abraxaslogs | [CLOSED] into the woods we go

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[CLOSED] into the woods we go

Who: Himeka Sui & Aerith Gainsborough
When: Second half of March
Where: Solvunn
What: Tier 2 Quest: Couriers in Need. Two ladies set out to deliver some top secret caskets out into the wilderness.
Warnings: None for now, will update as necessary

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[ Himeka is ever on the move in Solvunn, spending a few days to a week in one settlement before taking the few days journey to the next. She's made quite a few friends and acquaintances in her journeys both in the towns proper and in the sprawling farmlands and isolated homesteads off the path. It's during all this back and forth that she crossed path with Aerith a few times, finding the young woman's presence pleasant on each occasion.

So when the opportunity was presented to do something at behest of the Solvunn Council once again, Himeka decided to reach out. Her last foray into the wilderness in search of the disappearing house had been with two others, but in interest of secrecy, she decided to cover her tracks there and team up with someone new. This is a sanctioned quest, after all.

Besides, what better way to get to know someone than to spend time together out treking the wilds beyond? It's certainly one of Himeka's favorite pasttimes!

The day comes to set out. They're provided some large goats--of which Himeka herself is quite impressed with--by a breeder at the edge of town. She adjusts the satchel attached to her mount, eyeing the leather pouch with runic symbols embroidered on it. She doesn't know what they mean, but she guesses some sort of...wish for good luck and safe travels for the contents within.

Their caskets.

Himeka turns a smile to Aerith and her own goat. ]

Are we ready to head off?

( it's the first time, she thinks, that she's been asked to do anything around here that wasn't tending to the animals, or the children, or keeping her hands busy in the fields. this request comes with some amount of official backing, after all, and at first it surprises her--himeka is a wonderful girl, someone that she's had the pleasure of speaking with on more than one occasion, but to be trusted with something like this? at first she wonders if it's even something she should be capable of, if it's something that her meager amount of skill, in this place, can accomplish.

but himeka is in good spirits, and she has to be, too. she's somewhat wary of the satchels, attached to their mounts; her eyes roll over the symbols on them, and there's a shiver of something unpleasant, like a memory, that makes her resist touching them at all. instead, she soothes her hands down the neck of her particular mount, a rather cheerful goat that swings its head at the touch, making a low bleating sound of contentment.

at least the ride should be easy enough. she leans around the neck of the large goat, shooting himeka a round, bright grin--and then she lifts up a hand, putting it into the air in the shape of a thumb's up. )

Ready! Let's do this.

( for someone with her own trepidations about this, she still seems breezily pleased; she hooks the heel of her boot into the saddle to swing herself over, letting her goat get settled with the weight before she picks up the reins. it must be like riding a chocobo, right? not that she's done that much in her life, either.

she gives the reins a little twitch--the goat starts off at a leisurely pace, and she glances over her shoulder, once, to see the settlement behind them, before she looks at himeka again, trying to angle her ride closer so their goats can walk side by side. )

We're headed for a shrine, you said? Any idea how far?

[ Himeka likes to think she's a decent judge of character. Though she does give benefit of the doubt more often than she ought to, Aerith strikes her as the sort of person that can do much more than she's yet seen. Maybe it's just a gut feeling, but Himeka prefers to act on gut and instinct.

Seeing Aerith's own exuberance is enough for her. Her own smile brightens and she gives a single nod before moving to mount her own goat as well. Not the largest mount she's had, it reminds her a bit of the Megalotragus she acquired in Ishgard, albeit a little more stocky and...with some extra legs. That must mean they can go faster, right?

The pace they set is leisurely. The Council hadn't said it needed to be delivered by a specific date, but said that the journey to and from the shrine would take about two weeks on goatback. Which brings her to Aerith's question... ]

Five to eight days at a steady pace, so they said. We're to head towards the north and then veer a little east.

[ Turning her attention back to her new companion, there's a sparkle of excitement in her own eyes. ]

I'm happy to help out in any way, of course, but...

[ She peers behind them back towards the Primary Settlement. They're way out of earshot, but she still feels inclined to nudge her goat a little closer to speak. ]

--Truth be told, I really want to see one of these shrines for myself. We see so many around town and on people's farms, but they're all...you know, small? Personal? This must be the sort of place that people make pilgrimages to. With purpose, you know?

( the glance that himeka gives, back behind them towards the primary settlement: it makes her own head swivel, a paired glance, before she looks at her, curious. there's nothing about himeka that makes her feel any measure of distrust; on the contrary, she feels like she's someone that she can be relatively open with, at least as far as her feelings of this place go. the secrets of her past, something that she's kept relatively light-hearted, to those that have met her in this place, may be something else entirely. something worth hanging onto, just in case.

the shrine, is it? there's a soft nod of assent. )

If it's important enough for us to take these things out to it... I think so. It could be the shrine that the rest of them are modeled after, however crudely replicated. But...

( a small hint of hesitance, in her voice; it's not that she doesn't trust that there are people that pledge themselves to these sorts of things for good, but there's just something that feels a little off about the dedication that some have, to the shrine, to the magic, to other things in this place; she can't tell if that's her own paranoia riling it all up, or something valid.

her goat gives a snort, a low bleating sound--she laughs, pats a hand against its neck. )

Do you think it's real? That the shrine can give...something, to those that pray?

( she doesn't think himeka will judge her--on the contrary, she thinks that himeka's views, or her opinions, are highly important here. )

[ She hand't anticipated it, but it seems like Aerith is asking just the right questions--the sort of questions that Himeka has been trying to find answers of others herself. Of the other Summoned, that is. As kind and welcoming as she finds the locals, the fact that Solvunn invited them in so readily during their escape...and then only began to summon their own afterwards has never felt right to her.

What purpose do they serve in a state that declares neutrality? Assurance that, if need be, they could take a stance against either Thorne or the Free Cities? Mayhaps. It's a balance between not looking at a gift chocobo in the beak and being reasonably suspicious, one she's not great at being the trusting sort that she is. But she's trying.

So she gives Aerith's question a warranted pause even though she has thought about this at length before. ]

I'm not sure.

[ It's an honest answer. ]

But...prayer alone can do some remarkable things when in the hands of fervent believers.

[ She cants her head to the side as she straightens on her goat. ]

Does your star have gods?

( in some ways, even that hesitance is reassuring--it means that himeka is being honest with her, that she's truly thinking about it, or has thought about it, and has come to the same conclusions; at the very least, it means that she's not the only person who looks around at the comfort and the kindness of the settlements and wonders if it's just all wishful thinking, or if there's something more sinister lurking beneath it. she wouldn't condone war--tired of it, tired of the sacrifice it requires of people who don't deserve to have to give it--and yet it's unsettling, she thinks, being here.

her gaze focuses on himeka in earnest: so much so that her goat gives a little bleating sound of complaint, when she accidentally guides him over a rough stone, instead off around it. that means she laughs, a little.

she knows much of prayer, and the great things it can accomplish: things that she's done with her own hands, things that are unthinkable, but-- )

Ah... the planet? My star. ( she has to repeat that to herself, thoughtfully, to align the words and thoughts together. ) It...no, not really. There is...There are other things. It depends on what you believe. Everyone you ask might have a different answer.

( it seems to make her uncomfortable--there's a quick smile, embarrassed, and one of her hands lifts off the reins to push a bit of her hair behind her ear, like she isn't sure what to say. it's not that she doesn't trust himeka, but more that she doesn't know if it's even something that she would want to hear--to know of the lifestream, of the cetra, of any of the things that she has yet to tell anyone about, here.

so, instead, she turns her gaze over again, curious: )

Why do you ask?

[ Star, sphere--she's heard people call their homes several different things, but she always reverts back to what she knows best. Himeka is patient, gaze shifting from the road and Aerith to give proper attention while making sure they don't wander off the path, not yet. They will take the road for a while before veering off, if she understood the directions correctly. (If not, then it will make for a more exciting adventure, won't it?)

She notices the fidgeting, not so used to Aerith's body language but interpreting it as a bit of hesitance all the same. That's alright, Himeka doesn't expect everyone to speak of things so easily. Instead, she nods. Everyone likely does have their own interpretations. ]

I'm mostly curious...my star has a plethora.

[ She looks out to the horizon before them.

The Primals--those powerful and terrifying creatures she's faced time and time again. The Kami--that she was brought up believing in so wholly, she even met the Four Lords, though they were not what she expected. To think that Hydaelyn and Zodiark would be as well... ]

Some are more ornery than others. [ Understatement. ] I want to know what these gods may be like, if they really do exist. For so many to pledge allegiance so...wholly. They must really be something, right?

[ She glances along the line of her shoulder to garner Aerith's reaction. ]

A plethora?

( it's said with a sort of wide-eyed, curious interest; it's not like she hasn't been met with those who believe different things from gaia, and of course, even there, the opinions had differed so wholly that it's not like any two people might have the same answer. shinra had led so many to believe in something false, after all--something that she knows she would likely never be able to deliver, despite the burden of it on her shoulders.

she likes himeka's attitude, though: she likes that she's curious, but also wary enough to wonder if they really do exist. she doesn't seem like the type who might fall for pretty words, or some put-upon show of power. it makes her feel immediately more comfortable with their mission; it even makes her laugh, a little. )

Okay, so let's say we meet them. I mean, when we go to deliver these...things, we might get a chance to pray at the shrine, right? What do you think?

( playfully, she tilts her head at himeka, biting at the tip of her tongue in jest. )

Or, even if we don't, should we try to anyway? A secret mission of our own?

[ She nods with a little quirk of her lips. She can see the possibilities Aerith is entertaining and honestly, she thinks that with enough belief and crystals, any one of them could become reality. That's also what makes them dangerous. ]

Absolutely!

[ Does she sound a little too gung-ho at the prospect? Yes, yes she does. These things could potentially be...well, anything, but they won't know until they try to find out. ]

I mean, it could end horribly for us, but it could end horribly for anyone unless we see it for ourselves, right?

[ Himeka straightens a bit, giving the goat another nudge to pick up the pace. ]

If Solvunn really believes the gods have the power to protect them in any conflict and we're part of that conflict whether we asked to be or not...it's only fair that we get to say our part to them, isn't it?

( there's a relief, almost palpable, in her laugh--a part of her had worried, perhaps errantly, that himeka might see the suggestion as something outside the bounds of what they should be doing; it feels good to be on the same page with another person. it feels like it's been awhile since she's experience such a feeling.

with a little flick of her hands, she encourages her goat to ease into the pace that himeka's goat decides to set. a little quicker, as if spurred on by excitement. )

Then it's settled! We deliver the goods, do our part, and then...

( she squares her shoulders, beaming a grin. )

And then we pray. It's only fair! You're right. This is a really good chance, after all...

( when will they ever be able to trek out like this again? it feels better to have some sense of a plan in place, other than to just deliver the caskets like they've been asked--and her grin angles over to himeka, satisfied. at least they're in it together. )

[ It does feel a little devilish, doesn't it? But in a totally innocent sort of way. If anyone asks, they are just adhering to the local customs and integrating to the Commune. Who would be the wiser? ]

At least we have some time to think of what we want to ask of them. Though now I wonder if maybe we should have brought offerings...

[ Gifts are a good incentive for anyone, gods or otherwise, aren't they?

Himeka begins to rattle off some of the foodstuffs she prepared for their journey as a potential means of offerings, but it slowly delves into what she wish she could have made with local resources. At least they will eat well on their trip. ]

[ Camping isn't always easy, but Himeka finds it fun. For a while it had been out of necessity and not having a gil to her name to afford a room with someone, but these days it's a necessary part of her adventures. And, at times, a much needed break from crowded cities and political entanglements. When there's nothing but you and the sky (or sea) it's easier to forget little worries and just be in the moment.

Now, as the skies begin to darken, it seems just as necessary. In the Settlements they are often warned not to travel at night or stay out too late, but now they have little option otherwise. Himeka scans the landscape for this night's ideal spot.

The trees are intermittent in these parts, small groves or patches between rolling hills rather than a proper woods. One such hill is nearby the trees, a few large rocks jutting out to create something of a natural roof. Perfect! ]

Take a look at that.

[ She points from atop her goat towards the outcrop. ]

Looks like our next cozy Inn. We should probably set up before it gets too dark.

Edited 2022-04-20 05:39 (UTC)

You know, the inns I've seen have been way more cozy...

( there's a hint of amusement in her voice, but it's only a tease--she looks sidelong at himeka, grinning, as she casts her gaze out towards the outcropping.

truthfully, she hasn't had much experience camping: other than the sudden departure from midgar, and the brief nights spent out on the road to kalm, most of her life has been spent indoors, shielded and barred in the shinra building or warmed by the comfort of her mother's home. it's exciting, in a way, to be able to have these new experiences--and even more so, it's comfortable to have them with someone who makes her feel relaxed to be around.

even if the outcropping, and the rocks that help make it so, will only shield them so much, it doesn't feel like a terrible place to rest, and she knows both them, and their goats, are in need of a bit of rejuvenation.

so she gives her goat a little nudge, and he grunts in earnest, and takes off in a bit of a trot towards the outcropping; aerith laughs, lifting one of her hands up in the air as though to wave, as they go trotting past himeka. )

Race you~!

[ For as many times as Himeka has made her way back and forth between the settlements and into the wilderness, each trip brings something new along with it. The fact that for once she has a travelling companion certainly makes a difference as well and she's reminded of the times she spent out in the woods and wilds with friends in the past. Missions that were more dire, yes, but still bonds formed over a single purpose.

She's found that she was right about Aerith and is only too glad she asked the other woman to join her. Though camping has thus far been...interesting, to say the least. Encountering beasts she's only heard of was a surprise, though not entirely unwelcome--she likes a challenge. It gives them a better feel of what is really out there beyond the idyllic fields of the Commune.

But Himeka can tell they're drawing close to the end of their journey--at least to the end goal before they have to turn back around. The canopy above them starts to close in, the air in the wood itself growing more dark and damp. Even their goats are taking each step on the mossy ground more carefully.

Himeka sniffs the air around them before turning to Aerith. ]

Is it weird to say that it feels...old in here?

Edited 2022-04-11 02:00 (UTC)

( there is a certain feeling that comes from spending so much time together: it’s been days, with only himeka, the goats, and the monsters that come at night to keep her company, and suffice to say, himeka is the one she prefers best. it’s easy to talk to her, just as it’s easy to be around her; they’ve managed a sort of routine together, in the mornings and at night, in the ways they’ve traveled along the path to the shrine, and doing so has at least felt closer to some semblance of normalcy. having a tentative friendship with someone where she feels she can rely on them is important, especially in this place, where it seems she’s mostly landed alone—it means that she has to spend less time looking after her own back, and can instead focus on keeping her friend safe, instead.

the closer they get to the shrine, the more things start to feel—-unsettling. the trees here don’t speak to her, and the bushes and the flowers at their feet keep silent, as though she has little connection to this planet, and therefore little reason to be able to hear their complaints. even so, there’s an odd, lingering sense of foreboding, as though they are treading somewhere particularly special, or as though it is somewhere particularly close to whatever the gods of this place see as holy; the ground beneath them melts to moss, the further they go, and their usual traveling chatter falls mostly silent.

their goats carry on, though even they seem to tread lightly—-the light from above, filtered through the trees, starts to darken; the air chills, and the heads of emerald firs and tall, curving maples seems to engulf them like a dream.

himeka sniffs at the air; aerith would normally laugh, except it doesn’t feel quite right to. )

No… It doesn’t feel like anyone has been here in quite some time. ( softly, wonderingly, as she looks at the ground. the path curves up further, but—- )

Should we…leave the goats here? Walk up on foot? I don’t want to bring them too close to anything, but…

( her own nose wrinkles—- ) Are we alone? It feels like we’re alone. I don’t…get a sense of anything. Only the trees.

[ Finding someone who has such a connection to the natural world is a boon in and of itself. Parts of it became second nature to Himeka without realizing it, but noticing Aerith seeking for the same signs made her feel like she was back in the Shroud training with the Padjal. It makes her more curious about what Aerith's home was like, but mayhaps there will be time for that on the journey home.

The wood isn't unfriendly, but it's not welcoming either. Similarly she hears nothing of the elementals that she would normally expect to either hail or ward off their approach.

To Aerith's suggestion, she nods. ]

Yes...I think that's a good idea. They probably do too.

[ She lightly pats her mount's neck as she pulls the goat to a stop and steps down. But she doesn't pull away just yet, instead holding onto the reins as she pets it's fur idly, looking up at the dark canopy above them. ]

It feels like it, doesn't it? It's so...quiet.

[ Himeka refocuses on the other woman. ]

Would the forest empty out in the presence of the divine?

( the agreement has her sighing in relief--there's a short nod, a brief glance of a smile, and she twists her chin to look at her goat. they've been reliable things, this trip, taking them for long hours without so much as a complaint; in gratitude, she thinks that both her and himeka have certainly tried their best to show them as much love as possible, making sure they keep warm during the nights and fed plenty of snacks during the day. despite it being her suggestion, she's a little reluctant; it feels like parting from a friend where it's uncertain how soon one will see them again.

carefully, she slips her way off the saddle, like she's done countless other times. her boots, landing in the brush, make a slight crunching sound; even that doesn't seem as lively as it should. the goat makes a sound of dismay--aerith strokes its neck, moves gently to wrap its reins around a nearby branch before she begins to tend to their satchels. )

No... I don't think so. ( there's a soft, uncertain shake of her head, as she removes the bag with her burden of caskets, heaving it up against her chest to clutch it there with both arms, hugging it there. ) I feel like it would be...louder, more...crowded. Does that make sense?

( her nose wrinkles, with a laugh, as she moves around her goat to approach himeka. ) Like... they would all be here together. There would be so much good energy that it would be overflowing.

Which means! You're going first. ( it's a playful tease, as she leans in to bump himeka's shoulder with her own. ) Fearless leader Himeka, I am but your humble servant!

[ That was exactly her thoughts as well--a forest spirit, mayhaps, would make the place more lively. It would feel like the Black Shroud, deep and dark with secrets but also with that same wild fever that all living things can manifest, only to the fullest degree. Nature unburdened and free of man.

She ties the reins to her goat to a tree as well, placing her hands on her own satchel as she ventures a morbid theory: ]

Maybe we're not welcome?

[ Which, you know. Only makes her going first a lot less appealing.

But, jesting aside, Aerith is right in one aspect--Himeka was the one that roped her into this quest so it's only fitting should something go awry, she be the one to step into it.

Still, she can keep the jovial mood for both of their benefits. Himeka smiles over at her companion up as she swings her own satchel over her shoulder--not terribly delicate despite their important cargo. ]

Very well! Then I only ask that if worst comes to worst? You tell my story. And make sure I sound really cool, too.

[ With a swish of her tail, she starts them off further into the forest.

The woods around them are still eerily quiet, each step of theirs audible on the forest floor. After a while old debris give way to soft moss which makes the lack of noise sound even more oppressive. ]

Well...if we're going to get eaten by any hungry forest creatures, at least we'll hear them coming.

( she's grateful they can maintain the mood--if nothing else, at least the forest will be filled with their spirit, and when himeka moves ahead of her, she dutifully falls into step behind her. there's one fleeting glance spared back to their goats; they'll be back as soon as they can, she hopes, but it still feels oddly like trekking towards something foreboding, in some sense. the forest continues to remain quiet around them, and even as she turns her chin up to watch the trees, she doesn't feel anything in particular at all.

so, she carries on, cheerfully, in a small voice, as though she's recounting the story that she'll tell, should anything befall her fearless leader: )

The brave and beautiful Himeka thrust herself forward into the brush! Clamoring up the path, which was strewn with so many hazards that it became nearly impossible-- ( --and clearly this story is very heavily fabricated... ) --to move, but Himeka would not give up!

Finally, with her determination, she and her helper made it to...

( she nearly collides with himeka's back; the ground gives way to moss, something springy and soft beneath her feet. ) ...Oh.

( there's a soft laugh; it feels like the only sound in the forest. )

Up there, I think, do you see it? ( she weaves her way to himeka's side, pressing in close so that she can untangle one arm from her precious cargo to point up the slight incline; there's some sort of stone enclosure up ahead, or maybe it's a statue. it's hard to tell from this far back. ) The shrine?

[ It does help. Himeka is prone to long silences and welcomes them just the same, but she will choose a story, however fantastical, over quiet any day. Truth be told she doesn't always enjoy listening to stories of her exploits; people recounting them were usually only hearing information second hand and tended to highlight things in strange ways. But this? This is in good humor. And it does bring a smile to her face.

When Aerith bumps into her, she has to laugh as well, small but light. ]

I would hope that my helper would be mentioned by name as well. Seems fitting.

[ she shifts her gaze to where the other woman points and even leans forward a bit. Yes, something does stick out there as not just being part of the forest. Something purposeful. ]

Only one way to find out, right?

[ Shifting the weight of her satchel, she takes the lead again, her steps a little quicker the closer they get. Will it be like the shrines they have seen in and around town? Or is this something else entirely? ]

( there's some uncertain part of her--some part that worries, in some sense, not being able to communicate with this planet at all, at least not in the way she felt connected, back home--that letting himeka go ahead of her will be putting her into danger; she nearly reaches for her elbow and then decides to stop herself, swallowing it down with a put-upon smile. himeka is brave, and from what she's seen, strong enough to take care of herself: but it's fair to be concerned for her new friend, right?

the closer that they get, trailing up the incline, the more that she can see the shrine isn't really much of a shrine at all, upon first glance. there's a large tree waiting there, huge and foreboding, the kind of tree that seems to silence the rest of the forest, as though commanding all the attention from the other trees and bushes, and within it, a hollowed out shape that appears to be something of a doorway, beckoning them inside the shape of it. with a skip, she forces herself up to himeka's side--here, she does catch her elbow, but only so that she can stubbornly link their arms together. )

Does this look...familiar? ( it's not entirely similar to the shrines back in town--the tree is wrapped with rope and stones and flowers, and a part of her longs to touch the flowers, or at least to replace them with ones that are less ancient. ) It feels... a little cold.

( must just be the draft, coming from inside the hollow of the tree--playfully, aerith wrinkles her nose, but nods, playfully determined. )

Inside we go.

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[CLOSED] into the woods we go

Setting Out

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fin!

Camping Isn't Easy

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The Delivery

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i'm so sorry for the delay!!