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 Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 5:38 pm
The four of them were here now, and Lysithea couldn’t keep the excited grin off of her face. She greeted Adria and Varuna with hugs, and gave Varuna a kiss on the temple, feeling almost a little shy. Not quite but, a little. The second plastic tub with more camping supplies, the second tent, more food, extra blankets…this was going to be so much fun.
“I can’t wait for you to all meet the unicorn, like, you don’t even know…I…” Lysithea took hold of Varuna’s hand and tugged her closer. “How do we want to do this, obviously I need to be holding on to you or, like, human chain or something, Adria, Mal? Do you want to hold the tub between you two and Adria, you can hold Varuna’s other hand and I can hold Malus’?
It was a silly thing to worry about, but…she hadn’t planned for this part very well, everything up on her homeworld absolutely, but getting there?
Whoops.
“We should land right at my other campsite where the other tub is, so that won’t be any kind of an issue!”
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 5:53 pm
When Lysithea greeted her with a hug and kiss on her temple, Varuna lifted her hands to smooth some of Lysithea’s dark hair from her face and fuss over her outfit a little. Not because she looked bad or anything like that, but she liked the excuse to be close. Same with Adria, she was glad for the suggestion to hold his hand after Lysithea tugged her closer.
She didn’t say anything but nodded in agreement. She didn’t need words to express her gratitude, and she gave both Lysithea and Adria’s hands a squeeze in reassurance.
The person she knew least was Malus, but the others vouched for him, so she would give him a chance like she gave Lysithea a chance after Adria told her she should. So far she didn’t regret it. Maybe that just meant she should give getting to know people another chance.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 5:56 pm
Neither of the boys seemed to have any concerns with her suggestion, and they were quick to fall into place. They settled themselves on either side of the tub and got a good grip on it. Adria smiled at Varuna, even if he was a bit nervous at all of this. He hadn’t been camping before, not really. Falling asleep on the beach on his homeworld didn’t count, and it wasn’t like he’d ever spent the night there. Probably.
It wasn’t always easy to tell time when the suns never set.
“Just be careful when we get there,” Malus insisted, “If you feel dizzy, sit down. I know you have supplies and all, but I packed some extra food. I couldn’t help it! I wanted to make sure everyone had enough back home.” So, he’d brought some for them, and made sure that there were a good few easily meals, easily microwaved, back home.
He was excited, though–and Adria wore a small, pleased little smile, too. He still didn’t seem to want to take up too much space or intrude, but even his personal doubts and reservations weren’t enough to dampen his spirits.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 5:58 pm
Lysithea nodded, giving a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I will, don’t worry! And I have supplies up there and packed into the tub too, but if you’ve brought extra food…I will eat that first, just throwing that out there.” Evan’s food was irresistible, after all.
Drawing in a breath to steady herself, Lysithea let go of Varuna’s hand for a moment to pull out her Senshi phone, and then swiftly took hold of the other woman’s hand before pressing the button that would take them all up to Lysithea. “Here we go.” It only took a moment, but when they arrived, Lysithea couldn’t stop herself from giving a wide, eager smile. “And here we are. Welcome back to Lysithea, all of you. It’s…still as wonderful as before. Maybe more so, though I know I’m a bit biased.”
She let go of both hands she held and took a set on the tub that was still there from her trip a few days ago, taking slow breaths to try and fight back the dizziness that was threatening to engulf her. “Ev, if you have any of those snacks, I really wouldn’t say no to them, I’m glad you warned me that this could happen at least.”
It wasn’t so bad, and it seemed to be passing quickly, but still. She didn’t want anyone to worry about her. And she really didn’t want to be sick on this trip where she was supposed to be showing off all of the wonderful new things here.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:01 pm
Varuna was grateful to Malus for thinking of bringing extra food. Not because she didn’t think Lysithea packed enough for them, but because it was evident how much the others cared about each other. It was easy to tell people that they cared about each other, but it was something else to actually do something to prove it.
When Lysithea sat down on the tub, Varuna stood mostly behind her so she could rub her back, hoping it would help her with any dizziness.
She glanced up at Adria as well, hoping that he could read her expression. She wanted to know that he was doing okay, and that if there was anything she could do to show her support, she would.
They were there because Lysithea trusted them and wanted to share her world with them, and Varuna felt honored to be there, even if she didn’t have much to say. Although they should know her well enough to know she usually only spoke more in length when she was alone with someone else.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:06 pm
In some ways, Lysithea was the same as it had always been. It was comforting and familiar, and friendly and welcoming.
In some ways, it was different, but neither Adria nor Malus could put their finger exactly on why. Maybe it was the fact that they knew there was more life here, or that the air seemed to be full of more energy, or maybe it was just because it meant more to Lysithea so it meant more to them.
Either way, they were here, and they were both happy for it.
Malus instinctively withdrew a lunchbox from his subspace when asked; from within, he extracted a grilled cheese sandwich, still warm and cut diagonally. He passed it to her while Adria looked on worriedly. He stood by, ready to help in any way if he was needed, but he had neither food to offer nor medical experience to make sure she was okay.
Adria, even when pressed with nervousness, returned Varuna’s smile; he did his best to keep a bit of distance so he wasn’t crowding around them, but he stayed close so no one could assume he didn’t want to be there.
“Let me know if you want the soup or something else,” Malus insisted; he held the lunchbox close to his chest. The sandwich was just easy to hold and quick to eat, but he was clearly ready to distribute everything in the lunchbox if need be.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:08 pm
Of all the things that Lysithea had been expecting, an actual still warm sandwich was not among them. Shaking her head, she took it from Malus and laughed softly. “You absolute nerd. I love you.” Her words were so fond, and she ate the sandwich quickly, relaxing as her strength came back with the food.
She wasn’t going to deny that she enjoyed having her friends pamper her like this, but…they had things to do. It was late now, so perhaps the only things to really do would be to set up camp and make dinner for everyone…maybe do a little exploring…but.
“I think the big exploring will have to take place tomorrow when it’s light out. It fades pretty quick here from the few days I spent, like, It’s dusky like this and then just…night. So we should get the camp set up while we can still see, I have flashlights and a few of those battery powered lanterns that could be used for some exploring, but we’ll be able to see a lot more during the day…and I’m not comfortable enough around here to not get hopelessly lost in the dark, if that’s all right with you guys? Maybe we’ll see one of the fluffy bats! They’re…oh my god they’re cute. I want one.”
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:11 pm
While Lysithea ate her sandwich, Varuna took a step back and crossed her arms under her chest so she could look around. Setting up camp was a good idea. She wasn’t sure what went into setting up tents, but it couldn’t be too difficult. Maybe.
She nodded to let Lysithea know that she was okay with getting everything set up. She just needed some guidance on what Lysithea wanted to get done first. And she thought it would be rude to start rummaging through bags.
So for the moment, while Lysithea still recovered from bringing them there, she took a moment to reach out and give Adria a hug, pulling him close for a few moments at least.
He looked anxious and as though he was trying to stay out of the way. But they were there together, and they needed to know they all supported each other.
Although the idea of bats made her grimace, and she reached back to make sure her hair was tucked over her shoulder in case any little creatures decided they wanted to make a nest with it.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:22 pm
’Fluffy bats’ could have been Lysithea’s way of preparing them for some horrible monstrosity that she was trying to soften them up to. Malus expected it, but Adria looked around expectantly–not quite hopefully, but in typical expectation.
There probably wasn’t anything to worry about, but Adria found himself sinking into the embrace immediately and effortlessly. When she pulled away, he smiled quickly, and sheepishly stood a little taller while trying not to look offputting. She was fixing her hair, so he instinctively began fussing with his own.
“Yeah, that sounds like a good plan,” Malus said, and now that he knew she wasn’t going to pass out he packed up the rest of his sandwiches. He could share more later–after they set up camp, probably. “You just lead the way, tell us what you want and we’ll help however we can,” he promised. He wasn’t the best at camping, but she’d made due out here on her own already so he was pretty sure they wouldn’t mess anything up.
And, if they did, at least they were together.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:25 pm
“They really are cute, I mean it!” Lysithea gave a little laugh and finished the sandwich quickly, pulling the folded up tent from the tub she had been sitting on and shaking it until it popped back into shape. “I’ve found that I’m terribly lazy, so I got the easy up tents…I didn’t bring anything to stake them into the ground…and I still didn’t but, that’s what the tubs are for! They go on the inside while we’re exploring tomorrow. Smart huh?” Making her way to the second tub, she pulled out the tent from in there, the boxes had been left back on Earth, put in the trash to save room and to not clutter up Lysithea too badly.
Shaking it out, she was pleased that it popped up swiftly as well and held her arms out. “Ta-Da! Our homes for the night, and…” Rummaging in the tub she drew out two sleeping bags and two packs of a pillow and blanket and put them in the new tent, and then put another set in the first tent she had put up, pulling her own sleeping supplies out of the first tub. “There! Camp is all set up! Which…direction do you want to take a little hike in…we’re going…well, you guys pick tonight! No wrong answers.”
Pulling out a flashlight and a lantern for each of them, she handed one of each to everyone.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:32 pm
Varuna had the feeling that she was the most pessimistic person there. Actually, she knew she was the most pessimistic one there. But she was trying to be useful. Adria seemed like he needed some reassurance. Lysithea was so excited that she was willing to cut corners on things like setting up their camp. Thankfully, Malus seemed to be prepared with extra, premade food, just in case Lysithea’s excitement had her overlooking things.
She rubbed Adria’s back once she pulled away, but turned to take the offered flashlight and lantern.
Still, she was skeptical. Not because it was something Lysithea wanted to do, but this wasn’t exactly Earth, and as peaceful as Lysithea’s world seemed to be, they just didn’t know if there were any hostile animals, or pitfalls caused by erosion, or the remnants of traps left by unfriendly inhabitants. Not necessarily those from Lysithea, but maybe those seeking refuge on a moon they happened to come across.
In the sky, it was so strange for Varuna to see Jupiter instead of their own moon. There were other moons as well. She wondered if any of them were Ganymede, but they only had a limited view.
“Let’s go where it’s brighter. Away from any trees,” she suggested, because even if the sun set, the reflection off Jupiter should be enough to light their way, or at least she hoped.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:58 pm
Adria and Malus took a lantern but seemed cautious about actually going out and exploring at night.
It seemed dangerous, but Adria just moved a little closer to Varuna once he got his lantern on.
Malus glanced over at her. “Are you sure you want to go out in the dark?” It might not have been that dark, but if she was finding more and more animals on Lysithea, it was only a matter of time until she found a predator, right? “I’ve fallen in like thirty traps on Malus,” he said, which was only partly an exaggeration, and he was lucky that he’d caught himself before he toppled down some of the worst ones–luckier, even, that some of them seemed to have rusted and broken over time.
Adria’s eyes widened a bit and his brows lifted on his face. He hadn’t found traps or anything too dangerous on his world, but–maybe it was only a matter of time. Maybe it was a good thing he hadn’t felt the need to explore much.”
Malus continued, “I mean, if we’re going to go anywhere,” he nodded towards Varuna, “The most light sounds the best to me.” Although, he didn’t quite understand why she thought away from trees. Unless she was afraid of bats? He’d keep an eye on her back just to make sure none of them landed on her. He might have been small, but he was pretty sure he could scare away some bats if needed.
Adria was already nodding along with Varuna’s suggestion; even if he was distracted by all of the sights, he seemed to be paying careful attention to everything around them as well. He couldn’t think of any reason not to go along with Varuna’s preference, so he nodded and seemed ready to follow anyone’s lead.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 7:06 pm
“Away from the trees seems fine to me! I can show you guys the hill that the unicorn fell down, maybe we’ll see it!” Lysithea turned her lantern on and hesitated. “I haven’t found any traps here, and I did walk this in the dark twice last time I was here, so I’m not worried about this direction then. If that puts you at ease!” She gave a little smile, half apologetic. “Just a quick little walk, nothing scary, I promise.”
She hadn’t found anything scary up here yet, after all.
Lysithea had only gone about twenty feet or so when a strange, happy sounding whistling met her ears, and she frowned slightly, shining her flashlight around and pausing when it landed on a large dark shape that was glowing faintly.
When her light shone on it, the eyes reflected the light back and the creature looked up from where it was nibbling the long grasses and gave the strange whistle again, tilting its head in confusion.
It was big, about three feet long, two feet high and almost looked like a teddy bear…it wasn’t something that she could readily identify, especially not with the way its fur seemed to glisten with softly glowing stardust.
It began ambling towards them though, stopping about five feet away, sniffing the air and whistling again before it lowered its head and took another bite of the grass, seeming pleased to have some company for dinner.
“Well…this one’s new.”
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 7:22 pm
Varuna hoped that the unicorn that had been injured was smart enough to know not to go back near the hill where it had been injured, but she didn’t say anything. Mostly because she didn’t know anything about unicorns. Only horses.
Although, if there was anything worth the risk, like something yummy to eat, she supposed that was a good enough reason for anyone to revisit a place they’d been injured before. Humans and animals fought off bees to get honey, after all.
As Lysithea led the way, Varuna reached to take hold of Adria’s hand, especially after she almost slipped in her heels. She was tempted to take them off, but didn’t know what kind of brambles could be underfoot. At least back on Alastor, they could see all the mud around them.
Ah, and that thought had her squeezing his hand a little tighter.
The creature that appeared seemed friendly enough. She stayed back to let Lysithea see it first. A mammal of some kind, almost like a wombat but not quite. Probably because it looked like it was sparkling.
“It might have a family nearby. We should leave it alone,” she suggested, and she was careful about where she was stepping now that she knew it was near. There was no telling if they were ruining its food source or not in the dark. Observing and letting it live in peace was the policy she preferred, but she was happy to see the life there thriving.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 7:27 pm
When Adria felt Varuna’s hand in his own, he glanced over and smiled instinctively. The contact brought him some comfort, and after he realized that her shoes weren’t helping her out here he made an effort to give her whatever support or stabilization she might need. He instinctively tensed at the new creature, especially because it was new.
Lysithea didn’t know what it was, or what it could do, and even if it seemed friendly enough he didn’t want to be the one to test that theory.
He stayed close to Varuna and took her advice; he shined his light forward instead of at the creature.
“I’m going to leave it alone,” Malus said, but he was still staring at the creature, “But what is that? I mean–how often are you finding new things on your world, Lysithea? Because I’ve noticed some bugs and all, but I think I’ve only seen the sheep so far. Where are these things coming from?”
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