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

How kind.

[ It's often hard to tell if she's being sincere or sarcastic, but either way she appears to be good-natured for the moment. Less likely to burn bridges after so recently shaking off the monkey, Echidna keeps any further commentary to herself for awhile, simply lounging nearby enough that they could be mistaken as friends, but not so close as to invite conversation from anyone else nearby. ]

So many seem awfully melancholy or worn, and the adventure hasn't even begun. I feel as if I've missed something.

For a lot of people, this is probably not an adventure. [ She leans her hands on her knees. ] This is about finding a way back home.

Oh? And we're back on that, are we...

[ That last part is mostly mused to herself, not specifically speaking of Kate. Echidna can certainly recall everyone's reactions to her questioning their resolve on that front. Why wait for group expeditions? Why not just go out on your own when you want? It's tempting to prod this woman with the same inquiries. To see if she gets uncomfortable, angry, or simply shuts down completely. Hm, would the fun brought from that be an equal trade for needing to seek out another temporary companion?

She weighs the options in her head, then shrugs and waves a hand in front of her dismissively. ]

Do they not say that home is where your heart is? I'm certain that some here have come to love something in this world. That is a curse of being stuck in one place for so long. Even I've succumbed to that once or twice.

Edited 2012-08-26 00:06 (UTC)

[ Kate turns her gaze on Echidna now, studying her. Everyone has their own reasons for being out here. It seems the normal reaction when held against one's will somewhere was to get out.

Besides, it's a constant reminder of the small, dark room she was kept in as a kid. The one where later her mother and sister would be executed by their captors. ]

Maybe some. [ She shrugs. ] I don't have any interest in staying here.

In which case, I would expect more anticipation.

[ Oh well, she can't help herself. Flights of fancy and all. ]

Or is it because you all have experienced nothing but disappointment and defeat? Trip after trip, and all you find are more questions. Like it's an elaborate puppet show and you just can't figure out who's pulling the strings.

[ Just a look. ]

Your first expedition?

I'm just having fun and seeing where this goes. I'm not exactly with the group.

You probably won't find that attitude among a lot of us. [ Two years in this place. She doesn't want to be here for a third year. ]

Oh I'm already grossly unpopular for it. What can I say? I live in the moment.

[ There's a seemingly innocent shrug before she drops back to lie on the ground, the serpent around her waist taking the chance to slither away somewhere. Legs crossed and her hands linked behind her head, she feels just as comfortable as she looks. Fire always helps with that. ]

It's unfortunate that this place has worn down so many. But beauty like yours shines well in the dark, did you know that?

[ Her eyes follow the serpent for as long as it's in sight. When it disappears (is that safe?) she looks back at Echidna. She smiles a little. ]

It hasn't worn me down. I'm going to admit I'm ready to put up a fight to get out of here if needed.

[ She peeks over with one eye, appearing curious. Her own weapons (at least most of them) and her buckler are visibly strapped to her thighs, so feigning ignorance on the matter would be a waste of time. ]

A fight, huh? Is that what you're expecting, or just hoping for?

Have to consider the possibilities. I'd prefer if we have a smooth journey, but we don't know what's out there or who's watching.

First Gens are rarely chummy with us.

First Gens?

First Generation. They lived in the castle once, but most have taken off into the Dead Zone. They're usually hostile toward us.

Of course, I've heard of them... Though few have really been able to explain the hostility. Everything is such a sore subject around here.

Because we don't have the full story. Most of them hate us and have no qualms about trying to kill us. I assume it's for the same reasons as the townspeople; they don't trust us and are afraid.