Wearing the Inside Out
For Chulane
Hester Mac Girr An Adhastair
Bard

Age: 27 | Height: 5’4” | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 1 - Strg: 10 - Dext: 11 - Endr: 14 - Luck: 10 - Int:
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Posts: 128 | Total: 4,183
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#1
We're just another hype But the pressure's getting harder
Hester has never been good with grief, with loss. From a young age, it's been a reality of her world, but a distant one. The Mac Girr an Adhastair clan has been lucky, as far as Halovian families are concerned, and even as old as she is, Hester would never claim to have truly lost someone, to have been truly affected by a death. But she wants to help her friend, wants to offer something to Chulane to make him feel better. Maybe to distract him, for an hour, an afternoon.

It's a plan that starts with a hike, distance covered in their attuned forms before they come to a mountain, a specific path she's grown fond of. It's fairly easy, fairly gentle, especially in the 'warmth' of Longheat, the thin sun beating down on them, somehow hot despite the snow still clinging stubbornly to the mountain.

As far as she's concerned, the mountains have a power all their own to help heal an aching soul. Perhaps its the majesty of them, reminding one of their place in the world, and perhaps it's simply the isolation, space away from everything to think, to work through troubles.

Once they've ascended a decent amount, the tundra stretching out below them, Hester pauses, looking out over the landscape. "Do you want to take a break here? I brought lunch!"
Hester
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
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MP: 35
#2
curiosity always did kill the cat -- and satisfaction always brought it back
One day, he would be able to return the support and simple presence that his friends had given him in recent times. For now, he would accept their support, their love, their simple friendship with all he had, and let them push and pull him into various places, welcoming the distractions, the sense of normalcy returning with each one.

The mountains certainly were stunning, and like with his friends, he would return here one day better able to appreciate them. For now, he did his best to let go, to let the fresh air fill him, refresh him, and remind him that there were bigger things going on, bigger than the loss he felt, than the grief he was experiencing.

Not so long ago he had been excited to be a part of it. After the initial shock of being whisked away from his homeworld, he'd been keen to immerse himself in this one, to make something of himself, to have an impact.

He'd forgotten about that in recent times. And he was glad to have the reminder of it from Hester, who he held in high esteem among those he classed as friends.

"Lunch.. sounds.. good.." He wasn't breathless so much as definitely-not-raised-in-the-mountains. Even making half the trek on wings or paws didn't take much away from the physical effort of the hike for him, and so he took the opportunity Hester offered quite readily. A conveniently sized boulder became something of a temporary seat for him, as he grinned for the first time in what felt like a long time, anticipating much teasing from his bard friend for this admission of physical weakness.
CHULANE
Hester Mac Girr An Adhastair
Bard

Age: 27 | Height: 5’4” | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 1 - Strg: 10 - Dext: 11 - Endr: 14 - Luck: 10 - Int:
Played by: Johnnie Offline
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Posts: 128 | Total: 4,183
MP: 0
#3
We're just another hype But the pressure's getting harder
It would be rude to laugh, but for once, that doesn't stop Hester. She does hide her giggle behind her hand, her smile still bright once said hand drops into her bag. "I hope you're hungry." There was an assortment brought out; an earthenware container of soup, some strong-smelling fish, ningo eggs cured in salt, a loaf of hard dark bread with a lumpy berry spread. "My mum says the stuff they serve at the tavern isn't real Halovian food, and wanted you to... try some things." She explains with a laugh, a slight flush colouring her cheeks.

Still, if she could coax out more smiles from her friend, Hester would endure far more embarrassment than what her overzealous mother could conjure. Perhaps not too much more, but she would do her best.

"I should have asked before planning such a long trip." She apologizes, somehow managing to be sincere, without actually being sorry. "Everyone has to start somewhere, right? And I promise it's worth it." And not just to make him feel better, though that was her main goal.
Hester
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#4
curiosity always did kill the cat -- and satisfaction always brought it back
"Mmm," he agreed, looking over the hoard of food she brought out for them. His heart was warmed by the notion that her family, her mother, had gone to such effort with him in mind. "Looks amazing," he complimented easily, swallowing down the inevitable heartache that followed such a simple gesture.

Was his own mother still cooking food for family dinners? Did she still hold out hope that he was coming home still?

He focused on the food, sampling it with care and appreciation. "Please give her my thanks," he commented as he took a gulp of the soup, finding it hardy and filling in all the right ways.

He snorted a simple laugh at her 'apology', a slanted grin on his lips as he swallowed another gulp of soup. "Everyone's gotta start somewhere," he echoed, finally casting his gaze out over the scenery even this relatively low altitude offered them. "I knew what I was getting into," warm tones reassured with a wink accompanying them.

It was the most normal he'd felt in a while, and he hated the guilt that washed over him immediately following the sensation. But while the smiles on his face faded and were often interspersed with a weary fatigue, he was, for the most part, feeling better than he had in weeks.
CHULANE
Hester Mac Girr An Adhastair
Bard

Age: 27 | Height: 5’4” | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 1 - Strg: 10 - Dext: 11 - Endr: 14 - Luck: 10 - Int:
Played by: Johnnie Offline
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Posts: 128 | Total: 4,183
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#5
We're just another hype But the pressure's getting harder
"You know, if I tell her that, she's going to insist you come over for a hot meal." Hester warns with a bright grin, picking at things without looking and popping them in her mouth. Maybe it's not such a bad idea though. An evening surrounded by warmth, by family might be what he needs. Even if it isn't his, she knows in her heart that Chulane will be accepted easily by her clan, that they'll do what they can to make him feel welcome.

Another bright laugh left her at his echo, Hester's eyes never leaving Chulane, even as he gazed around. Though the wink, the words that followed had her brows raising, her smile tightening just a moment. Sure, he probably had some idea what to expect, but it was only going to get more difficult from here. Instead of shattering his confidence, Hester just nodded. "It will be worth it."

"Are you done eating? We can stop again in a bit." Already she's moving to pack up the food once again, eager to be moving on, and not really giving him the choice because of it. They have a lot of ground to cover still, sights to see. And it's easier to not slip into bad feelings, into guilt and despair and whatever else lingered in the depths, if one was distracted. And there was no better distraction than her babbling while they walked, pointing out places where stubborn plants clung to freezing rock faces, at tracks belying the secret paths walked by the creatures that called the fangs home, instead of simply visiting. She'd never been able to share her home like this before, never had anyone to point all these things out to, and ti made her giddy, excited.

When they stop again, it's at the mouth of a valley, smooth and empty, a scoop taken out from the mountains. There's a strange stone rising out of the snow near the middle, nearly as tall as Hester herself is and surrounded by a ragged wooden fence. Some pieces of the wood are new, but most of them look ancient, as old as the stone itself. Without a word, Hester begins digging through her pockets, searching for something, and giving Chulane the room to ask his own questions, instead of explaining outright.
Hester
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
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Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#6
curiosity always did kill the cat -- and satisfaction always brought it back
"You make it sound like a threat," he laughed warmly - the idea of a family dinner was actually heartwarming to him, though he suspected actually 'enduring' it would be a different story. The mirroring memories of family dinners with doting mothers and warm meals in Australia, and the dinner he'd had with Kia's family warred with his mind for a moment, flashbacks dancing across his vision - he blinked and they were gone, though the feelings they dredged up lingered, and dampened the smile that had sprung to his lips at her words.

They ate, and he felt much refreshed. Slightly winded though he might've been before at scaling such altitudes, he recovered relatively quickly. Halo had been a harsh mentor, and he'd been far more active physically here than he'd ever needed to be in Australia (though a farmer's life was hardly idle). He made noises of agreement, helping her to pack up, and stretching his long legs that he might stimulate blood flow to them before submitting them to more gruelling punishment casual mountain hiking.

He loved Hester, he came to realise, as he dutifully listened to all she had to say, contributing his own observations when he could, but otherwise letting her tell her tale about her home. It felt like a proper induction to the land - where he was from, the aboriginal people would often be asked to do a 'welcome to country' tradition, the only comparison the farmer had to draw on. And as he received this induction, he felt like he received acceptance as well, and with that came a great sense of responsibility, and affection, for the young woman; his friend.

They came to the valley entrance, and he beheld the sight with silent wonder - at least, he and Hester were silent. The mountains seemed keen to sing, a long and melodious tune, unique and unlike anything he'd ever heard before. He looked to his friend, brow quirking as he noticed her digging into her pockets. "What's is it?" he asked, looking back to the pillar - filled with a sense of wonder and awe, and utterly unable to ask all of the questions he wanted to at once.
CHULANE
Hester Mac Girr An Adhastair
Bard

Age: 27 | Height: 5’4” | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 1 - Strg: 10 - Dext: 11 - Endr: 14 - Luck: 10 - Int:
Played by: Johnnie Offline
Change author:
Posts: 128 | Total: 4,183
MP: 0
#7
We're just another hype But the pressure's getting harder
Though she laughs, Hester doesn't actually disagree with the idea that it could be a threat. She is from a large family, and it takes a specific kind of matriarch to keep things running smoothly, to make sure everyone is in their place, is happy and healthy. "She'll be happy to actually meet you. She might... try to adopt you, a little bit, but you can just ignore that." It's fun, winding up her fellow attuned. Regardless of how truthful she'd been being about her mother, Hester has already decided Chulane is family, and this is just part of it.

Her fellow attuned is quite the dutiful listener, and it only makes her feel better when they come to the valley. It had been... not a difficult decision, to share these things with him, but it was strange. There might be some who would object, names and faces floating before her eyes of those who wanted to keep Halo for the Halovians, and refuse any outsiders, but now that she was out here with Chulane, it felt right. Hester finally found what she'd been digging for in her pocket, and began to approach the pillar, smiling back at the vet and tilting her head, inviting him to follow.

"This is... when Halo was still new, before the Eirachi was so strong, it was warmer, and people could be spread around." It's strange to be telling this story to someone who doesn't know it, inspires a different kind of theatrics as she tells it, as she creeps closer to the pillar, two small bags clutched in her hand. "They lived in the mountains, all over the valleys, and on the edge of the sea of Glass. But since Halo was so new, she had troubles, and the people had to ask the Eirachi to help them. And she loved them, so she would help, but she couldn't help for free. That's just not how it works." A soft huff leaves her, and one of the bundles in her hand is offered over to Chulane. Wrapped up in a scrap of fabric, and tied in twine, it feels almost like a small parcel of stones or dried berries.

Hester pauses again, at the edge of the fence, hesitating to cross the threshold before she was really ready. "The people agreed to her terms, and Halo was kept safe. But when the winter came that next year, it never really blew away. Most people had the chance to move, to find places safer, more grouped together, but some... never got the chance." She glances back at Chuy, a solemn expression on her face, then walks through the ruined gate, approaching the stone column. From this distance, it's easy to see that it was once a chimney, worn smooth by generations of wind and snow. "We don't forget them." The little bundle is brought up close to her mouth, filled with a warm breath, then dropped down the chimney. "Offer some of your warmth, and drop it in."
Hester
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#8
curiosity always did kill the cat -- and satisfaction always brought it back
As much as it would probably rock him emotionally at first, he actually looked forward to the prospect. Having grown up on a family farm, surrounded by his parents, with cousins and aunts and uncles frequently visiting, he was quite aware of what was missing in the life he was building here. Kiada had filled a large part of that aspect, had made him feel complete - it still hurt, to think about it, but he forced himself to swallow it away, to focus on the kindness his friend was offering.

"She sounds terrifyingly wholesome," he quipped with a smirk, raising a brow again. In all truth, he could believe everything Hester said about her mother too - it would take quite a family to raise a woman like Hester. While she had the token marks of a Halovian to her, she also had a certain zest that he now thought to identify as the 'Mac Girr An Adhastair Factor'.

He appreciated every second she took to tell him the lore, clinging to every word, following her forward, his gaze flicking between her and the view of the pillar. And it was a tale that seemed to describe Halo itself - beautiful, but harsh and truly the definition of 'survival of the fittest'. That the Eirachi had that much to do with the formation of the Halo they resided in now shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did, but the more he thought about it, the more it fit - the spirit of winter, harsh and beautiful and utterly merciless at the same time.

He accepted the token she offered with a revered nod, handling it with as much care as he might a newly hatched ningo that needed extra care. He waited back while she stepped across the threshold, watching carefully as she made her offering, listening to her instructions and taking a moment to think through what he had to do before following. And when he was ready, he stepped forward and held the parcel close to his chest, peering up at the looming chimney with quiet reverie.

Lifting the token to the level of his lips, he blew his hot breath over it, before releasing it into the chimney as Hester had done.

A few quiet moments passed, as they stood before the pillar together, simply being. Chuy found himself reaching for his friend's hand, to hold it and gently squeeze it - he couldn't bring himself to speak, for everything she had done today meant so much to him, and that she would bring him here and tell him the lore as she had, as she might to a young Halovian… the implications were not lost on him. His eyes were damp, and while there was sorrow on his face, there was also an unmistakable happiness and gratitude, at being accepted.

"Thanks Hester," he managed, softly against the singing valleys of the mountains around them.
CHULANE
Hester Mac Girr An Adhastair
Bard

Age: 27 | Height: 5’4” | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 1 - Strg: 10 - Dext: 11 - Endr: 14 - Luck: 10 - Int:
Played by: Johnnie Offline
Change author:
Posts: 128 | Total: 4,183
MP: 0
#9
We're just another hype But the pressure's getting harder
Always an emotional one, Hester can't help the way her eyes mist up as she drops her offering, as Chulane follows her instructions with all the solemn sincerity the ritual requires. There are many things she wants to say, wants to share, but can't, or won't. It's not the time, not yet. Maybe when they're warming up, back in Snowcloak, then she can tell him this was her first extended hike into the Fangs, that her father had led her, her brother, and one of her sisters up. That they'd stopped in the same place to eat, had the same solemn moment here.

”You know you’re never alone here, right?” She says, instead of responding to the thanks. Her voice is just as soft as his had been, though she hesitates. This feels like a line that’s so easy to cross, her outstretched always a tremble away from intruding. ”You remember the dead, and you honour them, but you don’t have to linger with them forever.” These aren’t her words, are things she’s heard her parents say, her siblings say, and she wonders if they’re appropriate, if she’s using them right.

She falls quiet again with that, leaves him to whatever he needs, be it more support, more comfort. And when he seems ready to move again, she'll tug him away with her, not taking her hand back if he doesn't. "You know, there's still one more part of this hike." Hester turns and grins wide at him, excited for this last part, the last leg of their day.

Hiking down is far easier than hiking up, even if the path seems longer, windier than the one they'd used to ascend. There's a touch more vegetations as well, stubborn plants giving way to even more stubborn shrubs, then trees. And steam, the source of it becoming obvious as they break through the trees to a small hot spring, a single blue pool steaming in a rocky shore.
Hester
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#10
curiosity always did kill the cat -- and satisfaction always brought it back
Always a sincere one when it counted, Chulane hoped he was giving enough respect in his actions as he mimicked her motions, as he tried to feel the world around them the way she did, as he tried to hold onto the story that this place represented, the meaning it held. And when she spoke, when she reassured him that he wasn't alone, he let a sniffle-huff of breath catch in his throat, let himself nod, let himself accept her words, even if he had trouble really living them completely just yet.

Time would heal all wounds, and while he would indeed always remember and honour Kiada, he knew that living in grief was not a way to live - not a way she would have him live, either. What he didn't expect was how much Hester would mean to him on this journey out of his grief, what she would become - a beacon, a guiding light, a true friend in his time of need.

He hoped one day, he could do the same for her. In the same breath, he hoped nothing bad ever happened to her that he would need to be what she was being for him, here and now.

He let the moments trickle by, let himself be tugged along. "More?!" he playfully exclaimed as he held her hand and shed some of the weight of emotion from before. He followed happily enough though, looking about, wondering at where in Halo they even were - he doubted he could pick it even though he'd mapped the realm out mentally from his avian form.

And then there was steam, and his mind and his step hesitated, as he broke the contact between them.

It was like an aberration, a moment where nothing seemed to compute for him. The steam, the hot spring, it hit him hard. Memories danced before his eyes, and he suddenly wasn't standing beside Hester anymore - no, he was in their cottage in the depths of Deepfrost, with her, laughing and loving, speaking of her homeworld and reminiscing of how nice it would be to tap into Halo's hot springs somewhere convenient in the Citadel.

He didn't know how long the memories took him away from this moment, how long he stood lost in his thoughts and reverie, but eventually he swallowed, blinked, and came back to the here and now, apology written all over his face. "It's beautiful," he said, trying to say anything to get past the moment, the aberration, the glitch in his mind that this scene sprung upon him.
CHULANE


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