Life (Sess)

[Nemesis]

Three Days Ago
11:03 PM
Bahbem Foundation Forward Base Camp



"That wasn't what I was expecting. Shame it wasn't a Gran Cher."

Voices were its first memory.

Voices, and heat. Flames licked its newly formed limbs and body, hardening its smooth, glossy limbs as its eyes focused for the first time in its life. Life! To be alive, and yet, to feel so profoundly alone! Something, it knew, was missing - but it could not yet articulate it. Shapes started to form before its eyes as they adjusted to the light.

A skeletal, hunched beast, all bone and teeth, coiled before it like a wound spring. Its blood-soaked claws clicked against one another as it cleaned itself, independent of the whims of its operator.

"Dahlia, what should we-"

"Orphan has no need for defective Antibodies."

The other...

That silhouette! It jumped out from the rest, a dark crimson with rounded shoulders and a body that was eerily similar to its own - but at the same time different. Larger, more imposing, more aggressive. Every instinct caused it to recoil, sensing something akin to disgust - and it knew from the Gran Cher's own eyes, even hidden behind a visor as they were, that it felt the very same way.

"An ounce of prevention..."

The woman spoke dryly, and the Gran Cher lifted the gleaming, oversized blade held in its hand overhead. It couldn't move, couldn't cry out - could only watch in horror as the Sword Extension reflected the flames around it.

"Is worth a pound of care-"

It fell, came crashing down, down - and it felt for the first time, pain, before everything melted away into a kaleidoscopic haze. Had it all just been a dream? Had it been born just to suffer, briefly, and then die? It was vaguely aware it was on its side now, vital fluids leaking. The vague shapes retreated into the flames, and it was left alone, the last of its life draining away. And yet-

It cried.

It wept. A grinding, crackling, noise, like a broken flute trying to play. A "song" of woe, that only it would ever hear, a desperate, instinctual cry for help, like an infant tore from its mother's bosom.

There was a cool wetness. It crept up over its ruined features from below, as more shapes appeared. Misshapen. Malformed. Rejected. What was it that woman had said? Defective? They were small, barely more than globs of clay and dirt with tiny eye-spots, like horseshoe crabs, that clustered about it now. Where had they come from? It didn't have time to process this as they pressed themselves against its face, their bodies filling the cracks, pulling ruined metalflesh together, stemming the bleeding.

Was it instinct, on their part? Did they know it would mean the end of their fragile existences as well? Or were they happy to at last have a purpose beyond rotting at the bottom of a garbage heap? All these things and more it tried to ponder in its own way... but tiredness and fatigue finally claimed it, and its body went limp among the flames.

---

Present Day

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead."

That voice was it's second memory.

A warm light, not fierce and harsh like what it had first seen.

The sun shone down on its body. A young man was at its feet, and it rose slowly, as though awed by how small he was. He was dressed in a dark blue blazer that matched his pants, his hair, and other accoutrements - clearly his favored color. Suds ran down his fingers as he worked a brush of some kind up its leg, cleaning away the last of the charred surface flesh from the other night.

"That was a close call." He said, conversationally.

"If it hadn't been for those mud dolls, you'd be off to the garbage dump."

With a sigh, he dropped the mop next to its bucket, and looked up at it, allowing their eyes to meet. He folded his arms, letting out a long, slow "hmm", as if he were in deep contemplation. There were others like him in the background, cleaning and rebuilding, a hub of activity - but this man had decided to give him all of his attention... and it felt a strange sense of gratitude. Finally he spoke, averting his gaze.

"The Red Gran Cher did that do you, didn't it?"

The thought seemed to cause him to purse his lips, and he gave a low sigh. It could sense the emotion radiating from him - anxiety, uncertainty, and resentment... but also kindness, hope, and sincerity. It was a curious cocktail... and it found itself leaning in a little closer, just to see if it could perhaps learn a little more. He wiped his hand against his pant leg and extended it towards him. A strange gesture, but it felt it understood.

A colossal finger was moved forward... and the human shook it, laughing.

"My name is Novalis Elwren. Nice to meet you... Brain."

 

[Hitura Rael]

Fire in the jungle- a dangerous thing if not contained. Of course the burning would lead to investigation from the locals. And what was found was not liked one bit. That... THING was massive, far bigger than could be handled alone. It was best to stay in the trees for now, monitor the situation, and intervene only if absolutely necessary. Maybe they'd leave...

---

Containing the fire had not been easy. It had been downright exhausting! But now that it had been taken care of... River could figure out why those strange people and that... thing had been here. Starting with whatever they had killed. But of course, that was not so easy.

River perched in a tree, quietly observing as this strange new man entered the burned perimeter. He hovered around the massive stone pile that hadn't been there before. River's nose twitched in curiosity as the man just... stood there. And then... The stone moved! River jolted, snapping a twig underfoot. Was this man a golemancer? One of those cultists? River felt the pain crashing down without warning. The pain echoing through limbs and body was nothing in comparison to the swallowing effects of the Echo.

The vision flickered, dimmed to a wash of muddy hues, flickering through events rapidly. Struggle, pain, futility, resentment... yet this man was a good soul, odd, but well meaning.

River blinked away the pain and slowly sat up with a groan. The Echo was never so kind as to give a WARNING before taking someone. The fading pain of the headache unfortunately undulled the rest of the senses. Pain flooded from other areas. Falling out of a tree would do that to you...

With a sigh, River pushed up from the ground to rub sore limbs, swallowed hard, and made the trek down to the burned site. Without hesitating, River emerged from the brush. Novalis found himself standing face to face with one of Hydaelyn's beast races. Tanned skin a stark contrast to white hair and rabbit like ears, though that did nothing to hide the spear upon their back. Was this a male? Female? Who knew. They were quite feminine, lithe and thin with soft proportions.

River gave a soft smile, accent lilting accent similar to Earth's Icelandic region. River's gentle voice came out clear, not helping identify sex, hiding the fear. "Greetings, I am River. What brings you to these sacred mountains?"

​

 

[Nemesis]

At the sound of an unfamiliar voice, the young man gave a slight jump, evidently more than a little surprised as he turned. His eyes first saw the ears, flicked down to the accompanying body, and his brow briefly furrowed in confusion before remembering its manners.

"...Boy, you sure do walk quietly." He said, touching a hand to his chest. For all he had known, it could have been the Reclaimers come to finish the job. There was no telling what those lunatics hopped up on Orphan's influence were capable of... Or, so old man Bahbem had told him. After all, wasn't that why he was here?

"Nice to meet you, River. I'm Novalis... Novalis Elwren." He said, at last, giving a winning smile as he proferred a small, dark card to her. It simply had his name on the front, as well as an unusual sigil, like a glyph printed on silvery paper that flickered in the light.

"I'm a Fellow at the Babhem Foundation, here to engage in cultural exchange. We're... How can I describe it? A nonprofit dedicated to preserving lost mythology and artifacts."

There was a groaning from overhead, and it became clear that the strange giant had moved of its own accord. It stared straight at River, orange-red eyes glimmering underneath the slits in its helmet - but it was not a fierce or unkind stare. Rather, it seemed... uncertain. Timid, even. Catching this, Novalis raised his hands and spoke hurriedly, as if attempting to intercept a potential complaint before it happened.

"Oh! Don't mind this kid here. He just woke up, had a nasty run-in with a Gran Cher... but you're feeling good now, right?"

He yelled the last bit to the Brain, which turned its gaze back to him... and gave a silent nod, before it resumed looking off into the distance.

"Attaboy!" Novalis laughed, before putting his hands on his hips. He'd heard all about Antibodies, but never had the chance to work with one up close before - old man Bahbem was going to be surprised for sure! But, that was the nature of his work - take lemons, turn them into lemonade. Sure, the forward base had been razed to the ground, but it wouldn't be long before they had everything up and running again, and the activity going on behind him was proof of that. A thought occurred to him, and he turned to River, offering a hand and a grin.

"These Brain Powerd are real gentle... Not like Orphan's Gran Cher at all. Want to see?"

 

[Hitura Rael]

River blinked at the man, ears rotating slowly outward before back to facing forward, much like a rabbit's would. He was not about to ask the man how he DIDN'T hear river fall out of the tree. No, that would be an embarassment that absolutely no one would learn of. "Well... yes... we live in a forest full of predators and hunt prey ourselves." Silly man, getting startled. River did try not to laugh, though poorly with the mirthful grin.

River blinked at the card, then carefully took int between a thumb and index finger, holding it out between two claws. "Ah..." He turned it this way in that, tilting his head and nose twitching as he examined the way it shone in the light. "What is this? Some kind of crystal infused card? What does it do?"

River's ears rotated again, to focus on Novalis as he spoke. He blinked slowly at Novalis, slowly processing the words spilling from his lips. Only about half registered any meaning. "If you wish to learn our culture then I could take you to the village..." River jumped at the sound of the groan above them, dropping the card. He froze, much like a cornered rabbit.

"I-" he stammered, then changed direction, "Is that what those... other ones attacked?" River's eyes locked onto the scar on the... creature- magitek- whatever it was! "I do not know what a Gran Cher is... But some days back something big attacked something here and set the area on fire," He frowned, glancing up at the Brain. Novalis spoke as if this thing was alive, sentient... it's own creature. Perhaps he should have tried to intervene. Gentle, he said?

River slung his spear off his back and set it against a nearby tree before moving to the Brain. Out of respect, he kicked off the metallic shoes, wiggled his clawed toes, and hopped, achieving surprising distance with the one motion. He landed first on the Brain's knee, then bounced again up to it's shoulder. He gave the poor thing a gentle pat and stroke on the cheek before pressing his forehead to the creature. "I am sorry."

 

[Nemesis]

"Don't tell me you haven't heard of Orphan?"

There was a rustling and clattering below as River made his way up. The Brain's head tilted gently towards him as he stroked it, and it let out a low, semi-mechanical purr, almost like a great sigh escaping its body. There was no other noise quite like it - but this sense of serenity only lasted a moment, as a ring of multicolored energy pulsed across the Brain's body - and it began to move. All the while, Novalis chatted away animatedly, evidently pleased at the chance to flex his knowledge of something for once without old man Bahbem correcting him.

"It's those massive, thousands of years old ruins that they found at the bottom of the sea years ago. Turns out, it's alive - scientists think it crashed here millions of years ago, scattered the Plates all over the planet.

Bunch of eggheads started living in it and worshiping it. Call themselves the "Reclaimers", say they're following "Orphan's will" by bringing the Plates it lost back to it... and they don't take no for an answer. Something about staying down there with it makes you stop being reasonable, almost like it's changing them, making them into its immune system to protect it."

Below, the young man had slipped into the Brain's cockpit, grateful he'd taken the risk of installing the mechanical parts while it had been knocked out cold. He rested his hand on a section of its fleshy interior, and momentarily closed his eyes, sensing its feelings. A little anxiety, but also curiosity, and bravery. Not bad, he thought, from something that shouldn't even be alive.

"That's why we call these kids Antibodies. They come from the plates, but the Reclaimers don't want these ones, the Brain Powerd. Gran Cher, the ones with the swept back heads - they're more aggressive, and they don't question orders. Brains pick their pilots, and if they don't like you, they'll close up and refuse to fight."

Novalis gave the Brain an affectionate pat.

"Isn't that right, kiddo?"

As it rose into the air, the Brain came to a halt - physically, and yet it kept moving. It stood still, turning its head curiously left and right, even as it coasted forward gently, as though it were as light as a feather. There was strangely little sense of motion as well, as though an invisible, protective barrier had been placed between River and the wind.

"Orphan's been causing earthquakes all over the world that keep shaking the Plates loose, and we think it might be starting to make its way towards the surface. Bahbem is working with the Novis Noah and world governments to try and find a solution before that happens, because things could get... bad."

Here, he trailed off thoughtfully, as though uncertain as to whether he ought to advance what, for now, was only a theory. The old man was right - he really did talk too much. He stuck his head out instead, yelling up at River:

"Hold on tight - point the way, and we'll get moving."

 

[Hitura Rael]

"Here, 'Orphan' means an individual who has lost their parents before they can take care of themselves." River continued to lavish affection on the creature, only slightly hesitating when the colors pulsed. The odd sound it gave off didn't phase him. It was kind of like a cat honestly. Or a big happy dragon, just... slightly grating. Moving was a whole other story. River's nose twitched and ears swiveled rapidly before the anxious bunny clung to the massive creature.

"There may be ruins at the bottom of a sea or ocean, but I don't think anyone's gone down there to explore. It is difficult to do, even for the Primals and Lucavi." River stared out over the scenery, the view from the Brain much better than from a tree. He could never reach the tippy top of a tree, they got too thin to hold his weight. Looking out over the jungle, picking out the individual gaps where he knew there were clearings and thickets... He had to admit it was fun. The mountain looked as imposing as ever though. Maybe... Maybe Novalis would take him to the top of the mountain to look out over the other side. Or the edge of the jungle territory to see what lay beyond.

River relaxed, sat on the Brain's shoulder, and continued to dole out affection to it. He snapped out of his thoughts when Novalis prompted to be shown the way. What had he said before that? "Oh. Did you want to see the ruins? I know the way to those. Outsiders aren't really allowed there, it's sacred. But I think this big guy can fit in there without damaging anything."

 

[Nemesis]

"This kid can go right to the bottom of the sea and back, no problem."

Ruins, huh?

"I'd like to see that yes, if you'd be so kind. Our Foundation wants to preserve ancient cultural artifacts like that, so perhaps we can assist in some way."

The mention of that caused the young man's eyebrows to raise in interest - but for the moment, he guided the Brain over the trees as he spied the village at River's direction. There were figures milling about down below, and as they landed, the Brain fell into a crouch. The cockpit hatch creaked open, and Novalis stuck his upper half out, his eyes immediately being drawn to the height of those present.

"All... women?" He said, startled - but vaguely aware of the red rushing to his cheeks. He hadn't been informed about this - but he wasn't complaining, either.

 

[Hitura Rael]

"That sounds quite interesting! I'd love to see what's at the bottom of the sea!" River beamed, giving the Brain an extra good scratch under the chin as far as he could reach. It was no Chocobo, but hey, it seemed to enjoy the affection. That smile faded once he realized where Novalis directed the Brain. "Oh- this is not a good way to go. You're gonna-" The brain set down on the outer bounds of the village. River cringed, "-Get to the village without warning them..."

The reaction within the village was akin to kicking an ant hill. The women froze mid way through their duties, heads turned to stare at the giant that had just descended from the sky. Tasks were dropped, the amazonian women rushing to retrieve their weapons. Spears and bows were pointed and aimed at the Brain as children were ushered inside the huts high up in the trees.

River slid down off of the Brain's shoulder in a hurry, "No no no no! It's okay! They're not going to hurt anyone!" He placed himself firmly between the invading pair and his tribesmen.

"River, what is this?"

River flinched back at the angry tone like a scolded child. "A-aunt Inga! You look lovely today, did you get new-"

The near seven foot tall grizzled woman pushed passed the crowd of defenders, right up to River and grabbed his ear, "Enough of your flattery River. Explain! You brought a stranger to the village and whatever THAT is!"

River flashed a sheepish smile while leaning into the pulling on his ear, "Okokok leggo that hurts!"

The woman let go with a grudge, her dark brown eyes shifted to glare at Novalis. The pair looked similar enough, sharing the same white hair and tanned skin. Inga stood head and shoulders over River, dressed in leathers and iron much like the rest of the village. Scars riddled her bare midriff and arms. Her ear was split mid way down on her left. Wrinkles had only begun to caress her face, the ones around her eyes giving her a tired look. Or perhaps she was just tired of River. It was hard to tell.

River rubbed his ear and pouted up at his aunt, "So mean-" He cleared his throat, biting back whatever he was going to say next. "Aunty, this is Novalis and... uh... Brain. Novalis wants to learn about our culture and he knows about the thing that set the forest on fire a few days back."

Inga's expression hardened at the mention of the fire. Her glare turned to Novalis for a moment before she held her hand out, palm facing Novalis' direct as if a lingering threat to use those claws. "So he says. We shall see. Stand down. You." She pointed to Novalis as the warrior women hesitantly lowered their weapons, "Come with me. You too River. You have duties to attend."

River groaned and followed his aunt along the paths hidden among the foliage to a large thick boughed tree. Inga stopped and crossed her arms under her breasts, "Fetch the ladder, I doubt he can climb."

River grumbled under his breath before answering, "Yes Aunt Inga." With a few hops and leaps, he scaled the tree using the trunk and branches until he disappeared from sight.

Inga stepped back and put her arm out to clear Novalis, just seconds before a rope wrung ladder dropped from the thick greenery to dangle freely in the air. "After you, outsider." She motioned to the ladder.

 

[Nemesis]

"Agh!"

Novalis raised his hands as soon as the spears were directed at him. This wasn't how it was supposed to go! Thankfully, River seemed to be able to get the situation back under control, and he eventually nodded his dumb assent, and began to trot after the older woman - but paused, already sensing movement behind him. His gaze flicked up at the blue entity overhead, which looked at him with the equivalent of a dog's dewiest puppy eyes.

"No following." He said, trying to sound reassuring.

"I'll be back, ok? Don't cause any trouble."

He began to move away, but still felt the Antibody's stare on his back all the while. Part of him already felt bad for leaving it be - but, his mission was important, and it would do the young 'un good to get some alone time. As the ladder was proffered, he took it gratefully from Inga, keeping his eyes exactly where they were supposed to be.

"Oh! Thank you!" He said brightly, taking a couple of steps, before adding:

"Not something we learn in school." - This was followed hurriedly by:

"I mean, not to say it's old fashioned or there's anything wrong with living in a tree! I don't mean to imply any kind of inferiority or-You know, let me just... Get going here."

He couldn't have scrambled up faster if all the hounds of Hell had been baying at his heels.

 

[Hitura Rael]

The interior of the home was what one would imagine a house built in the trees would look like. Walls lined with thick reeds and decorated with hanging flowers and vines, the floors well laquered planks of wood, bright colored carpets decorating the floor, wooden furniture and tables with vases and hand crafted adornments everywhere. There were five beds set up in the huts, though only two occupants had been met.

River miserably moved around the house, dusting and cleaning up, though he made a point to whisper as he passed by Novalis, "We're in a lot of trouble. Try to seem as harmless as you can but tell Inga the truth."

Inga appeared through the portal in the floor moments later and rolled the ladder up behind her before slamming the hatch shut and standing on it. It would be at that moment that Novalis would realize... he had fucked up. The Viera woman crossed her arms under her chest and glared at him with murderous intent.

"Now. Explain yourself. Why are you here? Why did River break the Green Word to bring you here?"

 

[Nemesis]

"I'm an associate cultural anthropologist with the Bahbem Foundation... Novalis Elwren."

The young man seated himself as politely as he possibly could, glancing left and right, trying to seem as inoffensive as possible. Once again, the card was proffered to his host with a smile. He only hoped his intrusion hadn't gotten River in trouble... Though from the sounds of it, this Green Word was serious business.

"We're dedicated to preserving cultural legacies, artifacts, and traditions. River here was kind enough to offer his help when our base camp was attacked."

He nodded towards his guide, and then, as if suddenly recalling something, fished into his pocket. He produced a small tablet, almost like a smartphone, and after tapping at its surface for a moment, offered it to Inga.

"Speaking of... I don't suppose you've seen any of these, have you?"



Displayed on its surface was a looming, crimson machine. Its proportions were similar to the Brain waiting for him outside, but its eye-concealing visor, the frilled back of its head, and more menacing posture indicated it to be something altogether different. Novalis waited a moment before continuing, leaving the device for her to inspect as she chose as he folded his arms.

"They were in the area recently, and are very dangerous."

 

[Hitura Rael]

Inga took the card to glance over before setting it on a nearby table. "Of course River offered," she sighed, "That boy is always in trouble I swear..."

River flashed a sheepish grin before popping into a back room. This was going to get embarassing if he remained in proximity of being a target.

Inga glanced down at the tablet before taking it, "It is rare to see Tomestones out here." She tilted her head, looking over the image of the creature on it. "I have not seen something exactly like this. It does not look Garlean, that is for sure. It's not... flashy enough. Not void sent either..." She shook her head and handed it back. "The men are the ones who would have seen such things. Unfortunately for you, they would kill you on sight. ... Except River and he is barely an exception."

She rubbed her face tiredly, "River will need to guide you back out of the forest tomorrow morning. For tonight... you both can stay here. Unless your... large friend... can get you safely out of the forest before nightfall. I do not know how you are not yet dead to be honest."

"They were outside the boundaries of the territorires patroled Aunty." River popped his head out, "I have the room cleaned and beds ready." He grinned, proud of simply cleaning a room.

Inga sighed again, "I will make dinner. Does that-"

"Brain." River supplied.

"... Brain... eat?" Inga rubbed her temples. She needed a minute and a strong drink.

 

[Nemesis]

"Ah, no. They absorb Organic Energy through the environment... He'll be fine."

Novalis chose his words carefully. As Inga glanced down, he caught a glimpse of something at the window - the Brain, craning its head, peering curiously in at the proceedings. The variety of expressions that crossed his face in the next few seconds would have impressed even the most accomplished actor, and he desperately signalled to it, swatting his hands ineffectually in the air, which the Brain seemed to regard with silent mirth.

G'arn, git! He seemed to be trying to say - but as soon as the woman's gaze was back on him, he was the picture of normality, albeit with a few sweat beads trickling down his forehad.

"Thank you both for your hospitality." He said hurriedly, giving a bow of appreciation.

"If you should ever need help, regardless of the situation... Mr. Bahbem and I will repay your kindness."

It was a curious way to express gratitude, the certainty with which he made such a promise, looking directly into the viera's eyes. There was something... under there, in his expression. Like a soul of galvanized steel, one that was not nearly as foolish as it seemed at first glance.

In the background the Brain, seemingly bored once more, leaned out of view once more, and Novalis exhaled. Maybe now, he thought, he would be able to sleep...

 

[Hitura Rael]

"Twelve give me strength," Inga muttered. She turned on her heel and made for the hatch that led out of the domicile. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I will convince the rest of the village you are an honored guest. Given your... friend," she struggled with the word, "You may find yourself tolerated or ignored by the others. Still. Do not leave without River at your side. The Wardens will likely hesitate to fire at you if they see him with you. I will return when dinner is ready."

She flicked open the hatch and started down, oblivious to the comical display put on by Novalis as he attempted to shoo the brain. She paused in the act of closing the hatch behind her, stared at the rungs of the ladder, then turned her glance to Novalis. "If you truly wish to help, to repay us for this kindness, then you will take River with you when you leave." She offered no further explanation. The hatch swung closed.

"Ah, she's gone then." River poked his head out, "I thought she'd never leave. That's the most I've heard from her since I returned to the village." He beamed, "I made up the bed for you, I hope you find it comfortable. It's nothing like the beds in Dalmasca or Eorzea, but it's better than the ground." He waved Novalis in to the room.

The room was small, cramped at best. The bed took most of the space and was barely big enough to fit the full grown Viera man. "What's the plan come morning? Hospitality of my people is... short lived at best toward outsiders and oath breakers."

 

[Nemesis]

Novalis bowed his head in silent gratitude to Inga as she left, and not wishing to press the matter further, made for his room. He gave the young man a weary smile, as if he were suddenly gripped with fatigue.

"Thank you, River. I'll not impose on your people's hospitality for long."

He sighed, and opened his tablet, tapping away at its surface. To his immense surprise, he had a connection. Doubtlessly, he thought, the Foundation's work at hand... but, that meant he wouldn't be free of the scourge of work emails for the duration of his trip.

"If there's a larger city or, a site of interest nearby, let's head to it in the morning. I'd like to meet some of the region's scholars, if possible... You're welcome to join me. Sounds like they just can't wait to be rid of you."

Once the Viera had departed, however, his expression turned more sombre. He slid his shoes off, along with his garments, and lay back, looking out the window. Any moment, he thought, an arrow could come through and pierce his chest - and that would be that. That, as old man Bahbem would have said, was "destiny". The old geezer seemed to have many ideas about this place already - and he wondered, privately, what the point of sending him on this errand was if Bahbem already knew what he'd find. He closed his eyes, and tried not to think of that red Gran Cher.

"...Rose." He said to himself, quietly.

"Is this really the path you chose...?"

He drifted off into an uneasy slumber, dreaming of home. Of his Sister. Of Bahbem, and the strange winged God he had shown him...

And the stories of the world that was to be.

 

[Hitura Rael]

River shrugged, "They used to be more hospitible. But man is a fickle one, sometimes no respect for the forest." River sat himself in the window, a leg dangling out. "Mmm... To the west there is Bozja and Dalmasca, but the Empire holds them. Rabanastre is in ruins. Far as I know, the resistance is still active there. Unless you want pulled into that or arrested by Garlemald we'd best head east." He sat up and reached for a bag hanging on the wall. He pulled a map out. "There's Thavnair to the south west, big enough. Neutral. Trade city though and the Arkasodara would probably want to study our friend." He glanced back at Novalis, then up at his own ears, "I don't know if you're ready to meet one of the Arkasodara either. They would be the foremost authority on alchemy. General scholarly things though... We'd want to make for Sharlayan."

"East, we would be crossing the Azim Steppe and make our way to Doma. Easy enough to head to Kugane or Thavnair from there. Kugane is a port city on the Ruby Sea, we can get a ship there to make to Sharlayan. But we will want to stop for proper equipment either way. The Steppe is mountainous, so there's always a risk of snow. Sharlayan is more to the north, and well... cold probably. Thavnair is tropical though." He scratched his head, ears pressed back, "And if we head to Sharlayan directly we are likely to have to wait a while for the entry application process. We can find contacts either in Radz-At-Han or Kugane to start the application process but it may be weeks or months before we are granted proper entry. Unless you plan to just... drop in on them and barge in. Which we can very well do." He rolled the map up and tossed it to Novalis. "You decide, it is your mission."

River smiled, "Get some rest. Aunt Inga makes some of the best food. As long as its not grubs..." He chuckled and slipped out the window. He landed on the ground with little sound and stretched, then made his way to the Brain. "Ah my friend, I don't have a blanket big enough for you, not that you need it in this weather huh? Don't worry, I'll keep you company."

Despite Novalis' fears, no arrows found their way through the window. Inga knocked an hour after he went to bed to deliver a hot plate of some sort of bird with rice and a bean like vegetable, then left him to his own devices. It would be a peaceful night, even without the jungle insects among the humidity. Morning came early with the sounds of birds coming awake. Inga delivered a bowl of hot oatmeal flavored with something fruity and tangy, then started her day. River was already awake, waiting for him with the Brain, his spear slung over his back and bags ready.