Closed Dangerous House Searching (Elisanim)

[Cassidee Junipher]

NPC|Symenos|Common|Thoughts|

Fifth of Fall, Mid-morning, Fall 514

“Why is this place so far away?” Cassidee grumbled to herself she finally found the Sickle and Arrow. It was plain grey structure, who’s only remarkable trait was that it was unremarkable. For some reason unknown to her, the hunters had set up meeting area on the outskirts of the town. Having never been there before, Cassidee first ask around about it at the Orchard Market. Secretly, she thought the hunter whom she had ask was laughing at her. However she did tell Cassidee where to go. Even with the general knowledge of its location, it took her several hours of searching to finally find the place.

The silk ropes still felt firm and steady under hands as she approached the building. Judging from its location the abandon districts, she half expected the ropes to be rotten and the approach difficult just to challenge would be hunters. Probably not like people bothering them. The thought crossed Cassidee’s mind giving her pause as she approached the structure. Instead of turning her back, the through pushed her forward, her eyes narrowing to focus on the building in front of her. I will not let them turn me away.

In short order, Cassidee reached The Sickle and Arrow and entered into the main room. Countless trophies leered down at her form the walls. Seeing no one there at the moment, Cassidee considered just leaving, but the idea of wasting all of that time did not sit well with her. Her feet moved on their own causing her to pace the room. The trophies made her feel uneasy as if one of them was going to jump down at her at any moment.

“Can I help you?” A voice reached her ears and she half jumped out of her shoes. Laughter followed afterward and Cassidee felt her cheeks turned a deep red. Brushing an errant strain of hair out of her eyes. She turned to face the laugher. It was a middle aged to old Symenestra male whom has just ascended form a deep room.

With a few deep breaths, Cassidee regained her composer. “Yes, I am looking for a hunter to accompany me into the abandon section the city.” Cassidee offered her eyes drifting back to the trophies, watching them nervously. Almost all of the creatures where unknown to her, but an odd desire to dissect them entered her mind. Their bone and muscle structures where so different from what she had studied that she could not help but be curious.

“Well that is a wise precaution but why do you want to go into the abandon section?” The question drew her attention back to the hunter. “Regardless, I am the only on present at the moment and I have to wait for a delivery.” His words deflated Cassidees hoped but she managed to maintain a face of indifference.

[Sasheizarre]

Elisanim was running along the red cords, occasionally leaping between them and teetering off towards another direction. She was barefoot, dressed in her customary red wrap shirt and black pants over her exoskeleton armor, and off to deliver a small satchel of arrowheads to the Sickle and Arrow. They seemed to be made of assorted metal and stone, though the young courier could hardly tell the difference when they all looked the same, even if she could see clearly in the dim.

Even as she was moving along the red strands, she couldn't help but look down into the dark abyss that lay below her, hiding what must be untold monsters and garbage from the view of Kalinor. Elisanim wasn't afraid of heights, no, but the fact that there was much down there that was unknown was a bit frightening. She cleared her head, and continued to move as quickly as possible, the microscopic hooks extending from her feet with each step, keeping her balance on the treacherous 'road'.

The layout of the small, inhabited part of Kalinor had been studied extensively by the courier, and she had decided long ago that this was the best route to the Sickle and Arrow. While this was her last delivery for the day, she still desired to get it done quickly and leave more free time for herself. She soon found herself on top of the hunting headquarters, walking down the stairs into the main room and overhearing a conversation between Valydor and a Symenestra that she couldn't recall. The one girl was speaking about the abandoned sector - a scary place that she had only very partially explored.

"Valydor, I'm here with your delivery," her voice was quiet as she handed him the satchel, and she turned to the other Symenestra. "I've been into part of the abandoned sector. Scary as petch, I tell you."

[Neologism]

"You've been into the Sector?" Valydor asked, curious of the young Symenestra who he had grown quite used to. It was impossible to miss her, crawling through the various colored chords all day. Valydor snorted his disbelief. "I doubt it. There are a rare few who are allowed in there, and for even fewer purposes." The Hunter was about to question on how Elisanim had gotten over to the abandoned Stalactites, but with her job, he realized it wouldn't be too hard. Instead he turned to Cassidee.

"What business do you have in there? Science? I would assume the Ochya would have sent someone with you. Or is that why you've come?" The Symenestra allowed himself to ask the girls questions. He didn't want to see the two girls find trouble in the dangerous neighborhood. Although the older Symenestra had a knack for adventure and when it came down to it, it was unlikely he would keep them from going. As long as they didn't go too far.

[ooc=ooc]A little guidance for you two. Please check your pms.

[Cassidee Junipher]

NPC|Symenos|Common|Thoughts|

Even with another person, the main room of the Sickle and Arrow put Cassidee on edge. Her hands drifted up from her side to rest on the opposing elbows. Her gaze was stays with the man’s. Rather her eyes drifted back to the trophies. Rather morbid. An ironic thought considering her own desire to dissect them and her continued study of Symenestra anatomy. But I won’t just hang corpses around the lab…for decoration. She felt the need to justify her previous thought.

Between her nervous watching of the trophies to make sure one of them was not going to attack her, and talking with the man, Cassidee did not hear the sound of a door opening and closing. Nor did she notice another woman entering the room. As luck would have it, she happened to be watching all the wrong trophies. As the room was mostly deserted, even a quiet voice filled it. Cassidee felt her heart leap into her throat as it tried to escape from her body. Her feet left the floor, as she gave a small hop. If the tiny hop did not betray her surprise, then how fast her head swivelel in the direction of the sound would have.

Cassidee turned to face the young woman who looked about the same age as her. A giggle almost escaped her mouth as her heart settled back into its proper place. Sifting form one foot to another, she was glad that her hair covered her reddening ears. In her excitement, she failed to hear the woman’s first statement, but her comment about having been to the abandoned section of town caught Cassidee’s attention. Her eyes drifted back to the trophies around the room. Scary hmm? Her eyes fall on what looked like the corpse of a giant bat. I am sure it is.

Opening her mouth to ask about the sector, Cassidee was cut off by the man. Her mouth hung open for a click before she shut it. Turning back to older man, she devoted her attention to him. Expecting some information piece or another about the sector, but received only questions, other than the fact that going into the sector was restricted. A small sigh left her lips. So he is not going to be helpful. Her attention turned back to the woman.

Science? The question he ask her startled her. A frown crossed her face, and her elbows rose higher on her arms. The pale flesh turned white as she gripped her arms. Her eyes narrowed as she turned her attention back to him. Suspicion and anger flared at the idea he might know who she was. Did they hire someone to watch me? Her thoughts immediately turned to her former web.

Slowly the skin turned back to the normal pale gray as she loosened her grip. Letting out a loud sigh, her mouth opened once then closed again as she sought the right words. “Pray tell good sir, how it is that you are aware of my profession? For what purpose have you acquired such knowledge?” Her words were chosen carefully, but hung with a stiff almost forced courtesy.

Cassidee paused wanting the answer to her question. Fair is fair though. A question had been ask of her and she was obligated to answer it before expecting answers of her own. Biting her lip she thought of how to best responded. It took her a few clicks to gather her thoughts before taking a deep breath and beginning “Due to personal reasons that bare no relevance to this conversation, I am in need of a new dwelling. My resources are limited however so I am seeking a property that is very low in demand. Thus I am looking for a home on the outskirts of town, and seek a guide whom is knowledgeable about the abandoned sector so help distinguish where the zone begins and ends.” Giving them some time to digest her statement, Cassidee waited before adding one last thing. “Since you seem to know the area do you have the time to serve as a guide?” The last question she directed at the woman.

[Sasheizarre]

Elisanim shuffled slightly, looking between the girl and Valydor. She ran a hand over her hair, tied up with a small scrap of white silk. She didn't really want to go back to the abandoned sector, but curiosity was getting the best of her. Her previous experience had been terrifying, yet she wouldn't mind going back, not really.

Her eyes wandered the trophies covering the wall, recognizing a few from the abandoned sector. They were somewhat unnerving, but flushed memories into her mind from her previous adventure. She bounced on the heels of her feet, and touched her face, thinking. The idea of going back was certainly interesting, but it was incredibly dangerous. While there was health care available if they happened to get injured, it would be difficult getting back to Kalinor with say, a broken leg. But if they stayed very close to the border, and were very careful, they'd probably be okay. She figured that the larger, scarier monsters would be deeper in rather than right on the edge. Didn't the hunters occasionally patrol the abandoned sector, anyway?

Elisanim turned to the other girl and nodded. She then looked to Valydor.

"We won't stray far."

[Neologism]

Valydor snorted asthe young Symenstra questioned his knowledge. Of course the hunter had a keener eye than most of his neighbors, the population was small enough that it would be noticeable for there to be a new scientist. "What, did you think that the the city wouldn't notice the new apprentice? You've got an important role, hun." He grinned and shook his head, removing himself from behind the counter to get closer to the girls. He was worried in a neighborly way at how easily they expected to go into the Sector.

From the above-ground entrance, Valydor heard a muffled shout, but ignored it, since it didn't sound urgent. His eyes looked over the messenger, unable to take her seriously. She couldn't stand to the creatures there, Hai, he couldn't even do it. But there was no doubt she knew a bit more about the outskirts of the Sector than most. She must run past it a million times a day, but Valydor still didn't like the idea of either of them going into it. "To find a house? What about your web, can't you-- ?" But Valydor was cut off. Saara appeared at the top of the building, near the entrance, sweat dripping down her brow. The symenestra didn't give half a glance to the meeting, her eyes were focused on Valydor.

"Dra-Ina fell!" The reaction was instant. The severity (and rarity) of such an accident for a Symenestra was so much more than for a half-blood Although Valydor, and appreantly Saara as well, failed to remember that Dra-Ina would not break as easily as if he were a full-blood.

"I'll be back." Valydor shot the girls a glance, all his worrying about them had been refocused. Saara sprinted away with Valydor on her heels, and the girls found themselves left alone, likely for a while. Would they not listen to the older Symenestra and feed their curiosity? Or would they choose to stay and listen to his warnings, ultimately never being able to crawl into the thrilling Sector?

oocYou are free to go.

[Cassidee Junipher]

NPC|Symenos|Common|Thoughts|

Barely containing a sigh, Cassidee sized up the other woman. She seems reluctant Cassidee mentally noted as the other girl shuffled and played with her hair. Cassidee felt her finger begin to tap her own arm as she focused all her attention on the girl. A sinking feeling began to grow in her stomach along with doubt about her potential guide. Maybe she lied. The thought crossed Cassidee’s mind as she waited for a response.

A brief smile crossed Cassidee’s face when the other woman’s nodded. Yet the nervousness did not seem to disappear. Silk moths still fluttered in her stomach. Maybe I am getting in over my head. Her eyes darted back to the monsters perched on the wall again. The moths fluttered worse. We might not have to go into the abandon sector. The reminder to herself helped calm the flutters.

Having completed her primary objective, Cassidee prepared to go. However the older man’s words caused her to chuckle once. It took biting her own tongue to catch her the response she wanted to give. Rather than directly calling the man a liar, Cassidee retrained herself. “I would have thought such a minor thing unworthy of notice.” Her word still contained more than a dash of doubt. Mentally she added. I envy the fool who has time to waste on the coming and going of others. The smile on her face grew tighter and her eyes left the man and drifted to the door.

“Shall we be off?” Such a question became rhetorical as she started to leave herself. While she sought to stroll out of the Sickle and Arrow with dignity, her feet had other plans. The first steps where like a child trying to run away from a lecture, but she managed to slow them before passing the other woman. The mention of her web caused Cassidee to ball up her fist. As she turned back to the man, her hand rose to her face and she started to point at him. However an older woman interrupted both of them.

Cassidee’s ears burned red and her entire face became flush. Valydor’s archry skills carried over into his words, as a truer blow could not have been struck. In her anger, she missed what the newcomer had shouted and could only watch dumbfounded at the man ran out of the Sickle and Arrow. A full mark passed after he had left before Cassidee found her tongue again. “A personal matter of no relevance.” She told no one in particular to pacify her anger.

[Sasheizarre]

The other Symenestra girl was suddenly more familiar. The new apprentice had been mentioned on and off a few times in passing conversation between Elise and the recipients of mail. Why the girl was looking for a place to live was a complete mystery to her, and she was curious to learn more. Patience was, perhaps, what would be needed in this situation if her curiosity was ever to be sated, because the girl looked altogether vaguely pissed off.

Her curiosity was replaced with worry at the mention of Dra-Ina falling - she had spoken to the half-blood only a few times before, but falling was rare enough, even for a half-blood, that it was surprising. But as Valydor left, she knew that Dra-Ina was in well enough hands, and Elise's worry slowly gave way once again to the ever present curiosity. However, the other girl appeared incredibly angry at nothing in particular and it was concerning.

"If you'd still like, I'm sure we can leave now..." Her voice was quiet, tentative, as if she were worried the wrong words would make the other girl blow up. And to see the girl pass off a Symenestra, even a half, falling as if it were nothing was confusing. She only hoped that if they got into any real trouble, this girl's emotions wouldn't get in the way.

Elise began to walk up the stairs out of the Sickle and Arrow, picturing Kalinor in her head and trying to remember the way she had previously gotten to the sector. It wasn't too far from here, actually, and she stopped at the entrance to the Sickle and Arrow, turning to see if the other girl followed.

[Cassidee Junipher]

NPC|Symenos|Common|Thoughts|

Cassidee turned her head to the other woman as she spoke. Hesitance and perhaps some fear in the words struck Cassidee. They changed the direction of the winds fueling her rage changed, blew it all back into her face. It was painfully clear to her that her anger and suspicion where baseless. Her gaze shifted from the other woman to stare at the stone floor and the furs accompanying them. They offered her no solace, in fact their dead eyes seemed to glare judgmentally. Each step the other woman made seemed to echo unnaturally loud in Cassidee’s ears.

The following silence was equally as loud. Her eyes drifting across the trophies, Cassidee balled her hands into tight fists. Her lungs swelled, taking in the cool air of the room. Her sigh broke the silence around her as her lips turned into a narrow smile. I did it again. I am turning into Uelladsa. With the thought came a giggle. It almost escaped her mouth, but did not stop there. The giggle grew into snickering and then full blown laughter. Bursting forth form her lips, it filled the room for several ticks. Her face turned a deep reed as she both gasped for breath and burned with embarrassment. “All I can do is apologize and move forward.” Cassidee said to the trophies.

Running out of the room, Cassidee took the stairs three at a time trying to catch up to the woman. Bursting out of the door, she stumbled forward perilously close to the edge. Barely noticing she turned to face the woman who was staring off into city. Opening her mouth, she tried to speak but no words. Gasping for breath, a burning sensation began in her chest as she tried to force air back into her lungs. Leaning over, Cassidee began to pant. “Sorry….I..should..not have done that.” She muttered between her breaths.

[Sasheizarre]

Elisanim had begun climbing down the ropes as soon as she saw the girl's face appear in the stairs. Microscopic hooks extended from her hands and feet as she made her way down the cords, but she paused at the sight of the girl's leaning and panting. The courier climbed back up, much in the way a spider would climb back onto the side of their web after bothering the denizens of the household - a bit worried. Worried, in this case, about as to why she was panting and leaning and with red blooming along her face. She eyed the girl as she stood on the small platform in front of the door, habitually drumming her long, black nails on the side of the Sickle and Arrow. She turned to stare out at the city, standing besides the girl in a way as to not be too close, but to be close enough that she didn't seem the awkward stranger that she was.

"Are you alright? Are you sure you want to go?" Elis turned her head towards the girl, loose strands of hair falling across her pale face as she tilted her head. "We don't have to go. The courier patiently waited for a response as the girl caught her breath, though she was now a bit suspicious as to why the girl took so long to climb up - and why running up the steps made her lose her breath. If the other Symenestra wasn't physically fit enough to run up some stairs, then she doubted that she would be capable of making her way around the abandoned sector. From experience, it required a small bit of running and a larger bit of not dying.

"I think, before we do go, that we should share our names. I'm Elisanim Corydalis - call me Elise, if you must."