A dream... that was the best way for her to describe her previous life. All this time she had thought that even if she was doing some questionable things, she was doing it all for the greater good. However, ever since she had been sacrificed to the Fractured Sky and reemerged as a denizen of the Void, Esperia felt for a lack of a better term: lost. Her body had been corrupted into a form far different than what the people of Earthland were used to. This wasn't even a matter of her not using a disguise or anything, her entire existence had been corrupted by the Void. As such the terms monster and fiend were not that far-fetched for reactions, and even now Esperia preferred to use a cloak to conceal her features and avoid as much contact with others as possible. Indeed, some like Maple were willing to accept her, and some like Alisa would surely understand but could she say the same for others? Could she truly consider herself still the same person when she had essentially become an Outcast to society?

Letting out a gentle sigh the Mindflayer's gaze shifted toward the window of her cabin. She currently was in the midst of taking a ship off the island of Talaz Lagaar. She needed to get away from that island, lest her hatred would make her do something she would come to regret at some point.

The sea was chaotic, waves crashing against the ship as she heard the sailors on deck calling out to each other in an attempt to keep the ship under control. Fortunately, the captain was an experienced sailor and could keep his crew disciplined and under control. One might wonder how she had even succeeded in getting access to a voyage like this, and the answer was one she didn't like to admit. She had used her unique abilities to create a lingering effect akin to the power of suggestion. To the Captain, she was a wealthy noble who wanted to leave Talaz Lagaar without drawing any attention alongside her fiance and since she was paying well he felt little need to question her intentions.

A hand raised quietly toward the window, catching her own reflection in the glass and for a moment she couldn't help but find a scowl emerge on her features. She wasn't really ugly per say, no if anything she might have been blessed with the demonic origins that gave her a bit of an ethereal beauty, but it was clear she was a being that didn't belong here... She didn't belong in Earthland.

It bothered her immensely, or rather in a way she felt ashamed. It would have been easier if the World's Blessing had forsaken her, but the fact she could still rely on its power made it all the more evident that Gaia did not consider her duty over yet. But how could she even be a champion for a civilization that saw her as an outcast?

WC: 500

Sailing with Maple just like living with her over all what you expected from her was the way she was normally. Maple had just stretched out and yawned slowly then muttered something to herself in stellan something along the lines of feeling a bit tired still but Maple also was just how she was lazily going through her life as she always did carefree. Happy nothing else really seemed to be entirely what she wanted to make her problem at times. But Maple could easily be seen that she masks her own problems and flaws with her over friendly personality.

Maple seemed to not really be hiding she was lingering, boating was something she was okay Esperia seemed still stuck with in her mental fixation of mental suffering of how her changes worked for her in life at this time. Maple was just happy to have some one around that did not leave her or seemingly treated her differently it was just the simple way to get how Maple worked. she was just use to moving on as often as she did. When she was just focusing on her problems again. Even if Maple had just seeming awaken from nap.

Her understanding of Esperia was simple enough to break her from being too grumpy. When Maple find Esperia and did her best to sneak behind Esperia, Then pounced on her with arms wraps around Esperia's hips with a bit of casual sway started from Maple. Sure felt a bit different than normal human flesh but much like a cat, Maple rubbed a part of her face against Esperia."Don't be so grumpy."Maple said just trying to be a bit of a silly person as she could. Much like Esperia had gone to her, Maple did the same feeling of the body and gentle squishing of the woman's bodily pillows. Esperia was having it done in return. Then she moved into a few neck kisses for the mind flayer."You will be okay." Maple was also just use to being an outcast in some manner but seemed to just try and use it as a means to help Esperia move on. Sure copying Esperia's antics was not the brightest at times but it was more breaking a mind's focus from horrible things at this time. Then she rested her head on Esperia shoulders and waited to see what was come.

after her casual greeting, she just let her arms around Esperia's like she had done before and just continue her casual swaying, it was different with the boat ride but maybe it was just how Maple dealt with it. Than again she was able to travel through wood so she could easily leave herself stable by just kind of sticking her feet into the floor. But it was them on a boat and for the moment rather peaceful here just how Maple preferred it at this time. the simple casual times just on water.

WC:500

Maple's sneakily approach did not go unrewarded, for Esperia chuckled softly as Maple gently wrapped her arms around her hips. Despite the gentle showing of affection and the advice to not be so grumpy, Esperia still couldn't help but struggle with coming to terms with the recent events, as she expressed gently. "I know... I know you understand my suffering Maple, but for me it's different." She sighed softly, her tentacles gently coiled around her body as she continued. "I was not always an outcast. Certainly, I did some questionable things in the past, but I always did them because I genuinely thought I was doing it for the right reasons." Indeed, even her membership in the Sentinel Syndicate was because she believed that they were the lesser of two evils, and with the light guilds being unwilling to tend to the problems festering in the darkness...

"But now it's different. The people who were once grateful for my presence, now look at me with distrust or even fear. They no longer see Esperia, they simply see a monster born from the void."

The gentle kisses on her neck and the squeezing of her breasts did not go unnoticed, a sheepish smile remaining on her lips as she raised her hands to playfully return the favor. "But perhaps you're right~ maybe I will be alright~ for I still have you by my side."

They had seemingly passed the storm, for the ship was growing quieter and for a moment granting them a moment of peace. "I think we're past the storm now~ If my estimations are correct we should be seeing the harbor in the far distance soon~ Want to go above deck to take a look?" It seemed she did try to change her mind about the chaotic thoughts that were plaguing her right now.

WC: 310

Either annoying or silly, None of this past really mattered to Maple even if she would provide an example."And I am considered a bastard child and a half breed for things not my own fault."Maple said but a bit monotone and if anything a bit grumpy for a moment too. This was still Winter Maple slightly the season would be changing soon but she was still in Winter season. Thus maybe after this trip she would change soon to you know the coming season of spring."But here I am alas only just slightly unhappy about it."Maple did not really explain much into depth what kind of things she had happen but not doubt after this it was most likely form other people experience."My family tried at least...Father never looked at me the same when he knew I was an child of an affair compared to my other siblings."Maple stopped sounding just slightly jealous, If anything unhappy and depressed for a moment. For some one so loving Maple seemed to only be this way because she wanted it to be equal to how she wished it was for her growing up as she did.



Then well her mood shifted because of other reasons the storm was gone. and thus Maple was back to being some what excitable."Oh is it now? Be right back!"Maple then jumped and seeming moved through the deck of the ship because it was made out of wood. If you were not use to it was ust kind of quick and sudden and out of no where. Could even hear one of the crew mate above being scared by Maple. Then not too long after if you counted to at least 5 Maple just popped out from above with her long well kept hair that did smell of orchids and melon."Yes, it is safe to go above deck now."Maple then would let herself go completely through rather than falling and she would land on her feet but also seemed there a moment if Esperia felt like it she could catch Maple. Rather than waiting at the top for Esperia to come up Maple just came back to her, It was almost like some one else was putting out the extra effort so Esperia did not need to do it. And seemed to have waited for her to want to go up deck.

WC:405

Total:905

Esperia smiled sympathetically at Maple upon hearing the annoyance in her voice, gently raising a tendril  among her hair to tenderly brush against her lover's cheek while her other hand continued to gently caress against Maple's other cheek as she continued. "I know my love. It's unfair that they look at you in such a way, but one can't exactly compare such things. I'd rather be considered a bastard child than to be a monster to be chased off with burning pitchforks."

She shook her head lightly as she continued. "But then again, I grew tired of civilization, of people and their twisted views. All I really need in life to remain happy is you~" Yet surprisingly enough her words led Maple to suddenly disappear through the wooden ceiling, and returned moments later to reveal that it was indeed safe to go above deck. She couldn't help but chuckle softly as she returned. "I got to admit that trick of yours never gets tired~"

Yet fortunately Esperia was fast enough to reach out to Maple, gently holding her in her arms like a bridal carry and helped her down again. Pulling up her cloak she soon joined her lover in the trip above deck. As expected the sea had grown quiet, and while there was a strong breeze blowing above the deck, the water was still fairly calm.

Overall it gave one a beautiful sight to behold, especially with the land visible far in the distance. However, as a powerful breeze blew across the deck Esperia's cloak fluttered, her hood falling down as it revealed her true appearance, a sight which quickly drew the attention of several sailors who cornered her. One of them muttered something about a fiend, another was hesitatingly looking at her, almost as if he was afraid. One even was trying to place himself between Maple and Esperia, as if to shield Maple from harm.

"..." The Mindflayer turned her gaze at the surrounding crowd, her body clearly tense as she tried to think of how to avoid a confrontation. Would she need to cast a mind-control spell on these people to avoid causing a scene?

WC: 360

It seemed she would just merely grumble for a moment about it."It is the closest thing i can relate it too..."Maple said to herself in stellan as she could still speak it language and she was was dealing with her normal problems of fitting in some manner with a back log with in her past problem still bugging her slightly. Maple knew and was smart to know it did not equal to each other in the manner it did just it was just how she was trying to relate, It was an over barring flaw of hers sometimes.

it seemed Maple did not mind being carried on to the deck even mentioning about how with in the travels."I do not know if it would actually effect me or not, I am paranoid about the nails in the boat, i do not know think i can move through them."This showed Maple did not try it out side of just normal trees. Most likely the pirates they where travelling with where just seeing a cloaked figure carrying a happy pretty woman and feel jealous for a moment.

But they wanted to attempt to do something about Esperia, Maple seemed to argue against it."You call her a fiend, Yet the ones who are actual fiend are the ones trying to cause the problem right now."Maple said almost like she was actually angry about it. one of the few times you could consider hearing Maple actually being mad. Even continuing her words."Now mind your business before I change what that business is for you."Maple said also in general.

To place one self because Maple and Esperia was risky only because Maple was not wanting it at the time. So taking the man by the shoulders and sinking him slightly into the planks of the wood Maple in her way threw the man away from her and Esperia. Maple was the weakest yes but she was fair more aggressive at this time than she should be here.

WC:340

Total: 1245

One of the sailors was clearly flabbergasted at Maple's response, shaking his head as he pointed toward Esperia. "Can't you see what she is?! She is one of these creatures from the void! I wouldn't be surprised if she already tried to ensnare your mind, that would be the only reason for you to defend a monster like that!"

Esperia's eyes narrowed into a glare, seemingly finally having stirred in anger at the thought of being accused to try to manipulate Maple. No, to manipulate Maple's thoughts and feelings was one thing she considered sacrilege. Maple's freedom and love toward her were pure and uninfluenced by her powers. She was staying with her because she wanted it too! Why couldn't these fools not see that she had once been a mortal like them?! However, it seemed fortunately a gruff masculine voice called out behind the crowd. "That's enough you idiots. Whatever your assumptions and suspicions might be, she is a guest on this ship, and a well-paying one at that as well. If I heard one of you harrassing them again I will toss you overboard myself!"

The captain of the ship declared in anger as the other sailors gave the pair a final glance and then went their own ways, the captain nodding his head apologetically at Maple as he went back to work. Meanwhile Esperia had turned her gaze toward the harbor, muttering softly. "Let's leave this world behind Maple... Just retire somewhere with the two of us? A nice peaceful place where nobody will bother us again..."

She turned her gaze toward Maple, smiling weakly at her. "After all, it's clear I don't belong here any longer~ Maybe we find a place that is different elsewhere~"

WC: 301

It seemed there was going to be a verbal argument at hand in some manner. If anything Maple was prepared in some manner for how it could work for people."Do I look like and act like I am ensnared?"She asked him most likely because there was most likely easily picked up signs that she was."Do I look like I am ragdoll of sorts?" waiting for an answer it seemed if anything there was not going to be one by anyone if that was the case. But she seemed annoyed stilled, starting to try and settled down. Since beyond a point it was not helping.

After the captain had done what they did, Maple just seemed to almost pout like she was still mad for moment and then settled down completely."And they wonder why they aren't respected pirates."It was winter Maple still she was still if anything in that state of being grumpy for a bit more long but it seemed she was turning back to normal because she was not arguing with anyone now. Then simply just kind of went back to doing things to get the mind off of the trip after all felt needed at the time.

When they found a bit more of a quiet place Maple simply just kind of hugged Esperia and kept herself in the embrace to just not think about much else going on at the time."The good part with me, I can settle almost anywhere if need be."She was not focusing on what just went on with other people on the boat since it was just back to normal life talk at this time, they did just want to be people after all."So we just need need to find a place and go."

wc:300

Total:1545

Esperia smiled softly at Maple, not feeling energetic enough to comment about the fact they were sailors rather than pirates, but instead when things became quieter and Maple suddenly hugged her, Esperia's smile returned to its usual brightness, gently wrapping her arms around the half-elf while listening to her words. The fact that Maple would be fine with settling down somewhere with her was an amazing relief for Esperia, who mused softly. "Maybe somewhere in Caelum~ A lot of nature can be found on the Isle of Erin, and there are plenty of exciting rumors and legends about that place. I always wanted to spend more time there to discover the truth behind the stories~ And doing that alongside you sounds like an amazing time as well~"

Indeed, a place far away from civilization, full of legends and myths to discover? It sounded like an amazing place to retire to~ And as long as Maple was with her, that was all she truly needed.

WC: 166

It seemed some one had an idea this entire time and was just not saying too much about it, Maple did not mind could have just said she had a place to go and let it at that, For Maple was entirely simple that way she did not want to focus on it too much unless she needed too and well."Can't say I have been to Caelum yet."Maple said as she pondered about it. Over all it seemed the area Maple had been could have been a lot but she did not keep track entirely. Nothing really too shocking.

Maple might have just travelled places asked where they where at one point stuck around for a while went on another boat than moved on. A normal cycle and it broke in some manner with Fiore with Maple choosing to stay a bit longer than she had so far.

WC:151.

Total:1696.

Esperia merely smiled at Maple, her gaze shifting back toward the approaching harbor in the distance as she allowed her telepathic link to be re-established. I haven't been there myself, but I heard Caelum is a country rich in history and legends~ Although there have been only rumors about it, some say that there are even fairies in Caelum~

She paused for a few, a hand raised to her chin as she pondered for a moment. From what I remember the Isle of Erin is likely favored by them since the people who dwell there respect tradition and mythology. They frequently tend to be considered more old-fashioned toward these of the other isles that make up Caelum, but it is also a place rich in nature, so a perfect starting point for a little adventure~ and I'm sure we'll be able to find a nice and comfortable place there as well~

She closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the moment of peace as she gently nuzzled into Maple's embrace, simply enjoying the comfort her affection brought her. It was reassuring to know she wouldn't be alone anymore. Hopefully their new home would be just as hospitable~

---
WC: 208

Of all things it seemed Maple did not mind all that generally happen with Esperia. But she was a woman who embraced the affection when she got it and over all seemed at the time she was not overly picky about it. A good woman to love because she could equally love back, but just as quickly if something happen, quick to move on it was a dangerous thing. But if you knew how it worked was easy to manage. Then again Maple was being kept busy with her life so that was never a problem to worry about overall.

But there was mention of things that could happen Maple did listen but it was not her main focus, which was not shocking it seemed if anything it felt like was taking a working vacation, but when you where just a lady living in a wooden tent it was not a vacation and she was just there because she was just living there. So it was a normal day indeed. Now it just had other things added into it in the most caelum way possible and Maple just kind of seemed content to let it happen in it's normal fashion.

"If that is what Caelum hold for us, then I guess it is where we go then."Maple then seemed to mention nothing else because it was just waiting for the trip to end at this point. They would move on to other things as they always forget the things that happen on this boat. One did need to move one quickly for the sake of just not thinking about it, as much as it was risky too because Maple liked swimming but did not want to go swimming right now where there was not land in site at all. But that was just her.

WC:307

Total:2003