Fall Festivities - Foxpoint 1

 [1:36 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden pulled her black shawl around her shoulders and headed towards the farm. She is wearing a pale pumpkin colored A-line dress and hand knit the shawl herself. Her golden hair is up in a messy bun and some wavy locks frame her face, causing her to look even more impossibly youthful. Her beauty and elegance is natural, effortless, and noticeable to those who pay attention. Her skin glows with health and is blemish free. Her pale olive green eyes shine with kindness and authenticity. She does not hide the fact she is a goddess with any of her magic, and those who seek to find out, can sense it. She shifts her handmade apple branch basket full of various goods further up her shoulder and breathes in the air contentedly. She surveys the surroundings and gives a soft, audible gasp of excitement at how everything looks. "Oh... So... Beautiful." She murmers as she approaches the staff and her eyes widen in further elation as she sees the foxes. <d>

November 2, 2020

[11:58 AM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori was aware when something stepped onto their land. Someone. Well, they assumed it was a someone, at least, but honestly it didn’t matter. What mattered was that it was a divine signature, one they were not familiar with, and they were a bit too preoccupied with festival matters to see who (or what) it was for themselves.

Which meant sending someone else to do it. The foxes, while happy to help, were less good at figuring out details. So, a full-blown kitsune it would have to be. They closed their eyes briefly, head tilting as if straining to listen. A fox at their feet sat patiently, recognizing the god’s quirks. “Find Mika, tell her we have a guest,” said the god under their breath. The fox hopped up and trotted away in search of the woman in question, leaving Shiori to continue their current task: in this case, setting the stage for the night’s Noh performance.

Mika, with decades of long practice, didn’t so much as nod or even blink when the fox relayed the message. She politely finished the transaction in the shop and waved over one of the seasonal employees. “I’m taking a break,” she said, grabbing a pumpkin muffin from the case and stepping outside, sharing the treat with the fox who followed along at her heels. Unlike Shiori, Mika couldn’t just know when something not-mortal set foot on the farm, but, well… she was kitsune for a reason. And finding the person in question was easier when it seemed like they weren’t even trying to hide their existence.

She eyed the person – woman? – for a moment before approaching with a slight smile, giving the tiniest of bows. “Welcome to Foxpoint Farms! Is this your first time here?” she asked, giving a broad gesture to the land.

<d> @Eden Young (Krissie)

[6:29 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden smiles graciously, her pale olive eyes lighting up and taking in the beautiful clothing Mika is wearing and the fox following her. "Yes!" She says breathlessly and with excitement as she crouched down and extended long elegant fingers towards the fox, gently asking for permission from the animal and Mika with her body language without touching or infringing on the animal's space. She angles her body sideways, to not spook the fox, and looks up cheerfully at Mika. "My name is Eden. I just inherited an orchard very near to here and think we could be neighbors? It is very nice to meet you. Everything is so gorgeously done... I am just... In awe." She speaks genuinely, her tone soft but clear, musical almost. Her features are relaxed and authentically kind. Her skin is blemish free and her golden hair shines with health and another gleam, if one is paying attention: of rejuvenation and old, old power. To those who are sensing, and she does not hide the fact she is a goddess, you can feel healing and generosity ooze from her, health, youth, vitality, rejuvenation, and innocence. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[8:57 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): "I'm Mika, one of the permanent staff here. The farm is owned by my... friend, Shiori Okita. This fox's name is Kaede. She's one of the oldest here on the farm." Kaede, for her part, sniffed at Eden and gave a happy little yip. Another apple-friend?! she asked excitedly, her entire body wiggling as she got closer to Eden, clearly ready to be pet.

Mika smiled fondly down at the fox. "You say you own an orchard near here? Shiori would probably like to talk to you, when they have a chance. Currently they're in the back there, setting up for a Noh performance." Mika gestured toward the stage, where a figure nearly surrounded by foxes was attempting to tweak some fabric into place. As the kitsune watched, the god gave a sharp gesture - a command, no doubt - and two of the foxes took fabric into their mouths and simply climbed the offending poles.

"Until then... feel free to wander the farm, participate in some of the activities. The foxes enjoy being petted and love treats. My sister and I will be participating in the performance with Shiori in a little while. If you've never seen a Noh performance before, I definitely recommend it."

<d> @Eden Young (Krissie)

[9:05 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden laughs with pure delight and reaches to place her fingers in the gorgeous fur of the fox, if she allows her to, and to gently give her scratches. She murmers incoherently to the fox and repeats her name, making sure to pronounce it the way she is hearing Mika say it: "It is nice to meet you, Mika and Kaede. And I am looking forward to meeting Shiori as well." She beams up at Mika some more, glowing with joy. "I would absolutely be thrilled to see the Noh performance. What types of treats are okay for the foxes? I have a few of my apples with me... They are a golden variety, not unlike Golden Delicious but... Also very different... Are they safe to give? And would you like to take one to Shiori as well?" <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

November 3, 2020

[10:44 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Kaede was never one to turn down affection, allowing Eden to run her fingers through her fur. Apple-friend good! she told Mika, clearly happy with the attention. Mika, for her part, politely coughed to cover her laugh.

"The foxes love apples. Just try not to stuff them too much, please. I can take you to Shiori directly, if you want to give them an apple yourself. Gifts are better given directly, don't you think?" It was more personal, and besides, Shiori would probably want to meet this woman directly. She practically oozed supernatural energy; it was apparent even to such a young kitsune like herself.

She gestured toward the stage, clearly offering to escort the woman. 

<d> @Eden Young (Krissie)

[10:48 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden gave the fox more gentle pets and scratches with her fingers, pulling a small apple piece from her pocket and offering it to the lovely animal. "You are beautiful, I want you to know." She said sweetly, her musical voice ending on a slight purr of love for the little creature. She stood and began to follow Mika. "You are absolutely right. I am excited to meet them. Thank you." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

November 5, 2020

[9:06 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Kaede gave a happy little yip. She was beautiful, and was pleased that the woman had noticed. Mika rolled her eyes, fond if a little exasperated, and watched as the fox very gingerly reached out to take the proferred slice of apple.

Mika took another glance in Shiori's direction. The god was standing, arms folded serenely in front of them, a half dozen foxes at their feet, all of whom were looking up at the pair that had climbed the poles. The skulk split into two at a nod from Shiori, and the pair - done with their fabric duties - jumped down, caught and cradled by their kin in a gentle landing.

"It looks as if Shiori has a moment. I am not sure how long it will last."

<d> @Eden Young (Krissie)

November 6, 2020

[10:39 AM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden gave Kaede one last loving smile, hoping that her apple treat was good for the fox and that she liked how it tasted. ((If the player consents or is okay with it, the apples have healing powers or the animal or people who eat them can sense the rejuvenation or accept it if they wish or need. Otherwise, they have a sweet, earthy taste and are very refreshing and hydrating if consented to that as well.)) Eden stood gracefully and looked over at Shiori and then back at Mika. She gently pulls her plaited golden hair over her left shoulder and twines her fingers in it. "Please lead the way." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

November 17, 2020

[2:59 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Alas, poor Kaede will not get to taste that apple slice - there was a creamy brown blurr that leapt between the patient fox and the cheerful blonde woman, and the crisp slice was snatched away with a surprisingly delicate snap. Several feet away, in a spot that allowed him to be able to see both Shiori, and the trio of Kaede, Eden, and Mika, a Coyote landed, sat primly, and then tossed the apple slice he'd stolen from Eden's fingers up into the air, only to catch it and crunch it down. He grinned at them all, silently laughing. 

But, oh that was a tasty bit of apple! Coyote felt places inside him that still felt just a little bruised from his fight with The Hunger In The Corn finally soothed. He'd come this way on an afternoon jaunt, testing out his shapeshifting, experimenting with the limits of what he could do around the part that It had stolen from him, zipping along in the shape of a Cheerful Autumnal Breeze, when he'd felt the edge of these lands. The prosperity and blessings and goodness, and had to take a closer look. 

So. Many. Foxes! All the almost kin that he'd been missing from these parts! Playmates, maybe? And... something else. A scent on the wind (that wasn't him) that he couldn't quite place, but one that spoke of an entirely different type of almost kin. 

Which meant someone else to warn about The Hunger In The Corn, perhaps? 

And so, he'd zipped down to a spot behind a tree to shift into his natural form, just in time to see the young woman bend down with the treat in hand-

And had not been able to stop himself. 

But, wow, that really had been a very tasty bit of apple!

<d>

@Shiori Okita (Nora)

November 18, 2020

[7:21 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Kaede was moments away from taking the offered slice of apple when it was snatched from her. She scooted back a couple steps, ears flicking in confusion as she looked around, finally spotting the intruder. An intruder that smelled like but also... not like herself and the others? Cautiously, she leaned forward, sniffing at him. Friend? she asked quizzically, head tilting at him.

Mika stopped in midstep, turning and looking at the intruder, then over at Shiori, who had stiffened where they stood, foxes milling about their feet in confusion and concern. "Well, now, what an unexpected visitor we have here," said Mika, her voice just loud enough to be picked up by a nearby fox, who took the hint and carried it down to Shiori.

The kami straightened, adjusting their kimono, and moved. The foxes parted around their feet, a swirling mass of orange and cream, white, brown, and silvery-black moving both away from and with them. The god took small steps, almost dainty due to the kimono, and approached, casting a critical eye over the scene that played out before them.

Their eyes focused first on the coyote, lips tightening just slightly, before they flicked their gaze up to the blonde woman. "Thank you, Mika, for attending our guests. Please, go and find Jiro and finish the preparations for the performance."

Mika gave a very perfect bow before she moved away, some of Shiori's skulk splitting off from the god and following the kitsune away. Kaede took up a now-empty spot beside the kami, settling herself down on the ground, as unmoving as a statue, though her eyes glinted with interest. Ori-sama, almost-kin friend? she asked softly.

We'll have to see, dear one. We don't know yet. Aloud, they said, "Welcome to Foxpoint Farms. I am Shiori Okita, the proprietor of this farm. Is there any way I might be of assistance?"

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn) 

((Eden skipped after discussion))

[9:54 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote happily allowed the sniffing, taking a few good sniffs of his own in return. Foxes, of course, good, fresh turned earth, the first rains of spring... a little metal... And, even though he was clearly in the presence of some sort of Power, and that this was the bit of Kansas that they had declared to be their bit of home now.... Coyote felt calm and at peace and safe in the same manner that he had as when he'd been in Yasmine's home, and had from the moment his feet had landed upon the soil.

Yes, friend, I hope. He'll lick Kaede, right across the face, if she doesn't dodge. Perhaps foxes and coyotes were not such great friends in the wild, but Coyote was not entirely a wild thing... and, despite spending most of his time on two feet these days, he wasn't human. It would be very nice to have friends on four feet again - Bast didn't quite count. She didn't like the kinds of mischief he enjoyed, and... always felt a little more human than cat to him. She would miss it if New York City ceased to exist, or Paris, or Milan, or any of the great movers and shakers of the fashion and style worlds, he thought. Coyote would hardly notice, and only maybe New York, because the loss of a few hundred of his newest "faithful". He grinned at Kaede. Coyote will show you all the best tricks here!

The one from whom he had snatched the bit of apple was making no effort to hide herself either, smelling of apples and innocence and fresh north winds and the same sort of Power that only their kind exuded unless they made the effort to hide it. That air of... innocence about that one made him a little afraid for her. This patch of the world was not a safe place for one with such softness about her. 

It was that, and the fact that there were no mundane mortals near enough to hear that decided him.

"I thought that it was about time that I stopped by to meet the neighbors," he replied cheerfully.

<d>

@Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

November 19, 2020

[9:41 AM] Eden Young (Krissie): ((I'm hopping back in... ♡))

As Coyote snatched the apple from her fingers, Eden had gasped at first with shock and then with excitement. Another beautiful creature! She grinned from ear to ear, her face beaming with love and light as she watched the interactions between the two canines. Her olive green eyes shone with excitement and gratitude at getting to be around  nature and people. She was also so very curious about this newcomer and his playfulness and cunning.

Her gaze landed on Shiori and their beautiful, colorful wave of foxes. Their dress and movements were effortlessly gorgeous and she felt herself gawking at them for a moment. Everything around her was so aesthetically pleasing and her heart felt like it could burst with happiness.

Even though the others were speaking to her and introductions were being made, the goddess was mute with joy at all the animals. Her gracefully curved fingers find her mouth and a light, rosy blush spreads becomingly across her features, making her look even more youthful. She begins giggling, the sound musical and infectiously excited. "It is so wonderful to meet all of you." She says breathlessly, eyes wide. "I am Eden." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

November 20, 2020

[6:03 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): If Shiori was startled by the coyote speaking, they gave no indication, instead merely inclining their head at him after he spoke. Around them, foxes spread out, luring mortal visitors away with their antics, leaving the group undisturbed. The only fox to remain was Kaede, though she was more alert now, clearly watching. Kaede like tricks. Friend teach! Later. Ori-sama now.

"I find it difficult to believe that you are a neighbor in the traditional sense," Shiori replied somewhat dryly, the ghost of a smile gracing their lips. "I am always interested in getting to know those who reside near me, however."

At this, they turned toward the woman - goddess, perhaps? - and gave her a long look. "Eden, you say? Well met. I admit I am... somewhat surprised to have more... like-minded individuals visiting my humble farm. They drew up straighter, a hint of power flowing into them. For a brief moment, if one looked closely enough, nine tails fanned out behind them. Their eyes flashed a bright amber, and then it was gone.

"Have you a name I should call you, near-kin?" they asked of Coyote, then, focusing back on him. Whatever he was - or the woman - Shiori couldn't tell beyond... well, clearly not human. Not normal. They were not of Shiori's pantheons, and though they had spent many years learning the lore of others, it was only out of passing curiosity.

It seemed like that was no longer all it could be. First Ellis, now these two... who next? Things were certainly getting livelier in the divine front, these days.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[8:49 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote wagged his tail as Eden gazed at them; he was quite vain enough to appreciate the attention, and got up to sidle over and try rubbing against her legs like a cat. It would give him the perfect vantage from around Eden's legs to peek at Shiori and laugh a little as he replied, "Ah, but these are my lands that you have immigrated to. I do not know how much more 'traditional' you would wish to get than that."

Lots of tricks! Lots of fun! And the not-safe places, I will show you, too. But, yes, later. It is good to meet you, Kaede.

"You may call me Coyote," he said, answering both fox-kin at the same time - the god and the creature - as he pounced forward and rolled onto his back in front of Kaede, flailing his feet in the air, before he popped back up and stretched, cat-like. "Or Buck, if I am wandering around in my human skin. Which I may change into in a little bit." Maybe. Or maybe he'd find a pile of foxes and dive on in.

"But first, one of the reasons I stopped today... if I am not too late. Do not go into the corn. It is not safe. Not for anyone, but especially not for us."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[9:11 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Her fingers instantly will move to delve into Coyote's fur in gentle skritches if allowed. Her face breaks into an even wider grin and she allowed her heart to swell happily. Looking up, she lets herself see Shiori and the nine tails that splay around her magnificently. Her olive green eyes shine both with an elfin light and with sincerity as she let's her gaze flick between the two of them. She stands, holding her hands out to the both of them with cheer and states, "Thank you. For letting me be here. And thank you. I am grateful to meet you." She turns to Coyote, "And I am very grateful to find a home here in this area, if it is okay?" She frowns slightly at the mention of the corn, however, her curiosity  piqued. "What is wrong with the corn? Are there others being harmed?" <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

November 21, 2020

[4:08 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori snorted at that, a soft, almost delicate sound, but a genuine smile graced their lips. Traditional, indeed. "If you need a place to change, Coyote, you are welcome to do so in the farmhouse," they said, gesturing to the building in question. "I am sure you will find it convenient for whatever form you might take." There was, though, a hint of sadness in the comment. It had been a long time since Shiori had been able to do what he spoke of so easily.

At mention of the corn, though, they stiffened, their gaze unfocusing for a brief moment. A thin filament, silvery-white and glowing softly, seemed to stretch from them. It wavered a moment, then faded out of sight completely. "It is... a little too late for that warning, I'm afraid. My only Shiro has ventured there. Something called her in." Their lips thinned into a frown. "Then again, a Shiro might be the safest. None of the other kin should attempt what she is doing, though. Kaede, make note and let the rest know, please."

Kaede tell, Ori-sama. Kaede make sure kin know.

The kami turned their gaze to Eden, that frown not quiet leaving their face as they studied the woman. In a way, she reminded them of someone else, someone they had not seen in a long, long time. It was better not to dwell upon that thought.

Kaede nudged the kami's legs with her head, shaking them out of their thoughts. "Ah, yes. Apologies, I have been remiss in my hospitality. You are both honored guests," and the tone here implied that it was their divinity that marked them such, above anything else, "and should be treated as such. The Noh performance is soon. I hope you will watch, and I invite you to join me after for tea... or sake, if you prefer."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[4:32 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote grinned again, a flash of amusement and gratitude running through him at Shiori's offer of the farmhouse. "Thank you.If I need it, I will let you know. But the people around here... they mostly do not see what they do not wish to see. It is both curse, and blessing at times."

He turned back toward Eden then, his nose twitching, a faint line of shorter, paler fur running from the top of his snout to under one eye, and then vanishing into the longer fur of his cheek, hinting at a scar across his face. "'Others,' you say. Then I am too late for you, as well." He studied Eden intently for a long moment before continuing. "I hope that you were not badly injured? There is something... corrupted and powerful growing in those fields. And there are many more of... us... here in this place than can be explained by coincidence."

"I think that sharing tea after the performance," he said, looking at Shiori, "would be a very good thing."

He grinned again, and went to rub himself against Eden, letting her pet him as much as she wished. "But this land here, it is mine insofar as it is the place where I was born. As your lands are across the great waters, I think. I have no more authority to 'let' you stay as I do to make you leave. I do not own. I only watch over. It is good."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[5:20 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Sighing with contentment and continuing to pet and love on Coyote, Eden nods to herself at his words about not "letting" her do anything. She knew she could be overly concerned about being respectful and that she still had a lot to learn. Her hand stills in his fur as she thinks about the corn maze and a sliver of fear traverses up her spine and leaves a metallic taste in her mouth. Memories flood her but she shakes them away, her fingers will tremble against his shoulder if he is continuing to allow her touch. Closing her eyes, she attempts to ground herself by paying attention to the coarse softness of Coyote's fur and focusing on the cadence of his voice. Inhaling deeply, she pays attention to the scents around her and opens her eyes to study the colors of Coyote's fur, noting the different hues and the beauty of it. Once she has calmed herself, the goddess smiles softly down at him, although there is less joy there and only kindness now: "I did... I... Followed a woman." Frowning for a moment, Eden turns to Shiori. "I am very willing to talk more about everything once the show is over. I would absolutely love to watch the performance and have tea as well." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[7:00 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): He was right, they noted with some amusement, in that the people around them tended not to pay attention to things that were other. Few people commented on the higher-than-normal intelligence of their foxes, or the uncanny way they seemed to understand what people said. Which, of course, was useful in its own way.

It was not Mika who approached this time, but her twin, Mako, who executed a perfect, very low bow, address at all three of the deities, though it was Shiori to whom her words were directed. "Ori-sama, Jiro and Mika are ready to begin. Shall I escort your guests to their seats? We have arranged for them to have the best positions."

"Ah, thank you, Mako. I will be right there. Coyote, Eden, do please excuse me. When you are ready, Mako will lead the way."

The kami inclined their head at the kitsune woman, and then gave a graceful, deep bow - that of one deity to another - to the pair, before then turning and walking in quick, small steps toward the stage.

Mako waited patiently to see if Coyote and Eden were ready to follow her to their seats.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)(edited)

November 22, 2020

[1:07 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote did, indeed, allow all the pettings Eden wished to bestow. When he noticed her begin to tremble, he stilled some of his restless energy and stood calmly for her, allowing her to use him as her focus as she needed; he remembered too well the danger of the forn, the fear. What little aid he could be, now that he knew he was too late to serve as warning, he would not begrudge her.

As Shiori excused herself and walked away, leaving them in Mako's care, Coyote studied her retreating form before nudging Eden with his nose and nodding toward the waiting Kitsune. 

"It has been too long since she has run down the moon with the wind in her fur," he guessed shrewdly to Mako as he prepared to follow. 

Why, yes. Yes, Coyote was fully intending to watch the performance just as he was without bothering to swap into Buck's skin. If he was especially lucky, it would be ground seating, where he could curl up on Eden's lap and she could pet him some more while they both watched and listened.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[1:32 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden smiled and allowed herself to be nudged by Coyote. She was really glad to have met him and was deeply enjoying his company and insights. Straightening, she stretches her body a little, letting her tense muscles ease as she pushed thoughts of the corn maze from her mind for now. Her fingers find the strands of her golden hair and she tugs on her plait absent-mindedly. Shining copper strands gleam within the rich tendrils as the braid twines around her fingers. She looks towards Mako and nods, ready to follow and see the show. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[1:36 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Mako moved to stand beside Coyote, feeling the light tug of kinship. It wasn't as strong as with her kitsune kin, or even the fox-kin, but it was still there. She watched her kami's retreating form with a sad smile, glancing down as Coyote spoke to her.

"It has been a very long time," she replied, nodding. Centuries, in fact, though she did not say that aloud. Quietly, her voice pitched only for Coyote's ears, she added, "Shiori-sama... gave it up, to ascend my sister and I. We are their last." The last kitsune that Shiori could elevate, the last of their two-legged servants. Once, a long time ago, Mika and Mako had been Shiro themselves, the highest of the messengers, capable of bearing Inari themself upon their backs.

That Shiori was reduced to only one Shiro, who would have to find a way to ascend herself... it saddened them all. 

Louder this time, encompassing Eden as well, Mako said, "Please, follow me. Mika has secured the most comfortable of the cushions for you. I do hope you will enjoy the performance." She gave them a perfunctory bow, gesturing for them to follow her.

Should they do so, she would show them to a pair of large cushioned floor seats, their low backs a lacquered wood that gleamed in the light from the stage, before taking her leave to join her kitsune kin beside the stage. Kaede would stay behind, their escort for the performance.

Shiori waited behind the curtain, their eyes closed, taking deep, calming breaths and drawing upon the energy pooled on the farm. When they opened their eyes, they seemed to gleam a dark amber. The kami Noh was about to begin.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[2:02 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote... could not imagine doing such a thing. The Hunger In The Corn had stolen only one of the infinite number of things that he could shift his shape into, and it had infuriated him and hurt him badly. He'd been lucky that It had not managed to take something as vital as his primary form from him. Coyote was not certain if he would be able to stand existence any longer, trapped outside of his fur and paws... but their lives were very different, he supposed. He rumbled a little sound in his chest, a little canine sound of acknowledgement to Mako to let her know that he had heard her, but had nothing to say at that moment, since they were swiftly approaching where people might actually finally see and hear.

Perhaps later, they could talk some more. This "ascending" business sounded intriguing.

Once they arrived, he waited for Eden to make herself comfortable, first, before flopping down beside her and, if she will let him, oozing halfway into her lap - only halfway, though, leaving the other half open for Kaede. 

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[6:02 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden follows, smiling as she looks around at the stage and the big cushions. Plopping gracefully onto a cushion, she giggles softly and excitedly as Coyote snuggles partway onto her lap. Her fingers instantly delve into his fur, rubbing his shoulder and chest. She grins at Kaede and then turns her attention to the closed curtain, her breath hitching slightly as she waits for the show. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[6:05 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): If allowed, Kaede would lay her head on the open part of Eden's lap, angled so that she could watch the stage while keeping an eye on Ori-sama's guests.

Music began, most of it from speakers, though on the stage, Jiro added his voice, introducing the story, while Mika and Mako took up positions of dancers, lending movement to his words.

Jiro's words speak of O-Inari, a kami, born long ago on far-off Japan. The story speaks of wild foxes - and a handful of the farm's occupants race across the stage playfully, swirling around the three kitsune - who carried messages to Inari, pleas for aid for the rice farms who were suffering unusual droughts and blights.

Shiori placed a mask upon their face, the countenance that of androgynous Inari, whorls of paint evocative of kitsune masks. They step through the curtain and onto the bridge leading to the stage as Jiro's chanting song coaxes them along, speaking of how Inari descended from the heavens to see what aid they could provide.

Mika and Mako greeted the kami as supplicants, their dance bringing them to the vision of Inari, prostrating themselves before the god. Inari knelt between the twins, placing a hand on each head. Jiro's song tells of the first ascencion, the creation of the first kitsune.

[6:06 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Mika and Mako rise, kitsune masks - previously hidden in their kimono - now secured over their faces. Their dance changed, becoming mischievous, playful. They raced each other and their fox-kin, bringing with them rains for the rice paddies.

The women left the stage to move among the audience, mischief sparkling in their eyes as Jiro's song tells of kitsune and fox alike listening to the wishes of the farm folk. The twins lean in at random, cupping a hand to their ears as if listening, before racing back to the stage and Inari, their dance showing them whispering to Inari, who listens carefully, movements still.

What the mortal audience does not know is that this is the story of Shiori's awakening, of the beginning of their life as O-Inari. Nor does the audience know that Mika and Mako and the dozens of foxes swirling around the people are doing exactly as sung, listening for wishes, spoken in soft hushes of voices or the loudness of thoughts, and bringing those wishes to Shiori.

They grant what they can, scattering out tiny blessings. A wish for an herb garden to survive the winter. A wish for easy tilling of soil. Little things that spoke to Shiori.

[6:06 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): The performance continued, following the life of Inari, until as suddenly as it began, it was over.

Shiori crossed the curtain at the end of the bridge, away from the eyes of the audience, and took a deep, calming breath. The mask was removed, placed carefully into its box. A moment later, Jiro joined them, stowing the drum he'd been using as accompaniment.

"Jiro," they said, waiting until he had straightened. "Please go and prepare tea for myself and our guests." A pause. "A lot of tea. We might be a while."

"Right away, Shiori," he said, giving them a slight bow and walking away to complete the request.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

November 23, 2020

[4:14 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote actually did know a bare smattering of Japanese - he'd picked some up during his time walking with his People in the Orient during the various wars they had called upon him for. It was not enough, of course, to understand everything that was sung, but it was enough, to allow himself to sink into the pageantry of the play. And something that the kitsune were doing when they sang seemed to impart meaning to the words they sang, letting him follow the story almost as perfectly as if it were sung in anything he spoke fluently. Perhaps it was just the vague ties of their near kinship. Perhaps it was something they were doing intentionally. He would have to thank them afterward, in either case.

It was very hard, though, to restrain himself, when the swirl of foxes dispersed into the audience and cavorted about. He wanted to join them, dance with them, merge into their flow. He could feel their purpose and mischief - and the mischief of their purpose - and it called to his very bones like nothing had in many, many years. 

He was very, very glad, suddenly, that he had followed his impulse to stop here today.

But this was not his place, and not his play, and not his lesson, and not his spotlight, and even Coyote could behave himself. Now and then. And so, he contented himself with watching it all unfold and rubbing his head against Eden's belly with enjoyment as she allowed him space on her lap, and, now and then, swiping a tongue across Kaede's muzzle in canine(ish) solidarity. 

When the performance ended, he heaved a great sigh, and rested his head on his paws, figuring to wait until Kaede or one of the others came to get the three of them to take them wherever Shiori would meet them for tea. Once they were out of sight of everyone else, he'd be sure to let Eden know how nice her hands were.

Very beautiful, Kaede friend. Your Ori-sama is very kind.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[8:26 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): The story was so beautiful and although she was unable to fully know it all, it was masterfully done and felt oddly familiar to her... Though she could never, in her many, many years place how or why at this time. That part did not matter, though. A story was being told, one that her apple sowing goddess heart could identify with. She rubs and gently runs her thumb across Coyote's shoulder, continuing to give loving pats and careful to not overestimulate him with too much petting, her hands stilling at times and her mouth quirking joyously into a grin of pure mirth as the foxes joined the crowd of watchers and she could almost, almost hear prayers being said. But, knowing almost immediately that they were not for her, she instead allows love to fill her heart at the dancing, the narrative, and beauty of it all and to watch instead of participate. Her other hand seeks out Kaede during the performance as well, hovering to wait and see if the fox is okay with touch before attempting any contact. Her gaze is fixed on the character of Inari, watching their unspoken words, respecting the aura there and the gracefulness of the dance. She giggles happily, but carefully as to not disrupt others near her, and her heart soars as it ends. She looks down at Kaede and at Coyote, a gorgeous smile curving her lips as she studies their body language and features. She feels grateful and honored in this moment and she basks in the feeling as she waits for Shiori or others to return to fetch them for the tea. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

[11:02 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Jiro returned to inform Shiori that the tea was ready in the sittng room inside the farmhouse. They nodded, sending looks toward Mika and Mako. Though the twins were not looking in the kami's direction, they straightened as one and approached the reclining forms of Coyote and Eden.

Together they bowed to the gods, and in one voice spoke. "Shiori bids you welcome and requests your presence."

Mika stepped to one side, clearly waiting for one of the deities, while Mako made space on the other. Behind each of them, in ghostly apparition only visible to the deities, flowed three tails each, gleaming white in the lantern light, a response to the surge of power from the Noh performance.

Kaede stood, offering a lick to Coyote and then to Eden. Kaede must go. Kaede has work to do. See friend soon! she said to Coyote, tail wagging slightly behind her as she departed.

Shiori, already ahead of them, entered the house, Jiro behind them as escort. "Please see my guests to the room when they arrive," they said, barely waiting for his inclined head.(edited)

[11:02 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): They stepped into the sitting room, looking over the space and nodding with approval. Jiro had brought out the oldest of the tea sets, a more proper and formal display. Three plump cushions sat upon the floor surrounding the low, round table. The room was sparsely decorated, sporting a suit of armor that even after all these years gleamed in white, red, and gold. On the wall above the fireplace, a daisho, the tsuba on each a golden fox with nine tails fanned around it. The scabbards themselves were red lacquered, the silk wrapping the hilts as white as newly fallen snow.

It was an impressive display... and as old as Inari.

They stood by the cushion in front of the fireplace, carefully resting their Noh mask on the mantelpiece. A sickle joined next, brought from beneath the folds of their kimono. The only thing that Shiori did not remove, not even here, was the leather wrapped around them that served as obijime.

Satisfied, they turned to face the door, and they waited.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[11:21 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Be safe, friend Kaede.

Coyote climbed to his feet and followed the Kitsune, eyeing the spectral tails with curiosity. He idly wondered if he could touch them, but decided not to wear out his welcome too soon. There was still much to pass along, after all.

Upon arriving at the house, he paused just inside the main doorway, where he knew no one who should not would see him, and then, with a twist of his power, Buck stepped forward, dressed in his typical jeans and flannel, with a black leather vest over the shirt, but with his hair pulled back by a large white eagle feather pushed through a thick band of leather at the back of his head. He stopped long enough to remove his boots at the there, distantly remembering that as something that was polite to do in homes from the Far East, before following  Mika and Mako to where Shiori waited for them.

He didn't know much else, though, about the customs from that part of the world, and so, offered a nod of respect and waited for Eden to take her place as well, and to be shown where they were to go from there.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)(edited)

November 24, 2020

[10:00 AM] Eden Young (Krissie): Her eyes widen almost imperceptibly as she sees the tails. She makes no other response, however, and moves to follow the others. Upon seeing Buck, she smiles good-naturedly at him, a small blush betraying the fact she wasn't 100% aware that he had a human form. 

Well... Try not to stare or think about all the pets and lap cuddles you just got from this very breathtakingly attractive person... 

She grins sheepishly but with cheer and genuine affection at Buck. She suddenly pauses as she watches him remove his boots, "Should I take my shoes off as well?" Her voice is slightly breathless.

The blush has still not disappeared and causes her to look even more innocent and enchanting. 

<d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

November 26, 2020

[10:11 AM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Mika and Mako escorted the deities to the door of the farmhouse, waiting until the pair had stepped inside before they gave slight bows and left, returning to their festival duties. Inside, Jiro waited, unblinking as Coyote transformed.

When Eden asked what should be done with her shoes, Jiro finally spoke, his voice much softer than his appearance would suggest. "You may leave your shoes here, please. My kami-sama is awaiting you in the sitting room, if you would follow me?"

He waited politely for Eden to make a decision regarding her shoes before leading the pair to the room, bowing them in.

Shiori still stood, their eyes closed. One might almost see a pair of spectral fox ears twitching as the kami strained to listen to something - or someone - that was not nearby.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[1:34 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote had... many forms. That was his thing. But there would be time for that later. He offered Eden a smile and a little wink as he noted her blush, then followed Jiro to the sitting room, pausing to offer a little nod of thanks and respect for Jiro's service. Inside, he noted the cushions, and chose one to wait beside, leaving the other for Eden. There was a stillness about him as he tilted his head and watched Shiori, noting the spectral ears, his eyes following every twitch and movement - like the stillness of a hunter that has his sights on prey, or the intensity of a raven studying something that has caught it's fascination. He stretched his own senses, trying to see if he could hear anything, smell anything, feel anything, as he waited patiently for Shiori to finish what they were doing.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[1:39 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden immediately nodded and took her black flats off. Her feet were bare and without socks. It had been warmer out despite it being fall, and she loved walking barefoot through her orchard on warmer days when she could. Leaving her shoes, she grins and almost giggles at Buck's wink, excited to make new friends, hopefully. She moves to fold herself onto a cushion, folding her long and elegant hands into her lap. She waits patiently and smiles up at Shiori. I love their ears... She thinks to herself as she takes note. She feels comfortable amidst this group. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[1:50 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori's eyes flickered open upon the entrance of their guests, the ears fading entirely. They waved a hand, a gesture of invitation to be seated, as they knelt and folded themselves seiza-style on their cushion. At some unspoken command, Jiro settled into a guard position outside the door.

"Thank you for joining me," they said, picking up the teapot and very carefully filling the teacups on the table, beginning with Coyote, and then Eden, before finally filling their own.

The kami did not lift their own cup to their lips, instead waiting, as was polite. "It has been quite some time since I have had the pleasure of talking with others... more like me." This was directed primarily at Coyote - or Buck, as they assumed he should now be called. "I am happy to answer any questions you might have about myself and my cohort, to the best of my abilities."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

November 28, 2020

[11:11 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Buck sank to a seat on the cushion in the same fashion as he had in the tents and lodges of his own People for many, many centuries. Having a cushion was a little novel; usually, it was a fur on the hard ground, or a few furs folded up. He liked this. He breathed deep as Shiori filled their cups, taking in the atmosphere. It was quiet here, calm and peaceful in a way that reminded him a little of his own home. Safe.

"Thank you for the invitation," he replied. "I am surprised to hear you say that, though. If you have spent much time here, that you have not come across any of the others who have chosen to make this area their home. There seems to be... a great many of us near here."

He smiled wryly, but then turned toward Eden and offered, "You may call me Buck when I am wandering about like this. The regular people around here... only seem to see what they want. But it is best not to press one's luck too far. Especially of late."

"I will answer what I can for both of you, as well," he added as he turned back toward Shiori. 

"So, what is it that brought you both here, to this land? To this part of this land?"

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[11:26 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Her straight, healthy white teeth flash candidly in joy at Buck's introduction. Her fingers curve around the cup, feeling the warmth of the tea seep into her palms. She pulls the cup just under her nose and breathes in the warmth and earthy scent of the tea. Her eyes flutter closed and she continues centering herself as she listens to the others speak. 

The goddess was aware that the others in this room were divine beings as well, although what flavor, she was not entirely sure. She noticed the connection between Buck, the foxes, and Shiori: the obvious canine familiarity. She also was aware that Buck was relaxed and not giving off vibes of concern. Shiori was... Being open but also guarded. Eden decided they were probably all still figuring one another out.

She takes a tentative sip of the tea, letting its heat spread through her. She tilts her head at Buck, considering his question and the information he gave about there being many others like them here... She decides to be honest and to not dodge any questions with vague responses, like she was used to doing. She wanted to form connections here... And she already felt an instant trust of Buck for some reason.

"I... Felt a tug to come here. I don't have a good reason? Something told me to come. Sometimes I have dreams... Messages from other gods in my pantheon. I arranged to inherit an elderly man's orchard and moved my apple trees and life here for now. I seek to help and to... Give to others." Her gaze shifts to the swirls of liquid in her cup. "I will answer any questions you have as well... Thank you." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

November 30, 2020

[6:41 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): "I don't leave the farm particularly often," replied Shiori calmly, finally taking a small drink of their own tea. "Jiro does most of the shopping for me, and the twins do a lot of other coordination. I've been aware of a few other divines, but frankly I spend much of my time here growing."

Their lips curved into a gentle smile, eyes sparkling with amusement as they looked past the other deities and into the main room, where a fox had wandered in through the flap meant for them. The fox - one of the many without a special name within the skulk - grinned at the trio, begging a treat from Jiro before taking its leave. "Besides, I have eyes and ears in... many places, but they aren't always as astute as I am."

He asked a good question, though. Why had Shiori been drawn to this place? They sipped the tea thoughtfully, mulling it over. "I came, I thought, for the farmland. Agriculture is a large part of who - of what - I am. And I needed a place to grow, and a place where I could be alone - in a sense - with my fox-kin."

"The way you're asking, and what you said earlier, though, I'm assuming you must be a true native." That was said with a true fox smile. Shiori had read up on many gods over the years, curious, and had always been drawn to tales of deities like themself. Kin-cousins, in a fashion. They wondered idly if they might be able to speak to him silently, the way they did their foxes and kitsune. An experiment for another time, perhaps.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[7:19 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Buck finally took up his own cup, lifting it first to inhale the earthy, soothing aroma. Boiled grass. He lacked the refinement, the history, and the experience with tea to truly appreciate it as Shiori doubtless could, or even Eden - his people did not have tea, and did not do much with herbal tisanes, except to cure sickness and disease. But he could appreciate the ceremony of the process. He closed his eyes as he took a sip, letting the flavor roll over his mind, as much as his tongue, and suggest what it would; it made him think of pine trees and misty mountains, somehow.

"Yes. This is my home," he replied as he opened his eyes and set his cup down, curling his hands around the delicate porcelain. "This land between the oceans, and from the great ice of the north, to the jungles of the far south, this is the place I was born, and it is where I will someday die. Sooner, rather than later, if The Hunger In The Corn has its way, I think. And that is one of the things that we must speak of."

"There has been a great ingathering, it seems, of beings of many pantheons. Of those who would have ordinarily never met," he explained, and smiled, motioning with is head to indicate the three of them.  "The world has become one of great change. Our stories are no longer confined to the borders of our own lands, but spill about like water from a broken gourd, flooding across all the lands, muddling together. And so, perhaps it would not be so strange for so many from so many different places to come together... but why right here, and why right now, so suddenly?"

He paused, gathering his thoughts for a moment, one hand lifting to absently stroke his thumb against the scar across his cheek. "There is," he finally continued, "something in the corn at Mistwood Acres. Several somethings. And It hates us all."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)(edited)

December 1, 2020

[9:45 AM] Eden Young (Krissie): Her fingers unwittingly tighten against her cup until she can feel the porcelain groaning in protest. Memories flood her for a moment, causing her kind face to wretch into a mixture of anger and fear that pools over her features into a grimace. 

Hart... Angry, aloof, guarded... I went after her thinking I could help in some way. I'm always foolishly doing these things... Centuries haven't changed my impulse to help others... It is what I was made for... To give and to provide life to the very gods themselves... I followed her in there... I couldn't help her... And what she brought out of that corn... That corpse of metal...

Gasping almost too low to hear, she realizes she is about to shatter the cup. Not wanting to break anything of Shiori's or cause upset, she takes a too big gulp of the tea and begins choking and spluttering on the liquid. 

Angling her body away from the others, she begins coughing repeatedly. Her beautiful face flushes crimson with embarrassment and exertion as she tries to focus on breathing in air into her lungs. Her olive green eyes swim with tears born both of shock, frustration, and the liquid flooding her sinuses. Despite her flushed and shaky appearance, as is both her curse and her blessing, the goddesses' beauty and vitality does not waver. Her rosy cheeks make her look younger and her eyes are brightened. 

Clearing her throat and hoping she did not cause too much of a disruption, Eden whispers, "Sorry..."

<d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[7:07 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori listened intently, their head cocked just slightly to the side, an almost canine gesture. While Buck spoke, they said nothing, merely listening, absorbing the knowledge he was imparting, pondering the questions he posed.

They sipped their tea, mulling over everything he'd said... and stiffened when Eden began choking on tea.

An unspoken comment to Jiro had the man vanishing from his guard post, returning after a moment with a pitcher of water and some glasses. Additional refreshments were available, as well, pumpkin scones, pumpkin spice truffles, matcha chocolates, and shortbreads. It was a good excuse to offer Eden some water without her feeling too much in the spotlight, or so Shiori hoped.

"My kin have trickled in for a time now, telling me that something felt wrong to them. My Shiro went to investigate; she is the only one I could trust for that, unless I sent one of the twins, or Jiro. They are, alas, more needed here." And truthfully, Shiro's very status might offer some protection where the kitsune would not have it. Small blessings.

The kami poured glasses of water for each of their guests, giving a brief gesture for them to help themselves to the sweets, the picture of a gracious host while they parsed all of the new information. "Do you know what is in the corn? The kin didn't know, or else they weren't sure how to describe it to me." This pulled their lips into a slight frown. The increase of divine powers was concerning enough, but adding on this wrongness on top of it?

Figure out one, and there was a chance the other would have more light shed upon it. The issue, of course... which one to focus on first? For their part, Shiori chose the issue of the corn.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[7:48 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): When Eden began to cough, Buck reached over to gently pat her back, if she would let him.

"You saw dangerous things in there," he guessed as she composed herself once more. "Didn't you?"

He watched as Jiro vanished, and listened to Shiori's explanation intently. Her kin. The foxes. Buck considered that for a long moment. "Do they come to you naturally, your kin? Or are you calling them in? Have you noticed that there are fewer here than you would expect for such an area? Or are they simply coming in from further out?" he asked, curious.

His own 'kin' did not flock to him the way hers seemed to. He could call them, if he so wished, but he had not bothered to do so. For one, he had no rich hunting grounds upon which to feed them, and the very land itself near these three towns was depleted, worn down, and lacking in enough prey to sustain even a healthy population of predators, much less the numbers he could call. For another, Buck would not set the land out of balance elsewhere, by pulling his brethren from somewhere else to here. That was not the Way of his People.

"The Hunger I The Corn. From what It said to me when It spoke... I believe that It is that from which the energies that WE were all created from was taken by the mortals, when they first began weaving the stories that would eventually give rise to US. But there was a... a flavor, a scent... a... a taint to that energy that made it more of... one type, I think, than another. That it was that from which those of rot and plague and corruption came from. But there was more to it, and so, I do not think that whatever primordial force that was... was alone?"

"And, also, the Titan Cronus is there. But he... is not as he was, I think. I think that The Hunger In The Corn has corrupted him, somehow."

"Also... It... can steal our powers from us."

Buck glanced down. "Oh, is that a pumpkin scone?" he asked, as he took one to nibble on.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

December 2, 2020

[12:03 AM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden would lean into Coyote's touch gratefully and allow his presence to comfort her. She slowed down on the coughing, only emitting small, adorable squeaks as she tried to breathe. She takes the water offered graciously and gives a nod and smile to Shiori. She would not brave any of the sweet treats just yet, until she felt she could breathe properly and not cause any more attention to herself. Her eyes turned to Coyote and she tried to catch his gaze, to show him the stark fear there. "Yes... Bad things happened to me and to someone else I followed in there... Moreso to her, I think... A very, tall... Very stern and angry bluster of a woman. She took..." she stops herself and blinks rapidly before falling silent. Her eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks as she looks down at the water now in her hand. She felt oddly... Like she was interrupting. Like a child at a table full of grown-ups. This feeling was very familiar to her... She was often treated like a child. She was not. She knew things no child should ever know. Had experienced things no child should ever have experienced. And she was not as stupid as most would think her... She began to pout slightly, caught for a moment in old memories and feelings that were spurned by the talk and remembrance of the corn. Steal our powers... Her lower lip pushed out in even more of a pout of frustration. If one looks at her features, despite her scowl, she looks very comical but beautiful and almost doll-like. I wish my brain would stop being all weird. she grumbles to herself.

<d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[10:31 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): "I would say... both," was the kami's response. "They come on their own, in ones and twos, typically. I call when I have need. The ones who live here at Foxpoint are a mixed lot, kin who have been with me... a long time... and kin who are new, born of this region." They paused, taking a sip of tea.

"There are fewer than I would have thought there would be, for where we are," was the soft addition. "I visit the wilder ones when I can, the ones who don't need me as much." Shiori was always keen on keeping them in their own homes. The locals who lived on the farm had either been part of the surrounding woods already, or had been too near death to survive the wilds. The farm - and the kami's power - kept them safe.

Of course, then there was the matter of the byakko, namely Shiro. They were few enough in number, of late.

A great many things were 'too few', they were finding, while others were far, far too many. The number of divine creatures in this pocket of the world, for instance.

Buck reached for a scone, commenting on it, and in that moment he reminded Shiori so much of Egi that they almost laughed. Almost. But when Eden began to speak, they turned their attention to her, listening until she fell silent. "She took... she took something from the corn?" they asked when the goddess faltered. "That... does not seem like a good thing, from what I've heard. What did she take?"

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[10:49 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Anything Buck had intended to say, or to ask, was forgotten at Eden's words of, 'She took'. He set the scone down and fixed his considerable attention upon her, yellow eyes every bit those of a predator's having seen the sign of prey as he waited for Eden to elaborate.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[10:53 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden lifted her chin and took a deep breath. She could do this and she needed to just shake off this negativity that was appearing due to the talk of the corn. It wasn't like her and she knew herself very well. "Yes. The Amazon lady took a metal corpse of a child... Kept... Trying to insist it was alive. She argued with the medics who helped us when we were out of the maze. She took him... It... With her. Its' metal guts spilled from it but she kept insisting it was a real child... But, it was an animatronic she had taken from the maze... She talked to it like it was alive." She began shivering again, remembering the iron corpse and its dead, staring eyes. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

[11:00 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori's teacup was set down on the table a little too forcefully, sloshing the liquid around though none spilled. Though the kami hadn't been to the corn themselves, and they were awaiting Shiro's report, from everything they now understood, taking something from an area claimed by a divine... something... was a terrible idea.

As if they could feel the goddess's upset, a pair of foxes slipped into the house, standing on either side of her, offering themselves up for pets. The two foxes were subtly different from Kaede and her type, clearly more like normal foxes than not, but they still offered comfort where they could.

"Jiro, I think we will be needing some stronger privacy, please," they finally said - aloud this time, for the benefit of their guests. The man nodded, giving a deep bow, and moved away to fulfill the request.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[11:10 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): The air around Buck... shivered.

It was as if everything that Buck was, was struggling not to explode into motion, or to explode into another state, or simply just not to explode. But it wasn't a fury aimed at Eden at all, and it was very clear that he was maintaining his composure out of courtesy to the fact that he was in another's domain; even in his distress, he did not forget that.

"She. What?" Buck asked very. Very. Very. Calmly. 

"That is a cursed place. An 'Amazon lady'?" he asked, and, immediately, Hart sprang to mind. It couldn't be, though. Could it? "Her name. Was it Hart?"

He was trembling on a knife edge, barely holding onto the reins of the urge to burst into his swiftest form and find her. Find whatever was brought out of that hellscape.

And destroy it.

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[11:19 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden shrinks back, but only a bit, concerned she was upsetting them. "Hart. Yes! That was her name... We were separated in the corn and she was very gruff and angry. I wanted to help... To protect her in some way... I think... I didn't do anything. I faced my own horrors in there but ran... Ran near the exit and almost slammed into her. She was carrying the animatronic and calling it a name... I couldn't hear or cannot make out what name she called him... Josh? Jacob?J-something, I think. She was whispering to it, caressing it. We came out of the corn together somehow but she was separated from me and had been bloodied, hurt. She was dazed, and desperate to protect the metal child she believed was alive. The staff tried to take him from her and some man with a tall hat came and spoke with her. She was even more angry at him. She took the metal doll with her when she left, as I was being treated by the medics..." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

December 3, 2020

[7:43 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): There were stories, where Shiori was from, of forests that belonged to yokai, spirits like themself, like their kitsune and other kin. Mortals were not meant for those places, and even lesser yokai tended to stay away. You simply didn't go into those places... and if you did, for whatever reason, you definitely didn't take things out of them.

Shiori imagined that the corn was this land's version of those forests, and this Hart person, whoever she was, had committed one of the worst of sins, taking something that belonged to the spirits out of their 'woods'.

They took a calming sip of their tea, grimacing slightly at the soured flavor. Well. That was to be expected, with everything.

"I haven't met this... Hart... but what she did... taking something from a place like that..." they shook their head, frowning and glancing toward Buck. "Whatever she thought she saw, whatever she thinks that thing is... tch. Yokai are known for possessing items and twisting them. Swords. Candles. Tree stumps. Many things. All deadly. It must be destroyed."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[11:10 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Stupid. Fucking. Idiot.

He should have known that Hart would find some sort of trouble to get into, in her endless quest to "find the proof". Clearly, she had given his lesson no further thought and had heard only what she'd wanted to hear. 

"If we are lucky, it was only her injury talking," Buck growled. "And not an actual thing inside that doll. Because if Hart actually brought something out with her... then she may have freed a bit of those spirits to work their will upon the world."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

December 4, 2020

[5:05 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden focuses on drawing in breath, feeling it fill her lungs and steady her. She looked at Buck, her fingers reaching for him and then pulling back. "I don't know what happened after she left with it. I just have had a very, very, very bad feeling about it since... Maybe... Should I go check on her? Where would she be? Maybe... I hope that she realized? I hope that she snapped out of it once she was out of the corn. But, I hear what Shiori is saying and you. That the animatronic should not have been taken from that place at all. The thing itself should be destroyed, I agree. How can I help?" She looks from one to the other carefully. She knew she was young looking... The way Hart had treated her. How others have, still stings the back of her throat. She had always been seen by mortals or even other deities like she was a child to be protected. Her Norse brethren were quite protective of her because she guarded the apples that kept them... Well... Young, strong, healthy, and basically immortal. So, they kept her guarded like a treasure. But, she had been beloved by them as well. Her goodness, her light, her sincerity, and her innocence was so much tied to the apples that the gods ate, that one could not be without the other. 

"Please let me help." She almost pleads. Not wanting to be shoved aside again. Not wanting to be overlooked. As always, she wanted to be involved in things. To help. She could help. She knew it. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

December 7, 2020

[5:51 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori's lips pursed into a deep frown as they listened, feeling ill at ease with the knowledge this goddess had brought to their table. "I do not know if your... magics... here act the same as those in Japan," they began hesitantly, not having had to deal with such before. "But in my home, yokai lands... the things in them..." they shook their head, unsure how to explain it.

One of the foxes made a small sound, interpreted by the kami as a reminder. "Ah, yes, have you by chance played a game called... Pokémon? There are many things in that game that are modeled after yokai. Hm, Honedge, for example, a sword that slowly kills its wielder, or Litwick, a candle that leeches life from unwary viewers... things like that." They waved a hand. "A mundane example, perhaps, but items like that exist in yokai forests. This is why we do not remove things from them."

They turned then to Buck, the frown still playing on their features. "Is that possible here? I admit I am unfamiliar with this land's... quirks... but I can't imagine it would be impossible for such a place - and for such items - to exist."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

December 9, 2020

[6:57 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): "I suspect," Buck replied to Eden gravely, "that w will not be able to afford to turn away any help, by the time all is said and done." But the subtle current of almost desperation that Eden hummed with, desperation to not be left out, concerned him. He had seen young warriors, young hunters, consumed with that same sort of hunger to prove themselves, come to sad ends, or ruin well-set plans in their eagerness and folly. He worried for her, and for all of them.

He listened to Shiori's explanation, amusement bubbling up as she chose Pokemon to illustrate her point. "Some of the magics of my People are similar. Evil spirits that can infest and possess and consume. And so we must find Hart and examine this 'doll' of hers, and discover whether it was her injuries and bull-headedness speaking..."

"Or something much worse."

And if it was the latter? Destroy it. No matter what it took.

"But," he continued, "what is happening in those fields is nothing of my People, or even of this land. When I," he paused and swallowed, his gaze drifting away from their facesand down to the table top. 

"When I went to investigate before the festival began, and faced some of what is in there... It... It hinted at being the Power from which our kind was born. A thing that came long before humanity birthed Us all... and It was not pleased to have lost those pieces that We became, I think."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

December 11, 2020

[7:58 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden settled back into her chair, worry flitting across her features as she listened to Buck. She felt relieved at being included but was concerned with the things he was saying. This was not good. She looked at Shiori. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[8:58 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): If the kami noticed Buck's amusement at their choice of analogy, they gave no indication. It was a game that they enjoyed for a great many reasons, not least of which its sheer familiarity to them. It was also the... safest way to handle yokai. The real things were not always so easy to train and control. Even the yokai in their own service were a handful... or a dozen handfuls, as the case so often was.

What he said next, though, made their breath catch in their throat. They clamped down their mind to quell the moment of panic; it wouldn't do to have the entire skulk go into a frenzy over their state of mind. Inari could not clearly recall the moment of their birth. They simply were. They did not exist one day, and then the next, they did. Certainly there had to have been a transition, a period of creation where their stories were born, but by the time Inari had come into full being, those stories had been told time and again.

They simply existed.

But they also understood that somewhere in the history of the world, they had not. And they had to have come from somewhere. Kami especially were intertwined with the land itself, spirits of nature more than true gods - or at least how other pantheons perceived gods. And Inari had been one of the first, a prime kami. They imagined Coyote had faced a similar birthing, all things considered.

"You think whatever it is... is trying to unmake us." It was not a question, not really. Something being displeased with losing the pieces that became kami, or spirits, or gods... 

... of all people, Shiori was very well-equipped to know what that felt like. But they had given those pieces up willingly, pieces that had birthed those they considered their children, the divine kitsune that served them. This far from their center of power, it had become necessary, and while they longed for those pieces of themself to return... they longed more for the continued existence of their kin.

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

December 12, 2020

[5:20 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Buck sighed and nodded. "At the very least," he replied gravely. "To take back as what they see as having been stolen... But it would not surprise me if at least one of them would not seek to unmake everything. Why stop at getting back when they could just... take it all."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[5:37 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden leaned her shoulder closer to Buck in comfort. She bit her lower lip as she thought about everything that was being said. "Where should we go from here?" She asks the both of them. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

December 13, 2020

[1:58 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): "Certainly not into the corn," Shiori quipped at the goddess, though there was no mirth in their voice.

They drained the tea out of their cup, and reached out for a tokkuri that had not been present before, filling their cup from it and offering the bottle to the others. "I don't know this Hart, but if she took something from the corn, it needs to be returned or destroyed." A frown. "Destroyed is always my preference when things wander out of yokai forests that... should not leave them. Beyond that... I certainly don't want to have any of myself stolen, nor do I wish to be unmade. So we figure out how to stop it. Them. Whatever it is. That is my thinking."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[2:59 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): "Agreed. We must find Hart and her... 'doll', and discover what it is. Then destroy it, anyway, just in case. Fire works well," Buck replied almost cheerfully. For a moment. His expression soured quickly, though, and he frowned as if tasting something vile. He shuddered, then muttered, "Would not mind setting fire to the whole of the fields, actually. Even if it would taste wretched."

"Spread the word to any other divine you might know. Use what protections you may have on your own. Prepare for the worst."

He sighed softly and then met their eyes each in turn with a sorrowful, grave expression.

"Though it may not be our calling, we must prepare for war."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[9:25 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): A chill runs down her spine, like someone walking their fingers across her back at Buck's words. "Great..." she says. She was not afraid, but not looking forward to it. She disliked the sad look on Buck's face and the frown on Shiori's. She reaches to take the bottle from them, "Is that alcohol?" She asks, hoping it will take the edge off her emotions a little. "And... Thank you, Shiori... For the performance. For the tea, water, and your thoughts... For both of you." She tips her head gratefully at them. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)(edited)

[9:33 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): "Plum sake. A specialty of mine, if you will," Shiori replied with a nod as Eden took the tokkuri. 

They turned to Buck with a dry smile. "I'd offer to set fire to it for you, though I have to admit I'm not convinced it would work." Still, a hand strayed to the leather corded around their waist, a thoughtful gaze in their eyes. "It's been many a long year since I've even felt the need to burn a field. It was a rare enough occasion even in the old days. I much prefer growth to destruction. But... you are right. War may be upon us."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

[10:17 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): "I am not honestly convinced it would work, either. And... if it is an... ability of yours, I would not wish to risk it against the corn," Buck replied.

He leaned a little to nudge his shoulder against Eden's to return that little gesture of comfort she had sought before.

"As I hear or learn more, I will find you and pass it along. If you have need of me, you can find me at the pawn shop in Londinium."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[10:38 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden smiles and touches Buck happily. She takes a sip of the plum sake and smiles. "Oh! I love this!" She takes another sip and grins at them. She tilts her head, "I am staying at Golden Delicious Orchard in Nicae. Please come find me if you need anything. Oh... My apples... They can be helpful. They can heal." She nods, hoping that maybe that would be useful if there is a war. She takes a few more sips of the sake, cherishing the taste happily, her lips curving in enjoyment. She always took her time to enjoy small things, like meeting and cuddling with Coyote and the foxes. The performance. Listening to Shiori and Buck speak. She liked to hold onto the moments. Little memories to carry with her later. She knew their time here was ending and she should head home. To think. To prepare maybe. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

December 14, 2020

[7:55 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): "It is not strictly an ability, but... I wouldn't to lose it either way." They nodded, giving a soft sigh. "I will refrain anything until we know more about what is there... and how to deal with it."

Shiori finished their own drink, setting the cup down gently. "I will keep that in mind, thank you," was their reply to the goddess. "I do hope that it doesn't come to war... but it is a distant hope. You are both welcome back at any time... not that I think I could stop at least one of you." This was said with a dry smile, though it was clear they weren't bothered. "I will be placing ofuda around the perimeter. A little bit of added protection, for what it is worth. And I will make sure the ofuda won't interfere with you, should you choose to arrive in a less conventional manner."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

December 15, 2020

[9:39 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Buck smiled grimly. "Much thanks to you, wise one," he replied to Shiori. "I will do my best not to abuse your trust."

"Your apples," he added to Eden. "Is that what you had outside?" You know, the bite he... acquired... from you?

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

December 16, 2020

[2:19 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden smiles, remembering how Coyote snatched the apple slices from her hands. "Yes! They are good at healing and making you look younger and healthier for a bit too. Shinier hair, skin, and all that. I try to remember they can sometimes be a bit... Addictive though. I was hoping they can maybe be of use to you if you need them." <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[9:38 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori gave a faint smile - more of a smirk, really. "Trust that I will let you know if you do," they replied evenly. "Thank you, Eden, for offering the apple to my child, even if it was... stolen." They cut their gaze back to Coyote, amused. "You are welcome to provide them to most of my young kin, but I ask that you not offer them to the black or the white fox unless there is dire need."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)

December 17, 2020

[10:21 AM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): "Creatively misdirected," Buck insisted with a grin and a little sketch of a half-bow from his seated position. It wasn't long, though, before he shifted, getting restless. He'd been too still for too long.

"I should go. There are others who should hear what you have both told me," he said, before glancing slyly at Shiori. "Oh, if you should ever be in need of one, I would highly recommend the vet in Londinium. She is very good."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)

[10:35 AM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden smiles and opens her arms to ask Buck for a quick hug if he is amenable before he leaves. "Can I seek you out sometimes if I miss you?" She asks him kindly. She also moves to get ready to leave, recognizing that their meeting was coming to an end. She raises her eyebrows and tries not to laugh at Buck suggesting a vet for Shiori, but also thinks: Sometimes vets could be more discreet and helpful than a regular doctor, I would think... And I don't know their situation. These thoughts sober her and she looks sincerely at Shiori. She still was not sure how the deity felt about her... She was concerned she came off annoying to the kami. It was difficult to read them, but she wanted to be friends or at least friendly... If they were okay with it. 

"Thank you, Shiori. This has been so lovely... And I am honored to have met you. And you too, Buck. I hope we can keep in touch... May I visit you some time as well, Shiori? And may I say good-bye to your foxes? If they are willing?" Her voice was hesitant, self-doubt leeching in. Ever since the corn, her brain weasels had been eating and gnawing like worms at her heart. Deep down, she knew the dangers of this. This need to be wanted... The doubts. She had a niggle of fear that told her she was tainted somehow by the corn. By something... She hoped she was redeemable... She just wanted to do good. To be good. It was so much in her nature. And she had been so alone and forgotten for so long. Shaking herself from her reverie, she stands straighter, trying to instill some confidence and shake free the negative thoughts. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora)

[10:48 AM] Shiori Okita (Nora): The kami couldn't stop the very clear snort at Buck's words. Creatively misdirected, indeed. "I'll keep the vet in mind," they replied, fighting the urge to roll their eyes at him. Fondly, though. It had been a long time since they had dealt with a divine being so similar to themselves. To be sure there were differences, but a trickster was a trickster, and as a kami of kitsune, Shiori could play the game as well as any, when they cared to.

 

They made a mental note to leave 'gifts' for Coyote at the edge of the property. Just for fun. Mika and Mako would be delighted to join in, too, they were sure.

 

"It was lovely to meet you, Eden. You are, of course, welcome back any time. As I said, I only ask that you not feed apples to Kuro or Shiro unless the need is dire. But the normal foxes would benefit greatly, I think. And they would love for you to say goodbye to them. Kaede is just outside the house, in fact."

 

The kami rose carefully and smoothly to their feet, giving a slight bow to the god and goddess. "I hope when next we meet it is not full of quite such dire news. Please, allow me to walk you out."

<d>  @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn)(edited)

December 18, 2020

[10:56 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): (forgot tot mention, slobbering done with permission)

"Of course. As I said, if you need me, come to the pawn shop in Londinium," Buck replied, and happily leaned in for a big, satisfying hug. Just before it would have been polite to release Eden, however, she would find her arms no longer full of human, but of Coyote, who giggled at her, and gave her a big, wet, sloppy doggie "kiss" right across her face, before dropping to the floor.

In defiance of his now-quadruped form, Coyote rose to his hind legs and returned Shiori's bow, measure for measure, to both they, and Eden, before dropping back to all four feet again.

"I, too, hope that we may meet again under happier circumstances. But, until then, be safe."

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)(edited)

[11:02 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden giggled and grinned, her heart bursting with happy at the love from Coyote and she clapped her hands. "I'll see you around!" She nods to the both of them, her grin so bright it causes her face to flush. She moves to look for Kaede really quickly before leaving, wanting to give her a hug as well and tell the fox again that she was beautiful and good before leaving. <d> @Shiori Okita (Nora) 

December 20, 2020

[2:27 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): Shiori chuckled softly at Coyote's antics, noting how similar he was to their own fox-kin. Surely he would be very much welcomed among the skulk... though they would have to keep a watch out for him teaching their kin any new... tricks. 

Kaede was waiting in the foyer, a fox grin on her face as she approached Eden, her head tilting slightly as she looked between goddess, god, and kami before settling her gaze once more on the goddess. "Kaede wants me to inform you that she is happy to let you say goodbye, however you would like to do so."

The kami turned their own gaze to Coyote, a faint smile lingering on their lips. "Perhaps one day we can run together, near-kin. Until then, the skulk will have to take my place."

<d> @Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn) 

[3:11 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Coyote? Teaching the foxes new tricks?! You wound him, Shiori. WOUND him!

He grinned up at Shiori slyly, as if he knew full well what they were thinking, and then bounded out the door, as if their discussion had not been nearly as serious as it had been-

Or as if he had already put it out of his mind. 

Which he hadn't, actually, but there was a time and a place for all things, and, now that he had passed along what he knew, and Shiori and Eden had passed along to him what they all knew, there was no use dwelling on it immediately, when there were foxes to play with, and wind to dance with, and no attacks happening right now. When there might be a better than even chance that his very long life might finally be coming to an end, now was the time to enjoy what he had, rather than to dwell overmuch on what he might lose. Time enough to plot and plan and ponder pensively when he was safely curled up in his den-lodge at home.

"I hope that you do, Lovely One!" Coyote said to Eden as he bounded a circle around Kaede. 

"And I look forward to that day, Fox-Kin. If it were not against rules that even I dare not bend, I would give you that for a day," he said to Shiori, a tone of regret entering his voice briefly. Ordinarily, such a thing would only be possible if he were Teaching a very Important Lesson and affecting a person in such a way was vital for some reason... But only if that person were mortal. To do so to another god? He is an old thing, and perhaps has more power than some of the other gods because of newer worshipers and the pure power of chaos and chaos and the nature of Trickster in the world, but even he isn't certain that he would be able to do such a thing by himself, normally. But if the both of them were bending their not-inconsiderable wills to such a task....

But such a thing would be wrong. To affect another pantheon's god in such an intrinsic manner, to interfere in such a way... even he is loathe to break that rule.(edited)

[3:11 PM] Buck Nakai - Coyote (Ravyn): Perhaps if the world really is about to end, and there is no hope of salvaging it, then he can give her such a gift. 

<d>

@Eden Young (Krissie)(edited)

[4:28 PM] Eden Young (Krissie): Eden bent down and gently hugged Kaede, cooing lovingly in her ear and telling her how beautiful and smart she was. Her heart was full and she was happy. Especially with Coyote and his calling her Lovely One and at the friends she was making. She again smiled and bowed her head a little at Shiori. Grateful for them. "Please reach out if you need me. And I wish you all the best." Eden turns, smiling and hoping to see them all again soon as she began strolling away, walking towards her orchard. <d>

[7:07 PM] Shiori Okita (Nora): The kami gave Coyote a bittersweet smile, inclining their head at his words. One day, perhaps they would be able to run with him as the foxes could, but they would not ask that magic of him, not even for a day. The loss of such an ability was their own fault, their own intention, and they could not - would not - regret it.

They watched as Eden bade Kaede farewell, watched until both of the gods had left their home, and only when they were certain they had gone from hearing and sight did they sag, burying their head in their hands. "I wish..." they began, then laughed bitterly. "I wish that I could grant my own wishes." A sigh, a shake of the head. "It doesn't matter. We have work to do." This was said seemingly to no one at all, but around the farm, seven heads - fox and human alike - lifted slightly, listening and giving the faintest of nods.

Scene end