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

[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!

[mercyless]

....

[ glances at clara. ]

[ if these creatures jump on us we'll take this little guy as a hostage. ]

[pareidoll]

[LMAO IF THEY GET ATTACKED, SHE SURE IS GOING TO GET HUNG BY THE GROUP]

Knew we were coming...?

[caverncity]

[ another one! ]

[ smaller than the rest of them. ]

[ runs up to michonne and dances. her face is very animated, but the dance is a slow, deliberate one. ]

[mercyless]

[ looks down at her. ]

[ i won't feel like dancing no matter you do. ]

[caverncity]

[ completely awed by her. ]

[mercyless]

[ how to deal with this i do not know. ]

[caverncity]

[ scoops her up and out of michonne's footpath. ]

[caverncity]

We've been expecting you ever since you sheltered in that Yeti's cave.

[pareidoll]

[you're really bright

and creepy

this is new.]

Do you mind my asking how?

[caverncity]

The roots run deep, as deep as the heavens. These stones are those stones, each as a rock in a riverbed with life flowing over them. Those stones that yet tumble told us you'd come this way.

[mercyless]

[ well this information doesn't make me feel relaxed at all. ]

The stones told you?

[caverncity]

[ nods so slowly and with such finality it looks less like a gesture and more like a pronouncement. ]

You spoke with one earlier.

[pareidoll]

The statues.

[keep up michonne]

Would you see us on the right path through the mountain, then? We mean to cause no trouble.

[except for hook. he can diaf]