Elua's conversation after scolding her escort was interrupted by an excited call. Her mentor's husband gestured eagerly toward the research pavilion as he approached.
"Miss Goltbred! I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to discuss our latest ritual modifications."
"Of course. I noticed the new essence-draining formations. I'd love to see your notes."
His enthusiasm brought a 'sweet' smile to her face as she willingly followed, though she noted it was a lot closer to the area she'd been avoiding. There also wouldn't be half as many witnesses to her location - but maybe that was fine.
The Skydancer had performed its work well while staying wrapped in her illusion. She kept it simple and merely made it appear as a different color and slightly smaller as it scouted the area and took note of guards. The ancient cultivator had taught the creature to cross over the same spot in the air repeatedly so that they were marked on the bird's recorded route.
Sometimes someone being friendly is just being friendly~
Though I bet she'll still think while eating that its a trap to lull her into comfortability created by her small rival.
(It's not, other people can have their own agency!)
Though admittedly, the first section is an example of free will being guided by introducing variables. So we know the schemer *can* do things like that. But really, her *pettiness* is opportunistic!
Besides, she probably thinks offloading all the work on Dima is 'enough' revenge for now.
She steals the terrifying object and I actually describe it. Probably still a little hard to conceptualize, which is the point. It's supposed to be *wrong* - like a 3-D, M. C. Escher painting.
Which is probably why they thought researching it there was an idea. Twisted 'space' must have something to do with gravity~