Private Finished Owl with a Cloud

"Age starts lacking meaning after so many years. Only the most inane of people use it as a status symbol and right to brag. I do understand that some species naturally become stronger and more intelligent as they age, and Oricenta work by that same logic, but I just find people using age as an excuse to say they are better than everyone around them to be simpleminded." Frankly, she did not try to guess Hazel's age. She did look young, but she spoke with an air of maturity that Béatrice could not care to question. Age did not matter when it came to her friend groups. As long as their personalities were fun to be around, why care about it? Especially when she was living in an area where people were very young chronologically compared to her, but older physically and mentally.

Béatrice smiled brightly at the idea of Hazel wanting to meet her children. "I am sure we can set something up. We are a busy family, but Oluremi is usually around to take care of Arjean when Ade and I are working. Oluremi sometimes takes time for herself and get the Meis to watch over Arjean, so you could probably snatch her for one-on-one bonding time. I try to arrange as many days as possible where we can all have a break and spend quality family time together, so perhaps you could come along to one of our picnics or training sessions, or you can invite us out and surprise us. I think because you invited me here and did such a great job setting everything up, it is my turn to repay you."

Béatrice had a better opinion of humans than most other oricenta, but considering her job was to research a multitude of species, it was unsurprising that she would be educated on them and not feel the need to talk down to them or act like she was better. "I understand why many species would have a grudge against humans, but I think there are better ways to handle their feelings than showing off. I do not agree with many things humans have done, but I also do not agree with many things oricenta have done, as well as other species. But I am rambling here. It is not that much of a big deal here, I suppose. I know there are normal humans around here with no powers, and they seem to be living well."

She laid back into her chair, thinking for a bit about what she said before continuing after Hazel finished speaking. "It is fine. Us Air oricenta are very fragile. It makes us lighter, helps us fly, and makes it harder to hear us, but we get hurt very easily. Training is not always violent as well. We do healing training, magic training, and temptation training. Like for Arjean, we have to teach them how to hold back their basic instincts and how to use their weather manipulation, but I do not think the former would be good for you. Not that they would try to hurt you, but it can either be very boring or very frustrating. I must say, however, that a more 'normal' introduction to our family would be better instead of you meeting them during a training session. Not much room for a casual conversation there."

"Temptation training is just keeping our instincts controlled. We all have a need to hunt and consume knowledge, but if not controlled as early as possible, it can drive us to reckless behavior. Keeps us from becoming wild animals just because we smell a whiff of blood or see notice a book we have not read. I am sure you can understand how that could become annoying for others, correct?" Béatrice herself had more trouble reigning in her need to learn than her need to hunt. Hunting was not something she ever had a serious addiction to. Learning, on the other hand, was something she wanted to do constantly, and at times she felt like she was going insane because of it.

Béatrice leaned in to rest her arms on the table and her head in her hands. "Well, let me see here. I am interested in what type of training you have done. What I mean is, what have you learned from your master? What did he learn from his explorations? I would like to hear what type of subjects he has studied, his knowledge on species, what you did with that knowledge, and if you are continuing his legacy." She stopped herself right there, noticing she was piling on question after question instead of allowing Hazel a chance to respond.

It was nice having a break from answering questions now. Béatrice still had many answered prepared for Hazel in case she ever asked, but there were times she became overwhelmed by how many questions she was being asked. Now that she was asking her own questions, she looked at Hazel with full attention, like a child listening to her parent during storytime. She even had time to take more bites out of the treats they brought for this gathering.

"Your master sounds a lot like me. I had to learn quickly to disregard stereotypes about species, and in particular, humans. I would be a terrible biologist and sociologist if I went by stereotypes and stereotypes only. It is why I am here now. But never mind that." She was getting better at cutting off her ramblings. "I think you are carrying on his legacy just fine, then again, I have just met you, so I cannot say for certain. We could always be species buddies. I plan on making notes while I am here, and I do not mind sharing my information with you, with information back, of course. Though might I asked, why an owl? I presume it is because of snowy owls and your magic is based on ice."