Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

[bravenewmods]

[It's a lengthy journey even by air, that our intrepid heroes find themselves on. The veteran fliers set a quick, but not grueling pace at the suggestion of the Valkyries. Arriving to a battleground when a god had taken the field tired was not wise, they'd said, and who could really blame them? The prospect alone of facing down one of the beasts of legend would be enough to send most men fleeing in the opposite direction, but one who was working with a human? That was all the more reason to make sure that proper care was taken on the trek. And so for a day the party traveled, a caravan of birds, dragons, reptiles and the odd flying robot making steady time across the Rolling Plains before setting down at the north-eastern edge.

The curious would find that not far from where the tents were pitched, the green hills turned jagged, the land going from verdant to a sea of dark glass. Obsidian shards spiked upwards, spires gleaming in the moonlight like razor sharp teeth, setting an ominous tone for the evening's respite. Tents were pitched, fires were lit, and the more warlike companions even began a drum circle and dance. Valkyries and shirtless Calderan volunteers, a small number of visiting mages, and other more mysterious folks all curious to see the god and to help with the relief efforts. The camp, despite the circumstances, was at least a lively one.

And then came the final day.

Over the Obsidian Flats they went, the massive shapes of Boldore and Tyranitar visible even from up in the sky. And...further perhaps even more stunningly, a gigantic lake almost large enough to call an inland sea, sprawled out below. Rivers snaked out of it all around, and the water itself was a pure crystal blue. But perhaps the most awe inspiring sight of the whole journey came once they cleared the Flats and the area around Glacier came into view. An expanse of white, thick snow covering the ground this early in the year. Arctic forests cropped up here and there, snowcapped trees and a frigid looking river marring the perfect canvas beneath. And more Pokemon , of course. Gigantic Avalugg shook the ground below, and a new species plodded along, chewing amiably on the trees, largely unconcerned by the humans overhead, and the occurrences in the distance.

Along the coast a city was in flames, people streaming out of its ruined gates, desperately fleeing along the rivers before whatever it was came back. Smoke curled up along the skyline, burned hamlets and outlying settlements that'd already been destroyed.

It seems like they weren't too late, and it in the moment of respite there was a chance for our heroes to at least get their bearings and prepare for the Dragon God's return...]

[OOC: We will be opening some of these areas for bonding within the next few days for everyone who is taking part in the expedition.]

Comments

Lenna Tycoon | OTA

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[At the Camp]

1:
[Throughout the flight, and even at the camp itself, Lenna doesn't seem to be bothered one bit by the cold despite the prominent Dragon-type heritage displayed by her small horns and the tiny pair of wings on her back. She's bundled up, of course, wearing a fancy pink coat with fur trim and white leggings, but the choice of attire doesn't seem to be chosen out of warmth so much as style. Even odder are the slippers she's wearing during the entire trip. Not exactly great winter footwear, but they seem to be doing the trick just fine as she traipses through the camp in the snow.]

It's so exciting to be traveling again!

2:
[After the initial thrill of the journey has worn off, Lenna is looking a bit more serious and somber. Walking to the edge of the camp, she hugs her arms around herself, staring out into the distance where smoke can be seen faintly rising into the sky. She's not paying much attention to whether or not anyone has followed her or is watching, and those with sharp ears may hear her as she wonders aloud.]

Father... is this the danger you felt in the east? Is this where you've been all this time?

2

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka does happen to overhear this woman - Lenna, right? - talking to herself. But Lenna's worries are private, so Haruka won't pry. Keeping everybody in good condition to fight, though, is common sense.

So she slips behind Lenna and hangs a blanket on her horns. ] It's warmer by the fire.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Oh!

[Lenna lets out a surprised little squeak as she feels the blanket draping down over her back, turning around with an embarrassed smile.]

Ah... yes, you're right. I have a secret weapon against the cold, though.

[actsmagnificent]

Lucky you. [ Personally, Haruka can't feel her toes. She will have to do something about that later. Details.

She lifts her head to better take a look at the faint smudge of orange on the horizon. ] They keep at it all night, too, huh...

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna bounces on her heels a bit. She loves these slippers. But her expression turns somber as her gaze follows Haruka's.]

Yes... those poor people. It's no wonder Citadel wanted to help them so badly. It must be like watching history repeat.

[actsmagnificent]

Doesn't it tire? [ Here she'd been hoping it wasn't a god. Just because it's giant, and unique, and powerful doesn't mean it's automatically divine. The human supposedly controlling it might have just been very lucky with bond rolls their explorations.

But if there's a human actually calling the shots to a god - that's simultaneously both reassuring and terrifying. Neither of which are useful emotions when trying to figure out how to actually, y'know. Respond.

Ugh, pardon Haruka. This whole situation has her more wrapped up in herself than usual. ]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

I don't know. Tired might not be a thing that happens to gods at all. They're so much more powerful than anything we can imagine...

[Lenna, on the other hand, is mostly in awe at the display. It's the first time she's seen this sort of thing up close, even if they're not actually that close yet. For someone who's primarily a diplomat, it's certainly a sobering sight.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Lenna's comment reminds Haruka of that fact - reminds her of what little she knows about Lenna, in fact. Right. This is the person who's funding the medical center for the Enhanced. And she's...here. Not back in Citadel. ]

It doesn't get easier after you've faced one, either.

[ Trying to figure out whether Lenna's ever been on the front lines before? Nonsense. This is common smalltalk. ]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

I can't imagine it ever being easy. But even still... this is something I need to do. Something I need to see for myself.

[There's a flash of determination in her gaze, but it's very much the determination of a beginner. It isn't that she hasn't been out on expeditions before, both alone and with groups, but none of them were ever anything like this. Still, it's clear there's something driving here - a reason she came all this way instead of supporting everyone from home like she usually does.]

1

[comparative_insanity]

[The young man wandering the camp wearing something quite like this underneath a white fur lined cape isn't going to raise his eyebrows much at her choice in winter fashion - though he does wonder a bit about the footwear. His own shoes are admittedly on the dainty side, but warm and practical even so.

It's her comment, seemingly not directed at anyone in particular, that gets a small laugh out of him.]

I think I'd like a little of that enthusiasm, if you're willing to share. I seem to have temporarily mislaid mine, which is a shame. [It's not that he's unhappy, far from it, but... well, he had just returned from wandering about the wilderness for a very long time. It's a bit hard to get excited about traveling in itself, and now that they're on the ground again, the exhilaration of flying has faded somewhat.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[Lenna blushes a bit at the comment, only now realizing how silly she must look getting so excited like that.]

Ah... excuse me. It's been a long time since I've been away from home this long.

[A comment she might not have made had she realized who she was talking to, but Lenna always knew Feliks more closely than Fai or his family.]

[comparative_insanity]

[Fai shakes his head with a light laugh, because it certainly hadn't been his intention of shooting her down at all.]

Don't apologize, I think it's lovely. [He can still manage his most charming smile, and it also dawns on her that oh yes, he knows who she is. One year away, and apparently he's had what little proper noble breeding he's managed to obtain knocked out of him.

He doesn't blame her for not recognizing him in turn, though. They have never been more than acquaintances, really, and... well, the trip hasn't left him looking entirely like himself.]

You're Miss Lenna Tycoon, right?

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Well... thank you, then.

[Her spirits haven't been dampened beyond a moment or so of mild embarrassment, so no worries there. It's extraordinarily easy to fluster Lenna, despite the care she takes to try to put forth her best noble bearing whenever she can. Smiles and laughter are infectious, after all.]

Yes, that's right. And you...?

[comparative_insanity]

[He feels... clumsy, like when he was younger and didn't know how to put up an impenetrable front of charm and cheek and provocation, and so his social insecurities shone through a lot clearer. He still manages to cover his fumbling up reasonably well, but it's harder than it used to be.

He looks down, laughing a bit awkwardly.]

Fai Flourite, albeit not quite as dead as expected. [It's a morbid joke to make, honestly, but what can he say? He touches the eyepatch still covering his healing left eye, smiling.] I lost some of my good looks, though, if that counts?

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Fai...?

[Her tone is understandably shocked as she brings a hand up to cover her mouth in surprise. And then her expression changes as the recognition of his face dawns on her, followed immediately by mildly panicked embarrassment.]

I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have said all of that before, about traveling... you must be sick of it.

[And right back to a relieved smile. Lenna's emotions can pingpong around pretty quickly when she's shocked.]

Oh, but Feliks must have been so happy to see you! He never gave up looking, not even for a single day.

[comparative_insanity]

Oh, no no no~. [He waves his hands hurriedly, managing a fairly unaffected laugh.] Nothing to be sorry for. I'm never going to be quite that bitter, promise. And for my part, it's nice to have some human company again.

[He loves his pokémon friends dearly, but he's missed having someone to talk to who actually talks back.

His smile widens and he nods, even if there is a bit of sadness haunting his eyes still.]

He's not the type who gives up, right? We're still catching up, but he's told me a lot about when I was gone. [And some parts he can easily fill in himself.]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Ah... all right, if you say so.

[Lenna sighs. That's a relief.]

No, he's always been stubborn like that. Once Feliks sets his mind to something, there's nothing in the world that can change it.

1

[lunchleader]

[Right's been forced to keep his small Fairy wings beneath his thick woolen coat just to keep them warm. Annoying and a little off-balancing, but it's the only way, especially since the front inside of his coat is now also home to his vocally grumpy Tepig.

Even with all of that, however, he can't help but give Lenna a huge grin in return.] There's nothing like being on the road, huh?

Re: 1

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

I'd forgotten what it was like. Scary, but a little exciting too.

[Lenna smiles, bouncing in place just slightly.]

[lunchleader]

It's a bit more scary than usual, but that'll make it all the more worthwhile once we help save everyone.

[He then blinks a couple of times as his brain realizes the rest of her words.] You haven't traveled in a while? Why?

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

I have a lot of responsibilities to take care of at home, as the head of the Tycoon family.

1/2

[lunchleader]

Ohhh, that explains a lot. Gotta take care of the family and such.

[...his brain's gonna catch up to that family name in three...two...]

1/2

[lunchleader]

...Tycoon? Wait, you're a Tycoon?

[He's heard of the family, growing up in in Union. They're usually one of the better families in terms of charity, right?]

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Yes, that's right. Lenna Tycoon.

[She smiles, used to this sort of reaction by now. Lenna's father made his name in his younger days as a brave Ranger in service to the city, and later as a Councilman. Her mother was involved in many charities to help the poor, and Lenna is doing her best to uphold those traditions.]

[lunchleader]

Wow! This is a real honor!

[Right eagerly reaches to shake her hand.] I'm Right - Right Suzuki. It's wonderful to meet you, Lenna!