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

[He's mostly just out of the way, with the horse he's ridden here, removing the saddle and setting it aside carefully so that he can brush it down. It's a nice way to occupy himself, without having to think too much, and a good excuse to remain a little away from the others. He hasn't been in the mood to socialize in a long time, whether or not he wants to avoid being rude]

[ Daenerys had done something the same, as other horses become nervous around her children and they have been on edge ever since the group ventured into the Dead Zone.

Which is very much the reason for the disgruntled cry that comes from her spot, where three dragons the size of small dogs sit huddled close to a young girl of silver-gold hair. ]

[He's still paranoid enough, especially out here with creatures and enemy men out here as they so often are, that he places his hand on his sword and pulls the hilt up, just for the tiniest hint of steel as he turns around and glances about him.

After a moment, he relaxes slightly, still his gaze settles on her] Is everything alright?

[He's pretty sure the noise came from your direction. And...While those don't look like native creatures to this place, especially since they don't seem to be attacking her, he's still think it's better of him to be sure]

[ The voice makes her stop and she looks over at him, silver-gold hair tumbling over her shoulders half done in a messy braid. It's difficult, super difficult. ]

Yes, I apologize if they startled you.

[ Concern, wonder, fear, all things she is used to being regarded with when it comes to her dragons. Making this exchanged hardly surprising to her. ]

This Dead Zone has had an unpleasant affect on some of us.

[The sword is put back into the scabbard entirely, and the hand comes off the sword a moment later]

It's no matter. It would cause more worry if they were entirely silent.

[Now that he knows nothing has alarmed them into acting out, he's not that bothered by them. Baby dragon are something he's had experience in dealing with] You are speaking of the separation from magic or abilities?

[ She visibly relaxes once the sword returns and his hand falls from it, it was only a natural worry that floated in the back of her mind. A worry all mothers would have for their children. ]

Yes, it certainly would.

[ Dany looks down at them, regarding them fondly as all three dragons turn their heads to peer at the other man. More out of curiosity than out of suspicion. ]

I am. [ She shifts slightly. ] I am bonded to my dragons as they are bonded to me, the separation of that bond was distressing and they are not uncomfortable with the lack of it.

[ Her attention returns to him, violet eyes blinking curiously. His voice is vaguely familiar. ]

[Not so easy to escape your riding buddy, Artie. Steph wanders over with some water.]

Thirsty?

[He hesitates. It's been a long time since Arthur has thought about wishing he had someone around to taste his food and drink for him, the way he had in his home before it was ever brought to him.

It's been longer since he's thought he needed it]

...Yes, thank you. [It takes another moment before he reaches out for it]

You're welcome.

[It's safe! Steph hasn't even drank any of it herself. She sticks around, though, moving over to pet the horse's head.]

Doing alright?

[Oh good, girl cooties would have been the end of everything. He sips at it, in minimal amounts]

The horse? It's doing fine, there aren't any rocks in it's shoes and it'll be well rested by tomorrow.

[He's pretty sure that's not what she was asking]

Good to know, but I was asking about you.