[SE] Oh, Valley of Plenty

Maea Big dreamers shoot for open skies The gryphon was more than welcome to rest on her, and Maea wrapped her arms about the cub, cooing softly as she made to run her cheek over Haai's back. She'd always had a weak spot for animals, far more so than children. This kind of simple, trusting affection melted her heart far more than any sticky handed, snot-faced brats ever could. "You will grow to be a magnificent terror, I'm sure!" she told it. "Burning enemies and saving your human when it pleases you." She offered Sunjata a sly grin. "Or not. Sometimes it is better to let them sort out their own messes." An empty taunt, in her mind, said with a smile to take the edge off any insult - she was growing more comfortable, less intimidated by this person. Perhaps he was not dangerous, after all. "I think it has to do with my size," she shrugged, "or perhaps lack of practice. My da was strict about drinking, seeing as mother lost her family to it. They were outlanders, and did not cope well with a life under the barrier." Sipping at the juice, finding it fresh and just on the right side of sweet, she considered her host. If he'd arrived after the barrier fell, he wouldn't know what it had been like before. Unable to recall his face from earlier, she assumed it to be the case, and felt a brief tug of envy at the thought. What was it like, to remember only horizon and the option to go where he pleased? "How do you like Caido?" she asked him, after a moment of silence. "I hear many say it's different from their original worlds."