[PLOT] Another of the Circle [FINISHED]

[Daisicle]

Walking around in the tree, Celestia let her hand glide against the inner wood. So many interesting pae were around, many of which she had already met, and many whom she still needed to. How many important figures hat she already become acquainted with? Chieftain Rais... Seer Vanya... Sir JustMo... Lady Belvah... Ms. Coronus...

Yet, so many remained unknown to her.

Of the 'inner circle' alone, there had been many whom she had never seen present at her power ceremony. Who were they, these pae? What made them special enough to be given that responsibility that she no longer held? She hoped, glancing away, that she may find out soon enough, before her patience faded, even if she could really not allow it to do so, or before her secret was found out. If that happened, she feared that she would never be allowed to return from the shame.  

[Daisicle]

Sighing, Celestia decided that today's tea would be better served in public, rather than alone in her room, as she often did. If she did not put herself out there to find others, what right had she to complain when it did not happen? Moving away from the wall, she turned to head towards the tavern, the only place in the tree she had been personally shown and not left to happen upon. The princess could thank her new mentor for that, and for being patient with her rudeness. She hoped that her new power, whatever it might be, would be able to serve her as a thanks.

Moving into the pub, she brushed her long hair behind her wings, its length flowing softly with the movement, before looking around to see if anyone else was there as well.  

[Daisicle]

Taking note of the few there, particularly the one with a weapon near, the princess moved to the bar stand, waiting a moment before ordering a pot of elderberry chamomile tea and a small slice of carrot cake. Glancing once at the man beside her, eating his meal with great fervor, she smiled lightly as if to say hello before returning her attention behind the counter. The princess made no move to actually make conversation and instead occupied herself with watching her tea be made and her afternoon snake cut from the whole. When the server returned with a wooden tray holding her order, she smiled widely, thanking him before taking it with her to a table at the side of the tavern. Sitting down, she carefully arranged everything to her specific liking, waiting a few moments to decide that it was adequate, and then pouring herself a cup of the brew.  

[Daisicle]

Having already set down the pot and picked up her teacup, Celestia looked up at the man speaking to her; it was the same man whom had been eating not too long before. Momentarily musing to herself about how he could have finished all of that so quickly, she smiled lightly as she replied. "I always have tea at this time of the day, though more often than not it is in my quarters, either alone or in the company of one other." Motioning to the seat in front of her, she continued. "Would you care to join me this day?"  

[Daisicle]

Taking a sip of her tea, the princess quietly watched the man, now known to be Gulliver, take a seat across from her. That name... seemed familiar. Setting her cup down onto the table, she thought to herself. Who could...? Nodding to herself, she remembered where she had heard it: at her ceremony. Gulliver, Captain of the Rangers and one of Rais' inner circle. What luck? Only moments before, she had been musing about meeting more of the tree's authority, and here it was, actually happening. "Yes, I believe we met briefly at the great ceremony of loyalty and power..." pausing for a moment, she continued, "...and perhaps when we arrived, my subjects and I." smiling, she formally introduced herself, "I am called Celestia, and my sister is Luna." Again pausing, she waited to let the information register before motioning to the tea pot. "Would you care for a glass?"  

[Daisicle]

Nodding, Celestia stood up, moving to the counter to ask for a small cup. After a moment of looking, he handed it to her and she returned, setting it in front of Gulliver and bending over to pour his tea before placing the pot down and returning to her seat. Picking up her glass, she smiled softly and raised it in a motion of 'cheers' before taking another drink from it and setting it back in front of her. She hoped that he enjoyed the brew; it was one of the sweeter ones, so she didn't drink it often.

Answering his question, she mused lightly, "It has been well, discounting that 'party,' if one can even call such a horror by that, that Venus threw." It was clear by her tone that there were remaining tension.  

[Daisicle]

"You should continue to avoid them if possible," the princess commented bluntly, lifting her cup to finish the tea inside and leaving her statement at that. If she said any more, or let him figure that something had happened to her specifically, her secret could become public knowledge within the circle. That could not happen under any circumstances; she would not let it. Pouring herself another cup, listening to him, she asked, "I heard from a friend..." her husband, to be specific, "...a little about the storm. Did some go missing due to it, or for another reason?" How strange, pae disappearing from existence. Maybe the island was not as safe as she had hoped when they arrived, though there was nothing that could be done about it now.  

[Daisicle]

Okay, lost acorns was much preferred over lost pae, even if (apparently) they were very similar. Honestly, she hadn't completely understood the whole reasoning behind her people and the people of the tree being the same, but it was of no real matter. They were here, and they were safe, and they were accepted; what more was needed? Still, she wanted to make sure she was making the right connection. "As ours had? Do many of the missing return in such a way?" Noticing the speed at which her acquaintance drank his tea, she assumed that it was not to his taste. The princess would have to remember not to offer him more when he finished.