The cold rocky path, well worn with the passage of many travelers over the years, proved to be somewhat slippery and sleek with the icy cold which accented the high altitude. Ashdod, a Saltwater native to the grassy Mireh region, and Shinobu, a vibrant blue dragon with a flaming red mane, led their respective parties up the steep slopes of the mountain. Each group with a very similar goal - to reach the monument residing on the mountainside which was a mark to remember the victims of a great bush fire which had ravaged the region and still to this day had left its mark on the valley below.
Ashdod herself was not native to the mountainous regions, however had plenty of knowledge passed to her from others that she made an excellent guide to Torook and Lantana - two other Saltwater Tsabhua who hailed from her region and eager to learn about their history, and really any history, from a fellow Saltie. ((As they climbed the rocky path, Ashdod pointed out many features and scars of the landscape to the group - Xunari and Kodai alike - and told the history behind them.
Some scars from wars long passed, and some from natural disasters. Some markings left along the trail from previous individuals from all walks of life who had trekked the same path they did - bringing about a serene sense of belonging and comradery.)) These markings were the only thing telling Lantana that the journey was actually possible as she struggled to heave her weight up the path which seemed way too narrow for someone of her species. Markings were evidence that this was not a perilous journey as her mind worked so hard to convince her it was.
Shinobu, on the other hand, was leading two young dragons, Nutmeg and Velma, along their own journey before they had stumbled upon the visiting Tsabhua. The dragons did not struggle on the path nearly as much at the Tsabhua, being much more nimble and able to float seemingly solely to defy the existence of gravity.
Where the Tsabhua traveled to pay their respects and hold a vigil to the victims of these unforgiving lands, Shinobu, Nutmeg and Velma sought to find converse with the spirits of the fallen creatures as part of their own cultural rites.
Torook took in everything Ashdod was explaining to them, as well as listening in to Shinobu's lectures to the young dragons. He was eager to absorb as much information as he could, hoping to one day have all the information on the mystery of his own heritage written down to share with others and future generations. A fact which weighed heavily on his young mind. Lantana exchanged weary glances with Velma, for some reason not feeling a sense of trust between the pair of them.
After what seemed like an eternity despite not stopping for breaks, the groups made it to the monument together. The Kodai each planted themselved firmly on the ground, refusing to fly in such a sacred location where the spiritual energy was abundantly clear to each of them - even Velma who was not known for being so tactful.
"This place..." Nutmeg spoke softly, as if to not awaken something sleeping. Lantana nodded in agreement but Shinobu was the one who spoke up agreeing whilst Torook listened on with excited anticipation about learning something new.
"Yes, there are numerous spirits residing in this space. You could feel it as we approached - but now that we are here in the presence of the shrine we have unfiltered access to the energies. We must tread lightly, and respectfully." Shinobu instructed, also speaking softly. She led the younger dragons closer to the monument and began her instruction on how to call to the spirits who wished to be found.
Once they were out of ear shot, Lantana spoke up, exhausted and having run thin on her patience "Is it a good idea for them to try... well... to find a spirit? Is that not... dangerous?"
Ashdod merely shrugged "Many cultured have different beliefs. Just as we are here to pay our respects, so are they. Come, let us leave them alone - I see a good space over here to set up."
Torook and Lantana followed Ashdod to her indicated place near the shrine where many gifts in strangely pristine condition had been left around the monument in the entrance. The three Salties started to unpack their own offerings to the monument, and pay their respects to the fallen, as they silently explored the grounds and read the plaques spotted around with explanations on the history of the area as well as the specific names of villages, towns and in some cases, the individuals who had lost their lives to the disasters that struck the region over the years.
After what seemed like a relaxing and uneventful time up by the mountain shrine, a sudden dark and chill came on the wind as clouds blotted out the sun. Chimes hanging from rafters sounded in the wind as they danced, but eerily, suddenly stopped when the wind did. Velma looked around, glaring at the still environment around them as if ready to defend herself against the air itself. Shinobu gestured gently, trying to reassure the others around her to stand down; however the panic slowly sunk in as the world continued to darken around them, as if swallowing the distant mountains and hushing all noise.
Lantana's hackles began to rise and she snarled, however Ashdod let out a gasp and pointed "look!".
Torook followed where she pointed and saw a glowing blue figure, the light seeming to flow off of them like smoke as they moved purposefully yet silently through the shrine; observing the offerings left.
Shinobu mouthed "Fox Spirit" to Nutmeg and Velma, her eyes gleaming with joy that they got to interact with the spirit. As if that alone made the spirit aware that it had company, its tail flicked and it jumped up to stand on the cobbled stone wall surrounding the shrine; regarding the strangers to its shrine with curious aloofness.
It did not speak, but yet somehow everyone could hear its voice as it questioned why they were there.
Ashdod shot Lantana and Torook a look whilst shaking her head, requesting them to be silent in the moment. Nutmeg took the opportunity, cutting off Shinobu before she could speak.
"We seek your guidance and wish to pay respects to the spirits inhabiting the forest and this shrine." She took a few steps towards the spirit, however when it looked at her with its unblinking cold blue eyes, she was frozen in place; either through fear or because it controlled her physical body in the moment, Nutmeg could not tell.
The spirit acknowledged the reasoning and seemed to request specifics on why it should impart any knowledge to those before it. This time Shinobu was able to speak on behalf of the group.
"We have traveled far to bring gifts and hold vigil for you and yours. We seek only cultural knowledge of this area as we are not hailing from this region and wish to learn more, as well as pay our respects to the spirits who care for these lands."
Apparently satisfied with the answer given, the fox spirit dipped its head and jumped down off the wall on which it had perched - however it did not land on the ground. Before its front paws could make contact, it disappeared and the world lit up, the ambient sounds of the forest and mountain side returned, and the gentle breeze blew once more.
The groups stood in stunned silence for a few moments before Lantana let out a nervous laugh, followed by Torook and Ashdod who did not know why they too were laughing.
"That was so amazing!" Torook sighed, his eyes wide with wonder.
Shinobu nodded, eyeing off the Tsabhua with a newfound curiosity. "Indeed, amazing. Though curiously, there have never been reports of others beyond us Kodai who can converse with the spirit guardians. Colour me intrigued."
Velma snorted in defiance "Nothing special about them. We all saw it too, you know." she huffed and sat on her haunches, now pouting at not receiving the praise she felt she deserved. Nutmeg chuckled at her friend, sauntering over to plop herself down atop the moping yellow dragon.
"Children, am I right?" Ashdod winked at Shinobu, gaining a hearty chuckle.
"Yes, children indeed."
Torook: 1 mentions
Lantana: 1 mentions
Torook: 1 mentions
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Torook: 1 mentions
Lantana: 2 mentions
Torook: 1 mentions
Lantana: 1 mentions
Torook: 1 mentions
Lantana: 1 mentions
Torook: 2 mentions
Lantana: 1 mentions

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