The Mountains -- Lucifer, Sandalphon

## Summary

Lucifer and Sandalphon began a journey out to the mountains to learn about more of the native flora to Epoche and its surrounding areas. They found a patch of wild mint growing at the base of the mountains before venturing further along the path. As the air began to turn colder, the pair ran into a wolf that attacked them. Sandalphon was able to fight it off easily, but with the danger of a pack on their heels, they decided to head back down the mountain, picking some of the wild mint as a memento of their trip before returning to the city.

## Transcript

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PANDOR.

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Exploration commenced.

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Lucifer

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Lucifer and Sandalphon begin their trek through the mountains in the west. Lucifer, intent on studying the flora and fauna, has already begun documenting any unfamiliar plants he sees, taking rough notes and sketches in his pocket journal. (He seems to have forgotten about the Tempo's camera feature for the time being.) "There are plants here that weren't present in the farmland surrounding the city," he notes. "Sandalphon, let me know if you find anything that we may be able to use at the cafe." He nods, satisfied with his initial survey of the area. "Shall we go further?"

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Sandalphon

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"Yes, let's." With his sheathed sword at his hip, Sandalphon accompanies Lucifer both for his protection and accompaniment. Their primary interest lies within the start of a compendium journal Lucifer has suggested, and they begin their survey of the rocky terrain immediately upon arrival. Finding nothing out of the ordinary at first, a particularly pale flora growing against one of the adjacent green patches on the path catches Sandalphon's eye. "Lucifer-sama, over here," he beckons, kneeling down to inspect the plant. Dense whorls of tiny, lavender, bell-shaped flowers nearly hidden by the hairy leaf axils that surround them waft a cool, mint-like fragrance, Sandalphon picking one of its stems to confirm its scent. "I believe the leaves here might be wild mint. It's a particularly useful ingredient for a lot of delicacies, including sauces or beverages."(edited)

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PANDOR.

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The plant is indeed mint. There are similar patches scattered around the ground that contain more mint, but it seems that's all that grows in this particular area that you've stopped at for the time being.

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Lucifer

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Lucifer seems satisfied with what he has documented in the notebook he brought along. "So we can find wild mint in this area... That's good to know. Let's head deeper into the mountains. Ah, Sandalphon. I am also interested in the fauna here, so let me know if you spot any traces of animal activity as we continue on."

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Sandalphon

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"Will do." With a nod and turn of his heel, Sandalphon takes the lead and proceeds down the path leading up an incline into the heart of the mountain. Everything seems quiet for the most part... As they continue on, Sandalphon begins to notice some peculiar markings appearing more frequently on the path. They seem to be footprints of some kind, a type of padded creature with claws given the type of imprint. Given his heightened senses, there's a distinct presence in the air that he can feel, and they're definitely not alone now. Putting his hand on the sheath of his blade in reflex, Sandalphon prepares for the worst. "Lucifer-sama.. stick close to my back. We may already have company in our midst."(edited)

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PANDOR.

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No sooner than you find that footprint, fresh in your path, do you hear a low growl. It's a bit hard to tell where it's coming from, but that doesn't matter - after a few moments, a large wolf emerges, its eyes narrowed at the both of you before it charges at you.

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Sandalphon

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"A wolf?" Sandalphon furrows his brow, hand still gripping the handle of his sword as he weighs his options. Just a mere territorial creature. To cut it down now would be against Sandalphon's principles; he hated being wasteful above many other things. He would absolutely protect Lucifer although--ah, and the beast was already baring its fangs and coming for them. Pulling the sheathed weapon from his hip and meeting the wolf's jaws upon its polished edge, Sandalphon easily uses the wolf's bite against it and repels it backward with a forceful swing.

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Lucifer

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Despite its abnormally large size, an earthly creature without any magical ability would pose little threat to someone like Sandalphon. Lucifer remains safely behind him, unperturbed, watching the exchange with some curiosity. "So wolves live in the mountains too," he muses, quickly noting down the wolf's appearance and traits down in his journal as it gets back onto its feet. Still, they can't let their guard down, and if the wolves here are anything like the wolves of the skies, then there may be more on the way. "Sandalphon, be careful. Wolves typically move in packs, so this may not be the only one nearby. It will be difficult to escape if we are surrounded." He can feel more pairs of eyes on them already, hear the growls and snarls. "We should move quickly..."

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PANDOR.

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The wolf yelps as it lands hard on its side after Sandalphon's parry. It scrambles to its feet, snarls at you more before running off, the rest of the pack seemingly with it. It would appear that you are both safe for now, but it's likely they will be back, and likely with more pack members.

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Sandalphon

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Although he would have preferred to have made a few more strides within their first exploration, Sandalphon had to be considerate towards Lucifer's position and their wishes to preserve the wild life here. Sheathing his sword and nodding, he allows Lucifer to lead the way back down the trail while he follows a few paces behind, least the wolves decide to become bold.

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Lucifer

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So that the journey isn't completely for naught, Lucifer stops by the patch of wild mint that they passed by earlier. "Sandalphon, let's harvest some before we leave. I would like to try a new recipe using mint." Picking some sprigs, but being sure to leave the majority of the patch untouched, he leads the way back down to Epoche.

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PANDOR.

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Your journey back to the city is largely uneventful, for better or worse. Still, you were at least able to collect some samples and discovered a path - albeit a dangerous one - to the mountains from the forest should you wish to trek back later.

Exploration ended.