paradisabeyond | (no subject)

[Good evening, explorers! After departing from Cair Paradisa, the path was south at first, but turned west fairly early on. Skirting well south of Eldritch Forest, the travelers had camped near the edge of the Amber Steppe, not quite within sight of the forest that marks the Totem Coast. The grasses are parched brown by the heat, though greener patches mark the presence of water. It's near one of these - a small, bubbling stream leading west that Raine has chosen to follow as it will almost certainly run into the river marked on her map - that the travelers have made their camp.

The carts and wagons are arranged in a defensive circle, though the campers are free to set up their tents outside them as well as inside wher ethe rest of them are. There are small cooking fires scattered around as well as a large bonfire in the center for socializing.

Play music? Sing? Teach those poor non-Earth kids how to make s'mores? Or just sit around and socialize with others.

Or hide in your tent and ignore everyone, if you really want to.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I didn't mean to! I just…forgot to tell her.

[ Kate doesn't look impressed. ]

Arya, no more lying.

I'm not lying!

[ She puts down the knife and apple now, standing up. She folds her arms. ]

You can either start telling the truth or I can take you back to the castle myself.

My mother gave me permission to stay. [ So suck on that. ]

I think I'll have a talk with her, then.

But you didn't tell her originally, did you?

No.

[ She lets out a sigh. ]

You can't just do that. You'll worry your family and friends that way. And lying to cover it up is just as bad.

I didn't lie! I wasn't planning on coming. Then I saw a wagon and decided to climb in.

A wagon heading for the Dead Zone. Among a crowd of residents.

It was off to the side.

It's nice you think I'm an idiot.

It was! It's not my fault no one else noticed. Nymeria got in without attracting attention and she's not small.

Since you're here with us now, I want you to promise me you'll stay close to the group.

I promise.

I don't want you getting hurt or lost. [ Really.

She bends over to pick up the knife and resume peeling the apple. ]

Have you eaten?

A bowl of stew.

[ That's good. She cuts half the apple now and offers a piece. ]

[ Arya takes it. ]

Thank you.