PM to join The Great Outdoors (Viridae, Vetari)

[Sosicly Magnolia]

60th of Autumn, 513AV

Since the mass the idea had wandered into her head. Their ancestors had been a strange people, their sparse history said they were almost completely different than their current descendants. It was also strange to think that at one time they may not have worshipped Viratas though she though their ancestors must have regardless, else why build the Temple?

Sosicly felt her eyes widen and clapped her hands. There was no better way to understand than to experience, not to mention practice made perfect for her eventual venture. She rolled out of her bed nook, grabbing her knapsack from the floor and checked that everything was still in it. Pushing around her things until she could find her jacket, hidden under the table. Having what she needed Sosicly practically skipped up the steps.

Grabbing the nearest road Sosicly scurried up it, adjusting her grip carefully, and wrapping one leg around it tightly while her other just barely brushed her roof. Without a second thought she released it, one hand reaching out next road, this one red, and followed the path towards the Temple.

--

A few chimes later Sosicly found herself in the ever-quiet Temple, surprised to find that until the mass late in the season. Silently she sent a quiet apology to both her family there and Viratas. Though she had a goal in mind Sosicly took her time wandering the halls, not bothering to ask if anyone had seen Daratur’s son.

It gave her a chance to truly explore for the first time this season, for some strange reason the Temple always felt new. A pleasant smile on her face when the girl finally entered the main chamber with their pool she noted the red cloak nearby. Seeing the familiar figure, Sosicly peeked around to see if the face was familiar as well. The long ash colored hair, and flash of gold eyes told her it was.

Pleased she tugged gently on his cloak then smiled at him too brightly. She held up a finger for him to wait, then pulled out her necessary writing supplies. Hello, Krova. It is good to see you again under less complicated circumstances. I have a favor to ask of you, if you could humor me?

She held out the book patiently, and made herself comfortable on the pools edge, her face softening into a more realistic smile as she did. Excitement tingled in her fingers, and the tapped quickly along the edge as she waited.

OOCI figured if they leave the same day, which would be this day they could just grab the supplies on their way out, and grab Viridae too.

[Vetari Violet]

Since the mass Vetari had come to the temple daily in thanks. The experience of leading the people, atop the unexpected surprises, made the day seem almost overwhelming. As such, he’d made a ritual of coming here every morning to speak his truth to his god and send hope for his people. So engrossed in thought and prayer was he, that he only barely noticed the sound of footsteps less than a yard away. For an instant his mind was plagued with fear. Had someone come to kill him? He knew his actions at the mass were not wholly popular in Kalinor, but would his people resort to murder in their holiest of places? He glanced over his shoulder, giving a short sigh of relief when the brightly smiling face of Sosicly was the one the greeted him rather than the shadow of some hooded assassin. He closed his prayer to Viratas as she quickly wrote on her note pad, her main means of communication, and Vetari turned to see what she’d written. Upon finishing that, he couldn’t help but smile. ”I always have time for you, Sibea. What is it you ask of me?” he asked as she kneeled beside him at the pool. He looked her over, noticing the small things about her: the way her hair fell about her shoulders, the soft curl of a smile upon her lips, the cheerful and slightly mischievous twinkle in her eye. He’d always been quietly enamored with the silent beauty, but wasn’t one to act on such things. His life was simply too turbulent for such romantic thoughts, and she simply seemed so distant to him… He waited patiently as she sketched out her response.

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly smiled wider at his response, and scribbled in her book quicker than before, I request your presence on a camping trip, we wish to honor Viratas and our ancestors. There is not better way than in their homes. Will you join me? Today? We can buy supplies one our way to get a guide. But she didn’t stand; just held up the book once more content to wait for the moment as to not rush her companion. When he finished she placed the book on her lap and began to make a small list of things they could need. Lantern Cooking pot Winter blankets Oil Travel food Oitment Torch Thoughtfully she tapped the side of the pool then wrote again, and tilted the book towards Vetari. We should say a blessing before we leave, shouldn’t we? Sosicly allowed him to read the text, folded the page, closed the book and stood up beside him. Head bowed, and eyes focused solely on the pool in front of them, Sosicly imagined she could almost see the faces of her ancestors which both unnerved her and made her giddy. Tilting her head a bit, Sosicly tried to catch Vetari’s eye and encourage him nonverbally to speak to Viratas for them both. When her gaze returned to the pool the girl wondered if her people had a pool in their previous home, and if so where could it be. She then realized there was much she didn’t know about her own people. All she knew was how different they were from their previous life. A slight frown creased her brown that she had to think about carefully to remove while she listened to Vetari speak.

[Vetari Violet]

Vetari raised his eyebrows in surprise at her suggestion. Go on a camping trip? Today?. The weather atop the mountain was fine enough, no great showers pouring from the sky or whirlwinds whipping about, but the idea was still curious. Still, he had few responsibilities; his shop was open when he willed it to be so, and the Temple had no need for his services for the moment. “I think that’s a splendid idea, Sibea,” he said with a small smile as she sketched out the list of things they needed. ”But whatever do we need torches or a lantern for? Can we not see well in the dark, far more than most? Cave darkness is where we live our lives, and beneath the silver light of Leth we should have no trouble with eyesight. However, I agree with the rest. Have you much money? I must confess, I have little.” At her request for a blessing, Vetari nodded and his face got more serious. Religion was something that always had to be tended to, no matter the time or place. Being in the great hall of Viratas as they discussed such things made the situation only more urgent, as they took his time by speaking where his ears lay. ”Dearest Viratas, Bearer of Chains, Father of Blood and Eldest of Ancestors, we call upon you now to bless our journey into the wilderness. We go in search of ties to our ancestors, a never ending quest to bring you honor. I hope in this act that we may make you proud to call us your children, as I strive to do each and every day. Be with us, now, as we go out into the world. Be within us, let your power run through our veins as we search for the oldest of our chains tied in the trees we once called home.” Quickly and with silent grace, Vetari produced a razor from his cloak, slicing along the tender underside of his left forearm. Clenching his jaw at the pain, he flexed his arm, causing blood to drip into the sacred pool. ”May this blood bring greater life.

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly first followed his example, scrounging around in her knapsack for her own razor then slicing lightly against the back of her hand. She shook a few drops in the pool, and closed her eyes, allowing Vetari to speak for them both and agreeing silently with his words. When he finished she brought her hand to her lips and licked what was left, and to stop anymore from slipping. When it seemed to stop enough to write Sosicly addressed Vetari's earlier questions. I read in a journal that some predators are scared of fire. But the lanterns might not be necessary then, just the torches. I don't have much money either, maybe we could split the cost? And would you happen to have a tent? When he finished reading, she did not wait for her answer but wrote once more, cleaned up her supplies and gestured ahead of them, Shall we go, Versda? The Orchard Market should have what we need. Excitement laced her every movement now, though she tried to quell it. Feeling companionable, and wanting to ensure Vetari had no second thoughts she linked there arms to try and hurry him along out of the Temple. As they walked she eyes the halls of the Temple, aware that somewhere in them her original ancestors who fled the surface lay in a sleep they would never wake from. It sobered her up a tad and enforced the feeling that this would be good for her, and her companions by default.

[Vetari Violet]

As Sosicly jotted down more notes in her notebook, Vetari breathed a short sigh of release. It was a good ending to the prayers he had begun, but he couldn’t help but feel an aching, as if something was missing from the whole. He wiped the blade clean, licking the wound that was sure to scar and wrapping it in one of the many bandages the church provided for its followers. He nodded as he scanned her note. ”I do have a tent, one that is meant for four people. If you don’t mind sharing it with me, it would mean less money we have to spend.” He chuckled, slightly nervous now. Did I really just suggest that? I hope she doesn’t think me brash, or worse some sort of pervert. He gulped, quickly changing the subject. ”But I can see why torches would be in order. We wouldn’t want to suffer the attacks of wild animals on a holy journey.” She swept his arm up with hers, nearly skipping out of the main hall of the Temple. Vetari couldn’t help but smile, as the only times he’d interacted with the girl were in dire or otherwise serious circumstances. It was good to see her happy, and it was the happiest he could ever remember seeing her. It made his heart flutter lightly, shivering in his chest with giddiness. Yet another thing to do for love of his god, no matter the dangers ahead.

[Sosicly Magnolia]

The Orchard Market was never lacking for clients but most stall owners worked a separate job and finding what one needed was a hit and miss. But common things were not hard to get, and supplies for Hunter’s were readily available, especially before Winter. As such, Sosicly had no trouble finding a stall that looked like it had what they needed. The young man working it looked between the two of them with raised eyebrows but made no comment, and Sosicly did not release Vetari’s arm. “You sure this is all you’ll need?” Sosicly nodded, and then ignored the man getting the supplies in order to write to Vetari once more. I brought everything I would need but I do you need to get anything besides the tent? I did not think of that, I apologize Krova. This is sudden and I am very happy you agreed to go. And I am thankful you have agreed to share your tent. She hoped Vetari would lead them through prayers, and she already had a guide in mind. She gave him a smiled, finally releasing him to check that they had all the supplies she requested. “If that’s everything, Krova’s. It will be 29 gold, 3 silver, and 6 copper.” I will pay the gold. Can you cover the silver and copper, Krova? Sosicly handed both her book and inkstick to Vetari then dug around in her knapsack for the necessary coin. It was a slow count, the coin floating around loosely in the bag. When she had the right amount she began to shove the things in her bag.

[Vetari Violet]

Vetari was rather surprised when Sosicly didn’t release his arm after making it to the Orchard Market, going to the stalls they’d need to gather their various supplies. They got some curious looks, himself in particular. He wondered to himself if they thought he was courting her, amused by the notion. He dare not be so brave as that, despite what recent events might claim of his personality. Challenging social norms was one thing, but even speaking with the beautiful mute made him nervous at times. ”Sibea, you are too kind. Surely I can pay for all the supplies we-“ he stuttered to a stop as soon as he heard the price. He didn’t have that much money, it shamed him to admit. He nodded, somewhat concerned about how he now must seem to his Moth Queen. ”I…Thank you, Sibea. It is very generous of you.” He held her notebook and pen as she searched her bag for coins, watching and trying to form the mathematical equation in his head. He’d only began his study of mathematics a year before, and was still getting the hang of it. Winter blankets are 5 silvers each. We don’t need oil or lanterns… Antifungal ointment comes out at 25 gold mizas. And torches are 2 copper each. We’re three people for three nights, so we’ll all need one torch a night. 3x3=…6? No, 9. Yes, 9. 9x2=18. 18 coppers for the torches alone, which divided up makes 8 coppers and a silver. We only need one jar of antifungal ointment, so that adds 25 mizas. 25+1+8…no, that’s not right… Oh! Decimals! 25+0.1+0.08=25.18 Then 3 winter blankets, assuming the guide doesn’t have his own. 3x5=15 silvers, which is 1.5 gold. 25.18+1.5=26.68, which is 26 gold, 6 silver and 8 copper… Oh, right! And the cooking pot. We should get a 2-gallon pot just to make sure we have enough. So add 5 silver to that and that makes…27 gold, 1 silver and 8 copper. But he’s charging us 29 gold, 3 silver and 6 copper… did I miss something? Running over the calculations again in his head, he found he did not, and then wondered if perhaps they had bought something on accident. ”That count doesn’t seem quite right,” he said with a frown, flipping to an empty page in Sosicly’s notebook before stopping himself. ”Oh, Sibea, is it alright if I use a page? I’d simply like to write out my calculations… If she permitted him to do so, he did, writing out the costs and equations at length, making sure they were correct. ”So, if all is in order, I believe our final count comes to 27 gold, 1 silver and 8 copper…unless I missed something.” Although proud of his mathematical explanation, he was still unsure whether or not he’d missed something. ”Ah! And could we add 9 square feet of canvas to our list? We need something to set the tent on so you aren’t sleeping on the muddy ground, Sibea. That would bring our count to…28 gold and 8 copper,” he smiled matter-of-factly at the owner unsure if he fully comprehended the symbols and mathematics he’d drawn out on the paper. Any more than a year ago it would have mystified him as well, having only discovered symbolic mathematics in one of Calvino’s many books. After they finally got the payment settled, Vetari took Sosicly to a musical instrument shop, currently displaying a variety of instruments. ”I had a thought that hasn’t left my mind. Perhaps the three of us all got an ocarina, and had a short 3 or 4 note tune that could identify us. That way, if we get lost, we can play our short tune loudly so the others know that we are in need of help, which one of us it is, what direction we are in and about how far away we are. It could be good for us if we had something like that.” He smiled kindly at the girl, waving his hand out at the various ocarinas. ”Go ahead, take your pick. I’ll buy it for you.” The number to choose from was not vast, though the few that were there had great range in quality and artistry. All were ceramic, some painted and glazed while others were simply bare pottery. A few were pendent style ocarinas, having only 4 holes, while most had either 10 or 12 holes. One particularly odd looking one had 13 holes, and had an interestingly twisted shape. Vetari was immediately drawn to this one for its unusual qualities, but allowed Sosicly to choose hers first. He’d have to guess what their guide would like, but hoped he wouldn’t be too difficult a character to judge. OOCYou may want to include a ledger with all the things we’re buying and their prices in an OOC tab just to make it a bit easier for the grader. I’ll pay for the coppers involved in the wilderness gear and the full price of the ocarinas, but it looks like you’re shouldering the rest…is that alright?

[Sosicly Magnolia]

OOCNot a problem Ack! And thanks for reminding me about the ledger, I knew I forgot something but I think it might be 18 copper because it needs 100 copper to be a silver instead of ten. Orcarina said 3SM to 15GM so I figured a simple one for each would be about 3SM. But I’ll let you add that to your ledger separately? 3 Winter Blankets | 1GM.5SM 1 Two Gallon Pot | 5SM 9 Torches | 18 CM 1 Antifungal Ointment | 25GM 9 Ft of Canvas | 9SM Total | 28GM.8CM So total price deducted with the small (nonexistent nearly) haggle of 28GM. Sosicly blinked at the price change, her eyes turning towards the stall owner who only continued to smile, “My mistake. You are good to correct me, Krova. We can make it 28 even if you are buying the Orcarina as well.” For a moment she was going to ask where the extra miza had come from but she swiftly decided it was not worth it. Pulling back one coin Sosicly nodded in agreement with his deal then flashed Vetari a fang filled smile. Her gaze turned to the small instruments, pretty, odd little thing but she did not hesitate in her choice. She grabbed a simple one with eight holes on one side and three on the other, it was not particularly large or small. The color reminded her of old paper, a faint yellow tinge that seemed to be natural to the tree that made it rather than the fine painted finish some had. “Excellent choice, and you, Krova?” Sosicly watched Vetari picked, trying to see which one his eyes lingered on but the small assortment gave nothing away until he chose his own. OOCFrom here its entirely up to you if you want them to play out going to pick up the tent or glossing over it. I’m good with either

[Vetari Violet]

Vetari nodded as Sosicly made her choice, picking up the oddly twisted one with 13 holes. It was glazed, the cracks filled with bright red and the rest of it black, as if they were veins in a shadow. The shopkeeper seemed to recognize that this was going to be one of the more expensive pieces, being the most ornate and unique one of the ocarinas on the table. He snatched another, a simple four-hole on a necklace as well, for the guide. One so concerned with survival was likely a minimalist, he reasoned with himself. He quickly paid the shopkeep, tucking the instruments into his robes and taking Sosicly by the arm once more, dashing off over the silken ropes to his home. Once there, he rushed inside, nabbing his backpack and tent, packing four days worth of food, just in case they became stranded for a day, before going out to meet Sosicly once again. She knew where their guide was, and he did not. He smiled a simple nod, hoping she understood that it was her turn to lead the way. Ledger+11-hole Ocarina (5 SM) +4-hole pendent Ocarina (5 SM) +13-hole ornate Ocarina (5 GM) /Total (6 GM)/