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Maheka Youko	In Creation there are a couple types of forests. The ones most people see- cut down for houses or burned in wildfires and regrown time and again through the ages, trees and underbrush intermingled as they vie for dominance of the area. Then there are older-growth forests, standing since long before most people's great-grandparents could have even imagined. Trees that could, themselves, act as small homes if hollowed out, underbrush thick and wild in some areas and withered away by the lack of sunlight in others. Then there's -this- tree. Dominating an ancient woodland by orders of magnitude, an entire village could sit in the footprint of just its trunk. A sizable stream disappears under it between two of the outgrowing roots- and scarcely a trickle continues on to join the great rivers on the other side. In some far-flung age it was reshaped by great sorceries and geomantic works, and rather than forking out mighty branches, the dizzyingly-sized trunk splits outward in nearly an abrupt right turn in eight directions, each curving back upwards not much farther to creat eight separate treetops. The locals to the area claim that on the plateau formed between them lies a sacred garden of pristine herbs and other useful flora, but few claim to have seen it themselves. Following the winding paths of the marks on the bark, seeming to flow organically from the trunk itself, series of staircases and a variety of structures have been built into the sides of this tree, forming a village or perhaps stronghold of sorts from which the inhabitants of this essence-laden wonder may conduct their business and live their lives. Supposedly only a couple are in use, as after a recent war there are but one or two residents, receiving occasional visitors from afar for information and supply.
Dutiful Cricket	The Dutiful Cricket of the Hidden Northern Valley walks with slow rhythm, basket with leaves and herbs covered with cloth as if she's planning a picnic. Her hair grazes the canopies of younger trees in her nature walk, eyes sleepy but sharp, always noticing when something's by her feet, whispering various uses of things to herself. It's convenient that there's a trail, however worn in it is...As she passes over a hill, she takes in the scenery, the megalithic tree ahead. "There you are.... I'm glad my eyes are still in good form," she whispers to herself with a little relief, following the trail towards the great towering foliage.
Bright Journey	"Well," Bright Journey murmurs to herself as she looks up, and up, and up some more at the most obvious tree--or anything else--for some distance around. "For the first time in an Age, the line 'you can't miss it' actually -worked-. I guess I owe him an ale." Slipping between the trees and crunching a bit on dry twigs, Bright Journey hefts the pair of large, empty satchels she's carrying and makes her way towards the village. A little too well dressed for the terrain and carrying no visible weapons, Bright looks a bit out of place in a rustic setting such as this. Still, she makes her way through with reasonable aplomb and at a decent speed. Most of her attention is forward, a bit of a furrowed brow as she keeps an eye out in case someone there doesn't want her coming.
Drifting Petal	Petal, too, finds herself out and about, but for almost entirely different reasons. She finds herself following a pilgrimage trail, simple sandals leaving only basic evidence of her passing as she plots a course through the wilderness. And more importantly, she finds herself on the very trail Cricket walks! She stands before a small, hard to see shrine, crumbling and in disrepair, and yet Petal seems to have something to do there. The shrine itself is merely a statue, roughly carved from uninteresting stone, in the shape of some small woodland critter perched upon a little shrine housing, with a sloped roof and a cubby for offerings. Petal, without realizing there are others nearby, claps her hands together loudly, then lights two sticks of incense inside the cubby, nearly burning herself on the match she uses. "Spirit," she mutters, "Thank ya fer lettin' me look in yer forest for good leaves. Thank ya for watchin' over me an' all the woods. Please bless my journey, and..." She looks up from her prayer, intending to look skyward, but her vision is interurpted by the mass of Cricket in the way. "... oh."
Maheka Youko	It seems today is oneof those days with a visitor- as one draws nearer to the tree-grown structures, there's a small family present. The youngest child looks shy as the final bindings on expertly-applied bandaging are set in place, and a fairly obvious Dragonblood dressed in simple-yet-fine robes offers a cheerful smile and pat on the shoulder. A few words are exchanged, before the family is sent on their way, relief visible on their faces- perhaps relating to the bandages' appearance of having some poultice or salve packed underneath. With leaves in her hair and curious colourations, the wood aspect becomes only more obvious as one draws near, gathering a well-crafted probably-for-walking staff from its place against a nearby rock. she steps up onto some of the outcropped steps, then pauses a moment. Her eyes prove keen in that moment, spotting not only the direct approacher, but the large figure off in the distance with a furrow of her brow. She steps back off the stairs, then, standing and waiting for the approaching figure(s), analytical and aware, perhaps even guarded, but welcoming all the same.
Dutiful Cricket	The giantess that Petal met the other night doesn't seem aware of her in her nature walk, thinking to herself with a finger on her chin as she pauses and considers the uses of some moss hanging from a branch in front of her, until she decides against it and ducks under to keep ambling.
Bright Journey	Between near visitors and far, slightly taller than average height people and...well, -absurdly- taller than average height people, there's certainly a bit of nearby activity. The calm, peaceful atmosphere, though, is enough to put Bright at ease as she finds her way out of the trees and onto what passes for a path to the manse. She's staying alert, to be sure, but she doesn't look harried or nervous. Sparing a glance behind her, one of Bright's fine pink eyebrows raises in curiosity at the eight or nine-foot woman's presence, but at least she's not doing anything Bright wouldn't do. She also gives the young lady offering prayer a bit of a smile. The two clearly have not met yet, but Bright's not willingly ignoring anyone, just paying most of her attention to the manse in front of her..and the people living there. That smile of removed fondness grows brighter as the family starts making their way back, but Bright doesn't interfere or try to attract more attention to herself than she already has, at least not until the family has left. Then, Bright Journey shrugs the two satchels over her shoulder one more time and starts heading directly towards Maheka Youko. If she's bothered that Youko is clearly blessed by Sextes Jylis, she gives no sign. "Hail and well met," Bright begins, once she's in range to have a reasonable conversation. She's not obnoxiously close, though. "I'm honored to have finally found this place."
Drifting Petal	Petal finds herself confused - there are too many people out here for a simple shrine, and so she follows their direction of travel with her eyes, until she realizes they're approaching what is quite possibly the largest tree she's ever scene. How did she miss that before...? Nonetheless, she finishes her prayer with another quick mutter, leaving the incense to carry her words to Heaven, then trots off after Cricket and Bright Journey, swords jangling roughly at her side as she runs. "Hey, wait!" she cries after them, her little legs working over-time to keep up with Cricket's gargantuan strides. Once she pulls up alongside the much larger woman, she remarks, "This'd be a good place to find special leaves, right?"
Dutiful Cricket	Cricket turns to the source of the call-out, squatting down to greet her. "Oh, it's you again, little stranger. You're seeking special leaves out here? I know not your meaning for special just yet, but I imagine you've come upon a special place for that..." The basket she carries has a dense herbal scent, up close. "You are without your partner today? You both had quite a bit of warmth to each other. But I suppose even the closest couples are not joined at the hip," she muses warmly, herself.
Maheka Youko	Up close, in all earnesty... Youko's not a woman who guards her thoughts and feelings very well. Her faint smile suggests she's intrigued by the sudden rush of visitors, but the slight knit of her brow as she looks over the golden metal that Bright wears is fairly telling. "Good afternoon. I must say, I hadn't thought to see this much visitation until the Green Devil King was a more distant memory. Pardon my saying, but given the garb... I'm forced to wonder at what brings one to this conservatory today?"
Bright Journey	At Youko's question, Bright Journey offers as friendly a smile as she can manage and meaningfully lifts up the strap of one of the satchels she's carrying. Both satchels are the same size, far more practical and rough-spun than her clothing, and both are quite empty, though they've clearly seen some use. "I promise, I am not here to cause you trouble. In truth, I wasn't entirely sure what it was I would find here, though you and your community seem hopefully a little more hospitable than my usual luck. I came here to explore, and to learn, and to collect some rare herbs for use and sale, though I have a feeling the latter might be a bridge too far at this point. The alehouse proprietor I heard about this place from, though, called it a manse, not a tree or a village." She frowns and looks behind her for a moment, roughly towards Great Forks. "Food for thought." "But, perhaps, that thought is for another time." Bright glances at Dutiful Cricket and Drifting Petal as Youko mentions visitors. "If my visit is ill-timed, then I apologize. But before I go on, please call me Bright Journey. Bright is fine. I don't think I caught your name, and I must confess, I'm not certain who the Green Devil King was, but I'd love to hear the story."
Drifting Petal	Drifting Petal walks alongside Dutiful Cricket as though the two were old friends, her shoulders relaxed and her demeanor friendly. She sniffs at the basket curiously, even cheekily trying to peek inside, as though there might be treats for her. Nonetheless, she opines, "Well, she's nappin'.. doesn't like the daytime much. She was real excited about this leaf business, so I figured I'd come out an' find her some more." As if to prove she's not crazy, she withdraws from her sleeve a small, green leaf, perfectly symmetrical, and shows it to Cricket. "She said this was important."
Dutiful Cricket	Cricket stops in her tracks and squats down again, her brows twitching as she seems to focus on the perfect leaf.... Measuring, studying.... She smiles wide. "How adorable!" She announces clear enough that the women talking at the end of the path have to pause for only a moment. "What a beautiful leaf...! But you know.... Leaves by design are symmetrical outside of damage, yes?" She asks, placing a cheek on her hand, as if fawning. "What you've found is a perfectly untarnished leaf, that much is certain. I shall help you impress your mate with more." She comes to stand with a renewed energy that she didn't have before, as if music notes rise around her. She offers her hand for Petal to take. "Come along, little stranger. We've much ground to cover."
Maheka Youko	A slow nod from Youko- she doesn't seem all that wholly convinced, but what can one do. "You'll have to pardon me. The Green Devil was a sorcerer-king that used to command this Manse- your acquaintance had it correct. My Wing was contracted to end his reign before his endeavours threatened some of his neighbours. Given that after our victory we were ambushed by his allies, and now all at once a person in gold armour, a giant, and a woman with a sword that won't quite stick in my mind, perhaps you understand why I might have concerns that some of his remaining loyalists might take interest here." With that the staff in her hand drifts to the side slightly as her arm relaxes a little, at least for now. "I am Shonai Maheka Youko, representing the interests of the Seventh Legion as decisions are made regarding the handling of this Manse in the wake of that battle. Herbs and gardens aside, there is much to be said for the strategic import of such a locus of essence, as compared to the commitment of maintaining garrison here in full. If the need is for medicine... there may perhaps be some from the Conservatory I can spare- and the surrounding woods I claim no dominion over."
Bright Journey	At Youko's story, Bright Journey simply nods in understanding. "If you've been attacked here recently, then I can well understand how ill timed my--" Bright pauses a moment to look at the other two visitors, clearly headed this way. "Correction, our arrival surely was. Mind you, I do not know either of them and cannot vouch for them, not that my word is good itself, yet. "As for the herbs...well, that's something of what I expected, to be honest, once I saw people live here. If I knew someone ill I would ask for some, but never just to fill my pocket with jade. Keep your herbs for those in need. As you pointed out, you don't claim dominion over the forest, and I can take care of myself. I was planning on getting some hunting in anyway, before heading back." Bright looks at Youko curiously. "Strategic importance is not something I know much of anything about, but I'm curious. Does this place see attacks regularly, then? Or was the group trying to protect or avenge the Green Devil King a unique occurrence?"
Dutiful Cricket	The giantess waves carefully with her basket in tow to the two who speak of attacks and Devil Kings. "Hellooooo... Strangers. This is quite the impressive structure here. Can you tell me where I might find some day-lilies and stone-petal carnations-of-the-valley? I'm working on a home remedy, preventative, really, and I'm aware the lilies are likely to not be in bloom just yet, but for this remedy I think that will be useful...Ah! I'm sorry, I must be boring you, Shonai, Bright Journey," bowing to each. "I am to understand that this is a place where, if not supply, one might find advice on where to find such bloom?"
Drifting Petal	Drifting Petal looks up at Cricket as the woman explains who she is and why she's here. She's not so dense as to not pick up on social cues, and affects a sloppy but well-meant bow, the bow too deep and the motion too jerky to be practiced. When she snaps back up, she announces with her outside voice, "And I'm lookin' for leaves!"
Dutiful Cricket	"Ah, right! That was my other conferred question to ask!" She looks down to Petal to nod mirthfully and back to the other two. "Would we be allowed to climb this tree, Shonai? To take upon ourselves the leaves unfettered by surrounding nature?"
Maheka Youko	A faint smile from Youko, and her head shakes. "I am not so formally on duty as to speak so officiously. Youko will be fine. Some nearby villagers might append 'of the White Harvest', but that will be further unnecessary." She surveys the trio for a long moment before proceeding to answer in turn; "These manses are locii of power, gatherings of the Essence that flows through Creation. This one matches my own aspect, as it were. Aside from being a place for the Chosen to recoup spiritual strength, these places- once tamed as this one has been- generally have some benefits, such as the provision of certain flora in this case. Some form magical stones, and often these places provide ample essence for the sorcerous among us to work their craft. This last was why the aformentioned King was here. He was growing in power, and the Legion was contracted to put a stop to as much before it destabilized the region. However, he had allies, and those allies arrived after his defeat and seized the opportunity while our forces were recovering." A look over to the giant with that, head craning upwards a long moment. "As I said I may have some to spare of what I currently hold for my own use, if there is a need. If there is further need beyond, you can travel west of here for the carnations, and south of there for the lilies." And finally to the swordswoman, who perhaps draws a little additional scrutiny for a moment. "Well, there is no shortage of leaves here- some even grow upon my person, in point of fact, being Chosen as I am. But if you are curious for the ones of this place..." she considers for another moment. Then, turning, she touches her fingertips to the bark of the mighty trunk of the place- and a very sharp ear might hear faint rustling from far above. And a few long moments later, given the height involved, vibrant and still-lively leaves come floating down from the treetop. "The leaves are different from each of the eight outgrowths, and some should have fallen from each, if you've the interest of walking the circuit when we are done."
Dutiful Cricket	"Aren't you a fastidious one? The dragons chose well in a protectorate!" The giantess beams, bowing her head with at least some level of decorum that ill begets such a looming figure. "south and west... I shall not trouble your own supply for a non-emergency, Youko." She puts her free hand out to watch leaves fall, seeing about catching a few and squinting to inspect them....
Drifting Petal	Drifting Petal claps her hands in front of her twice, and bows her head to Youko, eyes shut. "Thank ya, honored Prince, for yer kind words." With that, she starts to look at the leaves falling around her, but then something gives her pause, and instead of wandering off to do her own thing, some sense of debt weighs on her, and she asks, "Is there somethin' I can do to repay ya?"
Bright Journey	Bright Journey simply nods and listens. Nothing about the description really seems to surprise her, so there's at least a decent chance she at least knows what a manse is, but still, she nods in appreciation of the explanation. "Thank you, Youko. I must say, it's refreshing to have a nice conversation, nary a weapon drawn. I confess to a certain curiosity, though..." She turns and looks at the other two women, just now having arrived. "It sounds like you two heard our introductions to each other, but I admit I haven't heard your names. Might I have the pleasure?" She looks at Dutiful Cricket and Drifting Petal expectantly.
Dutiful Cricket	Dutiful Cricket cocks her head a bit and chuckles. "Oh, I am a terrible eavesdropper, aren't I?" She muses, hand on her chest to bow again to both of them. "I am just an old medicine-woman, the Dutiful Cricket of the Hidden Northern Valley." She doesn't introduce Petal for her as she doesn't even know her name, regardless! Which is curious for the trusting gestures both seem to pass back and forth casually.
Maheka Youko	"Truthfully I need rather little here- this is something of a pseudo-sabbatical, and what few wants and needs are not met nearby tend to be covered by check-ins from my superiors," Youko answers to Drifting Petal in earnesty, bowing her head a moment. "If you feel the need- perhaps help me occupy the time, send any associates that may need a physician in the area my way. Would hardly do to let my abilities rust over while I stay here." The leaf is fairly unique, somewhere between a redwood and a philodendron, making it admittedly reminiscent of the leaves emerging in Youko's still-short hair in some elements of shape. "Though I suppose your friend here may well take care of that regardless. Ah well."
Dutiful Cricket	"Oh, please, Youko, don't flatter me so! I merely look after a few youths who tend not to be cautious of disease, is all..." Yet she's going to forage these supplies by hand?
Drifting Petal	Drifting Petal nods slowly as she's given a task - the look on her face betrays everything she's thinking, and it seems she's taking this very seriously. Nonetheless, her attention is dragged over to Journey, and she smiles, though it's more distant than her usual grins. She tugs at the shoulder of her kimono, bearing more of her neck and collarbone, down which runs a long, thin white scar. As she traces a finger along it, she declares, "Don't have a name, anymore. Folks have taken to callin' me Drifting Petal, on account of how I walk around a lot." She seems satisfied with that, nodding. "Think I'll walk the tree m'self, see if I can find somethin' nice for Himiko. Y'all take care," she finishes, and sets off, walking at a slow, easy pace.
Dutiful Cricket	"It was a pleasure meeting you again, Drifting Petal! I hope Himiko enjoys what gifts you bring her~!" The giant raises her voice in a way that paradoxically says soft and falsetto as she waves goodbye.
Bright Journey	There comes a time when it's best to stop getting in the middle of things and let them happen as they may. So it is with Bright Journey, who may not be personally invested in Dutiful Cricket, Drifting Petal, or their searches for poultices, or her mate, as the case may be. Indeed, there's little else whom this 'Himiko' can be, and there's an inordinately fond look on Bright's face as Drifting Petal wanders off. After she goes, Bright watches her dwindle as she heads towards the tree-manse for a moment. "You know what they say," she murmurs, half to herself. "Absence makes the heart go yonder." She looks at Youko and Cricket. "That, ladies, is adorable. I'm envious."
Maheka Youko	"Fare well then, Petal," offers Youko with another bowing of her head, one hand wrapping around the other fist as might a martial artist of some sort. There's a faint smile, at the commentary as Petal leaves, but it could hardly be said that she's anywhere near as 'in it' as Bright Journey might be. "I confess, my specialty is perhaps more in wartime wounds, but disease is part and parcel with that, one supposes. If the children are well then I'm certain you're doing just fine," she adds towards Cricket, albeit with something of an air of having intentionally held back her ability for politeness's sake and being abjectly terrible at hiding that.
Bright Journey	Bright Journey nods in reply, looking up at the tree briefly while she thinks. "I may not be a master herbalist, but I did manage to pick up one or two things." She smiles fondly once more. "My mother was an herbalist and chirurgeon, both, and I sort of helped out here and there. I can already tell I'm not on your level, Youko, but I've seen a bit of both wounds and disease, I suppose." Turning (and looking up) to Dutiful Cricket, Bright Journey smiles in a more direct fashion. "Nice to meet you, Dutiful Cricket. May I ask what drew you out this way?" She chuckles, a bit darkly. "Not any barkeeps in Great Forks, was it?"
Dutiful Cricket	Cricket clasps her hands together and nods fervently at the suggestion that Petal is just the cutest thing, to be so driven by love. "Oh, myself?" She simpers a bit, patting her belted stomach. "Bars are not appealing when so many more could enjoy what much I would need, dear." Is that her idea of a joke? "No, I simply go where fate deigns me. I've been unlucky to stay in one place for too long, so soon I will have to let the children fend for their own as fate spurs me away again. It is an inevitable tragedy, you understand~..." She seems pretty level-toned about the concept. "Ah, I'm rambling about myself, I'm sorry. You both are braver than I, to treat the wounded in all those dreadful wars that machinate in this chaotic land. I simply cannot bear to face those wounded in battle, if I'll be honest...." Her face blanches a bit, fingers curling near her chin to show some apprehension to even imagine it.
Maheka Youko	"I confess I've caused some wounded in battle as well. Rather inevitable. The Seventh Legion has its duty and such I am set to serve. But, well- it wasn't just ability that drove me to becoming a medical officer rather than something else," Youko notes, head shaking a little. "Times of necessity, and all that." She considers Journey's statement for a moment. "I suppose, given the repute of this place, I shouldn't be so surprised at I am at the preponderance of those with backgrounds in medicine of whatever form."
Bright Journey	At this, Bright Journey smiles warmly, shaking her head gently. "I don't want to give the impression that I'm some sort of physician. I'm not, though I -have- done some of that here and there, as needs called to me. I could have taken over my mother's business after she passed, you see, and I chose not to. I don't want to pretend to skills I don't possess. "At the same time, I have some skills my mother never had." She chuckles. "I'm not an abysmal cook, for instance, or hunter. They do sort of go together at times. But there's a lot more hunters than herbalists, so I came here hoping to earn some coin. We already discussed that. I like to think I've got other talents too, but..hm. Well, we'll see. I've never cared for children, I suppose, but Cricket, you said you...what? Help an orphanage? Run it?"
Dutiful Cricket	"I see... I am sure your mother was a blessing upon your community, Bright Journey," Cricket assures her with a genuine beaming. "Oh, my work? Yes, I'm caretaker to a handful of children as of late. Urchins, mostly, you understand. Great Forks is a grandiose place, so easy to see the youths go invisible in such an environ.... They aren't difficult to care for, though! In fact, I have a harder time getting them to be LESS self-sufficient, ahaha....!" She sighs with a sense of longing masked by a smile. "Children are strange little things, but direly important. Though you alone may be the one to see it most, Youko, every child, from dynast to peon to pup in a litter, represents a future for Creation that they're to inherit. To poison this well is to, if you ask me, practically condemn all of Creation's tapestry itself..."
Maheka Youko	Pausing for a moment, Youko simply nods slightly at Cricket's commentary on children. Her smile is the sort of tight and faint that suggests a few mixed thoughts on the matter. She shrugs it off a moment after. "Children can be surprisingly resilient. Especially if they have been alone in a place like Great Forks before. With all the temples and such... I imagine any who are still out in the streets have a fairly fiercely independent streak."
Dutiful Cricket	The giantess squints a bit, laughing a bit at Youko's comment on how fiercely self-sufficient they are. "Yes, yes, absolutely. The children of the Forks are certainly in their own league of troublesome," she muses, her brow knitting a bit of worry herself, sensing the trepidation in Youko's expression. How she's not sure how to feel about giving life to Creation for who she is... Cricket kneels and puts an arm out, and despite Youko's status and stature, plants an oversized hand on her head to calm her nerves. "If it makes you feel any better, I've not had any of my own, either. I hope that's a surprise to you, my friend," she remarks softly, sweetly.
Bright Journey	Bright Journey gets a long, thoughtful, faraway look as she studies the treeline, and perhaps the horizon beyond. Or perhaps something only she can see. In either case, she looks just about ready to respond as she turns back around, but stops herself, taking a deep breath and looking away. It's the first time she has failed to say anything, or look any less that forthright, since this conversation began.
Maheka Youko	And yet, for the military officer from the decidedly reserved and politesse-focused nation of Lookshy, this seems to put Youko on guard more than anything- quite a reach for a stranger, to say nothing of the accuracy. At the end of the day, however, she offers a quiet 'mhm' before continuing towards Bright; "Time for you to go, should I take it? Please do not feel imposed to stay overlong on my account."
Dutiful Cricket	"It was nice meeting you both, Maheka Youko. Bright Journey." The giantess uprights and clasps her hands together, the regular image of a flower girl blown up to doubled size, basket still in tow. "I've a long trip to make for my supply run, so I'd best start walking sooner than later, as well," she muses, touching a finger to her chin, humming as she no longer casts a shadow over the dynast-on-sabbatical.
Bright Journey	Bright has an almost unreadable, complex expression for a moment, before looking back to Dutiful Cricket and Meheka Youko. "Time for me to go...hm. Perhaps, I guess. I hate to leave on the kind of note that gets me thinking, but I suppose it's nothing others haven't experienced. I'm perfectly happy to see Drifting Petal content, but my own mate is out there...somewhere. And children are a whole separate difficult subject, for several reasons. In any case, though, it's been an honor to meet you both." Bright bows to both other women, then gets ready to leave.
Maheka Youko	Youko offers another bow- and another of that fist-in-hand martial artsy sort of salute. "My apologies for your walking away burdened from visiting me. My hopes are that it will pass soon and next time might be better." She nods to each in turn and offers a final; "Fare well on your roads," before turning to ascend the stairs she had started up earlier that day.