Oh honey, I wouldn't bother.

Once everyone has properly woken up; having their fill of the remaining food stocks, it was finally time to leave the Domain. Popping out into the Bounty Runacathy, the group splits; with Ashes, Zana, Gabbie, Trix, and Scott taking the Black-Hood to get coin from something called a "Guild", which would be quickly used for supplies. Our guest Mako took this time to go explore the Runacathy's archives; wanting to gather yet more information on Sosis before his departure. The rest of us going to gather things for Carrie; most important of which being her new cloak. Eve and Cilla were keeping a close eye on me as we went, my small episode worrying them quite badly; something I felt rather shameful of, as it was yet more work for them both. Their other work, however, had it's sweet moments; ones I got to see first hand as I followed Cilla, Carrie, and Eve into the only section of any Runacathy I'd yet to see; a part named, "the Nest."

Small hooded children run about in the colorfully painted room, which nearly seemed to be a building in and of itself; I was wondering why these places were always so damn big. With tiny dormitories leading into a circular main room, as well as bookshelves, various tools to assist in teaching, and toys strewn about; the perfect place to raise the munchkin menaces. The tiny-tots are watched over by several Operatives and Clinicians alike; a stout, Blue-Hooded member seeming to lead the efforts in keeping the young-ones from maiming each other.

"What does a blue hood mean?" I ask; barely dodging a very small goblin-child's lunge at my ankles.

Eve answers; getting a huff from Cilla. "They are the Second; the hand-picked emergency replacement for the Father or Mother of a Runacathy branch. Most Seconds stick to working the Nests, as it means they can stay close to the Runacathy, and maintain an equal understanding of their branch as the regional leader. Not all do this; but most."

Carrie tugs at my pants leg, whispering. "Ask what pink means. That's very important..."

Cilla heard her, it seems; patting the Dungeon Core on the head as she speaks. "Well, children just get to chose what color they want each year; as well as some fun little additions. I'm sure they've got one you'll love."

"I still haven't even gotten my Initiate's cloak..." I grumble; still resentful towards that damn burlap sack I had been wearing for how it made my wings itch.

"Well, then I suppose we should get you one while we are still here." Says Eve, patting my back. "Prehaps you could even get some of those same 'fun additions' Sister Priscilla spoke of."

I spot what they a referring to on the cloaks of the would-be ankle-biters all around us. Many boys have fake, plush teeth lining the inside of their hoods; addition "spikes" made of cloth are common, as well as spiky tails (if they don't already have one) and little fake dragon-esc wings. The girls often had little patterns stitched into the hoods; hearts, stars, fruits, or silly faces. The "tails" they chose were often as fluffy as my Handler, with a pair of false wings which looked quite similar to Trix's own.

Carrie seems excited; seeming to hold her breath in anticipation...

Do Dungeon-Cores even need to breathe?

Before I can ask that particular question, the Second hobbles his way towards us; a bushy beard poking out from the hood. "Ey', you the one's with the newest little 'un?"

Eve and Cilla bow in respect, the latter responding. "Yes. I came here for her cloak, as well as... adoption papers."

The only flesh exposed of the Second, his cherry red cheeks, grow an even brighter hue. "Oh! That's lovey. Operatives like you make all the difference, you know that?"

My fluffy friend waves her hands in denial. "Oh, well... It was just what she wanted..."

"I also need an Initiate cloak. An adult one, preferably." I say, wanting to get that done before we all collectively forget... again.

The Second nods, and soon we're taken further into the Nest; entering his office. Loads of yet more child-sized cloaks with a wide array of colors all line various racks on the walls. Taking a seat behind his desk, the Second begins looking through his drawers.

"The cloak should be here soon... specially made by Madam Tex, if you can believe it." He says, pulling out the adoption form.

Who?

Cilla is agape at this, with Eve's screen flashing in surprise as she speaks in a "Really? Oh my... our Ruya must be quite excited to have a Dungeon Core join us in the Light to have her personal seamstress make her cloak. How will it arrive?"

The Second shrugs. "Magic?"

As if the universe itself had heard him speak, something is suddenly woven into reality just above his head; in a most literal sense. Unseen needles work unknowable threads to create something that drops directly onto the Second's head. A box, now slightly ajar, with silken pink fabric poking out the side; as well as a note.

"Oi! A bit more careful with the magic!" Says the Dwarf, handing over the box. "'Ey, there's a note on the box. Addressed to... who's 'Sheepy Boy?'"

I sigh. "Someone we know... I'll hand it off to him."

After handing over the box, the Second then trundles over to another container, pulling out a few brown cloaks; finally picking one that he thinks would fit me best. Finally, I get to wear the piece of cloth that marks me as an Initiate.

As I finish putting on the cloak, I look over to see Carrie swooning over her own new apparel. A finely crafted, pink, silken cloak; with the toyish, fake stuffed wings and tail of a dragon stitched to it; fake, pointed teeth lining the hood. The silliest adornment seemed familiar somehow; hollow glass baubles with white paint acting as eyes, with black pebble pupils that flopped about in a silly manner as the Dungeon-Core moved.

"It's so pretty!" Says Carrie, smiling as wide as she can; dancing about in jubilation. "And now I'm a dragon! Raaawr!"

I heard the final swish of a quill signing off on the adoption papers, as the Core's newly official mother rises to go pat her daughter on the head. "You look positively adorable, sweetie. How about we go find the others, and spend some of that reward money on candy?"

I chuckle, asking in her jest. "Spoiling her already?"

Cilla puffs her cheeks slightly in annoyance; Carrie soon following suit.

"It's a special occasion, you... you..."