“I wasn’t bragging, at least I don’t see it that way. I apologize if it sounds boastful, but it was how I was taught to introduce myself. But in the Sihde, its kill or be killed, I’m sure you know that. We don’t have time for hate, its dangerous as told many times. My home, _my house_, is just a gathering of people under one roof. During hard times with your war, The War of 302 was it? Well, people fled. Found their way into the dangers of Sidhe. Many of them died, before the house was made.”
With her arms loosening a bit, Astra wiggles a little in place.
“My family, The Cadeums, built a home there when they fled. It was small at first, but when more people came to seek shelter…we couldn’t say no. Wild Elf, Tovi, High Elves, Humans…we took them in. We didn’t have time for hate, not when tending to weaker people. Its similar to your Guild of Light. To help weak people on their feet. I feel drawn to it in a way.”
Astra smiles, continuing on. “It just turned into the House. My family was elected the leaders and the house named itself such. These people got on their feet, but said they wished to help. We formed a group called The Coven there. We hunted mystical oddities. We collected dangerous, cursed, or ancient artifacts we could find. With scholars, alchemists, potion crafters, healers…The Cadeum House became something of note in our small space. I wasn’t raised around hate, but around teamwork. Sure, people have differences and the bits of hate linger… but petty hate and squabble isnt for me when I can learn from those people.”
Astra looks up at Selena. Her look is sincere and serious, believing her own words.
“And I don’t think your awful and damned by the mother moon I love, I just don’t understand you, so ‘what could I learn from you?’ is my thoughts. I harbor no hate or ill will to you. But to answer you, my teacher was my Father. I enjoy the hunt, the crafting, the magic. I managed to leave the Sidhe to look for a place I could fine tune my magic. To find my brother.”
She looks down at the ground, solemnly for a moment.
“I realize I act recklessly, that I’m naive and excitable…but sticking to traditions and rules are constraints on how to expand yourself. You end up in the same space you always have been and can’t improve. So, I act as kind as I can and take opportunities when I see one.”
She wiggles a little more, the spell slowly letting up. “So, no I never thought a blanket and holding hands fixes anything, Commander. But it does provide you with an opportunity to grab a situation and gain control. You did exactly as I planned for. Keeping her focus on me was to let the rest of you act, as you know what to do. I may not have your means or way of life, but I’d like to learn from it and maybe in turn you’d learn something from me too. My group may not be three armies, but like your guild: we act as one.”
Astra laughs at herself. “Wow, that sounded so chivalrous! Must sound dumb right? It does to me too, but its the truth for us.”
She looks back up at Selena, her eyes more stern and emotional. “So, I apologize for the havoc I’ve caused. I was planning to follow what Miquella said, but I would like to learn about your guild first, if it is possible. It may seem small, but I am a budding potion maker, alchemist, and I can wield a sword well.”
