my ears can hear my mouth can speak my spirit talks my soul believes
The other creature at the spring has little protection from its heat, no scales or horns or companions to bide the long journey through the Burrows. But it has been well worth it, for the same reason as many who traverse the massive volcano in pursuit of its healing waters. Chaele is already submerged, wearing only the runic scars that have been carved into every inch of their body. It is a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, but so too is it a test of endurance, once the water inevitably gets hot enough.
They welcome the challenge, soaking in timeless solitude and absorbing the essence of the mountain. But then heavy eyelids stir at the sound of approaching feet, nostrils flaring at the scent of sweat and sage and cut wood.
If Sunjata does not notice the heavy pack or the stag skull that rests beside it, he might still see the small assortment of obsidian shards, salamander spines, and mallow seeds that encircle a flickering red candle. It is a shrine of sorts, created in honor of this ritual bath, but the water ripples against that edge of the pool as Chaele moves away from it. They peer at the stranger’s activity from a distance, and as they speak it is clear that they have taken his words personally. “What do you want?”
For the first time in a long time their face is unmasked; as they glimpse the strange shape in the mist, they dip their nose beneath the water in a makeshift veil.
They welcome the challenge, soaking in timeless solitude and absorbing the essence of the mountain. But then heavy eyelids stir at the sound of approaching feet, nostrils flaring at the scent of sweat and sage and cut wood.
If Sunjata does not notice the heavy pack or the stag skull that rests beside it, he might still see the small assortment of obsidian shards, salamander spines, and mallow seeds that encircle a flickering red candle. It is a shrine of sorts, created in honor of this ritual bath, but the water ripples against that edge of the pool as Chaele moves away from it. They peer at the stranger’s activity from a distance, and as they speak it is clear that they have taken his words personally. “What do you want?”
For the first time in a long time their face is unmasked; as they glimpse the strange shape in the mist, they dip their nose beneath the water in a makeshift veil.
Base code by Odd • Art by Krakenkatz
