The Mirror: Realm of Foxes and Fertile Earth

First topic message reminder :

The large redwood trees hung overhead, the thick foliage playing with the sun as the rays dappled the leaf-covered earth. They were on a small cobblestone pathway with small walls with spaced out openings into the forest, mostly there for decoration, and to hold up heavy, unlit stone lanterns. The birds whistled overhead and the wind whispered in the trees, but, at the moment of arrival, not a soul was to be seen other than the party of four themselves.

"Just to not be rude." The fox chuckled casually. The rest of them snorted, as if amused by the Elite's lack of professional demeanor. They turned to lead them down the road they came, soon coming across a village, dens dotting the roots of the giant redwood trees. Elites guarding the peaceful place turned their heads curiously at the escorted party. Tiny fox kits that rolled across the path in play fight froze and turned to stare at the strangers in awe. Mothers governed over the children warily as hunters and foragers came in from various entrances carrying food, and a few shared grooming next to a bubbling cool spring. The escort continued through, the stone steps leading up a forested hill...

Armin looked around curiously, but was sure to bow his head graciously at any who met his eye. The intent here was to look as unthreatening as a five and a half foot spider could look.

Asher followed the foxes, enjoying the sight of the village, which seemed every bit as lovely as the one he had seen before. Funny how two different pocket realms could be so similar.

Shane smiled at the kits, happy to see them so playful and with their families. That was how things were supposed to be, right? He stayed close to Asher and the others though. No need to start anything yet.

The group eventually reached the temple. But it was different. Even though the large opening was the same, inside in the main area, the sun shone through a lovely skylight, the glass panes mosaic'd in the shape of a sleeping nine tailed fox. It was brighter than its dim, prime universe counterpart. Around the skylight was a dome, and in that dome, only half finished, a plethora of foxes in a sunlit forest, all on various levels of celebration, rest, or battle. Floating upside down and by hand -- er, mouth -- painting part of the exceedingly realistic landscape, was a white nine tailed fox around the size of Armin. Each tail held a paint pallete. Underneath her and the skylight, a small, circular pond with koi and lilies, contrary to the giant shrine of the Prime Realm.

"Mistress Inari!" The main Elite called out to the vixen painting above. "You have guests that require assistance."

The vixen turned her head and looked down, her eyes flashing as she rested on the group. The painting items dispersed into nothing, and Inari fell, splashing into the pool below. She surfaced, the black haired woman flipping her long dry hair out of her face as she stepped out, without a spec of moisture. She stared at teh group suspiciously, "Who are they?"

Armin immediately bowed his head, and let Asher do the talking. he held the token after all.

Asher knelt again because this had all been his idea, and he didn't want to seem disrespectful. "I'm Asher, and these are the three who volunteered to come with me: John, Armin, and Shane," he indicated each in turn. "We come from another universe, which we're trying to return to. Our universe's Inari gave me a magatama," he pulled it out again for Inari to see, "So I and my companions could enter her realm if needed. We're sorry to have trespassed in your realm, especially without warning. We weren't sure where we would end up."

"We just want to get ourselves and our friends back home. The creator that sent us across realms left the kids alone and we have enemies that might attack at any time." Shane added then bowed his head to Inari. "Any help you can offer would be appreciated."

Inari stared down at them, before looking mildly surprised.

The foxes began snickering at Asher as he knelt. Inari didn't look so amused, "The Prime Inari? The selfish coward that believes herself a goddess? Quaint." The foxes giggled harder, as if the idea of Inari being a goddess amused them. Mirror Inari held out her hand. "May I see the charm?"

"You know about the mirror universes, then?" Asher looked curious. "Everyone I know seemed completely surprised when we ended up here." He stood and handed the magatama over. Hmm, so she didn't think of herself as a sort of god here? He supposed that made sense, if the Family wasn't evil in this universe.

The girl inspected the magatama, continuing to talk as she eyed inside the hole of the stone. "I am a Realm Jumper. It is natural I know the existence of the Prime Universe. If you want to know, it is really a multiverse, but considering that the many multiverses to not harbor the kind of life we do, we are considered the two main ones." She paused. "It is probably unwise of me to boast secrets of the realms. So," she suddenly pressed the magatama up to her lips, and the charm dimly glowed as it was filled again, "Even though my magatamas are white compared to that... woman's... black, it harbors the same power. How curious."

She handed the magic item back to Asher, "Normally, in order for me to fill this, the user must fast for seven days. Seeing as you appear pressed for time and are... not biologically living... I am willing to excuse this. Very well, I will help you, though I am nervous as to know why you are considered trustworthy by Prime Inari. A very selfish, nasty woman, that one." She shook her head again.

Asher took the magatama back, looking grateful. "Thank you, Inari." He smiled shyly, "I don't think the reason I have her trust was anything you'd find unpalatable. I heard some dark secrets of an old friend of hers, and was willing to believe he'd changed over the years. That's all."

"A worthy trait to earn a magatama, then." Mirror Inari nodded. "Well, then, first things first is contacting your friends still lost in this universe. Where are they?"

"They are aboard a ship called Vestia, and ex slave vessel now under... new management." Armin bowed his head. "They head toward Sol to seek help. "

Asher nodded in agreement. "I know their approximate coordinates if you need them."

"That would be best. I assume, if you know Inari of your realm, that they are exceedingly worried for you. I could help you reach them. How surprising for them, that'd you'd only be gone for about an hour, yes? I can try to get you back, if you'll allow me to come with you." She chuckled.

"They will be most relieved I am certain!" Armin sounded delighted. "How ever can we repay your generosity though?"

Asher ducked his head slightly. "Don't be surprised if your greeting isn't entirely warm at first, but they'll warm up to you once they see you're a different person, I'm sure." He told her the approximate coordinates, looking grateful.

"There is no need," Inari dismissively waved her hand, "I dedicate myself to helping those in need. Even if I consider them enemies. There is no need to lose life or grow spite. Living has more beauty to it than that." She listened to Asher than nodded. "If you'll follow me, I can map them out to prepare the jump..."

Shane grinned "They were worried about us leaving for here" He agreed then chuckled "I think they will be very glad to see us back so soon."

Asher smiled. "Of course." He'd follow Inari.

"Extremely relieved yes. Your brother and mate particularly." Armin nodded to Asher. Well this was easier than expected. He was feeling cautiously optimistic.

Asher nodded in agreement, looking ever so slightly amused at Armin's word choice. Second time today Kay had been called his mate by someone. "They'll be relieved to see me alive, I'm sure."

"Well, be it lucky that you had a magatama and showed no aggression. Admittedly, your fate would not have been as kind." She looked apologetic as she led them down a wing. It would be overly familiar to Asher, and she led them to a final door, what would have been a Room of Memories, but it was oddly different. The footprint runes read something different.

"I like this place, it's calming" Shane said distractedly as he tried to look around at all they passed. Some of the others could do with some time in a calm place like this.

"We thought it would be very foolish to bring certain members of our crew, or any weapons, to your realm," Asher said carefully, "As we have no desire to make more powerful enemies." He smiled at Shane's words, "It is beautiful here."

Armin looked at the runes, trying to make them out. "Diplomacy is important, it is how the Vavare have survived all this time in our dealings without outside races. One must be humble, one must be subservient, one must be above all else, non threatening. " He nodded.