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RP (18+) Yoi-no-Myōjō/Evenstar Mission E01 - Maridor

Camp

Kuruko may have noticed. She may not have. But as soon as she strolled out it was within an impressive speed in shocked delight as she covered her mouth with one hand and whispered a drawn-out "Cuuute" that Kazumi's KAIMON, that she had not named (why would she name some machine?) as ordered began started snapping tens of pictures in rapid succession as she passed by and putting them in a sub-folder named 'Whisteria Refs and Muses' buried deep in a series of other folders with boring and often just numerical named decoys like Hyper Topographical survey nuance and 0-1a/0-9a.

She tracked the woman through her bangs while subtly eating, silently admonishing most of the other liegonaires who she knew would be suffering tomorrow and made a mental note to herself to make a large, calorie and protein-rich breakfast while also feeling rather self-satisfied at Beldagors lack of foresight; The couple gallons of starter in the jug she prepared would be ready just in time by the morning to have weak-beer by breakfast and the rapid-rise would have a stronger Kompot by evening enough to even get a troll buzzed. With the food situation and even someone to help in the form of Yuki who zipped by with a rather appetizing looking bowl of something nice smelling reassuring Kazumi that the culinary needs of the group were In good hands between them.

As for water? Childs play. Not only was Kazumi sure she could utilize the stream she already found, formic content or not given a day or two. But she was just as certain she knew with just a glance at the giant crystalline formations she had seen where all the local flora was drawing their moisture from though it would take a geological survey to confirm.

There was one major hiccup, however.

Andrew said:
"No one eats or drinks anything from this planet until we've tested it thoroughly,”
Click to expand...

As Eidan poked his head out of his tent and looked up he came within inches of Kazumis' blank and intense stare; Her deep azure skin blending natively into the dim light of the camp to greet him with just the pinks of her eyes and cascading silver hair immediately visible that framed her onyx black horns like pits of darkness that soaked up the lack of light. She had been loitering for a minute, maybe more, unable to formulate what she would say as she prepared her arguments only for the young lord to no-doubt sense her and pop right out causing her to just preempt him likely guessing her motives as well.

"I need to eat them." She stated bluntly, gaze intense as she stared down her lord and master before correcting. "All of them."

And then processed what she had just said and became a lot more visible as her face flushed. It took a lot of hand gestures and non-starters for her to finally and correctly correlate that she very much had to collect and test a large sample-size of the local Flora and even Fauna in a controlled lab enviorment and more native environments to add to her report for future colonization packages for hemosynthetic and non-hemosynthetic species-

"Their effects, suitability, biological composition, reactions to existing pallets and simulated reactions when introduced to yamatain-cultivated terraformation species-" She began listing off, not so much looking at Eidan anymore as just down at her fingers as she squatted before his tent counting off.
 
Leon gave a thumbs up and a grin as he got closer and heard Eidan addressing him. While BE-tyrant did his thing, Leon decided to start putting up one of the 4 man tents. Not wanting to ask for help from anyone else, he went over towards the container with the 4 tents and hefted one of the heavy bags over his left shoulder. Heavy, he gritted his teeth a bit as he looked for a suitable location to place it. A step that he should have done before he gotten the kit in the first place, but he wanted to show off in front of Marika. After a few minutes of looking, he finally found a spot to the east side of where Yuki was cooking... something.

He put down the kit and brought up the instructions for assembling it on his augmented reality HUD. He started clearing the area of rocks and anything else that was hard as he read.

Step 1: Site Selection and Ground Preparation
  • Choose a Stable Location: Look for level ground, ideally sheltered from prevailing winds if possible. Ensure the area is free from sharp objects.
  • Ground Prep: Clear any debris, and if in sandy or snowy terrain, compact the ground to create a firm base for the tent.
"Duh," Leon muttered to himself, smirking. This wasn’t his first rodeo.

Step 2: Unpack and Inventory
  • Lay out all components, including the main tent body, collapsible frame, outer skin cover, porch supports, stakes, and guy lines.
  • Verify that all pieces are present and undamaged, as each part is essential for the tent’s functionality in extreme conditions.
He spread the components out on the ground, mentally ticking off each part. Nothing seemed missing, though he double-checked the tension straps and clips, ensuring they were intact. “Last thing I need is the whole thing collapsing because of a broken clip,” he thought.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame
  • Connect the Frame Poles: Assemble the carbon-fiber poles, which slot together magnetically for ease of use, forming a durable dome shape.
  • Position the Frame: Place the frame over the tent base, ensuring the entrance faces your desired direction. The frame should stand securely on its own before adding the tent body.
With a satisfying click, each segment locked into place, forming a rigid, dome-like skeleton over the cleared area. He took a step back to make sure it looked stable, adjusting the angle slightly to face east, where the sunrise would be visible.

Step 4: Attach the Tent Body to the Frame
  • Secure the Tent: Attach the main tent body to the frame using magnetic clamps along the pole structure. These clamps are reinforced to withstand high winds and shifting temperatures.
  • Stake Down the Tent Base: Use ground stakes to secure each corner, driving them in at a 45-degree angle for stability. This step ensures the base of the tent is firm and anchored.
Leon pressed each magnetic clamp with precision, hearing them snap firmly against the frame. He grabbed his hammer and drove the stakes into the ground with a steady rhythm, enjoying the simplicity of the task. He was a simple male after all, as Dr. X intended. It made him easier to mold him and the other orphans into his "children".

Step 5: Install the Outer Skin
  • Drape the Outer Skin Over the Frame: Carefully unfold the high-resistance outer skin and drape it over the tent frame. This outer layer is designed to provide insulation, UV protection, and additional waterproofing.
  • Align the Skin’s Openings: Make sure the outer skin’s door and ventilation flaps align with the tent body’s entrances and air vents for proper airflow and ease of access.
He unfolded the outer layer of kinugoshi-ko capable of resisting intense UV rays, wind, and even moderate rainfall. He carefully aligned the openings, making sure they were flush with the tent’s doors and windows. The tent already looked like a sturdy fortress, but the outer layer added a shield-like quality that was quite pleasing to his sense of manliness.

Step 6: Secure the Outer Skin
  • Attach with Clips and Tension Straps: Use the reinforced clips around the base and sides of the outer skin to attach it firmly to the frame. Tighten the tension straps at each corner to prevent sagging.
  • Stake Down the Outer Skin’s Edges: Additional stakes can be driven around the perimeter of the outer skin, securing it firmly and adding another layer of wind resistance.
He moved methodically, clipping each strap with a strong pull to ensure a snug fit. As he drove the final stakes into the perimeter, the tent took on a streamlined, aerodynamic form. It was like Yugumo was daring nature itself to try with all its might to destroy it.

Step 7: Set Up the Porch Structure
  • Attach Porch Supports: The 4-person OrchidGear® Planetary Ranger Tent outer skin includes a built-in extension to create a porch-like front. Unfold the porch fabric and connect the two telescopic support poles, then attach them to the designated grommets at the edge of the porch.
  • Stabilize the Porch: Stake the porch poles into the ground and run guy lines from the top of each pole back to the tent’s main body. This setup provides a sturdy, wind-resistant entryway and storage area for gear.
Leon took a moment to admire the setup, then attached the porch extension, creating a small sheltered area perfect for stashing boots, packs, and other gear.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Securing
  • Check All Tension Points: Walk around the tent to ensure the outer skin is taut, especially around the porch area. Adjust guy lines and stakes as needed to maximize stability and keep the tent ready for adverse weather.
  • Ventilation Check: Make sure the outer skin’s vents are open and aligned with the tent body’s vents, allowing for airflow and reducing condensation inside.
Step 9: Interior Setup and Gear Organization
  • Once the tent and outer skin are secured, organize the interior as needed. The 4-person OrchidGear® Planetary Ranger Tent includes magnetic strips along the interior walls for easy attachment of lighting, storage pouches, and personal equipment.
Leon walked around the tent, giving each line a final check, pulling taut where necessary. He ensured the ventilation flaps were clear and properly aligned, letting the airflow circulate to prevent condensation overnight. "Solid," he whispered to himself, the tent now standing tall, stable, and ready for anything. With the setup complete, he took a moment to admire his very minor accomplishment. He knew it would hold through the night—and hopefully, Marika would notice his handiwork.

He did not have much time to inflate his own ego as survey data from BE-tyrant began flooding a portion of his HUD once he opened the communication request from the drone. "It seems there might be an underground spring 800 meters to the west." Leon said, looking in the direction of Eidan and pointing in the direction. "But judging by the data BE-tyrant sent, it might be a false signal with all the mineralized rock and crystalline debris seen with visuals." he said before pausing. "But there is more positive news, there are dried tree branches 431 meters to the north of us."

"He also spotted some sort of life form in the trees before it darted away. I'll send the video file to anyone interested." he said, mostly out of a desire for completeness of what his drone discovered.
 
"You're the boss," Kuroko acquiesced with an annoyed monotone. She seemed unaware of the attention Kazumi directed at her, or, at the very least, so unbothered by it she might as well be. With her cheeks stuffed as full as a Jiyuuian Black Websquirrel's, shoved the remaining cookies and candy into her backpack. Only then did she rise and take an oversized portion of Kazumi's rice and pork and began to devour it in a manner quite incongruous with both her supposed social station and the amount of candy and cookies she'd eaten just prior.

"Scho whfu wfw guhnna bungk wif 'n th'tent?" Kuroko asked, her mouth overly full of rice. She upended the drink Yuki had given her to wash it all down, then exhaled loudly. "Ahhh! Now that's juicy!" She kept solid eye contact with Yuki for that last bit.

---

Marika, somewhat quiet, as usual, given that neither Yamataian nor Trade were her native tongues, suddenly stood up from where she was watching Leon set up the tents, as if it reminded her of something. For it did.

"Oh, everyone, I remember. Before we go in tents, who needs condoms?"
 
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Camp

"Thank you." Neon chimed, coming about their own tent followed by their drone. "Well I peeked around, nothing yet except bugs that I think want to mate with me. We'll be fine, they probably aren't really big." Reasoned the small Helashio. Their nose didn't even get a chance to twitch before they got to the rest of the group.

They were about to say something else before their hand shot up in reply to Marika, "Oh! Memememememe. How many can I have? Are they fun colors? They are neat to play with." The Engineer announced cutely, holding their hands out together, palms up.
 
Yuki's ears twitched when she heard Leon mention water, "Water?!" she said excitedly. Not only would they need it to survive, but she needed some to mix her paints. Oh she could run over and hug the platonic friend shaped beef cake just for that alone. "Send it to me, please," Yuki exclaimed before taking a sip of her drink. Zabuza peeked up from his food, "Would you mind sending it to me as well?" the minkan asked.

The pink haired norian pilot could barely make out what Kuroko had said. Tents, people in tents, banging in tents and something else. Yuki smiled when she saw Kuroko upend the beverage that she had brought. It made her quite pleased to satisfy such thirsts. Crystalline blue hues found themselves lost in those beautiful grey eyes of Kuro's as she absentmindedly set her food to the side. Food was the least of her concerns as she scooted her bare form closer to her cutie pie. Delicately Yuki brushed her hands up the minkan woman's pale cheeks into her black hair while holding eye contact. "Is it?" she asked mischievously before passionately kissing Kuroko right on the lips for several seconds.

Zabuza choked on his drink when he saw Yuki press against Kuro in a surprise move, though he was not to terribly surprised as this had happened before. Nonetheless, his cheeks flushed pink as he watched his girlfriend make out with one of his bosses. Marika's question brought a welcome distraction from what was going on next to him, though he certainly enjoyed the view. "Not us," he said half absent mindedly. "My stuff is firmly off, no getting Yuki pregnant today" that last part he was not so sure he had said out loud.
 
Her thirst unfortunately left unslaked, Kuroko raised a hand to Yuki's delicate cheek, cupping it and catching some of the silky pink locks between her fingers. A gentle pull, and Kuroko drank more of Yuki's kiss, pulling back with a quick, soft lick to the underside of Yuki's lip. Over Yuki's shoulder, Kuroko shot Zabuza a smoky, lip-bitten gaze, then announced, "Hey, Eidan, what if Yuki and Zabuza were in our tent?"
 
Eidan felt the weight of his distance from the others ~ not in physical space but in focus. While the group chattered about tents, cooking, and Kazumi's endless list, his thoughts drifted light years away, fixed on something entirely different. He didn’t care who slept where or what was for dinner now. What he wanted, what consumed his mind, was a campfire. Nothing would deter him ~ not the corrosive streams, not the lack of daylight, and certainly not stir-fry or offhand jokes about supplies.

Hearing Leon's report about the dried Starfire branches sparked a determined gleam in his eyes. "Well, I'm going to get some of that wood," he announced, rising fully from the tent. "Who wants to come with me?" His tone made it clear: the fire was happening tonight. He glanced toward Kuroko as he stepped to her side, his expression playful but resolute. “...That is, for those who aren’t helping with the food,” he added with a wry grin. Leaning in slightly, he whispered teasingly, “Be careful what you wish for, or I might actually wear one.” He smirked as he watched Yuki and Kuroko kiss.

His humor extended to Lumi, tossing him a smirk and a wink as he quipped, “You can have the whole pack if you’re going to make us some balloon animals.” But as quickly as the banter had started, his attention shifted back to his mission. "The water can wait until morning. We’ve got enough for now, and if it’s underground, it’s not going anywhere tonight,” he said decisively.

With that, Eidan turned on his heel, pulling a small but sharp hatchet from his pack. Its weight in his hand was familiar and purposeful. Without hesitation, he began walking north toward where Leon’s drone had indicated the grove of dry Starfire branches. The world of Maridor around him was alive, a contrast to the quiet resolve in his steps. The air shimmered faintly with aeris lumina, bioluminescent motes that danced on the evening breeze like fireflies. Strange, melodic calls echoed softly from distant Glowstalkers grazing in the luminal meadows, while faint rustlings in the shadows hinted at unseen nocturnal predators. Overhead, the twin moons cast their pale glow on the crystalline landscape, creating an interplay of soft light and shimmering reflections. The Starfire trees in the distance gleamed faintly in the dark, their trunks pulsing with faint, rhythmic bioluminescence that mirrored the heartbeat of this alien world. '

Eidan’s gaze was fixed on that grove, his thoughts unwavering. The night wasn’t going to stop him, nor would the alien strangeness of Maridor. He was determined that by the time the stars reached their zenith, there would be a crackling fire at their camp ~ a symbol of resilience and connection amidst this wondrous, untamed wilderness.
 
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"Yes, Your Highness Edian-Shinnō." Rolling her eyes with her sarcastic non-quite-monotone, Kuroko gave Yuki another smooch then winked at Zabuza suggestively. She stood, stretched, and made an unnecessary gesture of dusting off her clean lounge clothes. Lazily and languidly, Kuroko floated along after Eidan, foam comfort slide clogs never touching the ground, but not before double checking her knife, unsheathing it briefly and smirking at her firelight-glint reflection in the blade. "Hey, Bel, you wanna come chop stuff? Anybody? Or is this more an Eidan gets me alone in the woods situation?"
 
Beldagor snorted as he grabbed his carbine and ensured his spirit axe was safely secured to his belt was before fishing out the combination hatchet/hammer. "Alright I'm coming," the barbarian said, trailing after the pair. "One of us has to have their head about them while you're looking off into space." The environ was pretty, but he was more concerned about some unseen predator possibly attacking them.

"We probably should've dug a pit for that fire." He commented as he matched Kuroko's pace, "Who knows who or what is watching." It was a good point-the fire marked them for anything keeping an eye for or looking to make trouble.
 
The pink haired norian gasped softly when Kuroko pulled back, a soft frown crested her lips. She knew Zabuza would not touch Kuroko, not while Eidan's claim over her seemed so resolute. Zabuza coughed to clear his throat and avoided the topic at question entirely. He made a pointed effort to avoid Kuroko's gaze, he did not want anyone to think there was something going on there. Though Zabuza knew Yuki would not mind sharing in the least, it was a bundle of trouble he was not going near. Yuki's blue eyes narrowed on Eidan with a mischievous grin as the dark haired Motoyoshi leaned in close to Kuroko. "Be careful?" Yuki said with a smirk as she followed suit and stood.

"You ready to wear a tent for two Eidan?" Yuki said in a sass filled joking tone as she bent over to grab her food that she had previously set down. Zabuza happened to look back over as Yuki reached down. "I'll grab it. You want to chop wood or something else?" Zabuza asked her. Yuki's ears twitched as she heard Beldagor's words while several of the group walked away. "I think I'll stay here to dig a pit," she said affirmatively as she walked off to their tent. Unfortunately it seemed she had taken her clothes of a bit too early, her nose wrinkled at the thought of being near the fire due to its heat. Though she could at least play along at being excited and help set it up for others.

Zabuza took care of both their dishes, then went to look through the tools they had brought to see what would work best for digging a hole. Had anyone thought to bring a shovel? As he looked through the equipment they brought it seemed that particular piece of equipment did not make it. Yuki bounced over, now dressed with a norian undersuit and a set of pink pjs. She had opted for pants and a t-shirt to keep the dirt off her while they dug. "What about that?" Yuki chimed, pointing to the folding, telescoping, spade pick thing. "That'd work." Zabuza said, grabbing two of them and handing one to Yuki.

"Mmmm," Yuki hummed as she accepted the tool. "Let's dig one right over here. Its a nice open area and should not cause any issues. We can move seating later if need be." she said leading Zabuza over to the selected spot. The two marked a hole and got to work digging.
 
"It is only a possible source, needs to be confirmed." Leon said in Yuki's direction. They had only gotten there and she was acting like they were running out of water already. When Eidan ordered that they were waiting until the morning to confirm the spring, Leon knew he had nothing else to really do at the moment since it was best for him to stay away from food prep. Not that he required much in the way of the taste of food. So long as it was nutritious and edible, he didn't care.

So instead, he decided to start mapping out square kilometer BE-tyrant had scanned and identifying spots ideal for ambushes and fox holes as a strategist exercise as he pulled out his small forge kit. Not that he particularly needed to, they were "space" cadets on a glorified field trip exploring a place. What could possibly go wrong?
 
Camp

"How the native ecology reacts to the inevitable introduction... Of... That we bring..." Kazumi trailed off after continuing her lengthy thesis to Eidan after the young lord simply got up and walked off, her hand following him and making a confused grasping gesture at his back as though unsure what to do.

She got up, took a few shuffling steps after him, and then, completely ignored dismissed her abruptly and without acknowledgment as he walked off.

For most, the gesture might have hurt or been considered rude or dismissive of her. To Kazumi Kurobawa it registered for only a moment as a tightening in her chest not in any sense of insult but in something else that just as quickly faded as "Oh." Left her mouth at the act. It was how she expected a lord to act towards his vassels and his harem, or she had at least consumed enough media and written as such that had Eidan turned around to see the way her features hardened and her eyes trailed him he would have seen something completely different than hostility or Kazumis' as the lecherous and downright mischievous ways many older and experienced Neko may have mastered as her stealthy leering disappeared back into her usual indifference.

rising back to a stand and fumbling with her wrists after finding no sleeves to tuck them into Kazumi looked around aimlessly. The food was cooked, portioned, and packaged into containers to preserve. Her side projects were sitting overnight and tucked away, and her equipment she would set up as soon as a proper lab was leaving her essentially freer than even the rest of the Legionnaires.

So she did what she usually did; Kazumi wandered. It started with a casual shuffling about the camp as she let her mind wander in the way the dreamer does until she was shortly in her own little world simply shuffling about without a care or thought, eyes glossy and empty, lips pursed though casually twitching as she mumbled silently to herself, wrists clasped together. Until in no time at all she came to with a wet smacking sound only to look down and see her boot pressed firmly into the mud at a location just a few dozen meters upstream from where she had first found herself at the chloric river. Taking a step back she wiped the bottom of her footwear on the grass to keep any traces amounts of the water from deteriorating them and looked up into the stars.

Getting lost in them and their grandeur she backed up just enough so that she could sit down, pull her knees to her chest and simply stare off into them and make patterns of the stars until her head swam and she was forced to look away. Pulling one of her notebooks from her bag she pulled out a charcoal pencil and sharpened it with a small knife before having her companion use its light on a dim setting over her shoulder enough to see by. Turning through the pages she found busts and candid recollections of her new comrades she had sketched from memory before passing those she came to a page with various ferns and shrubs she had already sketched. Finding an open third of the page she began to draw as she recalled from memory Kuroko in her casual attire; The stern face and expression mixing with the attire still fresh in her mind as she casually blew a locke of hair out from in front of her face as she balanced the pad on her knees as she rough-sketched the stern woman half engorged with some junk food filling her mouth while strategically placing crumbs at all the right places on her lower lip, cheek, and blossom as Kazumi sunk ever deeper into her own little world...
 
Hatchet in hand Eidan stopped right outside of camp and called out, "Leon! Kazumi! Why don't you two come with us?" He could see Kazumi wandering away - perhaps she thought that maybe she had annoyed him, he was not sure. Part of this was definitely the false sense of elitist personality that so many assumed not just about him but his Obasan as well. Perhaps it was good, maybe it was bad Eidan had not decided yet, he had many conversations with his grandmother about that very topic. Eidan grumbled internally about the separation some people had turned to. Sadly it seemed Kazumi had wandered off to be with her own thoughts. A shame too, Eidan didn't mind hearing what she had to say, he was just stuck on the thought of them all sitting around a campfire. She was definitely cute, he somehow doubted though that anything would ever come of it.

She had yet to participate in some of the crew's more naughty activities. He exhaled deeply as Kuroko addressed him with that title. There was times he wanted to just come unhinged. Eidan's eyes widened a bit at Yuki's comment and he fired back, "Tent for two? Three? Maybe Six?" It made him grin again at least. He then gave his attention to Kuroko again briefly and just shook his head. There she was floating along in that adorable hoodie, with the weapon in her hand. "You'd think we were trying to kill some Mishhu or something..." he muttered, completely ignoring the secrets he knew about his mischievous girlfriend.

"Come on, and everyone should look at space. It is our playground now. Worlds like this one are few and far between...In fact, this planet is probably the only one that Yugumo or the Star Army has found with this type of ecosystem..." now it was him rambling on. "Thanks for volunteering to come with me," he said after a few moments. He walked slowly so that Leon would be able to join them. His stomach grumbled, it turned out he was hungry after all, the wood though was the ultimate prize for now though.
 
Camp

Yuki smirked at Eidan's response while she watched the others walk away. Pitikini skittered up next to her as she worked on the firepit with Zabuza. "You are really just gonna let that one hang?" the sassy companion chittered. The pink haired norian chuckled, "Absolutely not, give him this message." Pitikini chimed once Yuki's message was received and giggled then floated off to Eidan.

"Ahem Ahem Mr. Eidan. Yuki has a message for you." the spider kaimon said before it flew in close enough to whisper. Pitikini then whispered into Eidan's ear "Well six would certainly be a first. You sure you have enough poles for that many tents?" Yuki's kaimon then backed up and hovered a few seconds to see if Eidan would have a response before zooming back to their owner.

There was a slight fear that water would run out before they found more, especially when Leon noted that it was only a possible source. At least to Yuki there was reason for fear, she needed some to make paints with! If she did not end up with day watch the norian thought about how to get herself assigned to that scouting team, or whoever went out to look.
 
As Eidan walked slowly and waited for his comrades to catch up, he watched as Yuuki's KAIMON zipped up beside him. When it notified him that Yuuki had a message for him he stopped walking and listened, then began to laugh, "Tell her that the tent poles are so strong, there is no way the poles would fail," he continued to laugh and the innuendo. He could always count on them for a good laugh, or a prank or two. He had worried at first that he would lose that when he became their superior in the Merchant spacy.
 
Beldagor rolled his eyes at his compatriot's antics, instead electing to focus on the task at hand. He found a tree that had more in common with a sapling than full grown, but after realizing it was likely going to be the easier option to chop down and haul back he set to his work. Lining up his hatchet-the axe would be easier, but the spirits would spread their curse to the wood-he set to work, giving Steelbender a command to keep an eye out as he started.

CHOP!CHOPCHOP! The sound of metal hitting wood as he began-one struck at an over angle, another at a lower angle-ensuring he wouldn't end up dropping it on himself; and he repeated the motion-the tree began to creak, then list to the side-away from him-then began to give way as it's wood splintered and cracked...with a crash it fell-and the barbarian set about clearing the branches.

Who knew learning to chop wood would come in handy at some point?
 
The look on Eidan’s face when the first tree crashed to the ground was a mix of shock and exasperation. He hadn’t expected Bel to misunderstand his instructions so thoroughly. Kicking at the pile of already-fallen wood in the small grove, Eidan shrugged it off. Wood was wood, and correcting Bel didn’t feel worth the effort. Around them, the vibrant, bioluminescent particles drifting in the air seemed to ripple and dance in slow motion, disturbed by the force of the tree’s fall. It created an almost ethereal cascade of light, like tiny stars shifting in response to the impact.

“Well, it looks like Bel can handle a log pretty well, Yuki,” Eidan quipped, his voice carrying a faint edge of humor. Then, with a wry grin, he added, “I’m sure Leon’s great with wood too.” His words walked the line between lewd and playful, veiled just enough to avoid coming across as crass.

Unbeknownst to the group, they were not alone. At the edge of the grove, sharp eyes peered from the shadows of the Starfire trees. The Valon’rai had been watching. Whispers passed between them like a gentle wind through leaves as they observed the fallen tree and the strangers who had caused it. Their glowing eyes reflected both fear and curiosity as they tried to comprehend the scene. No chants of reverence had preceded the tree’s fall, no offerings to the gods who watched over Maridor.

Were these newcomers gods themselves? Or perhaps invaders sent to despoil their sacred land? Among the Valon’rai, confusion and unease grew. Many broke away, retreating into the depths of the forest to seek the wisdom of their shamans, desperate for answers. The arrival of the strangers had unsettled them, and questions burned in their hearts. Were these beings a blessing, a curse, or something far more dangerous?
 
"Great, that green sapling will make a good spit for roasting our four legged friend..." Kuroko snarked, too focused on using the prybar handle of her hatchet to prise open a dry fallen log of significant size to notice anyone in the forest depths. "No really though, give it back to Kaz so she can like, do her thing with the leaves or whatever. Sample is a sample, that's just a really big one." After thumping around on the log with the hammer end of her hatchet, listening for the right sound, worked the tool into a fortuitously-located crack, and pushed down with both hands on the grip at the top of the blade while her foot was on the log. The log cracked open to reveal the spongy pulpy prize inside, and Kuroko was rewarded with both a trove of fast-catching deadwood, as well as a spray of wood pulp particles that caught in all the fleece she was wearing. Kuroko looked too pleased with herself to care.
 
Marika glanced sidelong at Leon, then smiled back at Lumi. "Oh, well, all right. Just remember there's a limited supply." Taking one more look around the camp, Marika noted the potential pairings and a small frown formed where the smile once was. "Well, actually, I suppose not many of us need these."

In the end, handing over a full pack, Marika admonished, "Do try to make them last, however."

@Miyako Sorry!
 
Lumi was more than happy to grab her "Gosh, maybe you should teach me the best ways to use them when really go'n hard, so I don't mess up." Of course, they flash their best smile, one that would allow it to be both a joke and a serious attempt to tempt her. "Well, if prince plaps doesn't want me for anything, anyway. Though we might have to spread this around." They thought aloud, giving a sidelong glance to the others as they either busy themselves with unfinished tasks, or start making arrangements.

They were a little concerned what would happen if a fight broke out, but didn't really want to show it. Making a tent a sweaty mess of fluids was one way they knew how to cope with things like that.

The landscape spoke to them. Was it because all the things there also glowed like crazy? Maybe. The nagging feeling would not go away, though.
 
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