[Does "Noishe" even mean anything?? Or is it a mouth noise that someone made up once??]
No, just a very old name.
[For a very old dog idk i'm just making shit up]
It's [There's a bit of a pause before he continues. Maybe he should have been prepared to explain the flying thing, ever since he told her that he could do it? HM good one Kratos. Eventually he finally finishes his thought,]
not something that can be taught, unfortunately. Thankfully, Noishe's mask seems to be helping immensely. I haven't noticed any odd changes.
[ Gotta love the old dead languages you learned as a kid that are even deader four thousand years later, eh, Kratos? ]
I like it. It suits them.
That is a pity. [FLYING. SO USEFUL. oh well.] And I suppose it wouldn't be something Noishe could learn either. I am glad to hear the mask works, however!
Has Lloyd said anything on how well it works?
[ Has Lloyd said anything that wasn't zombie-robo mode, for that matter? ]
A shame. I can't say I'd not hoped for better news on that front. I've met others who ended up in a similar state, who've yet to come out of it either. There are Kiichpan natives here in Coba, for example.
Is he well, otherwise? Are the random fires he mentioned still happening?
Lloyd is doing fine, for the most part. He hasn't hade many more [Fuck he's set himself up for a pun and he HATES IT] flare ups since we left Kiichpan, and when he does, I'm able to heal him if needed.
[ This somehow that feels like Kratos is making some sort of joke??
In spite of seeing people, seeing friends!, transformed by the incense, and even having heard about poor Noishe's run ins with incense-inflicted changes last time, Sophia can't picture that sort of transformation as a thing at all! ]
[Oh. She thinks he's... joking?? Is that what's happening?? Kratos doesn't know how to joke so this is very awkward. SSSSOOO HE'S JUST GONNA TREAT THIS LIKE NORMAL CONVERSATION???]
Noishe is a being known as a Protozoan. They spend their lives continuously evolving into new forms, this is the third form that Noishe has taken.
[But you didn't come here for a weird Noishe lesson did you lmao...]
Nothing out of the ordinary, at least. Are you still in Kiichpan?
[ Is he joking?? ? For a moment, she leans on an upturned palm, reading the words with care.
(Is this what it was like for Lloyd and Law, getting unexpected information lesson when they least expected it from an unlikely source?)
She can't rule out that, you know, maybe, just maybe Kratos might be having a little fun at her expense. Goodness knows there's been little to laugh about in the last few days. But Lloyd had mentioned 'protozoan' to her before, and the 'tone' of his words are so matter of fact.. ]
On Earth, we have some species that have genetic roots that split so far away from their origin point thanks to the direction their evolution has taken. But nothing at all like that.
So, he's been, a bird? And a 'dog'? What was their other form, do you know?
No. Once I'd checked in with some people I knew, I made my way to Coba. Arrived yesterday, before the gates closed. It's
[ There's a pause. Sophia can't find the word she wants, hence the delay, no ink dots or crossed out letters to fill the time. ]
I don't think it's ever been so busy, yet eerily quiet. It feels like everyone here is still in shock.
Noishe's first form was a fish-like creature. I don't know what his next evolution will look like, but his final form will be that of a human.
[Too bad protozoans are pretty much extinct, maybe Kratos would have had a chance to learn more about them. Buuut that's not really important right now.]
[ That seems almost...disappointing, somehow, compared to how fantastical the creature is in his current form. And yet, the things he might be able to share with others, if he could only communicate in a similar way. ]
I have somewhere to stay
[ That's not his question, and her pen stops. She frowns. ]
I should be. But the looks I've seen, when some of those taking refuge here saw my medallion
I thought it was just the incense before but
I don't know.
Edited (when the html goes NOPE) 2022-01-22 04:09 (UTC)
[ If it looks concerning in text, just imagine what living it feels like.
There's an...an odd feeling of relief, heart skipping a beat at the offer that floats to the surface of the page. Then, a hint of something ashamed follows after, curls up in her chest. Would you think me a coward if I said yes?. ]
Lloyd needs you. I'll be fine.
But I
[ She pauses, then changes what she was going to say. ]
But If your offer from before is still open, and you don't mind delaying an extra day, there is a group traveling from here to Tikal in a few hours. It would be nice to have company on the way to Coatepec.
[ Well, perhaps not a soon as either might hope. But there is a brief text update some two hours later, confirming departure just as she promised; it'll be long past dark by the time the group gets there, but it is mostly comprised of Eagles and Jaguars in the best of health - no doubt they'll be fine.
Any skirmishes along the way are short and dealt with swiftly. But Sophia can't deny how happy she is to see the gates opening to let in the group, even as the torch lights throw things into sharp relief. There's none of the tense energy as she'd felt in Coba, but no doubt there'd be limited space. Good thing there're no plans to stay for too long.
Her medallion is pulled free of the pouch she'd concealed it in, before she clears her throat. ]
[Sure enough, Kratos is still up because what is sleep, and responds immediately. But quietly, because Lloyd and Noishe are probably sleeping like NORMAL people (and dog).]
That was quicker than I expected, sounds like you made good time. I'll come and meet you there, I've managed to secure housing nearby.
[he probably actually fought a couple dudes for it because he needed a safe place to keep an eye on Lloyd AND ALSO if something were to saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay catch fire, they wouldn't be surrounded by other people, SO.]
[ Is Lloyd ACTUALLY asleep, or just waiting for rest to come while his eyes are closed? They may never know. ]
We made very good time. I can't say I'm ungrateful that the project was such a success. [not to pat herself and Onni on the back, but] If it wasn't so close to evening, we might have taken the underground route, but it looks like they took advantage of a few of the route changes over ground.
I'll see you shortly, then.
[ Not difficult to miss, of course, and she's rather relieved to be ignored by the Jaguars as she waits outside. A rucksack sits over one shoulder - it's not a stretch to say it's all she has left to her name at present, at least until the promised payout they don't know is coming. She at least looks like she's slept a few hours at some point, and she raises a hand both in greeting and to get his attention. ]
Kratos left Noishe back to keep an eye on Lloyd, so he shows up by himself. With a sword on his hip, of course, in case someone feels like fucking around. Things are weird lately, you know how it goes. When he spots Sophia he quickly makes his way over.]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long. Ready to get going?
[ A state a young protagonist should never be left in for long, that much is certain.
Had he sent Noishe to fetch her, she would have understood, and even been happy about; she has only known the Protozoan a short time, but she is definitely a fan of the family "dog". Nonetheless, here comes Kratos in person, as promised.]
Not at all. [a nod, that she's ready, before she gestures for him to lead the way] Let's get moving, shall we?
Have things been quiet here? [relatively, of course]
[ What a gentleman. Sophia shakes her head slightly, fingers absently running along the strap over her shoulder. ]
I can manage, but thank you. It's good to hear things have been peaceful. [she brushes back a stray lock from her eyes; impossible to keep her hair tidy with so much travel, try as she might] Coba was tense, but no real breakouts after the first night. Most who were exposed to the incense seem to fall into a similar state to Lloyd once the anger...dissipated, for lack of a better word.
[He gives her a little nod when she declines his offer. She's a tough chick, she can carry her own shit.]
I see. If it's another effect of the incense then it should clear up on it's own, given enough time.
[He seems to relax, if only slightly. It doesn't exactly make him feel better that this is happening to more people, but it does mean that it's not something that's happening just because Lloyd had been the one to handle the relic. Buuut, since we're on that topic...]
...Nobody else has exhibited any... unexplained flames, have they?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
No, just a very old name.
[For a very old dog
idk i'm just making shit up]It's [There's a bit of a pause before he continues. Maybe he should have been prepared to explain the flying thing, ever since he told her that he could do it? HM good one Kratos. Eventually he finally finishes his thought,]
not something that can be taught, unfortunately. Thankfully, Noishe's mask seems to be helping immensely. I haven't noticed any odd changes.
no subject
I like it. It suits them.
That is a pity. [FLYING. SO USEFUL. oh well.] And I suppose it wouldn't be something Noishe could learn either. I am glad to hear the mask works, however!
Has Lloyd said anything on how well it works?
[ Has Lloyd said anything that wasn't zombie-robo mode, for that matter? ]
no subject
No, I'm afraid Noishe isn't able to fly, either.
Lloyd hasn't said very much about it, or about anything else, really.
no subject
That's
A shame. I can't say I'd not hoped for better news on that front. I've met others who ended up in a similar state, who've yet to come out of it either. There are Kiichpan natives here in Coba, for example.
Is he well, otherwise? Are the random fires he mentioned still happening?
no subject
[Several thousand years, but shh.]
Lloyd is doing fine, for the most part. He hasn't hade many more [Fuck he's set himself up for a pun and he HATES IT] flare ups since we left Kiichpan, and when he does, I'm able to heal him if needed.
no subject
[ This somehow that feels like Kratos is making some sort of joke??
In spite of seeing people, seeing friends!, transformed by the incense, and even having heard about poor Noishe's run ins with incense-inflicted changes last time, Sophia can't picture that sort of transformation as a thing at all! ]
Thank Heavens for small mercies, then. [including the pun, which she smiles at and SECRETLY APPRECIATES] He was so blasé when he mentioned them happening. But at least you're there to stay on top of things.
There wasn't any other trouble when traveling to Tikal, I hope?
no subject
Noishe is a being known as a Protozoan. They spend their lives continuously evolving into new forms, this is the third form that Noishe has taken.
[But you didn't come here for a weird Noishe lesson did you lmao...]
Nothing out of the ordinary, at least. Are you still in Kiichpan?
no subject
(Is this what it was like for Lloyd and Law, getting unexpected information lesson when they least expected it from an unlikely source?)
She can't rule out that, you know, maybe, just maybe Kratos might be having a little fun at her expense. Goodness knows there's been little to laugh about in the last few days. But Lloyd had mentioned 'protozoan' to her before, and the 'tone' of his words are so matter of fact.. ]
On Earth, we have some species that have genetic roots that split so far away from their origin point thanks to the direction their evolution has taken. But nothing at all like that.
So, he's been, a bird? And a 'dog'? What was their other form, do you know?
No. Once I'd checked in with some people I knew, I made my way to Coba. Arrived yesterday, before the gates closed. It's
[ There's a pause. Sophia can't find the word she wants, hence the delay, no ink dots or crossed out letters to fill the time. ]
I don't think it's ever been so busy, yet eerily quiet. It feels like everyone here is still in shock.
no subject
[Too bad protozoans are pretty much extinct, maybe Kratos would have had a chance to learn more about them. Buuut that's not really important right now.]
That sounds unnerving. Are you safe?
no subject
[ That seems almost...disappointing, somehow, compared to how fantastical the creature is in his current form. And yet, the things he might be able to share with others, if he could only communicate in a similar way. ]
I have somewhere to stay
[ That's not his question, and her pen stops. She frowns. ]
I should be.
But the looks I've seen, when some of those taking refuge here saw my medallionI thought it was just the incense before butI don't know.
no subject
[Her reply there is just a bit concerning just saying.]
If you don't know, then it's probably safest to assume that you're not. Would you like me to come get you?
no subject
There's an...an odd feeling of relief, heart skipping a beat at the offer that floats to the surface of the page. Then, a hint of something ashamed follows after, curls up in her chest. Would you think me a coward if I said yes?. ]
Lloyd needs you. I'll be fine.
But I
[ She pauses, then changes what she was going to say. ]
But If your offer from before is still open, and you don't mind delaying an extra day, there is a group traveling from here to Tikal in a few hours. It would be nice to have company on the way to Coatepec.
no subject
My offer is most certainly still open. I don't mind delaying our departure, but a lot can happen in a few hours.
no subject
stupiditycourage, honestly ]The changes we made to the local routes have helped, or so I'm told. And if they aren't, I have my medallion.
no subject
Very well, I'll be sure to keep my medallion on me. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything.
no subject
I don't have much, but if there's anything I can bring with me from here for you, Lloyd or Noishe..
[ She's beyond grateful, and this day's looking so much better already. ]
I will let you know once I've set out.
no subject
Understood. Stay safe.
no subject
[ Well, perhaps not a soon as either might hope. But there is a brief text update some two hours later, confirming departure just as she promised; it'll be long past dark by the time the group gets there, but it is mostly comprised of Eagles and Jaguars in the best of health - no doubt they'll be fine.
Any skirmishes along the way are short and dealt with swiftly. But Sophia can't deny how happy she is to see the gates opening to let in the group, even as the torch lights throw things into sharp relief. There's none of the tense energy as she'd felt in Coba, but no doubt there'd be limited space. Good thing there're no plans to stay for too long.
Her medallion is pulled free of the pouch she'd concealed it in, before she clears her throat. ]
We just got in, at the coterie building.
no subject
That was quicker than I expected, sounds like you made good time. I'll come and meet you there, I've managed to secure housing nearby.
[he probably actually fought a couple dudes for it because he needed a safe place to keep an eye on Lloyd AND ALSO if something were to saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay catch fire, they wouldn't be surrounded by other people, SO.]
no subject
We made very good time. I can't say I'm ungrateful that the project was such a success. [not to pat herself and Onni on the back, but] If it wasn't so close to evening, we might have taken the underground route, but it looks like they took advantage of a few of the route changes over ground.
I'll see you shortly, then.
[ Not difficult to miss, of course, and she's rather relieved to be ignored by the Jaguars as she waits outside. A rucksack sits over one shoulder - it's not a stretch to say it's all she has left to her name at present, at least until the promised payout they don't know is coming. She at least looks like she's slept a few hours at some point, and she raises a hand both in greeting and to get his attention. ]
no subject
Kratos left Noishe back to keep an eye on Lloyd, so he shows up by himself. With a sword on his hip, of course, in case someone feels like fucking around. Things are weird lately, you know how it goes. When he spots Sophia he quickly makes his way over.]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long. Ready to get going?
no subject
Had he sent Noishe to fetch her, she would have understood, and even been happy about; she has only known the Protozoan a short time, but she is definitely a fan of the family "dog". Nonetheless, here comes Kratos in person, as promised.]
Not at all. [a nod, that she's ready, before she gestures for him to lead the way] Let's get moving, shall we?
Have things been quiet here? [relatively, of course]
no subject
Kratos nods, turning to lead Sophia to the small house he's claimed for the night.]
Quiet for the most part. At least, there hasn't been any violence. Would you like me to carry that for you?
[it might not be a huge bag or a heavy bag, but it's only polite to offer.]
no subject
I can manage, but thank you. It's good to hear things have been peaceful. [she brushes back a stray lock from her eyes; impossible to keep her hair tidy with so much travel, try as she might] Coba was tense, but no real breakouts after the first night. Most who were exposed to the incense seem to fall into a similar state to Lloyd once the anger...dissipated, for lack of a better word.
no subject
I see. If it's another effect of the incense then it should clear up on it's own, given enough time.
[He seems to relax, if only slightly. It doesn't exactly make him feel better that this is happening to more people, but it does mean that it's not something that's happening just because Lloyd had been the one to handle the relic. Buuut, since we're on that topic...]
...Nobody else has exhibited any... unexplained flames, have they?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)