Open A Step Toward The Beyond

[Scamper]

​

Journey.

When pondering the word, the phrase, or the term, a lot of people contemplate a grandiose adventure filled with danger and unfathomable riches. Journey could also mean a revelation, acknowledge or acceptance of self, or even the unacceptance of others. For Scamper - a 3-4ft talking squirrel, Journey simply meant making it from their settlement to Svapna without being stepped on by the ignorant, the unaware, and the malicious. After about half a day's worth of travelling, the effervescent Sciurian found himself before the entrance of The Old Capital; or rather, whatever was left of it.

"Huh?...Hm...This isn't quite what I expected...", while the fort city was magnificent in size, it's beauty had long since faded; the air of it's inhabitants reflecting that. Doing his best to step between or around the larger bodied citizens, Scamper would occasionally say "Excuse me" whilst making his way into the the capital. The Guards hadn't seemed notably suspicious of him - then again, they hadn't acknowledged him as he walked past; perhaps they'd not noticed him walk by? Regardless, he didn't want to be labelled as a trespasser, so he pivoted around and returned to their station; doing his best to beckon their attention amidst the sea of moving bodies.

"Hello....Hello?....Hello!! Hey!!!! I'm down here!!!", after a few moments of attention grabbing, the Sciurian approached the guards as closely as possible before shouting to pull their focus. "I know you two can hear me up there!!!", in response, one of the guards looked down and offered a chuckle as they spoke in a childish and condescending tone. "Oh hey there, little Squirrel. Looking to register as a citizen?", the other followed, echoing the sentiment, "Lookin' for someone? Did you lose someone? We can help ya' find them". In response, Scamper curled his body inward; charging up energy before releasing it in a series of furious stomps, jumps, and arm waves.

"I'll have you know I'm a Sciurian! A Sciurian! Additionally, I'm quite large for someone of my age, I'll have you know!! I'm NOT little!!!"

Following his temper tantrum accompanied by the guard's entertained laughter, Scamper caught his breath before addressing the guards once more. "Yes, I would like to register to be on the Citizen Database. No, I am not lost. I'm old enough to be your father if I were a human like you; you oughta treat your elders with RESPECT!", being unable to contain their laughter, the Guards continued on as one of them withdrew papers and handed it Squirrel not that much larger than it. As he took the paper, embarrassed and frustrated, he darted off further into the city without having heard from the Guards where to he needed to go to Register.-- He noticed after walking a significant distance in; coming to a complete halt and falling to his knees in a dramatic fashion.

"Oh no, I'm lost. I--I don't know where to go. Oh jeez, oh golly, oh gosh. What am I gunna do?"​

​

 

[Arbok]

Three weeks waiting.

Three weeks of hot nights and difficult sleep, of sour wine and unrelenting winds.
The South had sounded like a wonderful place whenever she'd heard of it but even Allouettes sweet musings seemed a far cry from this experience.

Imperials (or those left in this period of decline) had been a proud people and many still clung to that notion. It made her recon work difficult.

Squires were sent about every six months or so to keep tabs on the big goings on in Svapna.
Daily letters sent back would take months to reach the Monastery but she sent them all the same.
Today the market was lively and the boiled eel was satisfying.
She ate the unfortunate sea beast that was her lunch from a stick and the chewy meat kept her mouth from drying.

Then she heard something that perked her interest and made her take down the loose hood she wore over her simple civilian garments.
Someone sounded in distress, a great deal if her guess was right.

She picked her way through the crowd slowly. At her impressive height she could see over most humans heads and a fair few orkin as well but the source eluded her gaze until she saw a most unusual creature.
It looked like a squirrel but it was much bigger and wore a satchel and held a big piece of parchment in its paw/hand and by the distressed look it was the source of her search.

Arbok was tall, taller than most and strong too. The long dark hair that hung to her left side was platted thick and well kept, she fingered it as she pondered what to do.

"Um, excuse me, eh... Mister, is it? Are you um are you okay?"

She felt a bit silly talking to an animal but she had seen Allouette do it plenty of times. It cannot be that difficult and she was certain she had heard it speak words. Still though, she would have been lying if she said she did not half feel foolish all the same.

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

Deep within the recesses of the mind, Scamper sat alone amidst a sea of darkness; assaulted by his doubts and insecurities. As he remained upon his knees on Svapna's cold ground, within he questioned - no, challenged the logic of this journey, and if it were wise to continue.

"Oh jeez...", his ears gradually fell to a slump as his body postured loosened, nearly melding with the surrounding darkness. "Maybe everyone was right...Maybe the outside world is just too much for a Scurian. If I get lost the second I touch city grounds, what hope is there for me to accomplish my goals? Let alone my dreams....Maybe I should just--"

"Um, excuse me, eh... Mister, is it? Are you um are you okay?"

Ripping him from the darkness and back into the light was an unfamiliar voice; certainly not one from his settlement. Having not looked up yet, Scamper began to respond. "Oh me?...", he sniffled a few times then continued, "Y-Yeah, I'm okay. I'm just a little lost and I-- GOOD GRIEF!", as he had finally looked up to witness the towering figure standing over him, he instinctively rose to his feet and stepped back a few in a frenzy; frazzled by the difference in size. "WHY ARE YOU SO TALL"?! His heart viciously thumped through his chest, punching at the inner walls of his body to the point even the tall figure might've picked up on it.

"Oh gosh.....oh goodness me...good grief"

He'd never seen something so large, so...muscular!! Leaning over whilst placing his hands on his knees, he took a second to catch his breath and calm down his heart rate before responding to the woman in earnest. "I'm sorry for my response, I don't mean to offend. I come from a long line of isolated Sciurians wanting nothing to do with the outside world; I'm one of the first of our kind to venture out beyond it.-- Forgive me, if my reaction had upset you, allow me to start over". Scamper, without her permission, began to climb the tall woman's body; coiling about her in manner that would allow him to rest on which over shoulder was easiest for her. Following this, he would reintroduce himself.

"I'm Scamper, Scamper Nutree! I came to this city looking to register as a citizen, maybe even become an adventurer; alas, I couldn't sift through the guards' discrimination to remember where they told me to go. I'm hoping you know where to go though. You do, don't cha? Don't cha?!"

@Arbok

 

[Arbok]

Arbok took a bit of a step back at the energetic reaction from Scamper. She had not even heard of a Sciurion before let alone seen one. She had seen the various folk of Plumhollow but this felt different.

"Um... that's okay."

Her voice was soft, not wanting to startle the poor fellow more than she has by, being herself. It would not be the first time someone had marvelled at her size.

"It's nice to meet you Mister Nutree, I am named Arbok and I... well I have always been... tall."

She knelt down, just to make it easier on both of them.

"Why do you want to become a citizen?"
The idea wasn't unheard of but typically citizenship was because you wanted to trade inside the city or marry into a noble house. Scamper looked like he was ready to do neither.

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

Arbok's introduction was met with a curious and gentle smile, reciprocating the kindness that had been shown to him as taught by his elders. Hanging upon her mention of always being tall, he made his way off her body as she knelt down; now being at equal enough height to have a decent conversation. She'd inquired about his wanting to become a citizen...which was met with a bit of confusion on his end. As he tilted his head, echoing his thoughts through expression, he inquired to her about his problem.

"Hmm? I'm confused", he crossed his arms, "Isn't this what Adventurers do? I've only heard of them in storybooks and folktales, but their journey always seems to begin with registering with the city and locating the local adventure guild. Is...", his eyes widened as he slightly slumped over; jaw dropped with his arms to his side. "Is this entire world nothing like the books that I read? Have I studied up on fiction?!"

Due to the isolated nature of their people, they've only lived amongst themselves for as long as they've been around; save for two moments in history. The first, was when the originators of their species first discovered and created the settlement itself.-- The second was him. He hadn't considered - not even for a second, that the books he'd received and studied as gospel were....

Scamper stood in silence for a moment, like a blade of grass amongst the breeze; swaying left and right in utter disbelief.

@Arbok

 

[Arbok]

It was hard to burst someone's bubble but Arbok knew that respect was not earned through coddling.
"It's possible. What books have you read?"

She did not want to believe that ALL of it was fiction. Maybe he read a travellers guide or a book on mushrooms?
The very idea seemed to have him upset.

"But even if it is all fiction, there's more to stories than facts. They can show us how to live and how to..."
The book she showed Alouette flashed in her mind.
"... make friends!"

She offered her hand to him.

"Human's tend to shake, a lot of folk do. Put your hand in mine, it's a show of trust."

Her hand was much bigger than his of course but she wasn't going to harm him.

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

As Arbok had inquired on the books he'd read, it all came flowing to his mind like the rapids of a raging river. "Spiffy's Great Adventure", "Adventure Tales", "Thorlak's Guide To Adventuring", and lastly, "Stepping Out of Your Shell: An Adventurer's Guide". His parents would always mention something about fiction - however, he never paid it any mind. To him, the books could tell no lies-- what egg on his face.

'How foolish...', he felt himself retreat into that dark place once again; his surroundings fading gradually as his head sunk in disbelief. Then, just as she had before, Arbok's voice cleaved the darkness in two; bringing him back to reality as her literal hand extended past the walls of self doubt, reaching out to save him from himself.

"... make friends!"

Gazing at the offered hand, Scamper froze; a warmth washing away the fear, the anxiety, and the hesitation from within. In response, he could only offer a grossly wide smile as tears began to stream down his fur. Between sobs, he slowly reached to her larger hand; gripping it with both of his own. As he shook, he looked up to her and spoke in a relieved and thankful tone. "You know? It doesn't really matter if it was fiction or not....", he took a moment to wipe his face against his fur, "The kindness you've shown me today is more real than any book could've prepared me for....Thank you, Arbok".

Shaking her hand in silence for a moment, he eventually let go and stepped back; wiping his face again and clearing his throat before continuing. "SO then....Registering, I take it, isn't the move here....so what's next? Rather, what do I do now"? Everything withstanding, the fact he was lost still remained; both in direction and in purpose. If he were to begin his travels, some plan of action would probably be necessary. "Is there an Inn close by? I think I need to sit down and ponder my next course of action..."

@Arbok

 

[Arbok]

"It's okay..."
A handshake really was the least she could do.
"... you aren't the first person to get their world rocked by coming to the big city!"
The poor little guy was full of dreams and without the defenses a lifetime there would grant him.

"Yeah, there's a hole near here we can go."

Standing up again she led Scamper to the Flying Drum, a small tavern in a side street Arbok had taken a liking to. They served bitter orange chunks in ice with sweet grass which she was fond of.

"Don't mind the smell, you get used to it."
She told him as she pushed open the door and entered.
The place was well lit with wide windows and a skylight. Some taverns had surely men and shady characters.
The Flying Drum was where people took their kids.
A shelf of wooden toys decorated the West wall and flowers and wall murals brought the place to life.

Three young children were adding to the decorations with coloured paste and behind the bar a portly woman with a truly impressive amount of facial piercings beckoned them over.

"That's Sali, she runs the place... I think, only ever seen her work here."

Before long they were seated with two bowels of orange chunks before them.

"How is it?"

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

Throughout the travel to their next destination, Scamper was alight with newfound energy; radiating positivity as the sun would heat. Skipping and hopping with every step, this was the happiest he'd felt since departing from his home so many days ago. The homesickness began to wear off as the duo now stood before a fairly large (and concerningly smelly) establishment. Opening the doors, the two entered as a realm of life opened up before his eyes; said eyes widening at the sight of the bustling tavern.

"Wooaaahhh....Woooooaaahhhh!!! HEEEEEY! THIS!", waving his arms about and pointing at random strangers, Scamper began to bounce up and down excitedly. "I've heard of these! These are Taverns, aren't they?!", stopping in mid action, he slapped his palms onto his cheeks as his visage grew even brighter with amazement. "Hey, Arbok!! Maybe some of it was real!!!", eventually being led to the children, Scamper would wave and make a funny face; giving the children something to giggle at as they enjoyed their festivities.

"So many creatures in so many different sizes! I've heard the world was large, but this? I never could've expected th--", now meeting with the pierced woman, his face dropped and heart sunk; worry settling deep within his chest. Before long, they were seated and given the orange chunks. "Arbok...", he said concerningly, "That woman, is she going to be okay? She's been stabbed with so many things but she isn't bleeding. Is she a witch?", he shook his head in confusion before consuming some of what was before him; his entire tune changing in an instant.

"OH WOW! THAT'S INCREDIBLE!", looking at what he'd consumed, then to Arbok, he flashed a wide, open smile, then continued consumption. "Arbok you've got to get in on this! I wouldn't want food like this sitting for long, lest your kin steal it when you aren't looking"! After a few moments, he lean back against the chair which (preemptively) had a booster seat attached prior (without his knowing). "These morphing chairs are fantastic too, the real world is so cool! I've got so much to tell my folks when I get home! Oh! Speaking of that!", reaching into his satchel, he would pull out a squirrel-sized book and a writing utensil; writing a few things down on the first page.

"Thanks for bringing me here, Arbok. This will be an excellent beginning to "Scamper's Epic Tale: Chasing Adventure"! As he finished jotting his thoughts down, he closed the book and placed it back into his satchel; consuming whatever was left and giving his attention back to his newly acquired friend.-- Ha, friend...that felt so good to say. "So then, friend. Why don't we introduce ourselves further? Perhaps talk a little bit about why we're both here?...If, you want to of course".

@Arbok

 

[Arbok]

Chuckling Arbok took a spoon of the treat and savoured it.
She knew full well how good it was but it was fresh again for her in Scamper's experience.

"No, she's fine. They are called piercings and she has one for every child she's reared."

Another bite.

"And I am pretty sure she's not a witch, unless there's magic in this!"
She added pointing to her bowel with her spoon.

The children were looking at them now and talking, laughing and edging closer.

Despite wanting to respect Scamper she could not help but stifle a laugh as he proclaimed the name of his adventurous titles.
"Um sure, well, I'm a Squire from up north. I'm just here to keep an eye on things, report news, help out. You know."

Her shoulders shrugged as if she had nothing more to add.

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

As Arbok spoke, Scamper would listen with a surprisingly undivided level of attention; unheard of amongst his kin. When mentioning the potential magic within the food - for a moment, he almost felt compelled to inquire further. However, considering the prior revelations, perhaps, even if for a second, he should consider that not everything is non-fiction.-- Accepting this, he let out light sigh of disappointment leave his body as a small fragment of wonder left him, once again with the ether. Moving along, as Arbok had uttered the word "Squire", Scamper's focus shattered as he hyperfocused on a word he'd heard often in his books (immediately reverting his prior mental work).

"Squire?!", his little form jumped up in the booster seat; his hands slamming on the table while not being loud enough to disturb the other tavern goers.

"I've heard so much about Squires! You're in the frontlines of danger; the first to encounter an enemy as it descends onto a kingdom! You must have so many stories of perilous quests and life altering conquests! Well, consider me a fish because I'm HOOKED"!

Firmly planting himself further into the seat, he sat - eyes widened and full of wonder once more as he gazed at Arbok; expecting a world of stories to come alive before his very eyes.

@Arbok

 

[Arbok]

Wide eyed at Scamper's enthusiastic outburst Arbok searched her mind for something to say.
She did not have much in the ways of perilous quests completed, not any really.
"Well, um, there was one time that we went after a lake monster but I was hardly on my own, I think nearly ten of us were there at one point."
It seemed like a lot.
"Turned out it was just a migrating Turtosaur and it had taken some of the locals to its cave because it mistook them for its babies."

She let out a short laugh at the memory of the massive long necked turtle crooning over the folk.
"It turns out that the most dangerous thing about them is how cold their lair is."

Sensing perhaps that this might not be encouraging for Scamper, Arbok opted to add a little more.
"I've seen some wild stuff though, like dragons and magik. One of our best Knights rides a Green Dragon and she's probably the scariest woman I've ever seen."


That should sate him, she thought.

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

To be frank, he hadn't expected to hear what he had thus far. His jaw couldn't drop any further from what he'd heard - and if it could, it would've reached well beyond the tavern doors by now. As he waited, absorbing all the information she'd given him, his body tensed up - tighter and tighter, until she'd finally finished with a content tone.-- This was when it happened. All at once, in an explosion of energy, Scamper shouted as loud as he could; jumping out of his seat and running around the table on all fours.


"THAT'S SOOOO COOOOOOOL!"

Scamper was a mess with emotions as he ran about in circles. What was he going to ask about first? He honestly couldn't decide!"Lake Monster?!",he said in one go around, "Turtosaur?!", he said in another,"I don't even know what that is"!! Eventually making himself tired and coming to a stop, he took a minute to readjust himself and re-climb the booster seat to continue speaking with Arbok.

"Dragons and Maaagik?! I've only heard of those things in books; I had no idea it was real! Cool!", almost immediately after, Scamper withdrew his book and began furiously writing into it. Following a few moments of writing, he looked back up at his friend. "Could you tell me more about that scary woman and the green dragon?"

@Arbok

 

[Arbok]

"Wow, you have a lot of energy for a little guy."
Arbok's eyes almost lost track of Scamper as he ran around and all of a sudden he was back in the seat across from her.

"Uh, well her name is Petra and she's pretty strong and well, pretty too. She has great hair and might be one of our best."
Arbok took another bite of the treat and chewed it thoughtfully. It was nice having someone to talk to, not like her work was secret in the city.

"Honestly though she's hardly the weirdest person there. I mean I..."
Trailing off she decided to not say much more. THAT kinda was a secret so she just, ate quietly for a moment as if the most interesting thing in her life was at the bottom of the bowel.

@Scamper

 

[Scamper]

"P e h t r a h", as Arbok spoke, Scamper wrote the name down as it sounded; spelling it out loudly to make sure he'd spelt it correctly. When she'd mention the great hair, he could only liken it to an extremely long haired woman he heard about in folktales. Putting that image temporarily to the name, he nodded with intrigue as he'd heard her speak of how strong the woman was. He couldn't understand why Arbok would call her weird; Petra sounded perfectly fine to him. Nevertheless, that wasn't what caught his interest. What had, was the pause and withdraw from mentioning something-- the curiosity within him burned brightly in response.

"Hmm? What was that? You?.....You were what?", he began tapping his fingers on the table, "I mean, you can't just leave me hanging right?.....Right?", growing impatient, he (non-violently) slammed his hands on the table; launching himself up and forward to get as close to Arbok (while staying in his seat) as he can. "COME ON ARBOK, PLEASE! I NEED TO KNOW NOW; I CAN'T JUST SIT HERE WITHOUT KNOWING NOW!! I GOTTA KNOW!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEA--", Scamper would continue (at quite an annoying speed at that), until Arbok spoke more or silenced him; not knowing the word of bothersome.

@Arbok