, laden with food. It was then she realised she hasn't answered his question. "Oh! I slept well, like a rock, actually." She laughed nervously, her hand unconsciously squeezing his. "The bath was amazing. I didn't want to get out..." Ivy admitted, as she glanced across the many meats, jams, jellies, and fruits. Her mouth watered, and she realised just how long she'd gone without food. At that thought, her stomach growled, as if to remind her that it still hadn't been fed, and Ivy turned a bright red, embarrassed. Taking a seat next to Casper, taking in the mound of food on her plate. "My cuisine? It was mostly fruits, vegetables and nuts that we grew or found. I'm not so used to... meat..." Her eyes turned down, staring at the food on her plate, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Ivy had never been allowed meat, her father had told her that she must stay healthy for the rituals. Locked in her mind for a moment, the elf was glad when Casper's next question brought her from her reverie, and changed the subject. "My head hurt, for a while, and then it felt like I were passing out. I was dizzy nauseous

. And when I opened my eyes, my world was gone. Filled with colours and hues, with the Goddess whispering in my ear." Ivy paused, a sick look on her face. "She would place the dagger in my hand. I was the one to take the blow. Every time." Her voice shook. "They covered me in the blood, you know. Fresh blood on a virgin's body. It appeased the Goddess, for a month." Ivy hugged herself, shivering softly. The memories came crashing down on her, and the strawberry she had placed into her mouth tasted like ash. "We burned the bodies then. I don't know what happened to the bones. I passed out every time."

Koala Aly ☃ 06-Dec-21 06:36 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 06-Dec-21 11:29 AM

“Blood of a virgin… No, you said blood on a virgin…” Casper muttered to himself a he wrote, deep in thought, almost able to see the ritual playing out in front of him in real time. He’d seen them in their ritualistic garb, imagined a great fire at the center of the temple, the rays of the full moon breaking through the clouds, down through the open ceiling. The Priest, her father, banging his staff on the floor rhythmically, the others stomping their feet in time as Ivy took the powder. Her eyes would go white, much in the same way that Athena’s did, her body convulsing as she ‘communed’ with her Goddess. The knife would be slipped into her hand, and in this vision, it was Casper himself who’d be the one sacrificed. Violet blood would be spilled, then smeared over Ivy’s body until- Casper blinked, and the visage of Ivy, now distressed, came back into view. His pen dropped onto the page of the journal he’d been writing in, and he kneeled down next to her, a gentle hand resting on her thigh, just below the bottom of her skirt. “Ivy, look at me dear,” he said, his voice soft, yet firm; long, strong fingers directing her face with a small tug at her chin. “That’s no longer one of your duties. Sacrifice… murder… those things won’t be a part of your day to day life anymore. Now, hallucinogenic visions? Those might still be around,” he said lightly, though it was clearly no joke. “Those days are behind you now. What lies in front of you is a life far grander. A life full of knowledge, of discovery, of living for yourself, and service to me,” he said with a gentle squeeze of her leg. “It’ll be a life full of pleasures of all sorts. You’ll see.” He stood then and closed his notebook. “Come with me. We have much to do today. And don’t worry about your dishes. The staff will get it.” It was his second time mentioning the staff, despite the fact that it appeared the two of them were alone in the manor. “Come along, dear,” he said, leading her towards the lab.

Ivy BOT 07-Dec-21 01:55 AM

Casper's hand was heavy on her thigh, and amethyst eyes raised to stare into opal ones. Dangerous. That was the thought that ran through Ivy's head. This man was dangerous. Of course, she'd known that, from the minute he landed at her feet. Yet, it was a sense of warmth, of comfort, than ran through the moon elf, from where his hand met her skin. Was he doing this? She had seen what the alchemist could do, what he could make people see, and she briefly wondered if this feeling was his doing. If Casper was making her warm. Strong fingers touched a pointed chin, and her head was lifted, and Ivy had to resist the urge to nuzzle his hand. What was this man doing to her? "No one will get hurt?" Ivy's voice was small, uncertain. Casper's promises sounded far too grand, for Ivy anyway. She had never imagined a life more than what she had, and all this seemed so complicated. Knowledge and discovery, that's what she desired. Had always desired, and her being a priestess should have led to such things. Pleasures? That, she wasn't sure on. Ivy was once again left with the question of if she could trust the violet skinned man. He was mysterious, dangerous, and that was had drawn her to him, though the elf refused to admit it. He was new, that was it. On the other hand, he had torn her away from a life that would only get worse, had provided her with a bed, clothes, and food. Ivy was grateful, and it was because of that reason, that she took his hand and let him lead her to the lab. Ivy glanced over her shoulder at the table, still laden with food, and a lot of it, and she couldn't help but wonder about what staff Casper was talking about. "What about the food? Isn't it bad to waste it?" She asked, confused. An abundance of food was something the priestess was unused to. She had eaten what her clan grew, and portions were rather strict. Sometimes there was barely a yield, and many went hungry. Shaking her head, she jogged a little to catch up with the master alchemist. (edited)

"What are we doing today?"

Koala Aly ☃ 07-Dec-21 01:55 AM

@LeftistNerd

Casper BOT 07-Dec-21 02:11 AM

“Hm? Oh, no, it’ll be fine, dear. You won’t ever fix hungry here,” Casper assured her, never breaking his stride. It seemed when he started anything, it was hard for him to stop, a laden drive that while subtle, could easily be seen to transfer to far greater endeavors with a relentless determination. One wouldn’t want to get in the way of Casper’s goals, lest they find out that there was nothing he wouldn’t do to remove them from his path. When they reached the lab, he tossed Ivy her gear and placed his lab coat on, though notably abstained from wearing any sort of eye protection himself. “Today, I’d like to teach you about the various effects of potions. Potions are an alchemist’s bread and butter, the simplest things for us to make, and yet oftentimes the most potent. A beautiful marriage of chemistry and magic, potions allow an alchemist to achieve almost anything with the right ingredients. The other good thing about them are that they’re intuitive. Certain ingredients perform certain functions. Mix them together, and they either compliment or counteract one another in key ways, with the best way to find out to be simply to experiment, to mix and match. It’s what I spend most of my days doing, and it never grows old,” Casper chuckled. He opened a cabinet and pulled down a bottle of glowing teal liquid. “Take this potion for example. It… well, why don’t you find out for yourself?” Casper handed her the bottle and gave her a look that told her he very much expected her to drink the liquid. She’d find out that it had an almost fishy taste, and while she downed it, Casper set about filling a large ten gallon container with water. “Potions can change the most basic physiological makeup of an organism, even temporarily. How it works with the body is still something I don’t fully understand, but…” He smirked as he watched three skits appear on Ivy’s neck. “I imagine it’s getting rather hard for you to breathe now, isn’t it dear? Here… have some water.” Casp

er pulled the container over and pushed Ivy’s head in, not seeming to care at all about the dress shirt he was wearing getting wet. “Just breathe, Ivy… Just breathe…” he coaxed her, holding her head beneath.

LeftistNerd 07-Dec-21 02:11 AM

@Koala Aly ☃

Ivy BOT 07-Dec-21 02:31 AM

Ivy listened closely as Casper explained what potions were, how they worked, what they did, as she pulled on her gear. It still felt rather claustrophobic, the heavy coat, much different to her usual light, airy materials, and the goggles hurt her head, but Ivy wore them, fully believing she would need them. After all, Casper worked with dangerous things, and protection was necessary. As she was handed a glowing bottle, the elf studied it, eyes moving to Casper, and back to the bottle. "You want me to drink this?" Ivy asked incredulously. Casper gave no answer, an expectant gaze on her. The elf was.... cautious, to say the least. She had seen what happened to Athena. But, Casper wouldn't hurt her, right? Not really. Sighing, Ivy uncorked the bottle, and tipped the contents into her mouth, grimacing. It tasted like fish, raw fish, and the elf almost lost the meager breakfast she had eaten. Still, she swallowed the liquid, a horrible aftertaste on her tongue. She watched as Casper filled a container with water, with a questioning gaze. Ivy briefly wondered if Casper was crazy, nothing was happening, save for a bitter aftertaste. The elf went to sigh.... and quickly found she couldn't. Her eyes widened, as her throat closed up, and her hands flew to her neck, finding three slits on either side. What has he done to me?! Ivy frantically thought. Panicked eyes met Casper as he approached her, with a dastardly grin. She'd had barely any time to think before her head was shoved into the water, her face completely submerged in the water. He's trying to kill me... Ivy struggled, her hands going to his, trying to pry his grip on her violet hair. She couldn't hear him very well, and her body bucked, trying get free. The elf was quickly losing consciousness, and with it, she opened her mouth, taking in a mouthful of water, and with it... relief. Oxygen, wonderful, fresh oxygen filled her lungs, and the elf stopped struggling, though her hands remained on his. Strands o

f purple hair floated around her, as Ivy took in a deep breath. What had Casper done to her? Her grip on his hands was tight, as if afraid to let go, as if he was a lifeline. The slits on her throat moved with each breath, funneling the oxygen through the water. What a strange sensation, she thought.

Koala Aly ☃ 07-Dec-21 02:31 AM

@LeftistNerd