First Contact with The Star of Ruin

Tom_Atlus	is in the portal room, popping it open to do a bit of a solo trip.
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	Neon_Prodigy	Where does he want to open the portal?
	Tom_Atlus	opens up the portal in the town, stepping through to see how things are going now that the leaders and... Okay. And Zoeya started working things out :V
	Neon_Prodigy	To Town Hall then?
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	Tom_Atlus	** To Town Hall first ye
	Neon_Prodigy	Tom walks that way. Outside is a notice board, if he wants to check that, or he can head on in.
	Tom_Atlus	gives the notice board a peek!
	Neon_Prodigy	The notices give details on where to cut trees, and the rates at which it's to be done. All lumbering has been forbidden past a certain point in the woods, presumably near the Grotto, with restrictions on how much can be cut as they figure out the best way to wait for the trees to recover and regrow. Another notice states that while animal attacks are dropping off, more attacks are being...
	Neon_Prodigy	...made by the Riojan force nearby. And another makes mention of a reward for an apparently "rebel" group of Mushmen that are still attacking loggers in the northern section of the forest.
	Neon_Prodigy	Also, tiny thing, neglected to mention it.
	Neon_Prodigy	There's a huge fucking tree filling the middle of the square outside town hall, its bark blackened and gnarled and flames and blazing red crystals seeming to sprout from it like leaves.
	Tom_Atlus	is, in fact, gripping some form of walking staff as he reads the notice board, nodding quietly and making mental notes about the Riojan force attacks along with the reble Mushmen groups. The giant fucking tree in the middle of the square catches his attention though, as he tilts his head and walks towards it.
	Neon_Prodigy	The tree shivers a bit, and, if he strains his senses, he could perhaps imagine it snoring...
	Tom_Atlus	squints, reaching out with his magic based senses, trying to get an idea of what the hell he's looking at.
	Tom_Atlus	... [Lady of the Forest? No way, she's moved here of all places? I can't be...]
	Neon_Prodigy	The Lady: *is totally just sleeping in the middle of town for some reason :P *
	Tom_Atlus	....
	Neon_Prodigy	The sensation he got from the grotto, it should be noted, is not anywhere like as strong here as it was there
	Tom_Atlus	clears his throat quietly, wondering how the rest of the towns folk are reacting. He quietly steps forward, takes out a chocolate protein bar, and gingerly places it near her roots for her to enjoy whenever she happens to wake up.
	Neon_Prodigy	There's a pause, as the bar lays on the root for a moment, until other roots seem to shoot out and snatch it up, pulling it "inside" the tree. Is he just waiting there for her to wake up?
	Neon_Prodigy	Or does he head into town hall?
	Tom_Atlus	giggles a little as the roots snatch it up before heading into town hall :P
	Neon_Prodigy	Inside, he sees an overworked-as-usual Lucretia talking to Armand
	Tom_Atlus	gives Lucretia a wave, heading over to her and Armand
	Tom_Atlus	Hey there!
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Oh! You're back! Any of the others with you?
	Tom_Atlus	Not today no, just here by myself to see how things are going. Why do you ask?
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: Miss Sakai and Professor Ford's report on the situation here has apparently prompted the Head of the Academy to summon them to Ludnam. I imagine he'd want to speak with your group as well...
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: And all I get to hear is the Professor whinge about not getting to study the big ol' tree woman yet.
	Tom_Atlus	Aaah I see... I'll carry the message onto them and I'll be sure to drag them over as soon as I can. We have been, unfortunately, rather busy.
	Tom_Atlus	... *snrk*
	Tom_Atlus	peeks out a window
	Tom_Atlus	Definitely is pretty large. In the good kind of way.
	Tom_Atlus	I'll drag them here as soon as I can though! I'm curious to find out more about her as well.
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: She is indeed awe-inspiring. Though, hearing her shout about how, after the first round of negotiations were concluded, about how she needed a nap and just burrowed her roots into the town square was... somehow less than what you'd expect of a goddess.
	Tom_Atlus	I wouldn't call it /less/ ... Different, sure.
	Tom_Atlus	But when you've lived for as long as she probably has maybe keeping up pomp and circumstance give you a grand celestial ulcer.
	Tom_Atlus	*gives
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: *chuckles* Perhaps you have a point.
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Anyway, you don't have to rush with rounding up your friends. We've still got studies were doing here... though I've had to move those research notes to someplace safer after the professor got /jam/ all over some of the papers >:T
	Tom_Atlus	Mid-research snacking or some new prototype jam dispensing machine?
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: He's /always/ snacking while working, I swear a good quarter of my job is brushing crumbs off things
	Tom_Atlus	Yeesh...
	Tom_Atlus	... Hey, have you considered the idea of using aer essentia to make something that sucks up dust and crumbs and the like?
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: ...Huh, what, like... a little sorta wind generator that blows the crumbs away?
	Tom_Atlus	Or collects them into a small bag for easier disposal.
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Uhhh... *she squints* ...If... if it was with /Vacuos/ instead of /Aer,/ it could make a sorta... absence of air that sucks things into it!
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: *continues making a drawn out 'Uhhhhh' noise as she pulls out a pencil and pad of paper and starts jotting ideas down* ...With a bag to collect what it sucks up you say?
	Tom_Atlus	Aaand hey that works even better~
	Tom_Atlus	Yeah, something like that.
	Tom_Atlus	[shit should i ask for like a 5% profit share from this]
	Tom_Atlus	[but wait technically i'm importing this idea from another universe i can't do that]
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: /Huh.../ *she stows the pad away* I. Will look into that later. Thanks!
	Tom_Atlus	[but then again we /could/ use any extra cash in case this takes off]
	Tom_Atlus	No problem~
	Tom_Atlus	[fuuuuuuuck]
	Tom_Atlus	[bring it up later sleep on it]
	Nichos	((Cier: Doooooo iiiiiiiit))
	Tom_Atlus	How /did/ the negotiations go anyway?
	Tom_Atlus	already saw the sign board but he's curious how they even managed to convince her in the first place :V
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: They mostly consisted of us explaining the need for Essentia, showing her what we do with it, and then debating the amount of land we would have access to. To be frank, once we set up a certain area we wouldn't encroach on whatsoever, she seemed rather satisfied.
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: Although she /is/ still expecting that blue haired girl to give her a pair of glasses.
	Tom_Atlus	Yeah, she's working on that. Custom job like that takes a little while to get just right for her. Should be ready next time we stop by hopefully!
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: Well, she seems rather expectant for them, so I hope that will be soon...
	Tom_Atlus	I'll make sure to kick her butt in gear and add a little present from me on top of that as a little apology for the delay :P
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Between that and the "big in the good way" comment before, it kinda sounds like you fancy the weird tree-fire hybrid spirit that I don't think some of us are /quite/ prepared to flat out refer to as a good ;D
	Tom_Atlus	No, no. I'm in a committed relationship :V
	Nichos	((Cier: Well she /has/ already seen his dyuck 8V))
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Oh yeah, plus I suppose the embarrassment of her seeing those pictures of you /would/ kill any chance. Also I don't think she's into guys anyway? *shrugs*
	Tom_Atlus	slowly puts his hands to his face
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: *snickers*
	Tom_Atlus	No. Not like this. /Not like this/ :(
	Tom_Atlus	... But honestly, never in all my years of existence would I have thought I'd have a chance to meet someone that is considered a goddess and has the raw power to back up that claim.
	Tom_Atlus	Helps that she's pretty personable.
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Hehehehehehe. I dunno /what/ she is? But when you just /exude/ that much magical energy /something's/ up *she shrugs again* Anyway, did you just drop by to check on how things were going?
	Tom_Atlus	That and to take a little stroll through the woods and see how things are recovering.
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: Ah, I see. Don't go out too far though. The Riojan army have been patrolling and are attacking loggers now that the animal attacks have lessened.
	Tom_Atlus	exhales quietly, nodding.
	Tom_Atlus	gives Armand a genuine smile. "Thank you for your concern, I'll be sure to be careful!"
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: *nods in return*
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Gotta say, I'll be glad to head to the capital after this. I've had enough of mages and giant monsters for a while. Even /if/ riding the big lizard thing was /pretty/ cool
	Tom_Atlus	thinks of the crazed bullshit that's been happening on the Continent and grins a little
	Tom_Atlus	Some relative R and R /would/ be pretty good for everyone involved, yes.
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: Oh heck yeah.
	Tom_Atlus	can only hope things can actually /remain/ peaceful for now...
	Tom_Atlus	** But a deep, sinking feeling in his gut tells him to prepare for the worst either way.
	Tom_Atlus	Anyway, I'm going to get started on that walk now. *taps his walking stick on the floor twice* See you soon!
	Neon_Prodigy	Lucretia: See ya later!
	Neon_Prodigy	Armand: Have a safe walk.
	Tom_Atlus	steps out of the town hall, passing by the Lady of the Forest on his way out of town.
	Neon_Prodigy	The Lady continues snoozing :P
	Neon_Prodigy	Tom walks his way out into town. The path goes left, to head north to the logging, and south, towards the abandoned research facility, and further southwest, the Grotto.
	Neon_Prodigy	*out of, not into
	Tom_Atlus	....
	Tom_Atlus	decides to head north to check out the logging first to make sure there's no one in trouble at the moment that needs help.
	Tom_Atlus	** His walking stick's bottom end thumps lightly against the ground rhythmically to make his trek a little easier
	Neon_Prodigy	He heads north to where the current logging efforts are focused. Nothing's going on right now, as it seems the teams in the camp he's come across are on a break, but there's a truck loaded down with lumber ready to head back into town and load its contents on the train out to get further processed elsewhere
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	Tom_Atlus	gives the local loggers a little wave, satisfied with the fact that nothing /seems/ to be happening... He ends up hitching a ride back on the truck if at all possible to not have to walk aaaaall the way back :V
	Neon_Prodigy	In fact, Tom totally gets a ride back once the driver finishes eating and shooting the shit with some of the guys.
	Tom_Atlus	gives him a thumbs up and a tip for the ride. Anything happen on the way back?
	Neon_Prodigy	It's a rather sedate trip. He thanks you for the tip and lets you out back at the crossroads outside of town, before driving in through the gate.
	Tom_Atlus	phews quietly, happy to know that at least nothing happens involving Riojan just now. He ends up heading straight for the Grotto now.
	Neon_Prodigy	The walk is a pleasant trip through the woods, the strong, peaceful sensation the forest emanates growing stronger as he approaches the Grotto once again. The trees thicken, and you can't help but to note that the trees closest to the grotto are the ones that are most thickly covered in crystal growths, and grow the largest, their blue bark making everything under the canopy seem darker,...
	Neon_Prodigy	...cooler, in contrast to the reflected light from the crystals.
	Tom_Atlus	closes his eyes and smiles, letting his magic senses take over for him as he makes his way through the deepest parts of the forest, maneuvering through the trees and enjoying the strong, peaceful sensation that washes through his body and soul.
	Tom_Atlus	stops his walk and snaps his eyes open.
	Tom_Atlus	whirls around, checking his surroundings.
	Tom_Atlus	........
	Tom_Atlus	[i swear if i get kidnapped by animals again i'm gonna scream so fucking loud]
	Tom_Atlus	closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to relax once more before making his way deeper into the Grotto, heading for the center unless otherwise stopped :P
	Neon_Prodigy	Tom goes un-kidnapped by giant mushroom cows this time as he walks to the Grotto. The crystal-coated ground seems unchanged, and the bonfire at the center still smolders, crackling merrily every once in a while oh look it's Teep
	Neon_Prodigy	Teep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_LFKNghYi8
	Tom_Atlus	AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH HI TEEP D:
	Tom_Atlus	yelps and cowers in the face of the roars but doesn't back up. At least not yet :V
	Neon_Prodigy	Teep: *looms down over Tom, before sniffing at him, then lowers his head, gently butting at Tom with his snout*
	Tom_Atlus	's frantic pants slowly turn to calm, deep breaths as Teep looms over and sniffs him rather than chomps him. He phews a little, only to blink as Teep's snout bumps against his chest.
	Tom_Atlus	... H-heh. Sorry if I surprised you.
	Tom_Atlus	carefully reaches out and gives Teep's snout a pap and pet.
	Neon_Prodigy	Teep: *lets out a puff of air through his nose, accepting the pets. He briefly lets a huge tongue roll out of his mouth and licks Tom, then turns away to go take a nap near the edge of the clearing*
	Tom_Atlus	lets loose a happy laugh at the T-rex sized lick before giving Teep a knowing smile and nod as he turns away for his nap.
	Tom_Atlus	[... Okay Tom.]
	Tom_Atlus	steps a bit further into the clearing, heading for the bonfire near the center. He stays a respectful few yards away from it and sits cross-legged on the flattest patch of ground he can find.
	Tom_Atlus	takes a deep breath in, drinking in the air and taking the dense essentia into his body before exhaling, beginning a steady rhythm.
	Neon_Prodigy	The crystalline floor is fairly flat all around near the center, and Tom doesn't have much trouble with this. It's not any different from sitting on a tile floor really. The heat from the bonfire seems invigorating as Tom begins breathing in and out.
	Tom_Atlus	closes his eyes and spawns three barrier constructs, all perfectly rounded orbs, letting them float around him in a carefully maintained orbit... His hands are lightly clasped together in his lap, fingers intertwining as his body drinks in the heat of the bonfire.
	Neon_Prodigy	The magical force coming from his surroundings, filling him up from underneath, like a tree drawing nutrients from the soil, seems to instantly replenish his mana as he uses it
	Tom_Atlus	** His mind carefully focuses on his own breath and the ebb and flow of the essentia and mana pouring into his body from below. In his youth he spent a lot of his time like this, simply emptying his heart and mind of everything except for the flow of prana filling his body and the ebb and flow of mana in the air and in the ground underneath him.
	Tom_Atlus	** His mind carefully focuses on his own breath and the ebb and flow of the essentia and mana pouring into his body from below. In his youth he spent a lot of his time like this, simply emptying his heart and mind of everything except for the of prana coursing through his veins and the energy that he seems to be drinking in just by being here.
	Neon_Prodigy	The longer he spends meditating, the more and more it feels like there's a /huge/ presence underneath him, pouring Mana directly through him, like electricity through a lightning rod, yet much more peaceful
	Tom_Atlus	** The massive presence underneath him takes him by surprise almost, but he refuses to lose focus, continuing his breathing as he spawns another six barrier constructs, letting his nine orbs float around him in three, carefully maintained orbits
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	Tom_Atlus	opens his eyes, letting the constructs halt in their spot before standing up
	Tom_Atlus	leaves his walking stick on the ground, reaching out his right hand
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	Tom_Atlus	[Forming structural wireframe...]
	Tom_Atlus	** A construct wireframe appears in his hands, the frame quickly filling with mana particles as he forms a simple Chinese jian.
	Tom_Atlus	tests the weight, smiling as he realizes that thanks to the constant flow of energy feeding into his body from the earth below, it came at no cost to him. He throws out his left hand, forming a second jian and begins performing some tai chi dual sword forms.
	Tom_Atlus	** His movements are slow and carefully maintained, more and more barrier construct swords spawning and filling the air, each inscribed with runic calligraphy for an element. He starts basic, with Air, Earth, Fire, Water
	Tom_Atlus	** Eventually though, he switches out the two jian for a katana and its paired sheath midswing, practicing sword forms with both at the same time.
	Tom_Atlus	** His swords swing and slice through the air (careful not to strike any part of the scenery) in accord thanks to his elevated prana levels and mental state. He switches between what must be a dozen different kinds of blades in the space of a minute, the flow from swing to swing practically flawless.
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	Neon_Prodigy	Tom's mind is filled with the tranquility of the surrounding mana, and distracted by his sword practice, so that he barely notices until he can sense a presence nearby, right at the edge of the grotto.
	Tom_Atlus	** As he senses the presence at the edge of the grotto, whomever or whatever is there catches him mid rising slash, swinging his katana upwards from the ground that leaves its edge pointed towards the sky, its spine running parallel to the ground
	Tom_Atlus	...
	Tom_Atlus	dispells his barrier constructs in a flash of mana particles before facing the newcomer
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *a young woman in a wheelchair, her short brown hair mostly covered by a white hat, wearing a mostly black and gold outfit. She has a book laying in her lap* Oh my! You're not bad at sword conjuration, though I admit, I don't quite recognize the technique. :) *she smiles politely to Tom, in contrast to the pink haired woman behind her*
	Tom_Atlus	performs a quick, respectful bow to the young woman and her companion.
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: *was beginning to draw her sword, before Tom dispelled his. She keeps her hand at her hip though, a serious look on her face* Who the hell are you?
	Tom_Atlus	Just a wandering mage that decided to step into this grotto for some meditation and form practice.
	Tom_Atlus	gives them both a genuine, warm smile
	Tom_Atlus	It's a pleasure to meet you both~
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	Mischa_	So
	Mischa_	I have a talented cousin :3
	Mischa_	((Fuck sorry))
	Neon_Prodigy	((It happens, no worries!))
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: *frowns, but finally moves her hand away from her sword* ...I don't recognize you as one of our soldiers, and I /doubt/ an AWOL from Commander Toxathis' forces would make it /this/ far. Civilians are discouraged this far west, you know, though I'm shocked to see a civilian putting so much focus into weapon conjuration.
	Tom_Atlus	I've lived a well traveled and interesting life that is, unfortunately, fraught with danger.
	Tom_Atlus	extends his hands outwards, palms facing up as some simpler barrier constructs appear in his hands, mere flat panels
	Tom_Atlus	Started with some building blocks and had to get more creative from there.
	Tom_Atlus	is /very/ glad he didn't ask them their names yet, though he's not sure how to slip it into normal conversation :V
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *has been looking over Tom as he and Signum have been talking, a faint smile on her face, her head tilted* Oh! You're just manipulating defensive barriers on a very fine, focused level! *she giggles* That must have been much more difficult to start out with than simply learning the pre-existing forms... Wherever did you undertake your Awakening Ritual, to be so focused on that one...
	Neon_Prodigy	...branch, Mr...?
	Tom_Atlus	[crap]
	Tom_Atlus	... Atlus, Thomas Atlus.
	Tom_Atlus	decides to play the honest route
	Tom_Atlus	Please, call me Tom though. As for my Awakening Ritual...
	Tom_Atlus	My story's a bit of a strange one.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: I would very much like to hear it, however strange it might be! :)
	Tom_Atlus	I've been wandering since I was young. I never had a chance to go through with an Awakening Ritual in any specific place.
	Tom_Atlus	I practiced and meditated and worked for far longer than should be considered normal just to figure out the basics. u_u
	Tom_Atlus	bows his head, a little ashamed of that. It's... the entire truth. I mean technically he wasn't wandering /this/ world but fuck it :V
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: *you know Lin Bei Fong's famous face she makes after Tenzin comes to get Korra released from custody in Season 1? She makes that face* What, /nobody/ was around to take you on a pilgrimage? Did... Did you never even /approach/ a temple or Sacred Site in all those years?
	Ori	((HA))
	Tom_Atlus	My mother and father had plans but they...
	Tom_Atlus	clears his throat.
	Tom_Atlus	They had an appointment with fate.
	Tom_Atlus	looks pretty visibly uncomfortable at the moment :V
	Tom_Atlus	** Does she wanna go down the rabbit hole that is Tom's fucking backstory
	Tom_Atlus	** Because boy I'm ready for it >:V
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: That is unfortunate. But what happened after, that you'd be wandering so, and never find a place in the empire to settle?
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: Signum!
	Tom_Atlus	was about to open his mouth to speak again until Kumari (quite thankfully) interrupts. Jesus, he looks pretty forlorn having to revisit those old memories again.
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: My lady, you may be satisfied, but happening across someone /here,/ at this time, with the Guardian Zannar gone... I am inclined to listen to more of his story until I too am satisfied. >:|
	Tom_Atlus	Guardian Zannar?
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: The Lady of the Forest, She of Bark and Flame. A precious fire and forest guardian that fled from deeper Riojan after the Laughing Jackal took her arm and a portion of her flame and settled here, outside of the protection of Blackstone and the Eternal King.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: She has not been in her grotto for some time, and the animals she communes with have become more docile.
	Tom_Atlus	Oh! Oh goodness me, she's er...
	Tom_Atlus	puts his hands to his face
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: Her body is here, but her mind wanders...
	Tom_Atlus	oh gods this is complicated
	Tom_Atlus	Um, recently she and the local townsfolk living in Lightpool struck a deal.
	Tom_Atlus	At the moment she's er... slumbering in the middle of the town in the form of a great tree adorned with crystals that glow red like fire.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: Hm, is that so? What sort of deal is this, exactly?
	Tom_Atlus	*fire?
	Tom_Atlus	When I passed through town the word being passed around was that the Lady of the Forest has given them plots of land to grow and harvest trees for essentia from while leaving the rest untouched to give the forest time to recover from the damage.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *steeples her hands* I see.
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: Lady Kumari! *she whispers urgently to the woman in the wheelchair*
	Tom_Atlus	stands there, swallowing dryly
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *waves a hand at her, still looking at Tom. Her blue eyes seem practically piercing now* This. Will require some time and consideration. Signum? *she turns to her companion* Did Shamal summon a competent Blinker Priest?
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: Er, no.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *sighs* Then I suppose-
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: We got Viki.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: ...Ah. Well, that was a very rude thing to say, Signum! *she shakes a finger at the older, taller woman, who admittedly actually looks abashed*
	Tom_Atlus	doesn't falter under her piercing gaze. Not yet at least. He hopes that the information might get them to reconsider the pace of their campaign if even one of their goddesses is willing to work out deals.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *far less intense now* And you say you were passing through town? You must have been in Ludal then, or we'd have seen you approach through Riojan.
	Tom_Atlus	nods calmly.
	Tom_Atlus	One of my longer treks, but I'd say that it was worth the time spent.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: That must have been rather difficult for you. You are welcome to rest among fellow countrymen for a while, if you want, it can't be especially welcoming, in the town nearby.
	Tom_Atlus	gives Kumari a tired smile. The trek today /has/ been pretty long all things considered.
	Tom_Atlus	Lady Kumari, it would be my honor.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: *smiles* Then, if you've finished your meditations, please come with us. I'd like to speak with you more on your adventures in Ludal after a nice dinner. Signum?
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: *still looks grumpy, but nods to her lady and takes the handles of the wheelchair and starts wheeling her around, heading out of the grotto and back into the forest*
	Tom_Atlus	follows alongside Signum and Kumari, already trying to think of what to say
	Tom_Atlus	... Miss Signum? Your dedication and concern for your Lady is inspiring. Sorry if that sounds a little weird to say right now but...
	Tom_Atlus	... YEah.
	Tom_Atlus	*Yeah
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: *'s back is to Tom, but her voice sounds mildly less antagonistic* Naturally. Anything less would be shameful.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: Honestly! Don't listen to her, Tom, she's /way/ too zealous sometimes, her /and/ the rest of my subordinates >:V
	Tom_Atlus	chuckles a little at Kumari's interjection, giving her a happy grin. "Sign of an inspiring leader, from the sounds of it. Gods, I'm sure you have some incredible stories you could tell..."
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: Ah, well... maybe. But with how far you must have traveled, I'm sure the same could be said of you!
	Tom_Atlus	I can't wait for an opportunity to trade stories! ... If er. If you don't mind, that is.
	Neon_Prodigy	Kumari: Oh no, I'd be happy for that as well!
	Tom_Atlus	How far is your encampment, by the way?
	Neon_Prodigy	Signum: Not much further. We're outside the eastern edge of the forest.
	Tom_Atlus	nods in understanding, letting the pair guide him the rest of the way there...
	Neon_Prodigy	Indeed, the trees thin out and make way for rolling hills. There's still scattered trees, but there's enough space between them now that tents and other temporary buildings have been built up in droves, the encampment a bustling center of activity as horsemen ride past the trio, leaving on patrol, armed with crossbows and swords. The smell of enough cooking to feed an army fills the air,...
	Neon_Prodigy	...turning on spits over numerous campfires.
	Neon_Prodigy	Flags bearing purple flags with white eye sigils fly on poles, above black flags with a four-pointed star in gold embroidered onto it
	Neon_Prodigy	*them
	Neon_Prodigy	*-Flags bearing
	Tom_Atlus	takes in the sights, making note of the flag design and the general armaments he can spout out of any of the Riojan soldiers wandering past. He doesn't comment on anything for now, still clutching his walking staff...
	Tom_Atlus	*flag designs
	Neon_Prodigy	Crossbows are about as advanced as it gets. But there's plenty of swords, spears, axes, bows, crossbows, and what have you. The line seems to be drawn at gunpowder, but also, there are a number of magical devices that seem dedicated to the act of battle as well: metal tubes covered in glowing runes, with a place to put someone's hands set onto mounts, a large, ceramic tower on wheels that...
	Neon_Prodigy	...looks a bit like a siege tower, with a metal rod on top, etc.