faunarchism | [emp] ic inbox

Pretty amazing sounding. We don't really have anything like that where different countries come together.

[ Jill picks up on her hesitance and that it might be a sore subject, but she chooses to ignore it rather than make a point of acknowledging it. She doesn't carry on any further than what she has already said, though, if it's any indication that she really does get it. She suspects it's homesickness.

She doesn't notice the flowers moving about; it's Blake's movements she catches on to first. Though she doesn't think it will be violent or anything, she still follows suit. ]

...hm. That's an interesting trick, isn't it.

Everything's so alive here, [ she says, and means it; the emotion that flows through Empatheias is vital and universal. It's amazing, in its own way, if often highly unnerving.

She takes a breath as they step into the clearing. It doesn't feel ominous, though, and for that she's grateful. There's a small cherubic fountain spouting barely a trickle. The whisper of water against stone is almost soothing. Across from them, there's a gate, shut tight, overgrown with deep purple flowers. Other than the way they came it's the only exit. Blake approaches, lifting a hand to touch it. ]

[ It does occur to her that they have they Olympics but that... is a very different thing than what Black seems to be describing.

Jill doesn't verbally respond but it's the sort of thing that definitely weaves into her, through more than just her thoughts. In many ways, she thought it was fortunate to be here. It felt honest here and though she was the sort of person to hide her feelings -- especially if they were on the negative spectrum -- it still was something she appreciated.

The flowers have a sense of midnight to her and she wonders if maybe it was indicative of herself or (and?) Blake, catering to the sor to people they were more than the atmosphere of Empatheias itself. Though Jill doesn't expect it to be dangerous, she's near enough just to make sure she can extract the younger woman if the flowers suddenly grow teeth or spit poison. ]

...don't count me on it, but I think I recall them saying that paths opened with honest compliments to your companions.

[ Jill would much rather dish than receive. ]

[ The vines shift, curling around her hand, a morning glory arching towards her face. She nearly pulls back, but the movement isn't aggressive. It's slow, languid -- almost inviting. Still, there's no sign of the gate moving. ]

Oh. That's...

[ Not terrible? ]

I guess we can do that.

[ Kind of awkward, though. ]

[ Jill is about to jump for the plant and take her knife out to take to it and sever the vine. However it seems to be part of the "game" here.

She makes a sound and with Blake's response she eases up. The tension on her shoulders eases and slacks. ]

I think this means I should go first? You're a competent young lady. I was surprised over your skill and the seriousness you have in those situations. It was impressive to me, if I'm to be honest. It's rare I meet someone that can keep up with me.

[ It's honest, so she hopes it works. ]

[ There's a rustling that sounds almost like a sigh, and the vines gracefully withdraw, pulling back from the gate's wooden slats. ]

Thanks? [ It lilts upward at the end, but the uncertainty is from the strangeness of the situation, not any sense of ingratitude. The small smile she shoots Jill is sincere. ]

I had to...I grew up fast. [ She pushes the gate open and takes a careful step through, and then another step when nothing happens. ] If I hadn't learned those things early, it would have been much harder.

[ She guesses the movement is sign that it took the compliment as genuine or at least that it approved? ]

Hey, you're welcome.

[ Compliments can be awkward. She knows that she kind of stiffens up over them, especially when genuine and not just meant to flatter. ]

From what I know of your world, I'm not surprised. Obviously that... doesn't make it good or anything, but the skill you have is something you should be proud of. Some people can try all they want and not manage.

[ But she should probably save the sweet words for the foliage, right? Although she's still uncertain how she might attack back if anything were to happen, Jill makes sure to have Blake's back as they push forward.

Once on the other side of the gate, she takes note of the scenery: not that much different than before, just hopefully closer to the end of it. ]

Well, guess now we keep going. Your pick on direction at the first turn.

[emp] ic inbox

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject