bravenewworld | Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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.

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.

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...

[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.

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. ]

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.]

[ 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. ]

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.]

[ Haruka nods. She doesn't know the circumstances, but she did overhear Lenna talking to herself just now. Maybe she's wrong, but - it's enough to go on. ] Don't overdo it.

[ Lenna's own life is just as important as everyone else's. And it's of no help to anyone if she puts herself in harm's way.

Haruka flicks one of those tiny dragon horns with a finger (sorry, they amuse her) and cracks half a smile. Tension's just as bad as not taking things seriously enough when it comes to clouding perceptions. ] My colleague's out of a job if something happens to you.

I know.

[Lenna smiles, dipping her head for a moment.]

It won't mean anything if I die before I find my father.

[It's not something she talks about often, but it's also hardly a secret that Lenna's father, Councilman Tycoon, has been missing for over a year. And if she's going to get all dramatic about her personal stake in things, she feels she owes it to the people she's traveling with to be honest about one of the reasons she's here. Not the only reason, of course - Lenna is always ready to help those in need - but it's certainly a contributing factor.

Of course, the moment is broken by that little flick to her horns as she lets out another surprised squeak.]

Your colleague...?

[ He went missing somewhere out here, is what Haruka's gathering. She can't say she follows politics, but this isn't about politics to Lenna. ] That's right. Think of the starving medics.

[ With the rich doctor mothers, as best Haruka can determine. But money is neither her nor Ami's concern, and Lenna is putting hers to good use. ] You're a good Union ambassador.

[Lenna's cheeks go slightly pink at the compliment, and she smiles.]

Thank you. I certainly try to be.

Get some sleep tonight. [ For tomorrow will be....whatever tomorrow is. ]

I will. Good luck to all of us.

Mm. [ Haruka steps back to leave Lenna with her own thoughts, if the girl so desires. She can keep the blanket, though - even if she isn't that cold.

...Drat. The missing people in Haruka's own past might be affecting her more than she'd thought. ]

Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

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