The Mirror: Realm of Foxes and Fertile Earth

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.

Asher stepped out into the forest, looking around in amazement. He'd been to a place this--maybe this place--before, but it was still stunning. He waited for the others to step out of the portal, watching for any signs that they had been noticed.

Shane stepped through and looked around curiously before taking his dragon form. He didn't want this fox to accuse him of hiding anything or anything like that.

Armin looked around in wonder, what a beautiful place. It reminded him of home, albeit on a smaller scale. He hung close to the others, looking around and wondering where everyone was. It was eerily quiet.

John was the last to step through the portal, watching it close behind them, the green arcana condensing together, turning opaque and dark. The magatama reformed, and landed on the earth with a heavy thud. Emptied of its magic, it was oddly heavier.

"So... Do we walk, then?" John finally said, noting the absence of and Inari, or any Followers.

Shane looked around then stretched his wings "I could fly up and look around" He offered

Asher picked up the magatama and put it safely back in his pocket. "That might be the easiest way to tell which way to go," he told Shane. "She might take it as a threat though, so if you want to risk it, proceed with caution."

Armin looked around. "Do you think they know we are here? " He asked quietly.

"Possibly." John answered Armin, pointing down the road where it forked, five vulpine figures appearing from around the foliage, venturing near with caution, but with the unison of a trained force.

Asher watched the foxes uncertainly, and pulled the magatama out of his pocket again, ready to show it to them if they came closer.

Shane looked to the foxes then lowered his wings to his back once more, waiting patiently now. "Hello"

Armin steepled his fingers and bowed his head to the foxes, keeping his head bowed as they approached and doing his very best to look as nonthreatening as all his merchant training allowed.

The foxes ventured closer. Three of them were Elite, their daunting jaws locked closed by the latched stretched across the hinges. All of them looked aggressive, not anticipating visitors, and deemed them intruders.

"How did you get in here, Interlopers? And why?" The center one accused, staring at each of them threateningly. None of them attacked just yet, for benefit of doubt.

Armin remained silent, glancing to Asher to speak and keeping his head bowed graciously.

Asher watched the foxes warily, then knelt and held out the magatama for their inspection. "We're travelers from a mirror universe, trying to get home. In our own universe, Inari gave me her blessing, letting me seek shelter in her realm should I or my companions need it. We came here to see if the magatama could take us back to the realm from our universe, but it would seem it doesn't work that way."
He bowed his head. "We apologize for intruding."

Shane nodded an glanced to Asher then back to the foxes

The presumably leading fox walked up to the kneeling Asher, glancing down at the magatama. He suddenly stiffened, looking almost taken aback. Suddenly all five of them relaxed and sat down on their haunches in perfect unison, but were still alert. "You were trying to find a Realm Jumper." The lead Elite stated matter-of-factly.

"Yes. We wish to get back to our universe, and we're currently trying to find a way to do so," Asher said, relaxing slightly as the foxes didn't attack. "This seemed like the most reasonable place to start looking for a way home."

Armin looked up, keeping his hands clasped. "Our crew have been displaced, we believe your mistress is the best able to help us. Forgive the intrusion, had we been able to send prior word we would have." He bowed his head again.

The fox nodded in understanding, and once again they all stood. "Visitors of the Realm must speak directly to Inari. We shall escort you."

Asher stood, pocketing the magatama again. "Thank you. We're grateful for your patience with our unexpected visit."

"You are most gracious. Is there anything we should know before we stand before your mistress?" Armin asked. He was wary, dealing with gods was tricky business. Some took offense if you were too formal, some expected absolute pristine etiquette. Some hated to be bowed to, others loved it. It was a minefield.

Shane watched the foxes curiously as he stood to be ready to follow them.

"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.