Lt. JG. Haukea-Willow: A Shortcut to Mushrooms.
Aly Drolet
OOC: To whoever put in that line about following the leader, it reminded me of that one song in the Disney Peter Pan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DJpuaOpydo
((Forests of Onihlos, Bardeez))
Even while the flowing conversation allowed for Haukea to take her mind off the steepness of their climb, she was still aware and careful to stay within the confines of the cobblestone path, breathing in the crisp, clean, refreshing, uncirculated air.
Willow: Personally there are much better places to explore above the dungeons. Each to their own however. The station is certainly big enough for even the wildest of folks to call it home.
Korras: Agreed. I would be hard-pressed to find a place with a more diverse range of species living there.
Kreshkova ::Sasch tossed her bangs out of her eyes before speaking to Willow:: What ozher places are zhere zhat you like? Being new on zhe station, I don’t know vhat is out zhere.
T’Reyna: I look forward to experiencing and exploring these diverse districts.
Kreshkova: I like zhe idea of having so many different places to explore. It doesn’t matter zhat I’m a pilot, zhe idea of being assigned to a station because zhere is so much to do.
Ross: Also there are so many people coming and going. Always something new.
Haukea had to think for a moment regarding Sasch’s question. Certainly there were places on the station that she adored, like sickbay, when Madison Marsh was there for her to visit. Or in fact, any place where Amar inhabited. It was more the people, and the activities, than the exact place, that drew her in.
Willow: ::Responding to Kreshkova:: It’s the people for me, more than the places.
As they walked Haukea observed those around her, while staying attentive to the conversation at hand. As such she noticed Ross’ pale face along with the way Korras tossed him a water.
Korras: Here. You look like you need it.
Ross: Thanks, pal. ::He grabbed the water and thanked Korras with a friendly hit against his shoulder::
Haukea herself smiled at the playful interaction between Korras and Ross, noting the fast friendship growing between them. She was glad of it. Every officer longed for the support a friend could provide them amongst the harshness of duty.
In that moment as well, T’Reyna was able to catch up to the group at a slight jog, allowing the Risian to admire the forest around them.
The forest had swallowed them whole by now, only single rays of lights made it through the thick canopy of leaves. There were all kinds of sounds, all dampened by the layers of plants and needles underneath their feet.
Kreshkova: I love zhe sound of birds. Anyvone else?
Willow: I wouldn’t say I love the sound, it can grate on my nerves sometimes. Nevertheless, it is a welcome change. You don’t hear it all that often on Risa. Sea life is more common to interact with.
Ross: ::He handed the water back to Korras with a grin:: You don't happen to have some Klingon wonder-tool that shuts the head down for a while?
Korras: I think we could carry you, but that would not be very dignified. What is the saying, you will hear when it ends?
Ross: ::He chuckled at that:: I might come back to that offer, let's see.
T'Reyna: It is quite the journey yet to travel. Should any feel weary of walking, we may stop at any time.
Kreshkova: I’m fine. I find zhe hike razher invigorating.
Ross only nodded. They were all Starfleet officers, no matter how new. They had adequate training in order to pursue lengthy endurance, sacrifice and survival. Haukea herself had no doubt that Ross, or anyone else present, could easily attempt the present hike, it was just a matter of will.
Willow: What’s the saying, “the road goes ever on and on. Let others follow it who can”?
Then the canopy thickened significantly. The group could still tell that the sun was shining; however, they could no longer see the sun through the tight groupings of branches and leaves and the temperature seemed to fall at least ten degrees.
The shade from the canopy allowed various fungus to grow beneath trees and, apparently, even on the path itself. These spotted caps of red and white cartoonishly looked puffy and spongy. Most notably, however, they were unharmed. Boot prints were clear in the dirt in the narrow spaces between each mushroom.
T'Reyna: ::T’Reyna raised an eyebrow as she turned to the others:: We are not to harm the forest. Thus, we must step carefully around the fungus.
Kreshkova: Mushrooms? It almost looks like ve vill haf to play follow zhe leader zhrough this. It seems to go on for avhile.
Ross: Oh, great.
With her limited knowledge, Haukea would have called the mushrooms in full view of the hiking troop, toadstool mushrooms, due to their sharp, bright red color and white spots. Name aside, she knew full well that they had to be careful of how and where they stepped. No need to upset the locals simply for squashing a few mushrooms.
Willow: What a delightful shortcut.
Korrass: Response
T'Reyna: Please be careful not to step upon one. They may be fragile and an endangered fungi.
Willow: We just got off a diplomatic mission. I would hate to have the locals mad at us for a second time.
Korras: Response
Kreshkova: Who vants to lead zhe vay zhrough zhese? ::Kreshkova knelt down in front of the field of mushrooms and looking as if she wanted to stare them down::
Ross: What was that about carrying me, Mr. Korras? ::He turned around to the Klingon, only half-joking::
Willow: ::Haukea smiled, suppressing a laugh:: You might just indeed squash the mushrooms when he inevitably falls off.
Korras/T’Reyna: Response
Kreshkova: ::Sasch stood up, turning around to look at the others:: I zhink I can see a vay zhrough. Or ve could just all find our own vay zhrouth.
It was evident that Sasch was asking what they thought without actually asking and that Ross was more than happy to provide her with the answer she was looking for.
Ross: No, no, please. ::he gestured towards the field of mushrooms:: After you, Sir.
Willow: We’ll step where you step.
Korras/T’Reyna: Response
Haukea followed straight behind Sasch, placing her foot directly in their shadows. The movements were like a dance, loose and free flowing. Though adventurers like Evan struggled to keep their balance, tripping, gripping onto a nearby branch. Haukea herself hopped at the end, out of the path of the mushrooms.
Ross: Everybody still there?
Willow: I haven’t had that much fun since I was a kid.
Kreshkova/Korras/T’Reyna: Response
Ross, nearly completely losing his balance, latched on to Korras. What a pair those two made, Haukea having turned, suppressing a laugh.
Ross: Sorry! But look - what's that over there?
The forest parted a little where the way took a curve, and between the trees and vines, a strange creature had appeared. It looked like a deer, only that it lacked a face - there were no eyes, just three, strangely glowing antlers that seemed to move into their direction as it turned its head.
Ross: ...it's telepathic.
Willow: Well it’s not saying much of anything.
Kreshkova/Korras/T’Reyna/Ross: Response
Willow: We don’t want to scare the poor creature. It could charge right at us if we do. Besides, we don’t want to go around it either.
Kreshkova/Korras/T’Reyna/Ross: Response
Willow: I’d suggest waiting it out. Being quiet and just observing. If only I had my camera and painting supplies with me, then I could really capture this moment.
Kreshkova/Korras/T’Reyna/Ross: Response
Willow: Holophotography and oil painting, but that’s besides the point.
Kreshkova/Korras/T’Reyna/Ross: Response
