James
**"See ..!! Did I not say this, Alcuin?"** Yrsa chirped alongside a victorious cackle, spreading her arms and gesturing - as to *Rub it in* - for the picturesque scene before them. How long had they spent trying to FIND this .. This little place in the middle of nowhere?? To be completely frank, even *She* Wasn't sure whether it was some sort of mythical dream or something that actually happened or, *Something else*. Her double-sided nature meant that some things felt like faint memories, and those memories could never be fully trusted. For one, she had found this place while shapeshifted, trailing alongside hidden pathways that no Human eye could see. And then she had also *Left* It as a bear.

In other words, she didn't know how to get back other than the 'rough area where she thought she found it'. She just knew that before their journey took them further southwards, she had to revisit it! Maybe it was a dream? But then, it was a great dream, and she wanted to experience it again! And Alcuin needed to come, too. He had known her for quite a while now- .. How long had it been already? Half a month? Well, *To her*, it felt like a **Lifetime.** And whenever she got in *'that particular mood'*, there was no way she would be convinced of something else. That penchant for extreme stubbornness. It's not even that she rejected his suggestions outright, she just went with those lines of logic like '... AH, BUT, ALCUIN, WE HAVE NOT CHECKED BEHIND THAT ROCK. AND ... NOT THAT ROCK, EITHER. And we can't leave yet because this is very special...!'

Those were most likely the types of persuasive attempts her Elf friend would have to endure throughout their search. Going in circles, and then going in those *Same* Circles, and then AGAIN .. Only to *THEN* Take another road and WHAT WERE THEY EVEN LOOKING FOR?? She hadn't explained much AT ALL. Just .. Something, something heavenly paradise, and she needed a witch-man potion-brewer! Plus, she had promised to visit again. So. That was that.

It couldn't have been more than a short period since her last visit. Their encampment was on the border between Mistrion and Velaris, so they couldn't have been very far. Assuming they left somewhere in the morning hours, they made it in the early noon, and it was a beautiful day - probably one of the *First* Of the spring season. There were a few clouds in the sky here and there, but overall, the sun bathed the land with a gentle heat. Blossoming flowers were all around them - or, at least, they WERE, because her Alchemist friend probably had this tendency to PICK EVERY SINGLE VALUABLE HERB HE CAME ACROSS. That was the type of person he was, wasn't he?! Anyway!! A gentle springtime breeze served to chill the steadily building temperature. Butterflies fluttered over green patches of grass, and tall trees swayed back and forth with various blossoms and leaves.

And there it was, in front of them. It seemed to be the only structure in sight, and the hermit's isolation was reflected in the location. Nonetheless, it'd only make the place even more magical. A beautiful farm out in the middle of nowhere with *Many* Types of crops. A patchwork quilt of greens and golds. And whereas most farms seemed fixated on 'producing as much as possible, in as little time as possible', .. Yrsa thought, *Felt*, that there was something different to this place. That every plant, fruit and vegetable enjoyed the tender and eager care of a *Man* Genuinely dedicated to his life out here; .. A... Memory to his lost loved one.

That's how it came across to the northern berserker.

The land almost seemed cloaked in some sort of magical mysticism, as if it were a physical representation of nature's harmony. And though many a more familiar grain and vegetables seemed to grow in abundance, there were plenty that *Weren't* So plain. As an alchemist and doctor of renowned skill, Alcuin probably would be able to recognize many of them; the lustrous, luminous moonflowers. Groupings of shimmering starberries that had mystical healing properties, rare fruits coveted by mages and healers.

There was even a field that appeared to grow ... Crystals??? Yrsa didn't like that one. Mostly because none of it was edible. And while she hadn't outright *SAID* It, it probably wouldn't be challenging to envision how she found this place. Or how she ended up rampaging through all those crops, chomping away without a care in the world.

The starberries, especially, were delicious. Yrsa needed more of those starberries. Not that this was the only reason for coming. No, not at all! Just an essential part of it. After all, it wasn't *Just* The old man and his stories, but his food, too! And there she was, back to plunder. Her laughter could be heard from leagues away.

She wasn't... Alone this time, though? She seemed to be accompanied by someone else! A figure about as tall as her, though it was hard to tell who was taller. And she had changed a *Little* Since last she met the excellent Ser Bicco. For one, she seemed to have washed away the MONTHS upon MONTHS of *Grime* That had accumulated on her face and arms - actually looking pretty ... Hygienic for a change?! Probably her *Friend's* Influence. Simultaneously, while she wasn't precisely strutting up to the farm shaped like a monstrous killing machine, a pair of throwing axes seemed to hang from her waist. That .. And a.. - seriously, ... Could it even be called a weapon? She had this ... This ... MACE on her back, fastened with a leather strap. One *Could* Call it a mace. Or, more like, a giant branch with a spiked metal slab. Somewhere between 'quarterstaff' and 'morning star' and .. 'caveman club'.

Those were the smashers that Alcuin helped her to get back. She couldn't reasonably be a berserker without her weapons, right?!

Yrsa planted her hands on her hips and stopped her feet for a moment, taking in a long *Inhale.*

"Of course .. You were the one that said; ah, Yrsa, .. Are we not walking in circles? But, no, my good friend witch Alcuin. This was, in fact, part of the plan-route. I did not get lost. In fact, even if I did get lost, then, this .. Was necessary. You see, this is a highly magical place. The man inside - he claims not to be a god. But I am not so sure. In fact, I am pretty sure that he is in, at least, PART ... Deity. Although, if that is so, then ... So am I - I would be the goddess of eating. Yes. And food." She ran a finger below her nose, somewhat liking that idea.
Pauline
Alcuin had begun thinking Yrsa was making things up from some hodge podge of memories from time as a bear. They looked high and low for this fabled farm of riches to no avail for nigh on a week. Between her hazy memories and his distractedness, it has been a prolonged search. At least their random wanderings had afforded him the opportunity to refill his bag with various herbs and reagents. The young elf couldn't pass by a useful or interesting plant without checking it out.

The budding warlock was still reeling from discovering who–*What*—his patron was, as well as simultaneously savoring and despising the power he was granted. A debt was a debt, however, and he owed her so many. He was resolved to please her and only prayed fervently that he might somehow remain himself while doing so. At the very least, he was glad for the madness that plagued him to mostly subside. It was still present at times, worse when was tired and with the more power he drew. But it was finally*Manageable*.

Yrsa's exclamation brought him out of his self-reflection, and he looked up in shock, mouth agape and golden brown eyes wide. He'd never seen such a glorious farm. Velaris was a land ripe with magic, yet this felt different, deeper. A sinking feeling began to grow as they neared the crops. He could absolutely picture what had drawn Yrsa here and what would have happened. His eyes remained wide but transitioned from awe to great fear. Some of the plants here he'd never laid eyes on in real life before, only seeing pictures in books. They were so incredibly rare, and so incredibly *Expensive*. 

Approaching the starberries, kneeling down to admire them with apprehensive awe, the healer scrubbed his face with his hands at her mention of eating, a soft groan escaping him, **"Well, I really hope he** ***Isn't*** **A god. I've had enough encounters with demigods lately. And..."** Standing, he looked over at her with mild trepidation, **"If you destroyed any of this,"** He pointed to the starberries, **"Especially these, I couldn't repay him, not even in two lifetimes!!"**
Glen
Bicco observed the scene unfolding before him with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Yrsa's exuberance was contagious, her excitement palpable as she reveled in the discovery of the farm. Her infectious laughter echoed through the air, punctuated by Alcuin's more reserved demeanor.

As Yrsa launched into her explanation, Bicco couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. It was clear that her unique brand of enthusiasm was matched only by her vivid imagination. 

He listened with interest as she wove tales of him being a God, of magical places and divine beings. Turning his attention to Alcuin, Bicco noted the young elf's mixture of awe and apprehension. He could sense the warlock's concern, his worry about the potential consequences of their impromptu visit to the farm. The mention of demigods and the value of the crops only served to deepen Alcuin's unease.

With a reassuring smile, Bicco stepped forward, his presence a calming influence amidst the excitement and anxiety.

"Fear not, my friends." His voice was gentle yet firm, resonating with quiet confidence. "This farm is a place of peace and harmony, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world."

He gestured to the lush fields and vibrant crops surrounding them, the beauty of the landscape a testament to the land's fertility and abundance. "Whatever concerns you may have, rest assured that you are welcome here."

As he approached Yrsa and Alcuin, Bicco's smile widened, his heart warming at the sight of his friend. With a gentle stride, he closed the distance between them, enveloping Yrsa in a warm embrace. Despite their height difference, he cradled her in his arms like a protective bear, chuckling softly."

Ah, Yrsa, my dear friend. It warms my heart to see you again." His voice was deep and resonant, filled with genuine affection. "And it seems you've brought a new companion along." Bicco turned his gaze to Alcuin, extending a massive hand in greeting."I'm Ser Bicco," He rumbled, a playful twinkle in his eye, "But you probably know that given you're accompanied by the giant bear of the farm." He couldn't resist making a jest, his laughter rumbling
James
Yrsa naturally came to stand beside her alchemist friend, who was inspecting those ripened fruits, and she almost felt herself salivating at the mere sight of them. How many had she ploughed through during her first visit? They were so tasty and juicy and ... And she couldn't help but shake the feeling that her energy was because of them! Alcuin might've noticed it, too. She came back to their encampment in her bear form. But transforming from *That* Back into her Human state *Didn't seem to leave her as lethargic as usual.* As usual, she hadn't elaborated on that; she hadn't even *Mentioned* It. But her ursine aspect was usually a manifestation of great rage waiting to be set off - almost desperate for someone to trigger it. .. The incident with Tolius probably didn't need to be put into words for her Elven friend to remember that much.

But she came back to their encampment looking more Zen than she had ever before. She had looked satisfied—and for once, not like a brown bear with perpetual anger problems. And to give her friend the additional context that she was too lazy to elaborate on, it wasn't too difficult to envision what happened here—the scents and smells that drew her in—her happy frolicking through the farm, going from plant to plant, tasting every single one.

She was fortunate. And it spoke a great deal about Ser Bicco's character. Because a Farmer would be well in their right to defend their territory and crops. Nor would most of them abide by the presence of a highly volatile, dangerous, top-of-the-food chain animal. Alcuin KNEW how she responded to strangers like that. So the fact that it was a scene like *This*, and not a horror tale with dismembered body parts and half-chewed limbs .. Was extraordinary.

This farmer had faced the same sort of trial he had. And she was responding to it subconsciously, even *Right now.* The young berserker came to join Alcuin by his side, wiping away a slither of drool that had started running down her lips. Her instinct was to grab a batch of those flavorful fruits and *Indulge.*

Yet ...

She had promised the farmer she'd behave. So. She crossed her arms and smiled proudly, knowing she was undergoing a great sacrifice so that he could feed her later. So with that sentiment written all over her face, she turned her icy blues to Alcuin with a level of *'shock'* — "Alcuin...!! As if I would ever do something such as this! I would not ... Ah-" She coughed a little and swirled her right hand about, trying to find the word. And her shocked face was starting to look more and more like *FEIGNED* Shock at this point; "- I would not destroy this. No, of course not. However, it must be said - that, if I had eaten them, I would have to say that these fruits especially were very tasty. And better than the fruits, I would also say that, perhaps, the ROOTS were lovely. I would assume them to have a good crunch. Chomp... Chomp-... Heheheheh." .. Oh GODS. She had dug for the ROOTS, too!!

Nevertheless, she was fully convinced of her ploy to misdirect Alcuin, believing he took her words as truth. And they were causing *Such* A ruckus that even if Ser Bicco had worked on the opposite side of his farm, he *Still* Would've noticed them. And then he finally showed.

Yrsa was by no means a puny Human. She had the weight, the height, and everything else; the land she came from was rough and *Cold* And almost REQUIRED a specific size. But she was easily dwarfed by the half-giant. Her eyes lit up as she heard him, turning her sights towards the man and figuratively blooming enthusiastically. Was part of it food-driven? Well, maybe a little. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing!

"Alcuin!! That is he! The man!" She shouted, glancing at her Elf-friend before cracking a lively grin toward Ser Bicco as if he were a spectacle. And he WAS. That's how he captivated her attention, right? But another important factor was that she began to glance around him again shortly after. As a bear, her way of *Greeting* Tended to just be.. Recognizing someone's presence and letting them do their thing. That's how she showed she was okay with stuff. But those traits overlapped with her Human shape, which meant she looked *Slightly distracted* While he made his approach. It's not that she *Intended* To be rude? It's more that no one had, probably, ever taught her some darn manners!

Well, he got her full, unadulterated attention again when he stepped in for his hug. It almost took her off-guard, but she snapped her eyes back to him with that same level of interest, nigh-on jumping into the half-giant's embrace! And, hell, she was **Strong.** Even in her Human form, she seemed to boast of a level of strength that wasn't what most would associate with a Human of her gender and age.

"He did not say this, BUT, .. I could see in his eyes that Alcuin thought I was making things up! But! You are real! So, there! .. Sorry for taking a little long. I wanted to come for food earlier! But we had to beat up Goblins and take back my smashers."
Pauline
The more Yrsa feigned shock, the higher and higher Alcuin's eyebrows rose. At the mention of roots, he barked out a nervous laugh then somewhat frantically said, **"Yrsa, no! Not the roots!! The plants can't grow more berries without roots..."** He trailed off as the old farmer approached, not accustomed, probably much like Yrsa, at having to look up at all that many people. The fact that his friend wanted to seek this man out meant that Yrsa had given him her stamp of approval. Alcuin wasn't entirely sure yet how liberally she did so, but so far it seemed to be more rare than not, so he trusted the man on that principle first of all. Upon seeing him and what scars were exposed, Alcuin's mind went through flickers of how such scars might be made; he tried to ignore that it made him salivate. 

The farmer's words and voice were immediately comforting, and the young elf felt himself relaxing somewhat. After all, it was a beautiful and incredibly well-tended farm; what harm could befall them here? The man looked likely capable in battle too. His alchemist's mind was buzzing with questions for the man about how he tended some of these plants, Alcuin knowing how finicky some of them could be. He felt there could be a great deal for him to learn here, if Yrsa would let him. A small laugh escaped him at the thought, and he looked on happily as the two embraced; it was somewhat surprising to him. Yrsa wasn't exactly the type that one just ran up and hugged. But it warmed his heart; he wanted her to have more friends, more connections.

It had been Alcuin's turn lately to be the distracted one not noticing as much. It had escaped him completely that she was so relaxed upon returning from the farm and more energized since. While he was getting a feel for how her transformations tended to go, how to help them be somewhat smoother for her, his mind had been filled with his own troubles. He was beginning to fear he'd be the death of himself if he didn't learn how to control this new power. The consequences of drawing too much were nigh unbearable.

Just as he was feeling glad no hug was offered to him, Ser Bicco extended his hand. Alcuin nodded his head in a slight bow, a show of respect, as he said in a gentle voice, **"Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Any friend of Yrsa's is alright with me."** Very gingerly, he quickly shook the farmer's giant hand as best he could with his smaller one, then crossed his arms, looking calm but uncomfortable. At Yrsa's explanation of the interval between her last visit and this one, Alcuin added with a chuckle, **"We're uh... Also not the most focused navigators."** Even as he spoke, he was looking off at those strawberries again, so many possible uses and questions about them churning in his mind as he chewed his lower lip in thought.
Glen
Bicco listened to Yrsa's animated explanation with a fond smile, his heart swelling with warmth at her exuberance. As she spoke, he couldn't help but chuckle at her antics, admiring her boundless energy and enthusiasm. When she jumped into his embrace, he wrapped his arms around her, giving her a tight squeeze before releasing her with a gentle pat on the back.

"Ah, Yrsa, always a delight to have you here. And it seems you've brought along quite the companion as well." His deep voice rumbled with warmth as he turned his attention to Alcuin, nodding in acknowledgement of his presence.

At Alcuin's polite greeting and slight bow, Bicco returned the gesture with a respectful nod of his own. He clasped Alcuin's hand in his own massive one, even if Alcuin didn't want it, giving it a firm shake before releasing it.

"The pleasure is mine, Alcuin. Welcome to my farm. You'll find that we have plenty of hospitality to go around." His eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement as he added, "And don't worry about getting lost. Happens to the best of us, especially in these parts."

With a warm smile, Bicco gestured towards the farmhouse, inviting his guests inside.

As Bicco led Yrsa and Alcuin towards the farmhouse, his mind wandered back to memories of old friends from a hundred years ago. The mention of companionship and camaraderie stirred a sense of nostalgia within him, reminding him of the bonds he once shared with individuals who had long since passed.

Yrsa's spirited energy and Alcuin's calm demeanor brought to mind images of two of his closest friends from his youth. He couldn't help but see glimpses of the jovial dwarf with a hearty laugh and a penchant for storytelling, in Yrsa's infectious enthusiasm. He had been a fierce warrior, always ready for adventure, much like Yrsa with her warrior spirit and unwavering determination.

And in Alcuin's thoughtful nature and gentle demeanor, Bicco couldn't help but be reminded of the wise and compassionate elf who had been like a sister to him. She had possessed a deep understanding of nature and magic, much like Alcuin with his alchemical knowledge and affinity for the arcane.

As they approached the farmhouse, Bicco couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity that surrounded him, as if history was repeating itself in the form of new faces. It was a bittersweet realization
James
From another perspective, Yrsa's reactions and responses might've come across as almost **Unnatural** - she was *Far* Too trusting. Took to this man far too readily. She had only met him once before! .. And had Alcuin not experienced the same? She latched onto her Elven companion as if she was 'meant' to follow someone around. Whoever her master had been before she entered the Elven lands, he hadn't taught her much about what it meant to do things on herself - what to trust and what not to trust.

Of course, a big part of that came from her animalistic instincts. She didn't care about elaborate motivations, words, or this or that. And maybe ... It wasn't even necessarily that she was gullible. She seemed to trust people based on what they did and showed her. While Alcuin and Bicco were very different people, they still shared one thing: they stared death right in the eye. They treated her with kindness, respect and personal integrity.

With Alcuin, back then - in that forest .. It was like he had nothing more to lose. Her rage matched his desperation, wrath versus a veritable void - her icy blues set up against eyes black as midnight.

She had looked at Bicco with those same eyes. That same level of malice. And instead of emptiness, he had stared right back at her with a gaze of... YEARS of knowledge; a profound, almost grandfatherly wisdom. Her life up to this point had been all strife. Her last battlefield was some three months ago? And it was **Bad.** Pure horror. Blood and guts and all those things. Beneath her veil of unadulterated happiness and genuine reactions lay deep insecurity, profound grief, and ever that nagging feeling of 'what would happen next'.

Ser Bicco could probably tell. He had seen countless wars before, right? For Yrsa, it was like .. She WANTED this to be. That's why she took to it so readily! Her old family was, well, she didn't even think about them anymore! But she liked the idea of a grandfatherly figure! Someone who cared and was friendly and nice and fed her food!

So that's how she ended up behaving. She casually sauntered her way, almost lazily, into the cabin- which from what she could tell was the only structure around for miles?- arms swaying animatedly. The berserker glanced over her shoulder, shooting Alcuin a wink and a grin - one of those 'I told you so!!' gestures. And as if it was already a habit, she made her way to the exact stool she had taken place on before.

Yrsa removed her weapons first. She unhooked her two axes and laid them on the table, followed by her oversized *Smasher*, which she put over them. Bicco might also come to notice - and, to be fair, it was easy enough to notice - that she also didn't SMELL as much as the first time. Usually, she had this *Real* Pungent odor following her around. But.. It smelled faintly of .. Of...— no, could she have used SOAP?? Well, not necessarily. But it wasn't her fault that Alcuin's soap bar flew into the bathtub!

It was a pretty significant improvement.

Anyway, she *Thumped* Back into *Her* Chair and put her hands behind her head lazily. She crossed her legs and leaned back, hovering with her back precariously, though she balanced herself out by distributing her weight.

"Psshh.. Nonsense!! I knew where we were going, all along. It just .." Yrsa cleared her throat, face briefly flushing. "- did not appear that way. But, as they say, Alcuin - you do not kill the book based on the cover. Unless, the cover is bad. Then, it is okay to kill the book. Or .. What was that.. Uh, judge..."
Pauline
The young alchemist laughed softly at Bicco's amusement. Looking around more as they approached the farmhouse, he wondered idly how he'd never stumbled on the place. Being from Velaris and having wandered it's many woods his entire life, he thought he'd seen it all. But more and more lately he was being proven wrong. Talking as they walked, Yrsa might have noticed his tone being a bit brighter than usual; it was hard for it not to be on such a magnificent farm, **"I thank you for your generosity. Your farm is amazing! You're growing so many incredibly rare things, and very well, I might add!"** Yrsa hadn't had much of a chance to see Alcuin light up talking about herbs and alchemy, but despite the way his life had felt turned upside down recently, they were still great passions of his. With a small pang of worry that he brushed aside, he hoped that would remain the case as the years wore on.

This place was so peaceful, so perfect, the warlock hoped the inherent magic he felt might somehow grant reprieve from his dark mistress, at least for a little bit. As he watched Yrsa animatedly bouncing around, then making herself quite at home in someone else's home, someone she barely knew, he looked upon her great, unabashed fondness. If nothing else, she was certainly a balm for his troubles; though in some ways, she fed the darkness within him, she also simultaneously gave it pause. It was an odd relationship, but one he was finding he couldn't live without. Sitting down next to the sprawled berserker, he looked even more a picture of poise. He dug in his bag for a book and a pen, opening to a blank page. Giving his friend a warm smile, trying not to laugh at her cute attempts at covering up her mistakes, he encouraged her, **"You followed your heart, Yrsa, and really, that's all I can ask of you. We made it in the end, and,"** He sighed playfully, **"You were indeed quite right."**

Looking up at Ser Bicco with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty, Alcuin asked, **"If it wouldn't trouble you, I'd love to ask you some questions about your farm. I don't know when I'll be home again to put the knowledge to use, but it would make a huge difference in my healing work."** If he could learn to actually grow starberries–it suddenly hit him that perhaps this kind man would share *Seeds* With him, and his eyes twinkled with excitement–that would change everything. It was a very potent reagent that he could put to use in many recipes. And growing his own would save him significant coin. His eyes traveled around the interior of the home for a moment, and he thought it felt quite cozy. Though he didn't yet know Bicco, he found he was rather immediately comfortable; this man and his home were so inviting and warm, it was hard not to be relaxed. The troubled young elf tried to soak it all in.