Watchers - 3

"They are indeed! Would you like to go see the murals?" Eleanor asked, her head tilting with her curiosity and eagerness to continue to show Xayah around. "I can explain some of the history and significance behind many of the pieces, if you'd like. Though, I admit, some are simply for fun and the enjoyment of depicting the cosmos above us."

Xayah returned the eager smile, always a sucker for anything and everything knowledge based. History and magic are the two things she will always agree to seeing or learning about, no matter what. Easy ways to get on her good side too, if she were honest. Eleanor was much better company to talk to in comparison to her guard. Enough so that she'd forgotten entirely that she was dead set on having a conversation with the Watcher's leader. Not that she'd be able to find him to talk in the first place, but her initial determination had been there. Let alone Cislunar- she'd completely put him on the backburner in her mind. He'd been unable to pass the first challenge, and was likely standing a grumpy sentry at the entrance.

"I'd love to go see them! I enjoy history of all types, especially when it comes to cultural or magical history." Xayah agreed with a small laugh, easily moving to follow after Eleanor as her host started to gather up a few things to take with them. A bag to carry paints of various colors and sizes and various states of glowing, with paint brushes of various sizes as well that had seen plenty of use. Despite the wear on everything she was being handed and that Eleanor was putting into her own bags, the items weren't… in poor condition. Quite the opposite, actually. Everything was meticulously cleaned and cared for, and every item had its place in the bag Xayah had been tasked with carrying.

Eleanor had clearly been doing this for quite some time now, and had a deep love for her murals and painting. It was almost inspiring- was inspiring to see. Xayah had yet to find a hobby or task that she enjoyed this much, that could get her eyes sparkling as she went about her routine for it. Yes, pouring over scrolls and books in an archive was fun, as was learning whatever she could about history and magic, but… it wasn't creating. It wasn't like this. Something she was going to have to change once she returned home, that's for sure. 

"I'm assuming you've been doing this for a long time. Everything is so well taken care of," Xayah mused to Eleanor, once again trailing after her much taller host. Her jewelry clinked together in that signature sound of silver on silver as she trotted after the haedian out of her home. Thankfully, she wasn't speeding along to their destination. Otherwise Xayah would have to run to keep up.

"I have indeed. I used to bring my children with me when they were young, but they've since moved on to their own homes and family. My daughter still helps paint the murals so we may see her there, but my son has gone instead to watch and document the comings and goings of others through the territory. Patrolling is a very vital and important part of our clan, so I'm proud of him. Proud of them both, really.." Eleanor explained, her voice filled with warmth and love as she thought to her children and where their lives had taken them. Something Xayah couldn't really relate to with the childhood she had. "Sorry dear. I'm a bit of an empty nester now, so I tend to go on about my children and their accomplishments."

It was Xayah's turn to wave off Eleanor's apologies, a smile of her own on her face. It was nice to see motherly love and warmth in action, and Eleanor was proving to be wonderful company. Besides, the more she learned the more she understood this place. Even if it was through the eyes of an older mural painter.

"Don't worry about it. I don't mind. You've been painting murals for a very long time then. I hope I can catch on quickly." Xayah said, giving Eleanor another quick smile before focusing instead on following Eleanor through the canopy. 

Even with her host making it a point to wait on Xayah to catch up, it was still a bit of a lengthy process. It was a challenge at times to clear the distances she needed to jump, and the vayron was out of breath by the time they reached a cavern filled with murals with glowing accents. Eleanor had offered to carry Xayah at one point, but she refused the help. Entirely due to her own pride and wanting to avoid Eleanor doing too much more for her. 

"Here we are! I have a mural we can finish working on just over there on the far side, so once we get over there you can go ahead and catch your breath before we get started." Eleanor explained, leading Xayah along to the back corner where her mural in progress was waiting. And much to Xayah's surprise, Yulani was also present. A mural over from theirs' with her own host explaining things. But she'd also been decorated in dark silks and silvers.

Instead of waving Xayah over to make small talk, she simply gave a nod in greeting before turning to focus on her host. Which- wow. Xayah didn't have the slightest clue what he was talking about or saying as he pointed to certain parts of his mural. It had to do with space and the cosmos, but Xayah was suddenly incredibly glad her host didn't speak in riddles alone.

"Is there anything specific I need to do or avoid doing?" Xayah asked, looking to Eleanor once she took off the bag and gently set it down to start pulling out the many paints they were to use.

"Nothing in particular, no! Just enjoy yourself, and I'll speak of the cosmos we're painting. Enjoying the process is the most important part, if you ask me. Any flaws simply give it a sort of unique flair." Eleanor hummed happily, also unpacking her paints and brushes to get ready to start her favorite part of the day. She made sure to pass some of her brushes over to Xayah, then simply dove into her historical monologue while working on the smaller details of her mural that had broader areas finished.

Xayah hesitated once she had the brushes, at a loss of where to start with all of the options before her on what to do and what colors would work. But Eleanor starting her monologue of information had the vayron perking up with curiosity. Painting? And a history lesson? This was turning out to be one her favorite days she's had in a long time. With the stream of information next to her, Xayah picked a pale blue and started painting the cave wall in wide strokes. Bit by bit, she laid out the colors. Swapped to others, blended some. Eleanor helped her reach harder to get to spots, but generally let Xayah do what she wanted with her section of the mural. All the while, continuing her little lesson of sorts and answering Xayah's questions when she had them.

Mostly. Some answers were more riddles than answers, which only served to leave Xayah with more questions and no answer for her question. Hours passed like this, feeling much shorter than it truly was until Xayah stood up to stretch once she finished adding her last few glowing stars to the mural.

"You did well! Now your mark is on our walls with us, and a part of my mural. Hopefully you will give us a visit some time again, yes?" Eleanor hummed, giving Xayah a smile as she moved back to look at the mural with her guest. It looked very good to her, and she found she quite enjoyed Xayah's company.

"I think I will, should everything pan out the way I hope. Thank you for everything, Eleanor. This has been lovely, and being able to learn and paint with you is something I won't soon forget."