Complete Private Eastern Brisshal The Forests

[Siondhe]

Kyra stepped in behind Ruby, letting the feline lead the slow path they were taking towards the temple itself. She could see, and feel, the tension in the other's frame - not a tension of fear, but rather of preparation. Readiness for whatever might try and take them by surprise. A tension which bespoke of someone who was clearly aware and alert to the various dangers that this world could present.

Kyra's own hands had drifted down towards the kusarigama that hung at her hips, resting against the chains that rattled slightly at her touch. Her eyes twitched as the silence suddenly filled the yard once more, the ringing coming to an end with a wavering effect that seemed to echo slightly on the air before ending.

The two had taken only a few steps before the temple doors opened, a single body stepping out and into the yard. It took Kyra only a second to recognise the form of the man - for indeed it was a man, to a degree - before she noticed the long, bushy black tail, and pointed ears atop his head. She felt herself relax slightly at the appearance of another beastfolk, her ease coming as she considered the other a friend.

Good day! Uhm...you wouldn't happen to live here, would you?

The man seemed to react in surprise, jumping slightly on the spot and shifting towards the two of them with a sudden wary look on his face. Kyra could see the same tension taking over his body that had been present in Ruby - that was still present in the feline just steps in front of her, in fact - his hand moving towards a his back as he reached for something.

What...what are you doing here? Why are you here? You shouldn't be here. This place is not for outsiders. Go!

Kyra found herself speechless for a second, the man's voice unwelcoming and angry, a tone to it that suggested not only danger, but a possible slight towards aggression. She could see his hand hovering beside his hip, as if preparing to draw something should it be determined that he needed to do so.

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The encounter was unexpected. Ruby was expecting a creature, some monster that would be guarding that place. Or at least some type of trap that would ward that temple against anyone who dared to explore its depths. Instead, they have found a person- Or at the very least they looked like one.

... And it came with a hostility, one that was at the very least rational.

Ruby tilted her blade, posing fiercely between the man and @Kyra Varyth, keeping her blade crossed in front of the girl in a protective stance, narrowing her gaze and with ears perking toward him, wary of his movements while she warned: "We aren't here to fight."

Her head tilted as well, glancing over the stranger that had just ordered them to leave.

"... But we aren't leaving either. At least not until we know more about this place. Care to tell us? Why outsiders aren't welcomed?" She wondered.

"A temple should welcomed anyone, no?"

She added, curious about what was about that very unwelcoming behavior.

 

[Siondhe]

Ruby had shifted between Kyra and the man more, physically protecting the fox-girl from what seemed to be a possible threat. Kyra could feel her own blood pressure rising as the adrenaline began to flow through her, her senses tuning towards the possible danger in front of her - and yet somehow becoming stronger than they were before. She could see the tension in the man who had appeared, and yet it appeared to Kyra to be more reactive; out of shock rather than any desire to engage. His smell, a scent that Kyra could now recognise, was one tipped with a hint of fear - as if he were worried.

Fight?

The question seemed almost surprised, as if he hadn't considered the possibility of fighting. Kyra could hear the deception in the tone, and yet somehow she didn't think that he had any intention to fight - so long as they didn't initiate it. Carefully, she placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder, as much to comfort the other as to try and calm them - both of them, as Kyra realised her own muscles were tense and ready to spring.

I...do not wish to fight you. It is...preferable that you would leave...will you not?

He seemed to shift on the spot in nervousness, realising almost instantly that the two of them wouldn't leave - a fact that was confirmed as much by Ruby's own response. Almost instantly, the man seemed to deflate, as if giving up on any chance of their presence simply disappearing. Instead, he shook his head, and began to speak - answering Ruby's questions to a degree.

It is indeed a temple...one which is glorified by an old spirit. It is...not one which desires to be a public spectacle, and therefore it remains...reclusive. Hiding away from the masses, and living out it's life in peace here. It...does not like visitors. It hides from them, disappears for times unknown. You being here could chase it away entirely...which would...it would be bad for the forests.

His eyes glanced about the forest around them, as if expected it to suddenly fall over. Kyra couldn't help but follow his gaze, seeing no immediate change in their surroundings. Yet, somehow, she knew he wasn't lying. The tone of his voice, his very scent, all of it led her to believe that it was true, that it was real.

We'd been told about a ...about some mystical sheep? A few townsfolk from where we came from-

The man sneered suddenly, his expression taking on one of ridicule and annoyance. The shift had been entirely sudden, and it caught Kyra off guard at first.

Mystical sheep? They mean the herds that prosper here, under the protection of the spirit...take them from here, and they'll be nothing more than a common flock.

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

A frown crossed Ruby's face at the man's reaction. She expected a response that held much more hostility and defiance. @Kyra Varyth's touch on her shoulder made the cat girl side glance her companion, and she nodded briefly, acknowledging that she should calm down, even if for very little.

The explanation of the man made sense, and even if Ruby wasn't sure if she could trust him, she would much rather avoiding ruining the protection of a forest just because she was too curious.

Her blade slowly met its sheath. "I understand... If that's the case, we may avoid it..."

She sighed briefly, and glanced to Kyra as she inquired about the sheeps, pondering. "Do you think it is possible to see these sheeps, without scaring off the spirit?" Ruby wondered. If anything, she would rather not come out of that place with empty hands. At least finding something unusual and seeing with her own eyes would be desired.

Granted, they had already found out about that place, so even if they stopped right there it was still a very interesting finding, and...

"... Wait..."

Ruby crossed her arms.

"Who are you, anyway? Are you a guardian or something?"

 

[Siondhe]

Ruby had jumped to questioning the man before Kyra could consider it, her own mind having simply accepted without question that the man was here to protect the temple and it's surrounding area. Ruby, however, placed the question into words, going so far as to ask the individual what their purpose was in the location, and whether they could proceed forwards. Kyra was, for the moment, content to let the other girl handle the conversation - experience clear in the way she spoke.

Ah, no. I am neither guardian or protector, or...well, anything official. I am merely a traveller who passed through once, and answered the unspoken call of the glade to look after those creatures that lived here...you could say I'm a caretaker, voluntarily, I guess.

The boy gave a soft shrug and a smile, as if hoping that would clear up the situation a bit. He seemed to glance towards something in the distance behind him after he answered, his brow furrowing slightly. Kyra had just considered asking what the issue was, when the man suddenly spoke again.

I...guess there'd be no harm in you seeing them, so long as you promise not to disturb anything - the flock included. While it's not such a delicate system that your presence will...cause any problems, I'd prefer if we kept it as simple as possible...besides, I'm one to try and stop armed individuals...

He seemed to glance towards the weapons as he finished his statement. There was no fear in his voice that Kyra could pick up on, but the words caught Kyra off guard. She'd not considered entering violently, and as she glanced towards Ruby she suddenly wondered what the other would've done. Before she could head down a pathway of thoughts that may be less than welcoming, she decided to simply take the man up on the offer.

We promise not to disturb anything! At...least, as much as we can promise that. We'll be careful, and considerate!

Kyra gave a quick thumbs up and a smile towards the caretaker, before grabbing Ruby and tugging her towards the direction the man had been looking, suddenly desiring a quick exit from the location. She led them towards the edge of the temple, and around the side, to find a large pen filled with various animals - sheep, goats, a few donkeys and what appeared to be some sort of cows that Kyra had never seen before; spotted red with a black underfur that seemed somehow both out of place and natural.

Huh...they don't appear to be...anything special...

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"So basically..." Ruby pondered for a second, swaying her tail with a small smile. "... You are being a dear? That's very cute of you."

He had no reason to protect that place, aside from simply protecting it. For a moment, she even wondered if that guy was a player or a lander, to have such a care for something that is 'virtual'.

"We won't disturb, you can rest assured." Ruby nodded to the man's condition, but it didn't take long for her to be dragged away by @Kyra Varyth, bringing a chuckle out of the cat girl, that followed and whistled briefly at the sight of the creatures.

"Maybe they are just normal animals in this world, but are just a little exotic for the area and the townsfolk probably thought they were blessed or something?" Ruby could only guess. She wasn't still unsure of why they wanted these sheeps that much, but she doubted it was anything important to begin with. A lot of the Landers had a mindset that wasn't too different from a medieval person in real life, and as such, they had traditions and specific superstitions.

Regardless... It felt like a relief that the sheeps didn't seem anything bizarre or out of normal.

"Well. It isn't like we would be able to bring one of them to the townsfolk, considering our promise, right?" Ruby chuckled. "... Still, I am glad we could explore this together." At the very least, they got to enjoy to find something unusual.

 

[Siondhe]

Yeah...yeah I don't think we're going to be able to take one with us. Especially considering the promise we made...which is too bad, I think? I'm...well, actually, I'm not sure it's a bad thing. They're...far less spectacular than I would've expected. Maybe you're right...maybe it's just that they're different.

She glanced back at the animals in the pen, which for the most part just looked like normal animals to Kyra. She couldn't see anything that would create the appearance of anything magical, or special, about them. She couldn't help but wonder what could possibly grow such a fallacy, even if she knew she would never get an answer to her questioning.

Yeah...yeah it was nice to be able to come here together. To at least make the journey, even if I'm going to return empty handed.

She almost ended her thoughts there, continuing only as she realised how negative she must've sounded to the other. She turned to Ruby and smiled, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder as she turned away from the pen itself to focus on her companion.

Well...empty handed would be untrue. I was able to meet you, and explore this world together. It may not be an 'end' to the task I was given, or at least not one that the people who sent me wanted, but it's more than enough for me. I was able to meet someone amazing, and to go somewhere amazing...that's more than enough reward for me. The rest...well, I'll figure that out once we get back.

She glanced around the forest area, noticing for the first time how small beams of light seemed to penetrate the foliage above. In the light Kyra could see small glitters of something floating, reminding her of dust or pollen - except that they seemed to shimmer with a glowing blue and purple colouring.

It's...definitely beautiful here...

Her eyes followed the particles down, noticing as they fell upon the animals in the pen - and seemed to cause each of them to glow slightly in response. A small aura that glowed on the edge of their fur and hair, barely visible.

Truly...this place is wonderful...

She turned away from the pen after a few seconds, waving a hand in the direction they had come and smiling at Ruby once more.

Ready?

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby smiled at @Kyra Varyth's words, that were both optimistic and silverlining in a way, but it was far from being truthful. Her tails swayed, brushing on Kyra's before Ruby turned around to take the path back where her new friend had gestured, taking her hand with a grin.

"I can say I've met an amazing girl too." She beamed. "It isn't anyone that despite being new, is willing to go head first into the unknown." Her gaze shifted into a more mischievous expression, and her lips quirked up high and devilishly. She wanted to drag that girl to more adventures, as long as the other was willing to come. Maybe she would even do a great whistler.

Ruby decided to have another glance of the wonderful place they were in, but after taking a few more seconds to frame that sight into her memories, she turned away, going along.

"What do you plan to do now? You are going to give the 'bad news' to the villagers? Or are you going to ignore that and leave to somewhere else?" She wondered, tilting her head and leaning in before offering:

"Regardless, I would like to accompany you."

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra considered her next action carefully. She had no intention of abandoning the task - if for no reason other than she never wanted to be able to say that she had given up - but she also wasn't entirely sure how to approach the problem. She doubted that the Landers would believe her if she informed them that they had found the sheep, and there was nothing mystical about them at all. Even with Ruby's input, Kyra had an odd feeling that the farmers who had sent her off on this errand would only scoff at her, and perhaps do something entirely rash, like heading out themselves.

I'm going to give them the news...but I may modify the story a little bit. Something to ensure that they don't make their own way out here, and destroy the peacefulness that is this glade. If for no reason beyond wanting to keep a small bit of beauty in the world...

She had begun thinking about the ways in which she could modify her story, when Ruby mentioned continuing to travel together. Kyra's ears twitched in response, but it was several seconds before she registered what had been said by the other. She stopped walking, tilting her head to the side in a bit of confusion at the commentary, before nodding slowly.

Maybe this is a bit selfish...but I hadn't actually considered parting ways...I guess that is a thing that would normally happen, isn't it? Well, I'd be happy to have you along, wherever the path takes us from here...assuming you're alright to stick around.

She gave a sudden, broad smile as she waved a hand at the forest around them.

I cannot promise grand adventures or hidden forests...or even anything exciting, but...well, I'm going to continue exploring this world, and I'd be happy for any company along the way - until such time as you grow bored of me, that is...

Kyra gave a sudden flex of her hand, bringing up the menu and scrolling through to find the request section. It took a few moments - her unfamiliarity with the system obvious to any who would be aware of what her movements meant - before she managed to get the request sent off in truth.

Party

Kyra Varyth has invited you to join their party.

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby nodded. "It is for the best. We can make something up as we go, maybe something veeery discouraging... Or at the very least, very anti-climatic." She shrugged, but perhaps the former was a better choice, since something that was anti-climatic still gave room for rumors that could pick up the curiosity and interest of those that had nothing better to do.

Ruby's steps then slowed down as Kyra revealed she had no intentions of parting ways, and though some of the wording she used brought chuckles out of Ruby's lips, the overall expression of the crimson cat was a grin with tinted cheeks, while her tails swayed back and forth in enjoyment at the idea.

"Wonderful, I am sure I won't get bothered of a cutie like you any time soon." She admitted, twitching her ears. "And not every single adventure needs to be filled with action. The better part is finding something that will make sigh escape from your lungs, and give a small taste of how big and wonderful this world is." Perhaps her tone was a bit dreamy, but she opened her free arm widely, as if taking all the air that brushed against her body, until the party request showed up.

Her ears perked up, and she casted a glance to her companion.

Notice

Crimson Ruby has joined your party.

The notification confirming the acceptance of the crimson cat showed up, but that wasn't the only notification that appeared, soon with another one popping up, this time requesting confirmation from @Kyra Varyth herself—

Notice

Crimson Ruby has sent you a friendship invite.

"Come on, let's not lose too much time!" She hurried, tugging Kyra and trying to urge her to rush.

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra's ears twitched at the idea of lying to the farmers that had sent her on the quest; she'd disliked the idea at first, but had the feeling Ruby wouldn't be suggesting it unless there was a good reason for it. Putting the thought aside for the moment - and listening to Ruby's continued flirtation and description of exploring the world, Kyra gave a soft smile.

The acceptance of her part request came quickly - followed by another dialogue box. One that Kyra was quick to accept, pressing the button almost the instant it appeared before her. She was just beginning to suggest that they consider their next steps, when Ruby began tugging on her. Laughing even as she tried to respond, Kyra found herself stumbling forwards with the other girl.

Alright...oh great and intellectual adventurer, where to next? Do we head back the way we came, or explore this newly found land in greater detail? I have an odd feeling there's more beyond this glade...and perhaps more interesting things than the temple itself?

She had waved a hand towards the rocky formation and the portal that they had originally teleported through to get to this area, before changing her arm's direction and waving towards the forested areas that seemed to stretch beyond the temple - into areas that Kyra was entirely blind to at the time.

The farmers can likely wait...I never did tell them how long it might take me to return to them, so...we can go in any direction, I think. Unless you have something more specific in mind for our first real adventure together?

She stressed the word in order to bring emphasis to it. Sure, they had come to the temple and glade together, but Kyra hadn't really counted that as their first adventure together. She stared at Ruby in anticipation, waiting to see what the girl would suggest - an exciting growing in her chest as she thought about what they would find next.

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The way @Kyra Varyth made everything sound brought a giggle out of Ruby, that narrowed her gaze defiantly at her new friend.

Ruby's tails swayed when Kyra admitted she had no particular place to go for now, and the hunger for adventure was clearly brimming in her eyes, which tingled Ruby's curiosity as her ears perked up with a grin. "So you want a true adventure, huh..." She rubbed her chin, with her mind running all the way back to the Explorer's League, carefully reading through the list of things that were still pending.

"There is one thing..." Her eyes shifted to her companion, not leaving her even as they walked away. "... Do you know what is a Power Stone? Strange stones... Almost like natural-looking monoliths. But they have a lot of magic power within them, and are nearly indestructible." She explained, with her hands dancing around as she gestured excitedly about it.

"They are scattered around this forest, but recently there has been an unusual concentration of mana in a particular spot, and it has picked the interest of the League..."

She then allowed her shoulder to bump Kyra's, grinning. "It is a little against the rules to explore a space planned for an expedition, but a good adventure doesn't come with rules."

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra cocked her head as Ruby's eyes seemed to glint with what she could only label as mischief. She wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the mention of large monoliths which contained internal power sources - or, at least that's what she had understood from the explanation - sounded both dangerous, and interesting. She couldn't help but grin at the mention of nearly indestructible, however.

Nearly...which means they still have flaws. Are they created by Landers? Or are they naturally occurring? I'd be interested in taking a closer look if we-

She halted as Ruby continued to explain how there was an expedition occurring, a term that Kyra understood, but also didn't quite understand the meaning behind. She wasn't familiar with all the rules of the area, and realised that there was still a lot to learn if she was going to integrate into the world more fully.

Well, let's just say that...I'm not familiar with all the rules and regulations, and what we can and cannot do. So...consider me blind to any sort of inhibitions that should be in place - so long as you don't tell me about them, that is.

Her grin was filled with mischief as she prodded the other on, silently suggesting that they should take advantage of Kyra's obvious lack of knowledge. She had no doubts there'd be consequences if whomever was in charge caught them, but she figured she could at least beg off on the 'not knowing better' excuse, and perhaps explain that Ruby was attempting to stop her.

Rules are meant to be broken...or so they say. Besides, I have no idea what an expedition is, and you're clearly there to stop me from breaking whatever rules were put in place due to this expedition, right? That's assuming we get caught, which...well, we'll just have to be super sneaky won't we?

She gave Ruby's arm a tug, waiting for the other to agree and begin leading the way. Once they had started, Kyra would fall into step beside the cat-girl, giving a flick of her own tail as the excitement and anticipation coursed through her.

---

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Waving her finger back and forth, Ruby made it clear: "We have no idea about it. If it is natural? If it is created by someone? The Power Stones are pure mystery, one that we will need to dive in to solve." The finger that was waving went down and snapped with her thumb as she added, "Which is why this large Power Stone catched everyone's fancy." Her index went to her own lips, with eyes narrowing in an interested expression.

The Explorer's League was being cautious about it, but Ruby had a feeling that they could take some risks.

Ruby opened her arms. "Don't worry, if anyone catches us, I will take responsibility... If we will lie about anything, of course, we can try. But I will make sure if things goes worse, not an inch of blame will go to you." She leaned in and booped Kyra's nose with a wink, taking a step forward while following and guiding her companion to their next adventure...