Otani and Poppy: Feb-March

 *Since leaving Volaire the day before the full attack on the city was launched, Poppy and Otani have spent their time traveling one step at a time through the forests. They have made a point to avoid paths and are being cautious as they make their way North toward Tel Doras.*

*Poppy has been conflicted. Otani has begun to notice that she doesn’t hardly smile, laugh, or even talk these days. The feeling of helplessness has begun to eat away at her, and many nights she cries to herself thinking of the many people suffering in the city she left behind. Something in Poppy’s heart has begun to stir: a hatred. She had never been exposed to the carnage of war or the hatred some can have towards others for no reason. She has begun to deeply despise those who would kill others over differences, and as a kind healing herbalist, she is unsure how to handle this feeling. She often spends her evenings writing letters to Zuigrii and Storm and Nill- everything from ranting to venting to just having conversation - all in an effort to console her own restless soul. Many of these letters meet the campfire but some are being saved for Tel Doras.*

*Otani has become restless. Since walking away from the ongoing fight in Volaire and leading Poppy to the safety away from the fallout, Poppy has noticed that he rarely sleeps and is much more gruff and curt. He speaks only to answer questions or correct direction, to ask simple thoughts or to give one-word commands. Hes clearly hurting over being unable to fight and having to flee, but he isn’t exactly known for being an emotionally open conversationalist when he’s upset either. Due to the frustration and inner turmoil, Otani often has to strike at trees with his club and train physically until his body gives out each night just to manage to fall asleep.*

*both have been deeply effected by the start of a war, and both are hoping for the future of reaching Tel Doras in one piece soon.*

As Otani and Poppy make their way from Volaire to the Tuathan border, they find themselves often having to retreat from the main roads. Quite often, they encounter “checkpoints” on the main roads that were once clearly guarded by Ariadnian troops but now Leib Olmaiin soldiers stand at the ready. 

Though Otani and Poppy may be a force to reckon with, the checkpoints are usually heavily guarded and they are well outnumbered which forces them to seek another route. 

They do happen across a few scouting parties on their travels when off the main road. When they encounter these small groups, they work together using a combination of stealth and brute force to take them out, restocking on what supplies they can scavenge from the camps.

After weeks of travel where they quite often have to find a way around checkpoints on the main roads, they finally reach the Tuathan border. They know they have reached the border by the sheer number of guards patrolling the area. Some of them wear Leib Olmaiin colors of red and gold while others… Wear Tuathan colors of beige and green. 

There is a healthy mix of soldiers along the border, all heavily armed and armored. None of these soldiers bear the signs of starvation or exhaustion. They all appear relatively healthy and alert, ready and watching for anyone’s approach.

 

 *the pair stay hidden, looking with wide eyes at the border. Poppy is crouched under a bush as Otani hides his large form behind a tree. Poppy looks up to Otani to say something, but hesitates when she sees his face. It’s not easy to describe: a combination of rage, confusion, frustration, and disbelief.*

…Otani? *she finally manages in a small concerned tone* are you-
Theyre already here? *he grunts out through gritted teeth, silencing his friend as he cuts her off. He is visibly shaking with anger as he stumbles back and falls into a sit. His eyes are darting around and his breathing is heavy, like a bear trapped in a cage violently looking for escape* how did…they beat us here? Did it not start in Volaire? How…when…? *he leans forward with his hands on his own head* but Tel Doras…is our way out. If it’s taken that means…

*Poppy kneels beside him and rests a hand on his shoulder softly* it means there is nowhere to run to Otani. *she’s crushed internally, and fighting a scream of frustration and exhaustion that’s rising in her throat, but now isn’t the time.* It means we need to think of a new plan. *she lifts her head, sniffing the wind a few times, then turns back to him* hey, I know these woods. My village is only about a day to the west of here. He can go rest there a few days and think of our next plan.

*Otani is silent, but lowers his hands to his lap as he regains his composure. He still looks aggressive and violent, like he wants to charge into the border and lay waste to any in his path, but knows he will die if he does it*…yeah…yeah ok…*even as he talks his eyes are glued to the soldiers*…that is a good idea. We will be able to get supplies and you can get equipment from your gram. *he takes a long deep breath, and sighs as he runs his hands neck through his hair, then places a hand on her head* thank you small one. I’m alright now. Sorry I lost my head. *he stands up a bit to a crouch, then scoops her up onto his shoulders and begins to crouch-walk out of sight of the border with Poppy in tow. Otani chuckles to himself, and Poppy’s ears perk in confusion for a moment*
w-whats so funny? *poppy stammers out, still trying to hold her own emotions back*
*Otani responds with a smile* just thinking of that old panda’s voice barking at us when we arrive, calling me fat and saying you need to eat more. Figure if we had her here she could scare a path through the soldiers. 
*poppy is dumbstruck a moment, but then also relaxes, smiles, and laughs softly at the thought. Despite their plans having been thwarted, something about being unable to flee has actually calmed both of their resolves more than has been done since the start of the attack.*

(Otani and Poppy heading away)