Visiting the mainland had become something of a treat to the shaman in recent years. Moonglade's cuisine, culture and beautiful architecture had helped Taki get inspired to build her own home. She had even shared a few of the spices and herbs that grew in her garden with some of the farmers, who in turn taught her about their grains and other edibles. By the time she had completed Spirit's Retreat, it had grown into several buildings that sprawled across the river near the edge of Bamboo Forest.

This trip was new, she was taking her first long trip with Keiga. Recently, she'd visited the coast and helped rescue a pair of mantids, along with several other smaller creatures. Amongst them was this Tidal Serpent, who refused to leave the shaman's side. Shuna rode atop the serpent's back, and Yukina soared overhead. Together, the shaman enjoyed the long, languid journey across the sea to the mainland. Mastering the pacing, direction and navigation skills needed to embark on such a trek had been something Taki learned from books her mentor had left her. Journals of their own journeys learning about Sky magic, helping others, and meeting characters larger than life. 

A messenger had come to her home a few days back, bringing word of a mine that had breached a nest of Geonids. Apparently the creatures now roamed the countryside town and processing facility, and were calling on pairs of adventurers to work on cleaning them out. Taki understood getting the message, looking around with a toothy grin of excitement and wonder at the entourage of creatures and plants that now shared her life. Each day was spent talking to her dear friends, learning what made them happy in their own ways, and live beside them all.

She was grateful to be familiar with the village for her assignment. The Iron mine, which also brought  in several other common resources as a by-product, had some of the area's best smiths for common items. While the Crescent Isles could boast about it's own blade smiths and armorers, the mainland had them beat in mass produced goods, including architecture and tooling. On the far side of town square, the squat hall and two story end cap were a fairly common sight around Moonglade. Usually it was their interiors that set each apart from it's brethren, proprietors displaying different seasonal plants, serving various perennial dishes, or whatever other lavish delight might draw in more patrons.

Taki was used to drawing stares from the locals, unless it was a place she was on a weekly basis. Now, her retinue drew as much attention as the oddness of her vibrant scales and pastel colored garb. A Snow Owl soared overhead, pacing the group. A Jungle Cat, a bit larger than the average city pet and darting about between the shaman's legs. Beside them, a bulky serpent, with a bristling muzzle of whiskers and thick, muscled body of a constrictor. It could be perceived as an unusual occurrence indeed, making the shaman chuckle to herself. 

She bed her companions down at the stable building outside the Inn, giving them a chance to rest in the heat of the day. Walking inside, she handed her invitation to the clerk. Promptly verifying the letter, Taki was led to a small, private room on the opposite side of the main hall. She entered the small conference room, empty except for a small table and a few chairs, as well as menus and a letter of instruction.

'Await the arrival of your partner before beginning. Once you've gotten acquainted, the pair of you are to head to the western side of the mine where these creatures are currently amassed. They've begun to cause damage to our processing facilities, tools and transit structures. Do what you can to drive them off, peacefully if possible, but forcibly if not. The area depends on the resources of this town, this mine and we mustn't lose it's production.

Cedric de Felst, Ironworks Co. Liaison'

Browsing the menu while she waited, she ordered a beverage and a serving of steamed dumplings with sauce. This would be another trying job, but Taki could enjoy a fine meal and a luxurious bath at the end of each day while they were staying, so it was worth the time and effort. Plus, this inn let her bring her pets along instead of having to leave them somewhere else. She didn't visit many places like that unless it was for very good reason, and always she would camp out beside them for the night. Enjoying the snack that came a few minutes later, Taki relaxed, letting her body and mind rest while they could. 

It wasn't often that Del found herself in Moonglade, but as part of her travels as of late, well... this particular situation called to her. With the rash of earthquakes, tsunamis and other seismic disturbances across Charon, it was no surprise that a little added mortal influence should cause the chaos that it did, not only for the people, but the creatures that called the world home as well.

Her travel here was by sea-- again. It was no secret that traveling the ocean was always a harrowing experience for Del, but she was back on dry land, and even its upheaval could not shake her now. Not even when hundreds of little geonids were wreaking havoc on Moonglade, as overheard by Del prior to travelling here, something she felt quite strongly about.

Del insisted upon helping. She was not asked to aid, but volunteered vehemently, especially when she saw the typical response of those trying to organize to deal with the creatures was to simply smash or take advantage of their rare appearance to harvest them. Not on her watch.

Thus, as Del approaches the meeting place that was 'given' to her by the person who acquiesced, intimidated by her insistence hired her, she finds herself looking a little dubiously at the paper. There was no way of knowing if the person who she was to be working alongside would be of a similar mind as she was, but... she had learned that not everyone was so unreasonable. If they disagreed, perhaps they could be persuaded to at least meet in the middle?

But Del was getting ahead of herself. She quietly pushes the door to the in open, surveying her surroundings in careful trepidation for a moment, before approaching the bar, sliding the invitation over. The attendant looks the sylvan elf over, appraising, before simply nodding and leading Del to the side room where she was to meet her partner for this job.

Del gives the attendant a wan smile and a nod as she holds the door open for Del, and then leaves, allowing it to swing shut behind her. There's already someone in the room-- and Del's eyes widen slightly. Not only because the person is covered in gorgeous azure blue scales, but because of her style of dress. The Crescent Isles; likely not the area she had lived in for most of her memory, probably, but she would know those shifting, lovely fabrics anywhere. Her shy smile shifting to one of warmth, Del bows from her waist. "Good day. I apologise for any delay; I'm Delaela Asiliari. I take it you and I are to be working on this... problem with the Geonids?" She comes to sit across the table from the young Orochi, picking up the letter to have a read of it as well. Someone wanted to keep this hush-hush. She wondered why.

"I am indeed here to help with the Geonids issue. My name is Shitakibo, or Taki if that's difficult to pronounce." Replied the shaman. She gave the slender elvish woman a keen look, noting her garb and overall look. She was imposing, taller than Taki and many times more bulky. She took note of her lack of weaponry, meaning she either was a practitioner of martial discipline or perhaps a powerful mage. 

"There is no need to rush, as far as I know of. We should discuss how we'd each like to attempt to tackle this problem. I personally am no fan of outright destruction, preserving life is my priority in any situation it's feasible. If possible, I'd like to resolve this peacefully and without destroying a group of creatures who have inconvenienced the town." She stated, hoping that Delaela would agree. Being able to sense the spirits of living things, commune with the part of life that only a few ever experience, had made Taki grow more hesitant with age to take a life. Her own companion's voices, presence, spirits were a part of all life she encountered. Treading the line between protecting the balance of nature and fulfilling each assignment often required resourceful planning and improvising, furthering the difficulty of what often were harrowing challenges to begin with. 

"Shitakibo. A pleasure to meet you." Del offers a smile; her pronunciation was perfect, as if the Sylvan elf had been resident of the Crescent Isles as well. Setting the letter aside and ordering a simple bowl of soup, Del leaned forward on her elbows and gave the scaled person another crooked smile. "I think we are both on the same page, in that case. I don't want them destroyed either. Geonids are peaceful by and large. I think the primary thing we should look into is finding them a suitable area for relocation."

But then, how to go about that? Del pauses as her soup arrives, ans takes a few careful sips before resuming her thought process. "Moonglade has quite dense forests, some of which have extensive stone caverns as a result of erosion. My suggestion would be to get the geonids into one of these-- if they're already unoccupied. A sanctuary they can go to. As for my skill set, I am a carpenter and blacksmith. I am good with my hands, and am quite strong, particularly when it counts. If we need to carry multiples of these creatures, I can do so. What of you?" Del lifts her amber eyes to Shitakibo again, curious. "What sorts of advantages do you have at your disposal?"

"My own kind call me Shaman, as I have strong bonds to nature, animals and the spirits of the world. I've brought a couple of my animal companions along for our journey, and my Guardian Spirits will be able to help." Replied the shaman, whose companion spirits stirred at their mention. While they didn't manifest, they curled up in spirit form close to Taki. Taking a few deep breaths, she could sense the restless spirits of the Geonids across town. Faint, yet agitated by being driven to the surface, the creatures were trying to find a new place to call home. She couldn't tell much more than basic impressions, but she agreed with Delaela's assessment. 

"Perhaps it would be best if we got to scouting, look for an area for these displaced ones, and if we cannot find them... we may be able to make plans to relocate them to my sanctum near Bamboo Forest." Taki said after pondering the situation, and what parts she was aware of. Standing, she straightened her colorful garb and left change for her snack on the table. Stretching her slender limbs briefly, she opened the door for the pair to embark on a relocation endeavor. Yet again, she marveled at the outcome of her chosen life, how far the spirits of this world had guided her from her sheltered upbringing.

Del gives Shitakibo a warm smile. A shaman? She had known a handful back when she lived on the Crescent Isles themselves, but only in passing; her mentor, Maruyama, was much better acquainted with them than she was, but Del had learned that those who were close to the land, a bridge between places, were more than worthy of respect. "Then it sounds like you're the best one suited to this task by far. I'm very fortunate to be working alongside you and your other companions. I agree," Del finishes her soup, drinking quickly of the warm broth, unbothered by it's heat, and sets it down. She rises, smiling once more, and leaving her own coin on the table, plus a tip. Always tip your waitstaff. "By your leave, Lady Shaman."

She follows Taki out of the room, taking care to hold the door for her as they exit. This certainly would be an adventure, and Del felt quite good about their chances. She couldn't talk to animals or commune with nature-- something that was lost in translation with her own memories when she fell, perhaps, despite her Sylvan heritage-- but she marveled nonetheless at nature and the beauty it had to offer.

"What part of the Crescent Isles are you from, if you don't mind my asking?" She enquires as they start toward the stables to gather Shitakibo's other companions.

Taki stood at the woman's behest, having finished her own small snack. She retrieved Yukina and Shuna from the stable as the pair made to depart for town and begin their task. Yukina greeted the shaman excitedly, almost knocking her over hastily trying to exit the stall. Shuna hopped out of the way, balancing on the rail as Taki fed her her companions and checked that Keiga wasn't too dry. The pond nearby gave the overgrown serpent somewhere to soak their bulk and stay hydrated but she couldn't imagine it's inhabitants were thrilled by it. 

Once satisfied Keiga would be okay, she walked back outside with Shuna cradled in her arms. Yukina followed, bounding along behind until she was free of the confines of the building. Taking flight almost immediately, the Snow Owl stretched her wings and circled overhead. She would keep roughly in the area unless Taki gave her a signal otherwise. Rejoining Delaela, the pair headed towards the western side of town.

"My home is on the outskirts of the Bamboo Forest. Recently completed, it is a place of refuge for those with sick or injured animals nestled along the banks of a river. It was an interesting project, but well worth the expense and effort to complete. Spirit's Retreat, or Taikyaku-no-Seishin is it's name, and a combination of a garden and animal sanctum is it's purpose." Replied the shaman, whose own curiosity was warming up with the walk and the sun.

"Where do you call home? How do you make your living when not adventuring?" She asked.

Del watches the animals leap towards Taki from their place in the stables, smiling broadly. They were so sweet in thier clear affection for the shaman. It reminded her of Chip, safe and sound back at the forge, the playful little flitten nestled among her woodpile. Maybe she should try to bring him along with her more often.

She watches as the Snowy Owl took flight, soaring up and away. Del gives Shitakibo a nod and follows next to her as they make their trek toward the other end of town.

"I don't believe I've been there."[/color] Del says, after thinking on the name Shitakibo gave. "It sounds like a wonderful place, though. I might have to pay it a visit the next time I go back to the Crescent Isles, if I can." If it was visitable, anyway.

Moonglade was such a vibrant and verdant place; similar to the Crescent Isles, covered in trees and life, though it was different than the Isles in its own way. The life here had a different quality to it. Del wondered idly if Shitakibo could feel that.

"Darkveil," Del says with a sheepish smile; she knew the place's reputation. "I have a smithy there, and I've been staying with a, ah. Friend. For the past while. It's not a perfect place by any means, but I've enjoyed getting the chance to make a home there. Before this, I lived in the Crescent Isles for a while before I had to leave. Until Darkveil, my home was the road."

Taki nodded, listening to Del's explanation of their history and home. The pair had almost reached the area where the Geonids supposedly were when Yukina gave a sharp call. Banking in a tight circle over the area of a few closely grouped buildings, the shaman sent Shuna ahead to help keep a perimeter and ensure none of the creatures tried to escape. She smiled, sensing the oddity in their presence, the difference in living things versus the small boulders and stones they attempted to mimic. The camouflage was clever if you weren't sure what you were looking at, or for. 

Shuna darted back and forth through the buildings and along their edge, trying to drive the tumbling rock creatures towards the gathering area between these processing buildings. Taki figured that these had been brought up in a load from below and mistaken for ores, until someone tried to drop one in a crusher, or crack it open and inspect it. The idea made her giggle a bit but she did her best to coordinate the efforts of her companions and gather the creatures in one place. It was slow going, as the Geonids were skiddish, nimble and prone to adding themselves to a pile of other similar rubble and sealing up. 

"I'm not sure how we're going to transport these, let alone contain them for any length of time... so very bizarre." Stated the shaman, observing the efforts of her pets and it's results. Taki scanned the area for ideas, and to get a feel for what might be available. She turned to Del as her companions zipped around the area, barely keeping up with the chaotic movements of the hopping stone creatures.

"Any ideas? This seems about as effective as trying to punch a river during a storm... and I'd hate to burn ourselves out before we've even corralled them all."

As they arrive on the scene, Del takes to helping Taki's pets corral the geonids, harrying them from the sides to help bunch them together. With their combined efforts completed in no time, she returns to Taki's side. Del furrows her brow at the scene, a grimace playing on her lips. The poor creatures were beside themselves with whatever sort of panic had come over them.

"We should be able to reach them, somehow." Del says slowly, "They're supposed to be intelligent creatures, though I certainly can't speak to them. We might be able to convince them to follow us somewhere safe, or where there's food," though what Geonid's ate Del could hardly hazard a guess. Metal, perhaps? "But first, we'll have to calm them down."

Del thinks again. What would calm down a large group of living rock creatures that, as far as she knew, were more endemic to areas like Frost Gale than Moonglade? She looked up, suddenly, at the sky, and an idea bloomed across her face with her smile.

"Let me try something," Del hums and closes her eyes.

Starting with Del's own shadow, the shadows of the trees and the buildings around them suddenly start to shift and converge, lifting up and covering the area in a thin but not total blanket of darkness, dimming the light from the sun [1]. As Del accomplishes this, she opens her eyes, looking at Taki with a sheepish smile as the geonids slowly stop their scurrying and general panic. "They're subterranean creatures, right? The sun was probably disorienting them."

---

[1] Mass Shadow Control - Shadow Dancer Prestige

Marvelling at Del's prowess, they'd managed to work together to gather the little stony creatures at one place. They still scurried about and jostled each other, small boulder like shells clacking and bounding off one another. She stared in awe as the shadows of the area shifted, merged, and formed a canopy strong enough to to blot out most of the sunlight in the area. Taki was speechless for a long moment as the chittering creatures calmed themselves.

"It seems your idea was spot on Delaela. Now to find a suitable home for these wonderful little critters." Taki noted, letting out a call to Yukina. The Snowy Owl banked high into the air and began to scout the area nearby. Focusing on her connection to the spirits, she spread her senses out into the misty, ethereal realm in search of a suitable home for these Geonids. Her eyes swirled with energy, and she stood still entranced for a few moments.

In her mind's eye, the terrain of the area appeared as a misty, swirling picture. Various caves, caverns and openings in the earth highlighted with a tinge of greens and browns. One stood out, a deep vein of dark, muddy green reaching deep into the ground. Letting out a deep sighing breath, the light faded from her features and she smiled.

"Let's head this way... there's another deep cave that cuts down into the world with an entrance that's concealed by the forest itself." Taki said, turning to the gaggle of stony creatures hiding in the gathered shadows. Working together, the pair herded the Geonids away from town and into the shade of the overgrown forest. After a twisting journey, the group found a group of trees all growing into the same jut of rock and dirt. The thick roots that tangled upon themselves left little room for larger creatures to get deeper within, even disguising the entrance until someone was close enough to peer into the gloom.

"Here we are little ones, down into the earth you love so much... it won't be easy for others to disturb you here." She said to the clanking creatures, who all turned to the shaman, bobbed about for a moment, then skittered through the vines. Tumbling, hopping, and making a ruckus, the critters delightfully chirping about as they wriggled their rocky shells down into the depths of the ground once more.

Del has the decency to give Taki a sheepish look at her compliment, and inclines her head to the Shaman. "Yes. You ca take your time, I can hold this for as long as I need to." She tips her chin upwards in the direction of the canopy of shadow to indicate it. Though while she focuses on holding the shadows in place so the Geonids can get some relief, Del still finds herself able to pay attention and watch Shitakibo commune with the spirits.

It isn't anything Del can externally comprehend apart from the glow of magic around Taki's eyes; she cannot see into Taki's mind. But she understands the veil of peae and oneness that encompasses the shaman as she connects with what is around them. She smiles faintly as she observes-- impressive did not begin to describe what she was seeing.

When the light fades, Del turns her small smile on Taki, giving her a nod of regard. "Alright, lets go," She helps to move the shadows to continually cover the Geonids, using her connection to shades and darkness as an umbrella to help the stony creatures get to where they needed to go, while Taki guided them.

Del watches them nearly fall over themselves to get back into their home in the earth, and chuckles, delighted, before turning to Taki. "That was incredible, how you found the cave. They also seemed quite taken with you." Releasing the shadows that covered them, she casts her eyes around their immediate surroundings, looking for any strays or stragglers. "I think we got them all, too!"

Taki smiled back, bowing slightly. "Thank you for your kind words. I've expanded upon quite a lot since beginning my own adventures. I'm glad these little ones weren't mischievous, and we were able to help everyone peacefully. Your magic made that possible as well, it would have been an endeavor to attempt this alone..." She replied. Letting out a series of whistles, her companions returned. Each was given a treat and a drink, and she offered some of her own rations. These were made by taking a simple dough and filling it with cured meats and dried herbs, spices and vegetables. Baking these yields a fluffy, flaky crust filled with a savory and rich filling that gets set in a drying cabinet to smoke overnight. They keep well for quite a bit, and can be steamed to soften them up over a pot of boiling water.  Perfectly fine to eat either dry or steamed, they have a wonderfully layered flavor and go well with water, tea or coffee. 

Snacking on hers like a stuffed cracker, Taki she watched as the last of the Geonids disappeared into the darkness. Days like these were why Taki enjoyed her life so very much, helping people live in harmony with the natural world. Each life could be understood with the patience and a little help, and the shaman spent her days pursuing that goal. Enjoying the last morsels of her snack, she dusted the crumbling flakes from her clothes. 

"What do you say we go give them the good news? I'm sure everyone's eager to get their day's routine back in order. I am sure my own work is piling up at home as well, it always does." She chuckled softly, glad she had a place to call home. There was a time the very idea had seemed absurd, a broken dream from a broken life.. Now she'd turned it into a reality, with help from many people, including some of the people in this very town. Their ironworks had been a boon in making her home easier to build, and maintain, since it was a small worker's shack on the riverside. She was eager to see the others as well, sure Shion and Rina had many stories to tell about Kamina. They were teaching the fae about their home while Taki was away. When the group were all together again, there was a great deal the shaman wished to train for them all.