The Doors of our Heart

[losthunter]

Many thoughts about his latent magic had given Hunter a lot to think about in the past few days. He really wanted to find someone to help him learn more about his abilities. And maybe, help him to become stronger.

Kendra was gone, but that didn't mean there weren't ways to find her. Or at least find the people that were connected to her.

Hunter had spent a few days looking for the right door in the Nexus that would bring him the answers that he sought. And finally, he felt that he had found what he had been looking for.

But before entering into an unknown place, Hunter knew that he should have a couple of people come with him. He PINpointed a message to Jim first, since it was an adventure that he thought the restless captain would enjoy. Then he PINpointed a message to Faris, who had become his story-keeper in a fashion.

All that left was to wait for his guests, before the adventure could begin.

Comments

[boldygoing]

Jim shrugs a little. "Yeah, I kinda figured that. But it's what I would do."

[losthunter]

"You are a just man. No wonder so many people respect you." Delian laughs.

Hunter sits up a little. "You seem to know something about us..."

"This island used to be important to me. I take note of the people who do not deserve such ill treatment."

[boldygoing]

Jim's first thought is telepath, but with Hunter's side of things, it's usually magic. Still, he's a little more alert, wary of his own words as well as the musician's. "Even though this is our first visit?"

[losthunter]

"Your first visit should have been celebrated. Welcomed. Music and food and a party..." Delian leans back on the rock.

"It has gotten darker here. The sun is setting on the island."

[boldygoing]

"It'll rise again; it always does. The real question is, how long is the night?"

[losthunter]

"The night must be balanced with the day. Sister and brother. Dancing together... forever." Delian whispers in reply.

[boldygoing]

Right. Well that's subtle and poetic. Hunter had mentioned Faris was coming along because of a mastery of wordplay and riddles, and Jim sorely wants to ask the K'da if he's making any sense out of all this. But obviously, doing so right in front of Delian seems like a bad idea.

"Hunter?" Jim asks, seeking his opinion on the situation so far. He's been a little quiet these past few minutes.

[losthunter]

"Pardon me for asking... but are we speaking with the Brother right now?" Hunter asks softly. "He Who Rides the Sun?"

Delian smiles. "In a fashion."

"You have nothing to hide from me. Your friend can come out."

[poetwarrior]

While Jim is still processing that, and weighing the possibility of denying that he knows what Delian is talking about, Faris takes action, leaping from Jim's arm onto the ground next to the others. "You are very perceptive," the K'da says, bowing his narrow head slightly.

[losthunter]

"You are quite an amazing creature yourself. I can safely say, that I have never seen anything like you, in all my days." Delian bows slightly.

Hunter is not quite sure if the tales of a Greek God's powers were accurate, or a bit of exaggeration, but he decides all the same not to insult this man.

"You have been trying to decide what to do about the Fake Oracle? That is why you asked us, what we would do?"

"Yes. I do not enjoy taking action, like my brothers or sisters would, and destroy the village. There are innocents living here."

[boldygoing]

"Thank you," Faris says, sitting down on his haunches. The food on offer doesn't appeal to him, so he doesn't partake, but sits attentively, listening to the conversation.

Jim frowns a bit at Delian's dilemma. "Does it have to be all or nothing?"

[losthunter]

"A choice will have to be made. But it doesn't have to be all or nothing." Delian looks up at Jim. His eyes bright. "The more they corrupt my name, the worse that my reputation becomes."

"Is there a true oracle?"

"Oh yes.... beautiful young thing. She is the reason I have done nothing."

[boldygoing]

"The girl we met?" Jim guesses. It's not like there are a lot of suspects.

[losthunter]

"Poor child. They even give her a fake name. Take away her identity."

"She is Kendra..." Hunter feels this weight in his chest again.

"You carry her mark with you." Delian observes softly.

[poetwarrior]

Faris had suspected, but hadn't been able to say anything at the time. "She is meant to meet with us," the K'da says. "We seek a sycamore tree." He pronounces it carefully, wrapping his long tongue around the unfamiliar word.

[losthunter]

"I am unable to help you with that quest. That tree only appears in moonlight, under my Sister's protection." Delian closed his eyes. "She was once a lovely girl. I chased her constantly, until she pleaded with my sister for sanctuary."

"No wonder we were told to come at midnight." Hunter nods.

[boldygoing]

All this talk of magic and gods is a bit beyond Jim's experience, but he does understand one thing. "So I guess we have a while to wait."

[losthunter]

"Will you be needing a shelter, where you can stay? I can not stay past sunset." Delian offered the group.

"That would be appreciated." Hunter nodded.

[boldygoing]

Jim's spent nights exposed to the elements before, but he definitely prefers not doing that, and he nods in agreement. "Sure."

[losthunter]

"You will find a little shed, just up the river..." Delian points. "It is not very extravagant, but it is a roof over your head. And you can take the food."

"We appreciate your kindness."

"Oh! Thank you. I do try..." He picks up his flute again.

[boldygoing]

Anyone willing to offer food with no strings attached has to be a decent person, in Jim's book. "Thank you," he says sincerely.

Of course, even once they find the shelter, they will have several hours to wait. But at least they're in good company.

[losthunter]

Since Delian is returning to his music playing, Hunter decides that it is time for them to make their leave, and to find that shelter down the river. It is not a far walk to get to the old fishing shed.

And once they are inside, Hunter glances at Jim with a curious look. "I imagine that you have a lot of questions."

[boldygoing]

Faris will eventually need to rest, but for now he is perfectly fine with staying three-dimensional, tucking his hind paws under himself as he seats himself on the floor.

"Oh, always," Jim answers, taking a seat next to Faris. It's not incredibly spacious, but that's not new to him either. "Not sure any of us have the answers, but yeah."

[losthunter]

Hunter sits next to Jim. The space is tight enough that he is still close to Faris at the same time.

"I am sure if you had any questions for Faris, this would be the best time to ask them."

[boldygoing]

"Sure, I can think of one," Jim says, looking over at the K'da. "You can change color?"

Faris isn't really capable of smiling like they can, but he tilts his head in mild amusement. "Not voluntarily. It is a biological adaptation to aid in concealment when under pressure, activated during times of stress such as combat."

"Adrenaline-based cloaking," Jim paraphrases, a little impressed. "Sounds handy."