The Ark

Snakes Everywhere

With the moon high in the sky giving light to the land, the semi strong winds carrying the snow. Various rocks and small inclines littered the surrounds giving the place credit for being a mountain.

Overlooking the world with their amber eyes as their fiery red hair stayed put as it was tied in a bun. Feeling her sense of peace about to shatter at the arrival of an unwelcome yet important someone.

The creaking of wood got closer and closer to the woman as she turned around to see a man in all black with white goggles as the only bit of color on their persons.

"Here you are, did you never learn any manners when it comes to entering one's home?"

The one speaking, one of the old saintess and senior to Brunhild. The saintess helped the Palerouche for countless centuries, one who has seen great change in the nation.

The Hiker says no words as he continues to look at the saintess.

"Drifa Helga, a true leader of the people. What an odd mix of a name, to be named 'Blessed Snowfall' yet to have such red hair colored like fire."

The Hiker speaks with an androgynous voice, combined with the muffled way it was presented would have caused anyone to question if the person was a male or female under all that clothing.

However Drifa was expecting someone to arrive sooner or later so the identity of the person wasn't something she needed to question.

"Drop the mask. I already know who you are." Drifa declared while maintaining her stare at the Hiker.

The Hiker looked at her not seeing a hint of doubt in those amber eyes or hearing a hint of hesitation in her voice. Seeing that there is no need for the mask, they take off their mask and place his goggles on his forehead.

His white hair and red eyes caught Drifa by surprise, Astrid described how Apollo looked but seeing is different than hearing.

"I didn't expect your kind to be here, we are far, far away from any large bodies of water. So why are you here, Abyssal Hunter?" Drifa asked with her sense of authority in her words

Apollo didn't say anything for a moment before answering. "No comment, just came to see another one of the old saintesses." He said as if it was another day.

Drifa felt her eyebrow twitch from his response, she wouldn't say she is an arrogant person, arrogance is a trait that would betray her position. However, she knows there is a time and a place for everything so hearing someone talk to her casually feels disrespectful.

"So why are you roaming in the Palerouche territory?" Drifa asked.

"Why not, this is my first time in the country so why not enjoy it." Apollo said nonchalantly.

Believing she wasn't going to get much in terms of his objective for visiting out, she decides to drop that line of conversation for now. However a new line will begin.

"Apollo, are you aware of cubes coming from the sky?" Drifa asked, wanting to get to the bottom of this abnormal mystery.

Apollo could raise one of his eyes at the question. "Falling cubes from the sky, sorry but as someone connected to the sea then why would I bother with the heavens?" The lighthearted tone in his voice fading slightly.

"If you are a person of the sea then why are you in Kjerag? We don't extend our reach beyond these lands. It's only in recent years that Kjerag truly started to connect with the outside world on a major scale." Drifa said.

"I fail to see how that's enough evidence to connect the two." Apollo said, countering her point.

"Abnormal situations tend to cause abnormal effects. That's all" Drifa said.