diatu | A quest for the breath of a Flower

Who: Loki of Asgard and YOU!
What: Loki has been set a scavenger hunt quest by the Sphinx.
Where: Around Anastara
When: Before he goes on a pub-crawl with Rosh. ~~Because y'all don't need a hungover God of Mischief doing adventures, funny as that is.~~
Warnings: Potential language? Definite shenanigans.

Well, Loki knew the answer to the riddle. Finding an example of it would be more difficult. Was there a flower on Anastara that was known as "name" Breath? Could he find Baby's breath here? Loki honestly wasn't sure, but he was going to do it anyways.

As much as he was loathe to, Loki also knew he'd need people more familiar with Anastara than him to try and help. So, since people here seemed to actually be willing to work with him, he'll seek out those who had been friendly for aid.

Diatu Library
There was still so much to learn, but Loki had a more specific purpose this time than just browsing. First stop would be the school Library, to see if there was any lore about flora that had 'breath' in it's proper name or folk name. Currently he's up on a ladder, tall form stretched up and looking through more obscure flora taxonomies and herbiaries.

Dragonfire Library
Whatever he couldn't find in the school Library, he was sure he'd find leads in the Dragonfire Library. Even if he didn't, Loki'd planned on checking out the Dragonfire Library anyways. He appreciated Isabel's warning; this visit he planned to be on the up and up, given his goal. But it wouldn't hurt to do some scouting and learn more about the library while he was there...

"The Backwater" Tavern
The last place, beyond just walking around to explore the green areas of the island, that Loki went to was "The Backwater" tavern in the third ring. Because the 'common' folk as it were, often knew just as much about folk medicine and names as anyone else. If there was a flower or herb with 'breath' in its name or lore, he was hoping for a lead here.

While there, he's not opposed to joining in some singing and drinking. Loki has a fine enough voice, and while not letting himself get drunk yet, he'll certainly accept a drink or three.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I agree. But if I don't focus then I'll spend all of my time wandering down various pathways and accomplish nothing. Hence, my trying to focus on a specific usefulness right now."

"And what is that specific one, if I may ask?" Though Celestia liked the wandering-paths route, possibly because she so rarely got to take it.

"I spoke to the sphinx, and while I answered her riddle capably, she requires a physical example of the answer. So I'm trying to find out if it exists on this world, or if I'll have to conjure it myself, or find something similar."

"Oh, a riddle? Do tell!" This definitely intrigued her.

"She seeks the breath of a flower. I'm sorely tempted to give her a jar of Carbon Dioxide, not that she'd be able to see or smell it." For all intents it would look like an empty jar, if Loki did that.

But he knew his stories--and that wasn't how these things often worked.

The pony frowned slightly. "That's a terribly mundane response, if you'll forgive the criticism. In a world of magic, I think it must be either terribly allegorical or terribly literal, if not both."

"That's why I'm searching for a flower." Loki pointed out, agreeing with the criticism. "In stories it's never that literal, but on this world? Who knows." He shrugs. "I know of at least one plant from Midgard that would suffice, and I'm searching for flowers on this world that would work as well."

"When I hear it, I imagine a flower actively breathing. Perhaps any flower would do, if you simply managed to make it sigh deeply?" That ought to be quite possible.

"That is also an option, and would be entertaining. I prefer having multiple answers." Sighing, he continued. "It seems clear however that a verbal answer alone was not enough."

"That would be particularly simple, wouldn't it?" Too simple to be very rewarding, after all.

"Which is probably why she's set me to find her a physical answer." Which was slightly annoying, but was helping him learn his way around. And find out who might be useful.

"Do you suppose a flower around here actually does things like talking, and breathing?" Celestia put a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. "Nothing seems impossible."

"I wouldn't be surprised, but I can't say for certain. This world is new to me."

"Or perhaps there is a spell to animate one!" She was getting into this now. "I think research may be less likely to get you a result than some exploration and discovery!"

Loki smiled. "Research isn't wasted though, as it will help give me ideas of where to start." Chuckling, he tilted his head. "Or are you wanting to help me, Lady Celestia, and perhaps have an adventure of your own?"

"I could certainly use one! I feel like stretching my wings, if you'll forgive the comment." After all, she barely ever got to have any adventures at home. Princessing was a full-time job.

"I would happily have your company, if you want? Do you have a place in mind for us to start our search?" It would make for a nice break from the book-research to do some field research.

Celestia nodded brightly. "The campus itself is a source of wonderment. If anyplace on this island would have such things, I'd expect it to be the most likely place."

It was as good a place to start as any. Replacing his book, Loki slid back down the ladder and waited for her. "Whenever you're ready, milady."

"I have been ready for a terribly long time."

She drew in her wings, dropping gently to the floor with a soft noise of hooves touching down, then folded them all the way.

"And it is your quest, so I shall follow your lead!"

"Yes, a very exciting quest isn't it? Most unexpected." There's a dry humor to his voice. But he doesn't mind, really. They head out of the library and for the main open area of campus. "I was expecting an old fashioned riddle contest, I admit. Not a scavenger hunt."

"Perhaps that is how riddle contests are conducted here?" Or perhaps he just got snookered, but Celestia wasn't about to voice that openly.

Good, because he wouldn't take kindly to that comment. He'd heard the rumors that the Sphinx was known for occasional scavenger hunts too. Which is why he's not actually complaining all that hard. "Perhaps. I'll adapt though. I've had to before, and I'm good at it." Or he'd die--wait, he already did that.

"I think this is more fun anyway. Who wants to sit and trade riddles when you could go out and get some exercise in the warm sun and the --"

A hailstone zinged Celestia on her flank, making her rear up in surprise.

Loki looked slightly surprised himself when she reared up, before instinctively bringing a hand up himself to deflect a hailstone. "Wonderful... SHIELD!" The first word had been uttered sarcastically. The second was accompanied by moving his hand in a circle as if he were tracing a shield, to cast the spell. He had taken to Thaumaturgy well.

A quest for the breath of a Flower

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