A question of faith

Xe-li - 201 words

Mori shifted from one paw to the other, nervous about being confronted by these elder haedians, whereas her travels through the depths of vitalus so far had painted the picture of most clans being reclusive, wary of outsiders with some even being welcoming, this felt more like an interrogation.

Mori knew this and looked over to Michelle, the tyrian she had traveled down here with for guidance, Moris tail flicked anxiously behind her, knowing that the question they were asked in itself was easily answered, but the question was incredibly nuanced and layered.

She swallowed hard, trying to find her voice again before speaking.

“I don’t walk in the shadow of Oris. I- don’t really know what you are looking for by asking this question.” answered Mori, falling quiet anxiously trying to gauge the reactions of the haedians.

She herself had never much cared for religion and revering gods, but what she knew of Oris made her uncomfortable enough to be asked if she walked in his shadow. If she were to have to choose a god to dedicate herself to she would have chosen Cosmosis, but revealing that would have required her to not feel on edge like she did.

Sudai-Shiro- 205 words
Coming so far has intrigued and frustrated Michelle, the crystal cavernous depths of Vitalus has been a wondrous journey seeing each new group she has ventured and seen have been an abundant source of wonderment and fascination, yet no clues for her almost never ending search for a way home. Along with Michelle is Mori, a Vayron that has been an interesting companion throughout this adventure, seemingly timid but very knowledgeable.
Crawling around the tunnels Michelle takes notes of the thick air and tension. When asked such a question, Michelle contemplated on how best to answer such a question leaving time for Mori to present their answer.
Having pondered the question a little she answered with confidence.
“They are not the shadow I walk in” short and to the point, to Michelle this answered a few questions for them and was curious to see what their next actions will be, while keeping an eye on the Haedians hidden in the caves around them Michelle leaned into Mori,
“ey~, are you holding up alright? the tension in the air probably isn’t good on the nerves” she inquired softly trying the ease her companion even a little while the elder’s decide their response to the answers given.

Xe-li - 273 words

Michelles’ question broke Mori out of her anxious racing thoughts, netting the tyrian a sheepish nod by the runner in response, an appreciative smile on her face, thankful that they checked in on her.

“Yes I-” she said, eyes flicking over to the Haedians for a second.

“I just don’t like confrontation- this feels too intense for my liking.” Her ear flicked over to try and decipher what the group of elder haedians was mumbling about now that they had gotten the response to their questions by the two newcomers, but she was unable to, which only added to her discomfort.

“What about you though-” asked Mori quickly locking eyes with Michelle to try and take her mind off of things- yet this was to no avail, her expression tensing as she saw the Haedians finished their deliberation from the corner of her eye.

The elder Haedians did not offer any explanation or response in return, remaining quiet, their wrinkled, aged faces stoically glancing at the visitors before turning around expecting the two to follow them, the whole scene felt off- foreboding even with the only light coming from bioluminescent crystals down here, which kept the light level low, the rustling of rusted chains ringing out as the Haedians walked.

Mori glanced to Michelle with uncertainty in her eyes before she whispered to the Tyrian,

“I would really wish that we were with the depthstriders right now, they were so uplifting, bright and friendly. Let’s- see what the Order clan is all about and then quickly move on, or what do you think?” it was clear she was uncomfortable with this whole situation.

Sudai-Shiro - 224 words
with a rumbling purr, Michelle’s eye’s softened at Mori relaxing from her question, taking note of the quick look directed at the elder Haedians before them.
Michelle’s eyes turn back to a keen focus on their actions, tensing in readiness to take action if it calls for it, slighting turning her head back to Mori.
“I’m alright as well, thank you. I am more familiar with confrontation then I care to admit and hopefully we don’t have to face it today” she responded while she leaned back with her wings open a bit to make herself look bigger, just in case.
the looks the elder’s were giving them were very unsettling and putting her on edge, especially in a cramped place with a companion in tow.
Turning her head to Mori at the question, thinking for a moment or two before answering.
“I think we should follow, while they are intense, they haven’t shown signs of attacking us yet, I’d say we listen to what they have to say then decide from there” with that Michelle nudged Mori onwards after the elders of the Order.
Michelle kept her feet light when she started to follow, slow and deliberate keeping herself and Mori in pace yet out of reach in case their hosts decided they are better off missing in a cave then back home.