39th page

[caverncity]

So far, so good. No one physically assaulted anybody in the last post, and there weren't any weird cave monsters or goblins, not even a nosy muppet or two. But the further into the mountain, the darker it's getting, without any of those nice windows being carved out for you.

[ mission: do not get lost. seriously guys. guys, seriously. ]

Comments

[caverncity]

There's no need for apologies, budding flower. Those who step quickly leave no great footprints.

[ shakes dust off robe. ]

Sight is an inner sense, Yisheng.

[pareidoll]

[wow]

[butgrandma]

[did we just get told?]

We're just trying to get to the other side, we didn't mean to disturb you?

[or the other one]
[we suck basically]

[caverncity]

We will all arrive at the other side, precisely when we are meant to. Haste changes nothing.

[ settles hands into sleeves. ]

Please, follow me.

[pareidoll]

[um]

[thats not ominous]

[cabineyes]

[ jesus christ people we shouldnt just follow whoever happens to lead. ]

You think this wise?

[caverncity]

[ is patient while they decide amongst themselves. ]

[pareidoll]

I'm not seeing anyone volunteering to scout ahead with the living statues.

[cabineyes]

[ i'd volunteer nick but he's cardboard. ]

You have the gun.

[pareidoll]

Then I'll go.

[drops backpack strap on his hook]

[good hanger, stay hanger]

[mercyless]

[ i got your back. ]

[caverncity]

[ motions clara and michonne ahead. ]

You are all welcome to wait here for spring to return your budding flowers, but please, do not disturb those meditating in these halls.

[ lookin at you owen. ]

[frogface]

[brb too busy gawking at the doctor]

[mercyless]

[ let's go then. ]

[ my sword might not cut stone but i can try. ]

[pareidoll]

[im surprised you're willing to even be near me after being so up in arms over siren gnawing]

We'll be back in no time.

[hook can keep his comments to himself]

[walks on]

[caverncity]

[ is quite clearly made of flesh, thank you. ]

[ leads them away from the group, further into the tunnel. ]

So many branches are growing on the tree. All reaching away, but still of one trunk. Remarkable.

[mercyless]

[ someone has to be there in case you decide to continue your heart diet. ]

But the roots are rotten.

[ are you talking about the company. ]

[pareidoll]

[i think they are]

You know of our origins, then?

[caverncity]

[ clucks tongue at michonne's supposition. ]

Your roots aren't rotten, but certainly they are not buried in our soil. The roots of this mountain go almost as deep as the heavens, and yet they do not tangle with your tree.

A far journey.

[mercyless]

[ mhm? this is deep. ]

[ keeping her eyes open in case of ambush. ]

[pareidoll]

[calm yo tits michonne]

[caverncity]

[ sound of a trickling stream. ]

You are cautious. It is good. It tells of too many steps taken in haste, now regretted. Caution is a stone in the path to stillness.

[ there's light in the tunnel. ]

[mercyless]

[ so are you saying caution is required here too? ]

[ don't play games with me little man. ]

[pareidoll]

[hes not saying that at all what are you]

Everything about this place seems to combat stillness.

[caverncity]

[ steps out from an alcove in the tunnel wall and gently taps a little brass gong with a padded hammer. ]

They've made it? They've made it! The mountain whispered true!