Scene with Didi and Burgundy

## Content Information

Didi sniffed at the crisp wilderness air. It was so nice to get out into the woods, even if she did have to lumber along on two legs. She was lucky to have a roommate who enjoyed the outdoors as much as she did -- maybe even more.

She’d packed them snacks and a picnic, as well as towels. Burgundy had a route in mind, to check for invasive species, and lucky enough the route had a stream, a pond, and, supposedly, some natural hot springs.

The first hour and a half they spent in easy conversation and silent appreciation of the nature they were traversing. Burgundy pointed out some plants and insects that weren’t supposed to be there, and Didi very earnestly stayed alert for them, excited when she could spot something and point it out to Burgundy.

Eventually, they descended into a small valley and found a stream burbling along.

“Reminds me of home,” said Didi, absently, then looked up at her roommate. “And it seems like a nice spot to stop and have a bite to eat, don’t you think?”

“Yeah that sounds ...,” Burgundy began before being interrupted by the *click* of the lended camera in their hands. They then rose from their crouch over a patch of thistle to face their roommate. “Sounds like a great idea.”

The camera was quickly returned to its black canvas bag, hanging from Burgundy’s neck. They took off their backpack and camera bag to help set up the picnic.

Didi had made sandwiches and packed sports drinks to keep them both hydrated. For herself, it was a thick roast beef sandwich with some shredded lettuce and mustard. She’d also packed a thermos of hot soup in case it was a chilly day, and some backup jerkies and nuts for snacking. She offered Burgundy the sandwich she’d prepared for them. It was nice being out in the wilderness, sharing food and exploring.

Burg accepted the food with a nod and verbal thanks. Before eating, they lowered their head and closed their eyes to mumble a silent prayer to their beloved water spirits. Burgundy was happy to have a day where they didn’t have to worry about being able to afford their next meal or scramble to collect enough edible crap to create one. They were more than happy to pitch in to create such a nice moment with their roommate.

“If it’s okay to ask, how similar is this hike to where you grew up?” Burg asked to break the verbal silence between them.

“Of course it’s okay!” said Didi, around a mouthful of sandwich. She finished chewing before responding further. “I grew up in central Vermont, so it’s pretty similar! Mountains, lakes, streams, forests. Some of the stuff here I don’t recognize, some of the smells are different, but I guess I’ve gotten used to it.” She tilted her head. “How about you?”

Burg nodded as they took down the tucked ponytail of dreads which allowed them to spill across their back. They then lifted their gaze to meet Didi’s. Hearing about the wonders Vermont’s flora had to offer brings a smile to their lips, somewhat exposing the horseshoe smiley piercing in their mouth. It is short lived as their gaze dropped to the picnic.

“I’m from around here actually, just grew up around the shore my whole life. Moving into the dorm was some of the first times I ever touched snow actually,” they said with a somewhat forced chuckle.

Didi grinned; it was a story she’d heard from a lot of the students from warmer climes.

“Tell me to shut up if this is an annoying question, but are the water spirits different where there’s ice?”

“Uhh … yea. Very much so …,” Burg began while rubbing the back of their neck in mild discomfort. “Every body of water is home to its own hosts of spirits. I worship and give thanks to a specific location and to specific spirits.”

The girl nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face that signified that she didn’t quite understand. “That makes sense,” she said, chewing her sandwich and turning her head to watch the burbling stream. She sensed that Burgundy wasn’t interested in sharing any more right now, which was fine. “If you ever do make it up to New England, there are some beautiful waterfalls, especially during the spring melt...” She babbled a bit more before turning back to her sandwich.

As the conversation took some of the pressure off of Burgundy and their relationship with a divinity, a wistful smile formed across their lips that failed to reach their eyes. They quietly nodded along with Didi’s sentiments while longing for the ability to see those sights in person.

They resumed their hike higher up into the mountain, mostly tracking the stream. Didi noticed the tracks of a few different animals and excitedly pointed them out. They’d traveled far enough from campus that no one out for a casual walk would intrude on the wilds. At one point she scented a bear, but far enough that she didn’t think they’d disturb it as they continued up the mountain.

At last they reached a crest and she took a moment to enjoy the view, the valley stretching below and Night Falls off in the distance.

“Let’s take a selfie!”

“Oh! Okay, sure. With your phone or the camera?” Burg asked with some surprise. Though he was familiar with the term, he lacked a smartphone and social media presence.

“Mine works,” said Didi, stepping close and putting an arm around Burgundy, trying to get MHU in the background. “Smile!”

He quickly unshouldered his backpack and leaned into Didi in a fluid motion. They smiled at the camera with teeth and piercings exposed on command.

“Perfect!” Didi declared, stuffing the phone back into a pocket. “I’ll post it when I’ve got reception again.”