Lt. JG. Haukea-Willow: Hiking.
Aly Drolet
OOC: I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding to this scene. Last week at work was crazy and we are now heading into state testing season. No matter, I am responding now to the most recent tags.
((Brambleton, Forests of Onihlos, Bardeez))
Leaving the Wayhouse, they found themselves basking in the early sunlight rising over a distant mountain. Their destination. It was made of a pale rock, coated in greenery growing like a moss over it. Atop the distant horizon, a structure, tiny from this distance, rested.
Brambleton is a small village. Once, it may have been a thriving one at that, with at least one shop, stables and even a communal hall. Today the shopfront is barely visible through the thick purple vines. The stables have long since collapsed and the hall has been converted into the Wayhouse. It would otherwise be strange for a pub to have a bell tower.
The vines were everywhere. Their thorns sharp, like stinging nettles. Every structure was invaded, inside and out.
On one side of town, it leads out into plains and farmlands. Thankfully the grumshorn vines did not extend that way, for a lack of anything to grow on.
The forest, however, casted a worrying shadow over the village.
The trees were tall, the bark a deep brown and the leaves purple petals. It was a strange mixture between a forest and a jungle, with the trees spaced apart comfortably yet giant enough to reach for the skies. Grumshorn vines did not seem so threatening or problematic upon these giant, ancient trees. Piles of purple petals sat at the forest floor, alongside an unreasonable abundance of blooming colourful flowers.
The group approached the entrance to the forest. A cobbled, old path weaved through the woodland. The wood began to surround at the end of Brambleton, marking the start of Onihlos. It looked to be a comfortable and beautiful trek.
T'Reyna: We are asked to respect the forest. To leave litter or damage the trees would cause a diplomatic incident. ::her gaze peered at Ross:: Please be mindful.
Ross: ::raising his hands:: Yeah, Itaren.
Haukea, wearing her hair back in two french braids, khaki colored, calf length shorts and a snug fit athletic tank top with a light zip jacket around her waist, admired her surroundings as they walked. The only landscape she had to compare it to was the miles of beaches on Risa. The Risian oceans shimmering in blues, and greens, white foam on top. This particular forest was equally as beautiful. On they walked as Kreshkova, one of the new Ensigns, turned to walk backwards.
Kreshkova: It vould be a shame on a whole other level. Zhe forest is so beautiful and almost enchanting, it vould be a pity to deface it vizh litter.
Ross: I think the last fool who dared to raise hand against this forest is still somewhere over there.
Ross, when making his comment, gestured behind him towards the remains of a dilapidated structure, which looked to have been crushed and swallowed whole by time, gravity and thick creeping vines. To Haukea, the whole atmosphere reminded her of a children’s fairy tale.
Willow: Many cultures, primarily those on earth, have strong beliefs around nature. Spirits can guard the forests, protect them from those that would seek to do it harm.
T'Reyna/Korras: Response
With that they set off up the cobblestone path, Haukea pulling her backpack higher, adjusting it to sit more comfortably, trees on either side accentuated by rich brown bark, and brightly colored foliage. It certainly made her feel like a child, imagining fairies and other mythical creatures living within the woods.
Kreshkova: So how long haf you all been assigned to Starbase 118? And what is your favorite zhing about zhe station?
Ross: It's been 8 months if I'm not wrong. Most time I spent in the San Francisco district. It took a while, but now I really enjoy those streets. Always something going on.
Haukea had been with Starbase 118 for just about a year and a half now, so long that she was completely losing track. Each mission was blurring together, only cataloged by the injuries she sustained. Shore leaves on the other hand, while providing ample relaxation, stretched into infinity, building relationships growing, evolving, taking up her focus. As for life on the station in general, she certainly enjoyed the ability to simply explore. Each new location providing something unique and memorable.
Willow: I have been with Starbase 118 for about a year and a half now. Though it’s hard to say what I find most enjoyable about it. I’ve not yet explored all that I’ve wanted to.
T’Reyna/Korras: Response
Ross: Have any of you guys ever been to the Dungeon? That's a crazy place. Very un-fleety. Fairhug took me, back when I was newly assigned.
Willow: One of our previous missions took place there if I’m not mistaken.
Haukea smiled fondly to herself at the memory. It was where she had met Amar for the first time.
T’Reyna/Korras/Kreshkova: Response
Ross: It's basically like the station's backdoors. Feels like an underground bar. They aren't exactly fans of fleet presence down there, but somehow everyone's arranging. Maybe we should plan our next hike down there.
Willow: Don’t personally think that I want to go back. Was a bit creepy. And dark.
T’Reyna/Korras/Kreshkova/Ross: Response
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: It’s not always dark. We were there during a power outage.
T’Reyna/Korras/Kreshkova/Ross: Response
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.
T’Reyna/Korras/Kreshkova/Ross: Response
