Miraka nods, "Of course sister."  The ghostly apparition looks around for a minute, "You're at the beast man's ranch, Pepper ranch they call it?   The people around here are honest, but tend to be self centered and lazy.  They will trade you for food of many sorts if you've got the gems, and when I was here last there was an old man who was part owl who knew a lot of magic.  He taught me for a price of course, but if you're thinking about trying to seduce him, don't... he was offended when I tried.  The rest of the beast men were happy to trade a safe and comfortable bed in exchange for some sex, but expected me to leave in the morning.  Apparently if you hang around the farm during the day, they actually expect you.... ugh... to work.   Can you imagine?  A princess digging in the dirt like a commoner?"<br/><br/>She shakes her head, "Steer clear of the Centaurs if you want to keep your will your own.  They have a very dominant culture and will only humiliate and humble you, try to force you into being their slave or they will ignore you."<br/><br/>"As for mother, what is it you wish to know?  I only saw her a few dozen times my whole life.  I was raised mostly by court attendants and nannies.  I was told that after my eighteenth birthday I'd ascend to full princess, and then I'd see mother more often.  I realize now that was a lie only to keep it so that she didn't have to speak to me."