Moon Sanctum [village entry]

How long has it been since the last encounter between Ren and Powder? The bard with bronze hair had not visited her since the moment he formed the telepathic seal—a means intended to preserve a connection between them and others.

Since that time, however, the bond between the two has remained utterly silent. She has not heard from him in all this duration.

Powder was already aware that the bard had taken an interest in the establishment of the new village that was meant to flourish upon the grounds of the island. They had discussed this matter during their initial meeting. It is possible that he has made his residence there now that the village has finally taken root.

She knew that the village had been thriving for some time, yet she had not ventured toward it. Perhaps it is time to amend that. She desired to ascertain whether this place resembled the previous one—one that had once graced the skies with its grandeur before ultimately crumbling into ruins.

Or is this one different?

Powder adorned herself with a sleeveless shawl that draped over her shoulders, complete with an attached hood that concealed her face. Two azure braids cascaded over the front of her shoulders. She had fastened her tanto along her right thigh, wore her vagabond headband around her waist, and bore the other trinkets she possessed.

Not far ahead of her was her companion, Aizen. He had been traveling with her recently, assisting her with various assignments. Any disputes regarding who would lead their travels would be unnecessary, as Powder wished to keep a vigilant eye on him following his injury. If she observed any signs of pain reflected in his posture or stance, she would determine it appropriate to take a break. "When we arrive at the village, I hope you will find solace there. It would be pleasant if the village proved to be a safe haven where you could rest and recuperate," Powder remarked with a sense of hope.

As they journeyed, Powder took note of the changes in their surroundings. Having been born on the island, the young Kunoichi was very familiar with the lands and tropical terrain; however, this time, the scenery felt unfamiliar. The calls of various birds and animals created a captivating symphony alongside the rustling branches.

The journey seemed interminable, necessitating numerous breaks as Aizen required.

It was not until nearly nightfall that the tropical forest receded, unveiling what she hoped would be the village.

Powder raised her hands to the hood of her shawl, parting the fabric that obscured her face, and lifted her gaze toward the doors before them. Her petite stature rendered her feeling diminutive as she presented herself at the village gates.

Her eyes located Aizen, who stood not far from her. She hoped that this place would treat them kindly, just as they would endeavor to show respect in return.

Aizen’s fingers traced the words on the small jewel that rested on his right ear, a habit he had developed over the years. The jewel forever reminds him of the first friend he made, A raven. Ever since that moment, Aizen became fond of crafting trinkets, each figurine he crafted held a special meaning, a bond with an animal he had encountered. The first figurine he ever made was of a crow, the very first crow he had befriended near the Valley of Hell. The crow had been a constant companion, guiding him through the harsh terrain and keeping him company during the long, lonely nights. In return, Aizen had carved a small totem in its likeness, a symbol of their bond and mutual respect. Maybe he can finally keep his creations in the village.

Crafting these figurines became a way for Aizen to connect with the animals he met. Each totem was unique, capturing the essence of the creature it represented. He would spend hours observing the animals, studying their movements and behaviors, before carefully carving their likeness into wood. It was a meticulous process, but one that brought him great joy and a sense of accomplishment. These totems were more than just carvings; they were tokens of friendship and trust, a way for Aizen to honor the animals that had touched his life.

As they walked through the jungle, Aizen found it hard to focus on his thoughts. The surroundings felt uncanny, the sounds of wildlife unfamiliar and unsettling. He had spent most of his life roaming the wilds, and he prided himself on his knowledge of animal sounds. Yet, the noises filling the air now were unlike anything he had ever heard before. It was as if the jungle itself was playing tricks on his senses.

“Powder, have you noticed?” Aizen asked, his voice tinged with unease. “The animals sound different here than they did back at the settlement. Are you sure we’re going to the right place?” He trusted Powder’s knowledge of the island, but he needed to voice his concerns. The sounds were too strange, too orchestrated to be natural. He hoped Powder could provide some reassurance or explanation.

Aizen’s curiosity was piqued despite his caution. If there was no harm, he would love nothing more than to study these unfamiliar sounds and the creatures that made them. His years of venturing alone had nurtured a deep interest in ethology, the study of animal behavior. But he couldn’t get ahead of himself just yet. Safety came first, and he needed to be sure that this place, with its eerie sounds and mysterious aura, posed no threat to them.

The tropical forest recedes, and the village shows itself. Now’s no time for questions. The gates of the village stands in front of the two. What seemed to be far away now stood much taller than anything he was used to. The feeling of nervousness washes over Aizen as they approach.

“You are not wrong, Aizen. I've noticed it as well. Continue to stay on guard.” Would have been Powder's response to his suspicions.

Nonetheless the two wouldn't be halted.

Following their arrival at the gates, both Powder and Aizen were greeted by a lass. The welcomer's demeanor was welcoming as she bowed to the two strangers at the door. Powder bowed her head back, while listening to her words.

Her thoughts were a bit puzzled when an ID came to mention. Since Powder had never left the native lands, she had never had a reason to obtain one. She took note of looking more into that matter in the near future, and would continue with filling out the answers.

The information needed wasn't anything too daunting and seemed reasonable enough.

Name: Powder

Previous Location: Border of Moon

Faction: . .

After some hesitation, Powder wrote Vagabond within the faction's place.

Then Powder would turn her eyes to Aizen, ready to enter the village if both of her and her following companion was accepted in.

{169/660}

[Claiming entrance to Tsukigakure if allowed]

Claims: