12-22-2015, 02:21 AM
As a child, Aoi had wandered the jungle until she had become so lost that she might have never seen another sister again. She remembers nights spend in a cradle of roots on the forest floor - alone with the jungle sounds, and her own breathing. She might have been content to stay astray forever, had her young heart not ached silently for her mother. She remembers the relief upon hearing her mother's call after many days spent alone. She wishes she could hear it now, but the trills, and yowls from the jungle are lacking Cybele’s gentle voice. It has been years since the Jungle had last seen her. Somehow it feels like years have past in the time that Aoi has been gone to the Field. She welcomes the feel of smothering heat upon flesh unmeant for the chill of winter. She doubts, after her time in the snow, that the prickled skin will ever smooth out. She had been thankful that Kat had been able, and willing to set a quick pace on their journey to the Jungle.
Thus far, the conversation between them has been minimal. Aoi spares few words, but offers a smile, or a laugh here and there at Kat’s sarcasm. Afterall, Aoi can appreciate some humor. They come to a clearing after having navigated through a barrier of thick vines, and tangled roots, and the Jungle itself seems to exhale with them.
“She is not for the faint of heart.” Aoi says in response to Kat’s comment about the Jungle being a hotbox. “ Don't worry,” she says, noting the frothy sweat that coats her companion “you get used to it.” Or so she has heard. Aoi has never known anything but the Jungle heat. “Come.”
She leads them to a water hole, hidden well within the depths of the Jungle. Sisters mingle - gossiping like hens. Aoi drinks, closing her eyes in bliss. She allows time for Kat to do the same before she speaks again.
“Are you familiar with the way Kingdom ranks work?” She asks. “I’d rather not bore you with things you may already know.” she says with a grin.
A O I
