Submission (#7322) Approved

"What's wrong with you?"

Lanhe jolts awake from his impromptu nap. He rubs his cheek where the indent of the broom has begun to leave a blossoming red mark on his complexion. Suzaku, the fiery kittom that has been teaching him the ins and outs of shrine-keeping, merely only raises a fine eyebrow at his antics. Lanhe only lets out a sigh in response and stares down at the pile of dirt he's been sweeping for what feels like the past four hours. However, judging by the position of the sun in the sky, he knows that it has likely only been half an hour at most since the two kittoms have begun their morning duties at the shrine nestled in the Kyendi mountainscape. Suzaku regards the green kittom carefully. Since Mayu had found him exploring the wilds of Kyendi near their shrine, there has felt a part of his focus that has not been with him in the present. When Lanhe lets out another deep sigh, Suzaku knows that she must take action before his help ends up causing her more chores in the long run.

"I've been meaning to visit my sister, but have yet to find the time. Will you go on my behalf?"

The request is simple enough; take travel supplies from this shrine to the other side of the mountain where another shrine has been built up. At most, the journey would take a couple of days of careful hiking and Lanhe would be outfitted in ample aventuring wear that would keep him protected from any sharp thorns or wayward branches. The offer is quite generous, Lanhe surmises, since the path is relatively straightforward through the misty mountain peaks, and plenty of adventurers have set up either camps or helpful signs along the way. However...Lanhe squints his eyes in the direction of the suspicious kittom.

"What's the catch?"

Surely such an offer must not come cheaply, and he's been burnt a few times at failing to read the fine print during his short stints in Silveil. The fur on the back of his nape pricks up slightly at the demure smile that Suzaku passes his way.

"No catch at all! Just tell Yotsuyu she still owes me some elecite coins."

The rest of the day passes quickly and before Lanhe knows it, the next day has begun. The adventuring outfit provided to him by the shrine is of great quality, and Lanhe is very appreciative of the generosity that Mayu has shown him. He smooths his tiny paws over the thick leather, there's even a small branding of the shrine's logo on stamped on the outside of the jacket that gives other travelers a quick bit of identification. With this, he shouldn't have any trouble traveling between borders between towns. Lanhe stretches out his feet and wiggles his toes in the hiking boots. The sole is nice and thick, perfect for scaling the misty mountaintops that Kyendi is known for, but the top of the shoe is still thick and firm so rocks shouldn't harm him in any way. The laces are made of some material that Lanhe isn't familiar with, but he laces the boots up and around the long pants and cinches them firmly around his legs. There's a nice linen shirt that is layered underneath the jacket that helps keep the heavier material from feeling too firm on his fur and he's thankful for the many pockets the outfit has provided. Mayu also managed to pack a nice assortment of snacks and treats for him to eat while he's making the journey out, so he will most certainly have enough energy for whatever the unknown has in store for him.

Lanhe steadies his breathing and resolves his determination for the journey ahead. He's ready and prepared.

He was not ready and prepared.

At least...not for this. Lanhe silently curses at Suzaku for failing to inform him of how slippery some of the slopes can be. His gloved hands grasp at some of the rocks for stability, and he's thankful for the extra padding on the inside of his paws that helps him grip the surface. Despite both locations being relatively close, this side of the mountain seems to have gotten a bit heavier rainfall and thus the path was much more tumultuous than anticipated. It doesn't help that this side of the mountain seems to be blanked in a bit heavier of a mist than he's used to, so Lanhe has to check both his feet and his upper body before moving forward along the mountaintop. He's surprised he's been managing as well as he has been so far...but as Lanhe is quite aware of, all good things must come to an end, eventually.

He's not pleased that his ending involves sliding down a muddy mountainside and attempting to dodge foliage as he scrambles for any sort of secure grasping that would halt his (unplanned) descent. By a stroke of good luck, his gloved paw catches a thick swath of vines and his body comes to a jolting stop. Lanhe takes a few moments to catch his breath and attempts to slow his pounding heart. His ears catch the sound of what he can assume is flowing water, and Lanhe surmises that he must be near one of the natural waterfalls that Kyendi is quite known for. He's just about to reach into his breast pocket for the map that Mayu helpfully provided when a voice catches his attention otherwise.

"Well, you look like a sorry sack of something."

Lanhe looks around curiously to match a face with the sound and his prismatic eyes settle on a figure looking up at him from the path below. He hates how amused they appear to be. Lanhe groans, half in pain and half in acceptance. He's quite familiar with that grin and he knows he's managed to find Suzaku's sister before he even needs an introduction.