trans_9 | Of malfunctioning portals, parks and dragons [Open]

"The device wasn't like anything I'd ever seen before," Cassie said with a slight smile. "Not that that would be hard at the time."

The Andalites had certainly been hesitant in sharing information and technology with others. Cassie understood that hesitation, even if she wished that it could have been different. Still, she was glad that Celena hadn't been upset with her own lack of knowledge. "Thank you for understanding, Celena. I wish that I could tell you more."

Her face relaxed at Celena's reassurances and she smiled. "Thank you. That makes me feel much better." She was happy to have found someone else on the ship that she felt that she could trust and her face reflected that fact.

"How does your ring work?" she asked, her curiosity obvious in her eyes. A bit uncertainly, she added. "You said that the ring was enchanted? Like... with magic?"

(OOC: I'm sorry that this took so long.)

"Indeed, there only few who would have, really," Celena dipped her head at that with a smile. Indeed the technology of her own kind was not one that was wide spread in the least outside those her kind had specific dealings with.

She gave a friendly smile as Cassie visibly relaxed, "You are welcome Cassie," she replied with a clear sense of understanding. Having those you could trust amongst a great many who could be potentially hostile was no small thing.

That drew a soft chuckle, "Indeed, that would be the correct assumption, Aibghalien enchanted the rings with a spell that changes the form of the user into that of another being,"

(OOC: Not a problem! Sorry about my own delays, Uni has been a little busy)

Cassie hesitated at the confirmation of what she'd believed about the ring, a bit uncertain. She had long since accepted that there was a great deal that she knew nothing about in the universe. Experience had told her that much, but it could still be hard to come to terms with something that she'd thought only was only present in fiction. But, then again, at one time, she'd have grouped dragons and aliens as fictional as well and clearly that was untrue. She knew that time would remove at least some of her discomfort, but in the meantime, she stiffened some at the thought.

Still, her curiosity overcame the discomfort enough that she questioned it further, taking a deep breath as she forced her body to relax. "You mentioned that others of your kind though can transform naturally, right? Or is that too the result of a magical item? Can you use magic on your own?" She looked the transformation up and down. "It certainly works well. I don't think that I'd ever have been able to guess that this isn't your true form. Does it have a time limit?" She still sought connections between her own abilities and Celena's to help her better understand.

(OOC: I don't know if you want to take this in that direction yet, but Cassie probably isn't ever going to ask about the whole acquiring Celena thing. Morphing sentient beings is something that has always made her uncomfortable, so Cassie probably wouldn't ask. Celena might have to be the one to bring it up whenever you think that would be appropriate as long as that's okay with you. If it's not okay then let me know and we'll work something else out. We don't have to go in that direction yet though if you don't want to do so. I'm enjoying the conversation as it is right now and playing this out further sounds fun, but I thought that it might be best to let you know how I was planning on playing Cassie over that situation. Thanks!)

Edited 2011-08-28 00:42 (UTC)

Celena noted her discomfort and uncertainty in the confirmation. After all from what she had gathered the skill or capability of magic did not necessarily exist within all the worlds that those on board hailed from.

"Indeed I did, that is of their own doing rather than by use of a magical item such as this. Rather by use of their own energies to perform the transformation," She explained easily with a dip of her head, "I myself can utilize my energies to a vast number of uses, for instance," At that she gestured to a nearby rock, the rock slowly lifting and drifting over to hover above her upturned palm.

"This particular transformation has no strict time limit, though is restricted only to this particular form, the spell Aibghalien utilized prior had a time limit of around a week before it wore off," Celena replied easily before asking in turn, "I gather you're own transformation ha a time limit of sorts?"

(OOC: That's fine, understandable that Cassie herself wouldn't. I can have Celena bring the topic up in the next tag perhaps and start moving the conversation in that direction. Rather enjoying this conversation between them as well myself, welcome!)

Cassie tilted her head as she listened to Celena's explanation, her eyes widening as the rock began to move without ever being physically touched. "That's... impressive," she murmured, instinctively starting to reach a hand out to touch the floating rock before quickly jerking it back as she thought better of it. "Energies, you said? How do you make it do things like that? Is it difficult for you to do?"

Cassie nodded and smiled. "Interesting. Thank you for sharing all this with me." Her face then took on a more solemn look as she considered Celena's question. "Yes, it does," she admitted. "The morphing technology is incredible, but it has some dangers associated with it, one of the most serious of them being that it allows for only two hours in a morph. Any longer then that and you become trapped in the morph."

(OOC: Whenever you wish to do so would be great. Thank you. :) )

Celena watched her expression with interest dipping her head with a smile, "Indeed, by manipulating my energies by will I and my kind can cause many effects, it takes a great deal of time and training to properly utilize ones energies," She explained as she had the rock slowly rotate before letting it drift down to the side to set down.

"You are welcome, Cassie," She dipped her head with a warm smile, listening on as Cassie explained the dangers of the morphing technology, "Interesting...that is quite a danger, is there a time you must remain 'demorphed' between morphing or does the time limit reset as it were with each morph?" She asked with some curiosity.

After a moment of thought she spoke the command words to her ring, her form within seconds returning to its natural state, "I am curious, Marco mentioned others that might be interested in acquiring a form like my own, what are your thoughts on the matter?"

Her eyes remained on the rock as Celena continued to manipulate it, until it finally settled back on to the ground. "That makes sense," she mused quietly. "It's incredible that you can do things like that."

She tilted her head. "The time limit resets with each new morph. The only limitation there is I must pass through my original form before moving to the next morph. As an example, I could not have gone from my owl morph to any other. I'd have to become human again in between. Once human though, I could go to any of my other morphs immediately assuming that I wasn't too tired to morph and the time limit would be reset again to two hours."

Cassie hesitated at the question and she bit her lip. The morality behind acquiring sentient beings had always troubled her. Only with consent had been the overall decision on that finally, although, despite their best efforts, they hadn't always been able to hold to that promise. The whole issue had always troubled her. It felt... wrong.

"I... don't know," she whispered finally. "It could be helpful, but... would you be willing? I don't want..." Her voice trailed off. Celena had been so kind to her already. It seemed wrong to ask any more of her, especially something as important as the use of her own form. No, she could ask no more. If Celena offered the opportunity of her own free will then Cassie would probably not refuse, but she would not put any more pressure on her new friend. It would be wrong. "It's your form, Celena. I can't ask you for so much."

Edited 2011-08-30 18:39 (UTC)

Celena dipped her head at Cassie's comment, "There are many things all can do that may be called incredible I dare say, even if not so flashy," She replied with a soft chuckle, after all there was much even those without such abilities could do.

"Interesting indeed, so by returning to your human form you effectively reset the time limit. Is it possible to morph from one non-human form to another form even with the time limit in effect? Or must you always return to human?" She asked with a measure of curiosity, such aspect intrigued her even as much as the initial use of the ability.

Cassie's hesitation did not go unnoticed, that she indeed showed such hesitance showed an aspect of her morals, one that Celena approved of, and for that reason she was more willing to consider the idea. "I am open to the idea and willing, depending on what you may use it for," She replied calmly though with a greater sense of seriousness than previously, before going on, "Though before the idea is considered I must note, that while the morph would have the same form as my own, as Marco can confirm, the markings that adorn the form, take on a different configuration, reacting to a different personality and mind, to those who know me, it would be clear that you are not I,"

Cassie smiled and nodded. "You're right. Every species that I've ever learned of has had something that made it special. Your abilities are very impressive though."

"I must always return to my human form between morphs," Cassie answered. She hesitated before adding, "There have been cases that we've learned of in which it was possible to go from one morph to another, but that was out of control morphing. Not at all normal or desired."

Cassie looked at Celena solemnly. "I would never use your form in a way that you disapproved of, Celena. It is a gift and I would not abuse that kindness." The sincerity in her voice was clear as she spoke. "Tell me the rules and I will follow them. But... if it makes you uncomfortable, then I certainly understand. This is so much to ask and I'd rather that you not do it if it would make you uncomfortable." She smiled. "Really? That's interesting and helpful as it would help avoid any initial confusion. Is it possible to read another's personality from the pattern?"

Edited 2011-08-31 04:57 (UTC)

Celena smiled at that, "That is true indeed, everything has something that makes it unique but thank you,"

"That is understandable, not a process one would wish such a process to go out of control in any respect I would imagine," She commented as she watched her with interest.

Celena watched Cassie with calm regard, her sincerity clear in her reply, that she was concerned about her comfort in the matter spoke greatly for her, "I will not bring you down with rule after rule, only two, do not abuse my form and do not use it to bring harm whether physical or otherwise to innocents," she replied after a moment of consideration and a soft smile down to her, "indeed, though others who do not know me so well may still confuse you as me. It is technically possible, yes, though only one with great experience among my kind would truly be able to accurately identify such things,"

"Of course, Celena," Cassie responded sincerely. "I wouldn't do either. I promise."

She took a deep breath, still uneasy about this situation, but Celena did seem willing. And having a dragon morph could be helpful. This... was okay, wasn't it? Cassie shook her head slowly, worry in her eyes. She knew well that, for many moral questions, there were very few simple answers, such as this issue over morphing other sentient beings. It was an issue that had come up many times in the past, but still Cassie found herself at a loss to what the "right" answer was. If she had permission...

Cassie turned it over in her mind for a few more minutes, biting her lip, but finally made her decision.

"If you ever have any issue with how I am using your form, Celena, then please come tell me." Cassie took a step closer and lifted her hand, but didn't extend it yet. "May I?"

Edited 2011-09-05 00:20 (UTC)

Celena smiled softly at that as she dipped her head, "I don't doubt it, thank you,"

She watched her thoughtfully with a calm smile, giving her all the time she needed to think over the matter. Indeed she would suppose it was no simple decision on Cassie's side from the worry in her eyes. To take on the form of another was no small decision after all.

Celena didn't step back even a fraction as Cassie finally stepped closer, decision made, "I will keep that in mind, do not worry," She replied calmly and reassuringly before dipping her head, "You may,"

(OOC: If you'd like, I could whip up an icon for you to use, with the different markings Cassie will have in Celena's form, any preference as to how you'd like them to look if so?)

"Thank you," Cassie smiled, laying her hand gently on Celena and closing her eyes as she focused the whole of her attention on her friend as she acquired the dragon's DNA. When she was finished, she opened her eyes again and removed her hand. "I'm done, Celena. Thank you so much. This is very generous of you."

She tilted her head and smiled again. "Do you mind if I test it now? I'd love to learn from you more, if you'd be willing to teach me. Maybe I could even try flying in your form." There was some excitement in her voice now at the thought of flying. Flight was something that Cassie had always loved and the idea of being able to experience flight the way that Celena did was enough to chase away some of the doubts that had been hounding for the time being.

(OOC: I'd love it if you'd be willing, but don't worry about if it's too much trouble. I can do without if needed. I don't have any preference on the spots. Whatever is easiest. Thank you!)

Edited 2011-09-05 02:10 (UTC)

Celena smiled in return with a dip of her head, falling into a small trance as the process was underway, returning to her senses as Cassie's hand was removed. "You are welcome, Cassie. I hope that it will prove useful to you,"

She smiled with a nod at that, "I don't mind if you do, if you are willing to learn then I would be happy to teach you. Especially flight, I will admit, it is one of my joys, though perhaps starting off simple in regards to flight would be best," She replied with a soft chuckle and a wider smile. Indeed, she flew whenever she had the chance to, and not always so simple flights, ones that would make a roller coaster seem tame.

(OOC: I'd be happy to then! Shall get to that when I get home, shall think on that in the mean time. Welcome)

"I'm sure that it will," Cassie smiled.

"I'd love to learn," she nodded eagerly, her voice edged with excitement and tinged with nervousness. She'd been told what to expect with the morph, but doing a new one was always a bit nerve wracking. It was hard to know exactly what would come with each new morph.

Again, she scanned the area quickly before proceeding with the morph.

She focused on Celena's form, picturing it in her mind. The changes began immediately, spreading from head to toe. Moments later, a second tall dragon stood there, looking identical to Celena except for the markings that covered her in a different fashion then they did her friend, just as Celena had told her. The instincts were indeed of no issue and the senses that she had in this form were excellent.

She stretched her wings wide and lifted her head up high. < Oh, wow! > Then Cassie dipped her head towards Celena. < May we begin the first lesson? I'm looking forward to it. >

(OOC: It's beautiful! Thank you! I've credited it to your Livejournal account for now, but if you'd prefer that it be credited in a different way then please let me know. And thank you again! I love it!)

Edited 2011-09-06 15:56 (UTC)

Celena dipped her head with a warm smile, chuckling softly, "Then it would be my pleasure to teach you," She replied cheerfully at the excitement Cassie showed toward the endeavor.

Once more Celena herself helped in ensuring that the area was clear of others that might observe Cassie's transformation. Nodding to her once she was sure that the area was clear then proceeded to watch on as Cassie began the process of morphing to her form, observing the process with great interest as soon Cassie stood in what was an identical copy of her form physically, but with a quite different pattern of markings. Something that Celena paid particular attention to for a moment.

She couldn't help but chuckle at Cassie's reaction to her form, smiling easily to her, amusement clear on her features, "Of course, what would you like to learn first? There is much to learn with a form like my own after all," She replied easily, after all Cassie herself could likely feel the energies that flowed through the form she had taken on, among the other many aspects that made up Celena's form.

(OOC: Most welcome! I'm glad you think so! That crediting is fine, not to worry! ^^ )

Cassie lifted her head again and watched Celena happily, her whole posture indicating her eagerness. < You're the expert. What would be best for a new dragon to learn first? I'd be happy with anything. >

She could indeed feel something strange running through her, but she didn't know what it could be. But, she did remember what Celena had said about how she could use her energies to do all sorts of things. Could... this feeling be those energies? It wasn't something that she normally felt while in morph, so it had to be something specifically related to the form that she now wore.

Cassie tilted her head. < I've been feeling something odd since I morphed. I'm sure that it's not from the morphing itself though because I'd have felt it before if that was so. What would the energies that you mentioned feel like? >

Celena smiled easily with a hint of amusement at Cassie's eagerness to learn, "Indeed, that is a fair question," she replied with a chuckle before thinking on just what would be the best place to start with Cassie.

She dipped her head lightly, as she took a moment to draw energy to her vision to look over her, noting that everything seemed where it should be energy wise, "Indeed, that would likely be the energy that flows through the forms of all of my kind," As to how it felt though, how to explain it to someone who had not felt it before..."it should feel somewhat like a flow of warmth a sense of energy that flows through all portions of your body, a flow you can control with practice,"

"On that topic, we could start with some minor control of the energies within you, it takes a great deal of time to master many of the abilities it is capable of but nevertheless it should prove useful to you," She explained calmly before smiling, "Though if you're eager to fly, we can start there,"

So, this feeling- the odd warmth- this was the energy that Celena had spoken of then? Apparently. It felt strange to her, but not unpleasantly so.

< It does feel like that, although I don't think that I have any control of it, but you said that came with practice. > she responded. A morph came with instincts only after all. She may have had Celena's natural abilities, but she had no idea how to use them.

< Which would you prefer to do? > Cassie asked curiously. After all, Celena was generously giving up her time to help Cassie learn this. It seemed only fair to let her friend guide the lesson as she wished.

Celena tilted her head lightly at that thoughtfully, "You should at the very least have a small level instinctive control of its flow, fine control and manipulation to greater effects are that which takes training and practice, of which I can show you the basics of and attempt to teach you should you wish,"

"For now though, let's start with something a bit more..exciting, let me show you what it's like to fly in my form," She replied with something of a grin as she looked over to Cassie, "The flight itself in its basics should come somewhat instinctively, that much I've seen from Marco,"

Moving towards a clear area she unfurled her wings, "Watch what I do and then follow suit when you are ready," She instructed as she crouched back, bunching the powerful muscles of her hind legs, wings held high. Holding the pose for a moment to allow Cassie a chance to observe before she leaped high above the tree line even as she brought her wings down in a single powerful sweep.

< Really? > Cassie asked curiously. She tried to see if she could manipulate the new force any, letting the dragon's instincts take the lead some. She was able to sense the flow, but what control she could manage was very minimal.

Cassie watched intently as Celena took flight, taking in every move. Then she opened her own wings, matching Celena's form as she launched herself into the sky. Flying was far easier then the energy manipulation attempts had been. The instincts were all present, so all she had to do was follow them. She might not be doing many acrobatics any time soon, but she could fly well enough. The feel of the wind beneath her wings was a familiar one, even though the form that she was in was new, and happiness flooded through her as she rose to the sky. She'd always loved to fly.

"Indeed, it may take some time to properly ease into it," Celena replied in turn easily enough as she observed Cassie as she attempted as much.

In the air Celena banked on wingtip to trace a wide arch over the park to watch on as Cassie herself attempted her own take off, "Looks like you're off to a good start!" She called across to her with a smile as she came up alongside gracefully, it was clear that Celena even above and beyond what instincts showed was at home on wing as she led them higher and higher yet above the city, the park far below.

Cassie was surprised by just how easily she could maneuver in the air. She'd guessed that the dragon's larger body would be harder to move then the smaller bird forms that she was used to, but that didn't seem to be the case.

< Thank you, > she answered, as she met Celena in the air. Her eyes sparkled joyfully and her demeanor showed her contentment. < I'm trying at least. >

She watched Celena as they flew together. Her friend did indeed appear to be at home in the sky. More importantly though, Celena seemed to be so happy while she flew and that was what truly mattered.

While Cassie couldn't match Celena's gracefulness yet, she wasn't new to the idea of flight either and her past experiences were proving quite helpful in getting used to her new morph, even though there were some distinctive differences between the forms.

Cassie followed Celena closely, happy to just be able to let go of her worries for a few minutes and enjoy the experience.

Her natural agility in the air would come as little surprise if Cassie knew just how much Celena had honed her form for flight.

"You are welcome, and indeed you are," She called across in turn with a cheerful grin, clearly enjoying the wing beneath her wings as they flew higher and higher above the city below.

After a few minutes Celena leveled off her flight and settled into an easy glide, the pair of them far above even the highest buildings of the city below, casting a grin across to her friend and commenting, "Quite the view, wouldn't you say?" Especially so with the sharp eyesight afforded by her form.

"In any event, at this height it is safe enough to practice your flight and more difficult maneuvers once you've gotten a proper feel for flight as a dragon,"

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