Private Eastern Brisshal The cat, the song, and the wandering old man

[Chako]

Spoiler: Song Chako is Playing

Chako had been very happy to have a harp made for her! Now she could finally play it both in Arcia and back in Earth too!

And the first order of operations was to, of course... Get a harp bag made! She couldn't simply be carrying her harp around in her inventory! That was lame!

... Also, Chako just didn't like using the inventory in general.

So... Now she had a goal! Get a harp bag made, which meant... She had to stop being completely broke. Getting a harp made for her in exchange for just playing some songs was way too lucky, and she doubted she'd get that lucky twice, so... It was time to make money!

... Which obviously did not mean fighting monsters. As if Chako was ever going to put herself in harm's way like that!

Instead, she went to the woods, grabbed some leaves, kinda tied them together in a very horribly amateurish way, and ended up with a very very crude donation bag made out of tree leaves.

Good enough for her though! So, Chako went to Honeyhome's plaza, took out her harp and her makeshift leaf-bag out of her inventory, put the leaf-bag on the ground, sat down on a chair and...

Well, here's to hoping people in Honeyhome understand the idea of giving money to bards in exchange for their performance!

Chako put her hands on the harp and started playing, going through the usual motions, and playing one of her favorite songs that she played back on Earth.

She had been in Honeyhome for a while now, so some people did know her, and they seemed to be amused by her sudden antics... She could also easily overhear some children commenting to themselves about how long it would take for her to fumble and drop the harp... Well, excuse you! But I have very good control of my hands! The legs that are the problem here!

Chako did not let her particularly good ears get in the way of her performance though. She just continued playing, hoping something nice would come out of it.

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

Santiago scratched his head. After getting out of the woods, thanks to the aid of a spontaneous goth witch, he had found himself in Honeyhome. It was a quaint little place with even quainter people- it was an image taken right from a movie, and he was half expecting to see fauns and satyrs after the first 'beastfolk' he spotted.

He was a little embarrassed to admit that he had stared for a bit, until they gave him weird looks.

But regardless of all that...he did like the hamlet. It reminded him of those faded memories of the little town he grew up in as a boy, but filtered and crystallised into an ideal. Lively yet peaceful- while he was sure he got a few dirty looks- probably because he was admittedly not in his best form, it was hardly worth mentioning. It wouldn't be the first time.

But enough of that. He needed to properly get his bearings, and how things worked around here...

Oh, while he was lost in his thoughts, it seemed he had stepped into plaza. And as his attention snapped back into focus, a melody flowed through his ears.

He paused, turning to the source of it. A girl with cat ears was playing on a harp. A catgirl? That term gave him a sense of deja vu, but it sounded right.

Regardless, though Santiago wasn't one for what sounded like classical music- he knew a good tune when he heard one, and seeing such a young girl putting so much effort into the craft was something he could respect.

Well, he supposed he would make a short detour. It's hardly as if he was strapped for time anyhow, certainly not at his age.

Thus, the old man drew closer.

 

[Chako]

By the time Chako finished playing, she could hear the kids grumbling about, 'damn, she is actually good at that.' and 'I can't believe she didn't fumble even once!' which made a smug grin get to her face.

"Thank you, thank you!" She gave a small bow as a handful of people clapped to her... You could give me some money too though!

Well, what can't be helped can't be helped. Chako was just ready to start playing a new song when... An old man got close to her?

"Oh? I haven't seen you around these parts before. Where did you come from?" Chako felt like she knew most of the Landers in Honeyhome already, and she doubted she wouldn't recognize this man if she had seen him before... Like, there aren't many old men like that here! "Have you come to deliver a nice donation to this poor frail bard?" Chako stared at him with sparkling eyes.

Some kids started whispering about how she was trying to scam the old man... Hey! It's no scam to ask for a donation! I gotta get my money somehow, alright!? And I'm seriously tired of only eating wild fruits while I'm in Arcia! I wanna get some money to buy food on top of the harp bag!

... Well, she wasn't planning on screaming that to the kids while the old man was right in front of her though.

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

"Me?" Santiago scratched his head, not quite expecting her to single him out. Then again, people usually knew everyone in hamlets like this, and he was a new face...

How should he introduce himself? Right, The Goth had briefly mentioned something about the antipathy a number of "Landers" held towards "Starcalled", and he knew well the perils of being too open with strangers, even if the place seemed peaceful enough.

"From the west and nowhere of note." He chuckled. It was technically right if you interpretated it literally either as a "Lander" or a "Starcalled", and might satisfy the less curious while giving no real information.

There was something familiar with the way the catgirl engaged him in small talk- something that reminded him of how local peddlers would speak to him while he travelled abroad. He knew what was coming, and was about to formulate an excuse... but then the catgirl transfixed him with those puppy-dog eyes. More accurately, kitty-cat eyes, and somehow that was only more effective in promptly rendering his heart into a slurry, like a popsicle under the sun.

In the end, his next action was a foregone conclusion. Those damned kids always made off like a bandit wherever he toured, anyway...

"Ah, apologies, little lady!" The old man chuckled, before fishing something out from his pockets- he wasn't entirely comfortable with using the inventory yet, so he kept anything he might need to his person, even if may not have been secure.

He wasn't really sure of the prices in this place yet, so just dropped what he felt was the right number of coins...and maybe a few more. And a bit on top of that.

"Sorry, I don't have much with me right now, but I hope this meager tip is sufficient." Santiago smiled sheepishly.

 

[Chako]

"Yes, you!" Chako nodded a few times.

"Oh, the west..." So he's from Astorea... "My condolences." He must have lost someone precious to him due to the Magia attacks if he traveled all the way here at this age... Poor old man. Chako did not pity him any further though. She knew how bad it felt to be pitied, so... She quickly got back to her bard smile! "Well, I hope you can have a happier time here in Honeyhome! People here are very accepting of outsiders!" Not as accepting of Magias, but the old man didn't need to worry about that.

And then came the best part... Chako's eyes sparkled as she saw the coins being taken out, "Apologize!? What could you possibly be apologizing for!? I, Chako, am the one who should be thanking you instead!" My first donation! I got it! Bard work is working! Just gotta keep at it!

"A song for you, my nameless old friend! May it bless you with as much happiness as you blessed me!" Chako put her hands back on the harp and started playing a new song.

Spoiler: Song

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

The weathered old man solemnly nodded in appreciation as Chako expressed his condolences, with all the sagely wisdom of a man who had absolutely no clue what the fuck she was talking about, but recognised it was easier to let people draw their own conclusions than muster an awkward explanation, especially since it thankfully seemed to be a topic she was just as eager to move on from.

This would surely not be a problem in the future.

"It certainly looks like a peaceful place." Santiago remarked. Indeed, similar to many tourism heavy places, there was remarkably little antipathy towards an outsider like him, and even a sense of normalcy to his presence. It remained to be seen how true that was, but he had nothing but time.

Musing as he desposited the coins into the notably empty leaf-bag, he blinked in slight astonishment as a sudden surge of energy seemed to enter the girl, almost as if she had gotten a whiff of catnip. Just as he opened his mouth, the catgirl who had now introduced herself as Chako began to play a new melody.

He closed his mouth, and listened.

This was quite the different piece- it was not classical in the sense that he recognised, but then again he was no expert in the first place.

A steady build up, like a hike through leaves of morning dew. A steady rythmn, bobbing up and down, like a lily-pad. A jingle climbing up, rushing across a plateau, then climbing back down.

It was calm day in the woods, where a river of melancholy flowed.

Santiago closed his eyes.

For this moment, there was nothing in the world but rolling hills and rippling ponds.

 

[Chako]

"It is! Not much to worry about over here! Just be careful with the wolves you might find in the forest!" A shiver went down Chako's spine, and the fur of her tails went up as she mentioned the wolves, but she tried shoving the thought away.

Either way, she played her song, and the sound of her harp was perfect for calming her down... And once she was done with the song, Chako went back to looking at the old man... She could also hear that she got the attention of a few more people, so maybe she should keep playing, but... Well, it's gonna manners to welcome new people properly, right?

"So how is it going so far? Enjoying Honeyhome? It may not be as fancy as the big cities of Astorea, but it's honestly my favorite place in Arcia! The view is great, the forest is mostly peaceful and filled with tasty fruits, and the people here are all very kind and nice! It's a truly enjoyable place to live in!" Not like Chako lived there, but she stayed most of her online time there, so... Close enough? She felt like it was close enough at least.

... Wait, he wasn't sleeping, was he? He did close his eyes... Chako would be really embarrassed if he made him fall asleep with her song!

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

"I'll keep that in mind." Santiago had nodded thoughtfully at the time, noting the way the catgirl's figurative fur had raised on end at the mention of them while he fished for his coins.

Wolves, huh? He had seen a few back when he was still fit enough to hunt- it was a rare occurance, especially since would rather not disturb them in the first place, moving out of their territories whenever he saw their tracks and markings, but sometimes, as with anything in life- paths just so happened to cross. When that happened, he tried to stay out of the way and just admire these feral cousins of mankind's best friend in all their primal glory, but there have been occasions where they got too close for comfort and he had to scare them off by puffing himself up.

Fortunately, they weren't as aggressive as other predators, like bears and big cats. Speaking of bears...well, that was a story for a different time.

Idly, the old hunter entertained the idea of what the wolves in this land of fantasy were like. Could they talk like in Narnia, perhaps? Or maybe they were closer to the Wargs in the Hobbit? That would be rather dangerous, hmm.

Ah, he was getting ahead of himself. The old man cut off that spiralling tangent by grabbing his coinpurse, and there was that.

Back to the present, with the song having come to a gentle end. Santiago slowly opened his eyes with a soft smile, still immersed in the performance.

"So far? Not bad. I'm not a man for the big cities myself, really. Though, it'll be a tad dishonest for me to pass judgement when I've only just arrived." He stated with good-humoured sincerety.

"But the music here definitely reinforces your point, so I will trust in your words. Perhaps you should include "skilled ministrels" in your description, hmm?" The old man teased.

 

[Chako]

Chako heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that the old man was still awake. She didn't know what she'd do if he had fallen asleep here, like... It's not as if she could leave an elder alone on a plaza on his own!

"Mmmmm... I guess the scenery in big cities isn't that nice." Well, they're better suited for wheelchairs though, so it's not like Lisa disliked living in a big city... But still, if she had the luxury of choosing, she'd much rather spend her time in small rural villages as Chako instead!

Then, she gave out a gleeful smile to the old man's next words, "My, aren't you such a ladykiller. gramps? I'm sure your grandkids would love learning a thing or two from you!" And just as she said that, she remembered that this man had come here from Astorea all by himself.

Chako started panicking, trying to figure out how to fix this messy situation, "A-a-a-a-a-a-anyways! Since you're new here, w-would you like a tour of Honeyhome!? I-I know plenty of it, you know!? I have been here for a while now!" She was about to get up, start packing her things and get moving, but she didn't know if the old man would want company right now, so she didn't leave her seat as she waited for his answer.

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

"Well, it's not that it's bad. But even the greatest visionaries and thinkers are hard pressed to beat nature, who was their first teacher and will be the last architect standing." Santiago mused, with a look of faux wisdom.

Honestly, he was just waxing poetic, but at least this child was playing along with his dull sense of humour-

"I'm sure your grandkids would love learning a thing or two from you!" The young girl beamed at him.

He couldn't help it. He tried, but a punch will always sting. The words knocked the wind out of the old man's sails, and his smile faltered.

His body had never felt better since he entered this world. So why was he so tired?

This wasn't right. It should have been a line that made him smile. He should be smiling. He had to pick it up, put it back, stitch that brittle veneer upon his chapped lips.

Then Chako started panicking.

Oh. A cold pit formed in his stomach, as his mind snapped back to reality. Oh, shit. Santiago, now you've done it- you've scared the kid, you doddering dunce! How ugly must your expression be to strike such fear in her? Get a grip of yourself!

His face burned with shame.

Wrestling with his smile until it was right again, Santiago chuckled with as much jovial cheer as he could rally, before mustering up a proper answer.

"I'd appreciate it, little lady."

He had to make it right.

 

[Chako]

The old man's reaction was about as obvious as it could get... Chako felt horrible about it. She really messed up here.

But what was worse was what came after... With him chuckling to himself, pretending he was okay.

... Chako could not let things continue like that.

The realization helped her calm down, and realize what was it that she had to do.

So, she got up, and spoke clearly, "Sorry." then proceeded to hug the old man, "I should have had thought about your circumstances before opening my mouth.

"You don't need to force yourself to smile... You don't have to force yourself to go along with anyone that caused you pain... You already endured enough." Chako spoke calmly. Was it a comforting voice? She wasn't sure of it.

She wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do either. But she just... She just hated it when she saw people pretend to be okay for the sake of appearances, for the sake of others, for the sake of supporting the weak ones in need, "Lord Urukhan is fair to all of his subjects. Your loved ones are safe... You don't need to harbor their pain within you. I'm sure they wish for nothing more than your happiness." Wait, that wasn't what she was meant to say... What was important was... "So please... Please don't force yourself to smile like that... You deserve better than that."

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

For a moment the old man was befuddled as the catgirl stood up, suddenly resolved. Then she hugged him.

Everything was washed away in a single moment. Sights, sounds, words, all of them were lost to the sensation of the soft warmth of the hug around his body.

A foreign emotion welled up in Santiago's chest. How long has it been since he was hugged like this?

"That's the biggest Marlin we've caught yet, Grandpa!"

...Far too long. He could not allow himself to be lost in the self-pity of a hug after what happened, not until he got to the bottom of the matter. Not even his own son. Not even now.

He would not- could not return the hug. But it was good while it lasted.

His eyes felt wet, and his throat dry. But he knew that he wouldn't cry, not yet- that was the last bit of dignity he had.

A man's tears were important. He had made a promise to save them for the time he could finally stand in front of his grave with a straight back.

Gathering his resolve, he pulled away from the hug gently. But yet it's warmth lingered upon his smile, now reforged into a genuine font of determination.

"Forcing myself? Do I not have a reason to smile in front of me?"

 

[Chako]

Chako waited. The old man wasn't well, and she had already said what she could.

It was... Hard. How do you comfort people without making them uncomfortable? Chako was usually on the being comforted side, so it felt strange to be on the other way around... And she knew how frustrating it could be, so she really didn't want to mess this up.

He did not push her away, but he also didn't return the hug... Chako did not know what to take of it... Was he confused by it? He should have understood Chako's intentions though.

Until eventually... He was the one who pulled away from the hug, and Chako did not try to force him to stay.

And he was... Smiling. With wet eyes, but smiling. And this one at least felt genuine, "Well... If that's the kind of smile you're going to show, then I think you do have plenty of reason to do so!" She smiled back. This certainly was much better than the last one.

"Well then, guess I promised you a guided trip, so..." Chako turned around to go grab her things that she had left behind her, but...

She tripped on her own feet, then fell face-first into the makeshift pouch that had received the old man's coins, "O-ouchie..." She muttered. How did this happen again!? I thought I had gotten used to having functional legs by now! Did I forget how to use them after that trip to the US!? Don't tell me I'm gonna have to re-learn from scratch just because I visited Ruby!

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

"Ah, are you okay little lady?!" Santiago rushed to help her out, pausing for a second to adjust and ready himself before recalling that his back and knees were healed in this place and quickly pulling her up.

Thank goodness for that at least- I would be the one tripping over my feet if I tried going that fast back on Earth...

"Now, now. Be more careful when skipping about." He softly chided, before giving her a quick pat down from head to toe to check for injuries. "You hurt anywhere?" Faceplanting into coins and leaves cushioned by pavement wasn't exactly the most pleasant of experiences, and he had known people who had been severely injured by less.

Speaking of coins and leaves...turning to the side, he sighed as he laid eyes upon the dull pieces of coinage scattered around the stones, and the flattened makeshift pouch- to no one's surprise, there wasn't much a bag of bound leaves and twine could withstand.

This was going to take a while to fix, huh?

"Well..." Santiago coughed awkwardly for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. "I suppose that while we're stuck here, this is a good place as any to start a tour, huh? So, tell me about the square..."

 

[Chako]

"Ah, yeah, I'm okay. Happens all the time, sometimes I forget how to actually put strength in my legs." Chako replied while accepting his help, "The kids often make bets on how many times I'm going to trip during dance practice, even." and Chako was a bit happy that the bets have generally been getting lower... It's about as obvious of a sign of progress as it can be!

... Didn't make her any happier about slamming her face against the coins though. Nor did it make the pain of it go away, but... Hey, Chako can take what she can get.

So, she sighed and stared at the coins that flew all over, and at the destroyed makeshift coin pouch, "Well... Guess I should try to be more careful to avoid having that happen..." At least her harp wasn't in her hands when she tripped though.

Chako sighed again, and started picking up the coins and putting them on a pocket of her dress, "Guess my first purchase will be an actual decent coin pouch..."

She stopped her grumbling when hearing the old man's question though, "The plaza? Mmmmm..." She tried thinking a bit about it, then she pointed one way "Those benches over there, near the big tree. They're great dating spots! Especially when the tree is in full bloom! You wouldn't believe how nice it looks like on spring!" Would that be very relevant for an old man? Most likely not, but... Hey, maybe it could bring back some warm memories. It would certainly be better than bringing up talk of grandkids again.

"Then there is that sweets shop over there," Chako pointed to a store, "that... Well, I heard their cheesecakes were fantastic, but why would I buy a cheesecake when I could buy a strawberry cake instead? So I never tasted them!" Never mind the fact she only went there once because she was treated to the sweets, but she didn't need to bring that one up.

"Ah, and if you head in that direction," Chako pointed to a different location, "you should reach the forest before long. That area is filled with fruits year-round" or at least it seemed to be based on what Chako saw so far, "So it's a nice source of food for broke people!" like herself... But well, she also didn't need to say that part out loud.

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

The old man sighed, looking at the clumsy girl. Kids would be kids and be quite ditzy, especially when excited, but for it to be to the extent which other kids would make fun of her...well, it probably wouldn't be too big of an issue. Children were quick to get back onto their feet from light bumps, and she would have hopefully outgrown it in a few more years.

"That's not very nice of them, but you should be more careful- take it as encouragement to prove them wrong." Santiago nagged in slight amusement as he helped her pick up all the coinage strewn across the ground, before listening closely to her impromptu introduction to the plaza.

She stopped her grumbling when hearing the old man's question though, "The plaza? Mmmmm..." She tried thinking a bit about it, then she pointed one way "Those benches over there, near the big tree. They're great dating spots! Especially when the tree is in full bloom! You wouldn't believe how nice it looks like on spring!" Would that be very relevant for an old man? Most likely not, but... Hey, maybe it could bring back some warm memories. It would certainly be better than bringing up talk of grandkids again.

"Starting off with something so romantic? I'm thankful about your concern of this old man's dating prospects, but my heart's a wee bit old to be engaging such passionate activities." Santiago responded playfully.

"Besides, the missus would greet me with a smack me upside the head at the pearly gates, you know?" Pausing as he realised how it could be misconstrued, he quickly added. "Worry not, she lived a good life and her time came for her in peace. Anyway, while a fairy tale romance like that might be nice, my experiences were considerably less flattering, but no less memorable."

The old man looked up with nostalgia and reminisce. "But I shan't distract you with tales of this has-been. Maybe I'll catch the trees in spring someday, though."

"Then there is that sweets shop over there," Chako pointed to a store, "that... Well, I heard their cheesecakes were fantastic, but why would I buy a cheesecake when I could buy a strawberry cake instead? So I never tasted them!" Never mind the fact she only went there once because she was treated to the sweets, but she didn't need to bring that one up.

"Oh? Well, I'll take their glowering recommendations into account." Honestly, it was a little strange that a medieval looking place like this had a sweetshop with prices affordable enough for a child to sound like a frequent customer, but he wasn't exactly an expert in the economics of this place.

"I presume the strawberry cake is good enough for you to keep trying it- though, why not branch out? Variety is the spice of life, is it not?" Santiago asked curiously.

"Ah, and if you head in that direction," Chako pointed to a different location, "you should reach the forest before long. That area is filled with fruits year-round" or at least it seemed to be based on what Chako saw so far, "So it's a nice source of food for broke people!" like herself... But well, she also didn't need to say that part out loud.

Santiago nearly burst into laughter at the last line. He didn't think she meant anything by that, but wasn't that uncharacteristically disparaging of the less fortunate? In fact, it was a bit on the oddly specific side...though he had no idea why.

Perhaps there really just were that many people -probably new players which started with little- that foraged the woods in the absence of other practical trades to ply. The younger generations these days lacked self-sufficiency, after all.

Regardless, it would be a nice thing to take into account if he ever had to travel through there as a way to stock up on rations for cheap. Speaking of which...

"Anything else is in the forest, by the way?" Fruits wouldn't be the only thing there, and if he was considering stepping foot into it he had to know about anything that may be there...including dangers.

 

[Chako]

"Well, I think just being able to move my legs is plenty incentive in itself! So don't worry, I have no intention of stopping!" Chako happily replied to the old man.

Chako then gave out a wry laugh when the old man talked about being too old to be engaging in such passionate activities... She really just brought up the first place that came to mind.

Which was followed by a slight wave of panic when he mentioned the missus... Though it was alleviated once he elaborated on it further, "Well, I'm glad she passed on in peace, although... I don't think you need a fairy tale romance to enjoy a pretty spot." Chako certainly could appreciate it while she was with Aki... Well, it would be nice to have a fairy tale romance with her too, but for now at least, she just appreciated what she could get..

Then the topic went to food and, "Uhn... I dunno? I just liked strawberry cake back home? Mom often treated me to them... And uhn... Well, it also used to be dad's favorite, yanno? It reminds me of him." Chako explained honestly. It's not like she had any reason to hide it anyways.

"Here though... Well, let's just say I'm hoping my songs will let me treat myself more often than I have been so far!" Chako smiled. It was just this old man that gave her money so far, but that could still be improved! She just had to keep on trying!

The nice part about being in the newbie village is that even if the locals became tired of her songs eventually, she'd always have new people to entertain and gain money from!

And then... What's up with his face? He is not having an attack, is he? Should I call a doctor?

Wait, I am a doctor! Or a healer! Whatever! Should I heal him!?

... Or is he just holding back laugher?

... Nah, no way. It must be something else.

As Chako thought that, the old man finally started talking again, "A-anything else...?" It instantly came back to Chako... The howls. That clearing... Suddenly she was back there again. Her breathing got ragged, her pupils dilated, the fur of her tails went up, her body started shivering...

Calm down.... Calm down... Chako tried telling herself, You're in Honeyhome... You're safe... Deep breaths...

"W-well..." It was hard to talk... "W-w-wolves..." She managed to say.

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

"Well, I think just being able to move my legs is plenty incentive in itself! So don't worry, I have no intention of stopping!"

"That's good." Santiago nodded in approval. "You'll go far!" Being self-motivated would do that, especially if cultivated at a young age.

"Well, I'm glad she passed on in peace, although... I don't think you need a fairy tale romance to enjoy a pretty spot."

"Oh no, certainly- I'll try to catch the trees in spring, if I can. The old missus would have liked to, as well." The old man looked towards the trees, faint nostalgia lingering in his sight smile.

Then the topic went to food and, "Uhn... I dunno? I just liked strawberry cake back home? Mom often treated me to them... And uhn... Well, it also used to be dad's favorite, yanno? It reminds me of him." Chako explained honestly. It's not like she had any reason to hide it anyways.

"Here though... Well, let's just say I'm hoping my songs will let me treat myself more often than I have been so far!" Chako smiled. It was just this old man that gave her money so far, but that could still be improved! She just had to keep on trying!

Ah...well, now it seems he was digging too deep, so he didn't pursue the line of questioning. He got his answer, anyway.

"Why would you buy cheesecake when you can buy strawberry cake indeed." The old man shook his head with amusement as he repeated it to himself.

The answer was right in front of him all along- couldn't a person just prefer something for the sake of it? With how complicated life was nowadays he had long forgotten what such straightforwardness felt like, especially when it came packaged with the honest innocence of the youth.

"Well, I wish you a long a fruitful career as a bard! You've got a knack for it, I say." Santiago stated honestly. He was no aficionado of music, but a good tune was a good tune, and he had heard a lot of them.

As Chako thought that, the old man finally started talking again, "A-anything else...?" It instantly came back to Chako... The howls. That clearing... Suddenly she was back there again. Her breathing got ragged, her pupils dilated, the fur of her tails went up, her body started shivering...

Calm down.... Calm down... Chako tried telling herself, You're in Honeyhome... You're safe... Deep breaths...

"W-well..." It was hard to talk... "W-w-wolves..." She managed to say.

Oh shit. She was hyperventilating- it seems that experience with wolves went a bit deeper than he thought...

"Hey." Santiago bent down hurriedly before placing his hands gently on her shoulders.

"Follow my lead." He spoke soothingly but firmly. "Inhale, Hold for 4..." He did so himself, taking a deep breath and holding it for 4 seconds to demonstrate to her. "Exhale, Hold for 4."

He would repeat this for a few times, monitoring her condition carefully and anxiously as he did so.

 

[Chako]

Chako just smiled when the old man motivated her and told her that he was planning on seeing the trees on spring eventually.

And she nodded afterwards, "Yep! Strawberry cakes are the best!"

His compliments also got her in a really happy mood, "Thank you! I'm really proud of my harp! My dancing isn't quite there yet, but I'll keep practicing!" And she had no intention of neglecting her harp while practicing her dance.

But well... None of that mattered much when her mind was taken over by the sight of those wolves again. Seeing them approach her. Their jaws opening...

Follow my lead.

She heard his voice.

Inhale. Hold for 4.

She followed his lead... Inhaling... Holding down, exhaling... She latched onto his voice, and brought herself back to Honeyhome, and away from that day...

Chako was really glad that that giant wolfman wasn't here today, or anybody else with that kind of smell... She didn't know if she'd be able to handle it otherwise.

So... After a few cycles, she seemed to have calmed down enough to talk properly again, "Thanks... I... I'm still trying to learn how to deal with it." Chako sat down back at the bench she used to play the harp on, "It's just hard, you know? I'm seeking help, but it just... Isn't working out very well.

"Feels honestly silly at times. Some people go out there to fight mad robots that spewed from a dragonship or something, and here I am. Getting terrified just by thinking of wolves." Instant shivers went down her whole body as she said the word, "I just..." She sighed, "It's so frustrating, yanno?"

It was probably a bad idea to bring up the topic of the robots, but it was too late by now. Chako could only hope it wouldn't hurt him and that he'd be able to take it on stride... She wondered how other people were able to handle this kind of thing though. Because she really didn't feel like anything was working.

@Santiago Marlin

 

[Santiago Marlin]

"It's not silly." The words came out of his mouth before he even knew them. "Fear...resides in you, but it's not part of you."

Some days, he could still feel the fog in his mind, something that sat aloofly from the rest of himself. Decades of steady work had whittled its voice into a muffle, but it still spoke to him when he least expected it. Its forked tongue whispered of the smell, the sounds, the sights. It was a boulder that he had put to the grindstone since he was a boy, and now, with his hand weathered and trembling it remained a boulder.

It would not become pebble before his time came.

"It's an unwanted tenant, that stubbornly makes itself at home, refuses to pay rent, and makes a fine mess. It will not leave, and there will be no kicking it out. But whatever it does..."

It had taken a long time to wipe those stains of guilt from his heart, to banish the shadow the jungle had cast upon his mind, both of which had only deepened with every time the fog had reared his head.

Why am I so weak? He would ask himself in shame. How he had wished that he had someone to give him an answer.

"...it is not your fault, never your fault."

He squatted down to look into her eyes earnestly.

"You think that it's silly to be afraid of wolves when others do things so much more glamarous- but courage is not an act everyone thinks is impressive, like slaying a dragon or all that nonsense. For some of those adventurers, it might as well as be filleting a fish- pretty, perhaps awe-inspiring... but hardly courageous.

No, It's doing something that is beyond yourself. Maybe it will make your fur stand on end, maybe it'll make you want to scream your lungs out and cry. But it's something whose sole benchmark is the you of yesterday.

It's not easy. Progress will be slow. You will fall down, a lot. And sometimes you will fall for a long, long time. You might fall for so long all you can hope for is to squeeze your eyes and wait for it to be over.

But at the end of the day, you will hit ground. It will be painful, being jolted back to reality with a mouthful of dust. But when that happens? Fear can knock you down, but it cannot prevent from you from dusting yourself off and standing up.

And the moment you do that, you remain stronger than the you of a moment ago."

He stands up, and puts a hand behind her ears.

"Ah, I'm rambling. Spent too much time around the flowery prose of books, and too little speaking sense. I'll end up tilting at windmills at this rate!

...Ignore that last bit. Lets start with something simple. You know how to write? Write about your fear. You don't have to write much. Perhaps the very thought of it will be upsetting, but you deny it the chance to keep gathering strength in the shadows of your mind by casting a light upon it.

Break down that fog into pieces you can understand. And those pieces you can understand, are something you can fight."

@Chako