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Serolas: Damn shortcuts. Serolas had never been one for sticking to the cleared path, and if this had been her usual neck of the woods, figuratively and literally, it wouldn't have been a problem. She had little reason to doubt her own navigational ability and sense of direction, growing up in the forest gives you one hell of an edge in that area. Something about these forests ... straight lines curve ... she'd tried to adjust ... to what she wasn't sure, all she does know is that she should have come back to the path an hour ago. The vixen pulls her windbreaker about her ... the garment meant more for keeping the rain out of her fur than keeping warmth in, not that it was that cold. A simple unmarked green T-shirt and jeans speak of modest dress, as her current trip is a matter of business rather than entertainment. If only she could find this academy, her directions had been clear ... she is not happy about getting herself lost ...

Jeasti: The forest was surprisingly dense and for the strangest of reasons seemed to have a life of it's own, a kind of feeling that the woods are watching. Some of the trees were ancients, towering over everything, reaching so far up that they seemed to touch the sky. There were occasional spots in the tree-line where the sun shone through, the trees swaying with the wind cast a green color onto the already grassy green forest floor. Up in the distance however, was a dark shadow. A conspicuously dark shadow, that even the ancient trees did not cast. Up in the sky however, was a tower. It was tall, and had a very foreign architecture. It had buttresses, outcroppings, and strange side buildings. It seemed to be more than just a tower, and it seemed to be part of the source of that strange feeling in the forest. Jeasti of course, was on the top of the tower. These were her woods, and the many webs of spells told her what was near her tower at all times, and apparently, she had a visitor. She began to put on some more decent clothes, fingering the large ruby on her chest and making her draconic features and horns disappear. Smiling, she decided to put on a female Tuxedo. She rarely had her wings `off' of her, and did not get to indulge in wearing such clothing. So, dressed to kill, she walked down to the bottom of the tower, and waited hoping that curiosity would lead this new person to her door.

Serolas: Curiosity perhaps, and a little desperation. Serolas was used to being one with the foliage around her, trusting her senses and the sounds of the forest. This is foreign, as if the woods were aware and resentful of the outsider. She wanted a clear direction to head, and frustrated with her own failure to find it, she heads for the tower. Something is not right, but wandering this endless forest won't help. Still, she peers up as she approaches the imposing structure, smoothing down her own clothing as she approaches the entrance.

Serolas: Serolas had expected having to knock, or otherwise draw attention to herself, and being unschooled and unfamiliar with magic does not help her identify her situation, but still something is wrong, very wrong. Her surprise at the door opening before her is compounded by the sight of a human in very formal attire. Despite her uneasiness, she does not wish to be rude, giving a soft bow and offering a smile ... a natural gesture, as she finds being friendly almost second nature. "Greetings ... I did not mean to intrude ... I was hoping to find the path heading for the Ravenclaw Academy ... it should be a few days travel to the north." She almost looks embarrassed, glancing at her host, before habit and courtesy push her on. "Thank you ... I wouldn't mind resting my feet a bit, you're most generous." The rather worn backpack slung over her shoulder is hefted as she steps towards the doorway, ears flicking about. Her eyes show no fear, only embarrassment and a certain uneasiness that she can't quite place.

Jeasti: “Oh my my my, You are not intruding my lady, I am actually rather glad to have company. It isn't often that I get someone to visit me at my own home.” Jeasti took in the woman's words with great care and remembered such a place not terribly far. “Ahh, I see, that academy. Hmm. You took a wrong path on the roads… You did follow the roads I suspect… And wound up in this valley. You are about a day and a half to the west of the academy” She said, thinking however that she could only get there that fast if she flew, bypassing the rivers and mountains in the way. “Now then, you are quite a ways off, so let me get you some tea, and we can let you rest for some time. Come come, it's nice and warm inside, and I already have a fire going” She said with a smile, holding out a hand to escort the woman in. “Would you happen to be hungry?” She said, leading the vixen up a single flight of stairs into what looked like a study, with a fireplace, shelves full of books that ran up the entire wall in length, a couch, and two lounge chairs. She let go of Serolas's hand when she reached the study, and began to walk to the fireplace, sticking her hand into the fire and pulling it out unharmed, along with a big black kettle. She poured the boiling hot water into a teapot, put the kettle back into the fire, and got out two cups and began to put tea leaves into the kettle but stopped. “Is earl gray alright? I have quite a few varieties”

Serolas: Despite whatever misgivings she might have had about the situation, the obvious wrongness ... she's overwhelmed, not only by the opulence before her, but by the beauty and appearance of her host. She is used to humans being distrustful of her kind ... that or simply caught up in their own business, and despite the difference in race, she is quite beautiful, which is intimidating in it's own way. Not naturally shy, she can't help but appear sheepish at the reception offered her. She accepts the hand offered her, smiling gratefully to the kind words, ears perking happily as her free hand allows her pack to fall to her side, carried along. "I should introduce myself properly ... Serolas Fleetwood, a pleasure." She manages, fighting the urge to gape at the delicious sights about her. She bites her lip, as if cutting of her initial reaction to the news of her straying off course. "I cut through the forest, I feel more comfortable traveling that way, the roads feel exposed." She grins, fighting down her own pride as she nods. "Something to eat would be nice, if you don't mind." As they reach their destination, the books in particular catch her attention, and she can't hide her wonder and curiosity. "That would be nice, thank you." She's not used to tea, but she doesn't seem to mind it, still trying to get over the disparity between her own rough upbringing and the privilege and comfort being offered her.

Jeasti: Jeasti smiled at the Vixen's interest in her study. Jeasti was a vain being, and if this had not caught the fox's attention, then well… She would have felt surprisingly hurt! She was glad though that Serolas seemed to take a liking to her, but then of course, Jeasti thought, it could just her guest being polite. Jeasti smiled a Serolas, and put the tea leaves into the pot, closing the lid and walking over to Serolas again. She thought to shake the Vixen's hand but… thought of something that might give away her nature slightly. She gently put her hands on the vixen's sides, and kissed each of her cheeks in that classic European greeting. “It is a pleasure to meet you my dear Ms. Fleetwood. I am Jeasti. Since birth, I have never had a last name, so just Jeasti will do fine for all purposes.” She said smiling at Serolas, and turned away going back to the teapot, observing the vixen's reaction out of the corner of her eye. She reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a tin of chocolates, and set it next to the teapot, and then poured two cups of fresh tea.

Serolas: Serolas had not expected Jeasti's greeting, her body tensing slightly, but not objecting as the woman draws close, the feel of her hands on her hips, her proximity, the light touch of her lips on her fur. A hint of color runs up the naked skin inside her ears, and she looks almost frustrated to be so badly flustered. She smiles, nodding in response, maintaining eye contact as if unwilling to completely give into the puddle she wants to turn into. Still, she's unable to find words as Jesti attends to the refreshments, giving her time to set down her pack and wander towards one of the bookshelves, browsing through the words adorning the spines on the books. As tea is poured, she makes her way towards the nearest lounge chair, taking her seat and accepting her cup, blowing on it gently, allowing the earthy smell of leaves to fill her sensitive nose. A deep breath as she tries too relax. "You have quite the collection." She nods over towards the bookshelf, almost envious. "I was hoping to see what the academy could offer me, I'm still trying to find my trade." Her eyes seem to peer questioningly at Jeasti, curious as to her own vocation, but not wishing to be rude to her host.

Jeasti: Jeasti smiled inwardly at the vixen's reaction, it was just as she had hoped. This was going to be a magnificent amount of fun. The books on the shelf were wide and varied, some of them were in languages that only the oldest of being could read, very few were books of fiction, and all of those seemed to be in a separate place entirely. There were book topics ranging from seed germination to sword fighting techniques of the ottoman empire to magic for beginners and even a few books whose words changed when eyes were looking at them. It was an impressive collection. Jeasti casually sat next to Serolas and took a sip from her own cup of tea, smelling it, and savoring it's taste for a moment before speaking again. “It is never polite to ask a lady their age, but I have been alive a long time, and collected most of these books. The rest, well, There were here when I found this place abandoned so long ago. I have read all books in this study, and you can read any you like if you wish to stay. I have spare rooms, so the offer will stand as long as you wish.” She said, trying for the moment to side-step the unanswered question. What was her trade really? “Still looking for a trade? You seem to be quite a kind person, I like to think that if you pick something, it should involve people. You are someone people find themselves liking quite hastily.” She said smiling at Serolas, looking at her in the eyes with her own amber colored orbs. “Hmm… But if I had a trade, I would have to say I am the female equivalent of a `jack of all trades'. For you see, There isn't any one things I don't do. When one lives long enough, you pick up everything as a hobby to pass the time!” She said giggling.

Serolas: She takes a sip of her own, taking a moment to take in the strange, but not unpleasant taste, finding it soothing. As much as she attempts to keep her composure, the offer catches the vixen by visible surprise, jaw gaping for a moment, brows and ears perking up. She recovers quickly, but not before betraying a mix of shock, eagerness and embarrassment. "I was raised feral ... but I've worked hard, and find that civilized life has more ... meaning to it. To read is a joy." She smiles, her words carrying neither shame nor a need to justify one's self. "I'll admit that I'm surprised at your offer, I am sorely tempted to accept, I'm eager to learn, better equip myself. What meaning does our life have if we do not seek to improve it?" She seems to relish the conversation, Jeasti is an enigma to her, but she seems eager for companionship, and has an intellect to match her own, at least ... something difficult to find among the normal denizens of the vixen's home forest.

Jeasti: Jeasti smiled as she sipped her tea again, trying to hide her smile with the cup. She set the cup down, and placed her hands folded on her lap. “I was raised by my parents, who were by no means role models. I was taught how to… Well. Use my body.” She said with a serious face. “It is because of this, how I was raised and my parentage, that it is so difficult to get anyone to speak to mean. I am happy to have your company, and would be honored, and immensely happy to have you stay. I have read all the books in the tower, and I either need to find more, or find someone to talk with. It does get lonely around here.” She said with a sigh. “I will teach you some things if you would like as well if you stay. Again, an offer I leave for you to accept, even if you depart from my home.”

Serolas: Serolas listens ... her expression almost unreadable, but softening slightly, no judgment, a touch of understanding. "It's not an easy world out there." She murmurs ... giving Jeasti a small nod, perhaps with a touch of respect. She seems to be deep in thought, doubtful and concentrated in her expression before she let's her breath out, forming a simple as she leans forward in what might be considered a seated bow. "I would be honored to stay with you, keep you company ... I feel that I would benefit much from what I might learn here, and my company ..." A pause, and a sincerely kind expression forms. "... and perhaps friendship, are a small price to pay for it, thank you ..."