Pillars of a Different Kind

Sentinel Island - Jungle Northeast of Zar'Tir
JP with Lorem and Omni

Gonyaul had always had a strong and meaningful connection to the emotional state of wonderment. Their trek into the unknown jungle, especially with the current circumstances, would have brought most uncertainty and a sense of vulnerability; however, Gonyaul felt at ease. No doubt there was a large dose of ignorance regarding the local and supernatural dangers, but that aside, it felt familiar and was sparking his ever curious nature with its interesting novelties.

As Gonyaul rubbed his hip, proven softer than stone, and made sense of Heegen’s silent and stern warning the dots connected in his mind. His eyes looked to the column and and he nodded in understanding. The Vaux also created structure as vessels for the bones of those that had passed away, that vigilantly protected their people and honored their ancestors. Such reliquaries were built into their tree top architecture and infrastructure, as well as hidden along the surrounding ground in Kru’ll. Though the ones along the ground were hidden so as not to attract attention, unlike these pillars which were meant to be seen as a marker.

He signed to Heegen, “I understand.” Then he knelt near the marker and payed it closer attention. He wondered and asked those present, “Are there bones of your people inside?”

Heegen's eyes narrowed slightly at Gonyaul's question, a flicker of surprise crossing his otherwise stoic face. He glanced towards Draza, who nodded slightly, giving him the go-ahead to answer.

"No bones," Heegen finally spoke, his voice low and carrying the weight of solemnity. "These markers stand not for the departed. They are wards ‘gainst spellcraft, set by our forebears long yore to guard 'gainst the encroaching shadow of Y’ghotan. Each column serves as a sentinel, strengthening the bounds that hold the darkest magiks in check."

He gestured towards the pillars, his eyes scanning the dense foliage that surrounded them. "They bind the verge of safe travel, and give us warning of anyone in proximity, ‘specially those in Y’ghotan’s grasp. the daemon cannot reach us in Zar’tir but through dreams, but it will not stop Kidata who cannot wield magik.," Heegen continued, "To venture past these bounds unprepared may invite… grievous fates. We must needs stay near as we collect what is needed. Keep within sight of these markers. Our safety, and your learning, depend on it."

Gonyaul listened with an extra dose of curiosity as the explanation was quite interesting. He wondered many more questions about how they actually function. Was this the same thing that Voah had used with the shackles? How did they figure out how what worked? Such questions and more came to mind. Only the last question riding the current of his thoughts though he asked.

“What is to stop those without this dark magic, or the erosion of time alongside nature, from just destroying these pillars?” He inquired as he simultaneously moved away from the pillar to fall back in his place with the groups trek.

The Vaux hid their structures in ways to make them very difficult to find to outsiders, but these structures were quite easy to find. Because they were marking paths and boundaries, he could only imagine that targeting them was an easy feat. If he were the enemy, first priority would be to topple them. In fact he could imagine destroying them, crafting a lookalike, and making it seem like they were not tampered with. Then when others were lured into a false sense of security, spring a trap. His imagination was running away with him and he reminded himself he best just keep situationally aware.

Heegen gave a knowing smile and tapped a finger to his nose, “Those be matters for the Volokur to tend. Thou wouldst regret discovering such secrets firsthand, Vaux.” It was more of a cautionary warning than a threat that let Gonyaul know there was more to the pillars than there appeared to be and more than Heegen was willing to divulge.

Ahead, a cluster of the curious multi-colored birds flitted through the underbrush. While these animals bore a striking resemblance to birds with their feathers and bipedal gait, they also possessed distinctly reptilian features elongated necks and tails that swayed with each movement. Atop their bobbing reptilian heads, thin crests of vibrant blue plumes that matched those on their tails added a dash of flamboyance to their odd, lizard-like appearance.

“Ah! Zilantyx! They will lead us to moonshadow berries!”, belted Ylja as she pointed.

“Quieter, child,” cautioned Draza as she remained vigilant of their surroundings.

Heegen added to Ylja’s comment, “Eaters of both flesh and plant. They favor large insects and the moonshadow berries. They be harmless if left unbothered, yet they can be fierce in groups. Best to give them a wide berth if venturing alone.”

Gonyaul’s eyebrows raised in wonder at Heegen’s caution about the pillars. The young man eyed the stone carving with surgical precision and voracious curiosity. There was much he didn’t know, there was more than meets the eye, and that was very interesting. He hoped he had the chance to bridge the gap between what he knew to what he didn’t.

This feeling of wonderment was not new to Gonyaul. It had been a hallmark of his personality since as long as he could remember, and as long as others had to interact with him. His imagination and humility had optimized his enthusiasm for learning about the unknown, but his travels and newfound experience outside his culture had exasperated this condition to inflamed levels. Everything was a mystery worth getting to know the truth about, making Gonyaul an epistemological optimist.

Gonyaul continued to move with the group. So far this trek, by his level of analysis, was a pleasant journey. Of course this feeling was a by product of certain degree of naivety; however, simultaneously it was a result as well as from expertise. Despite his simple and childlike demeanor, Gonyaul was in fact a construct of the fundamental first principals of jungle life. His entire upbringing was nature teaching him it’s harsh lessons, both good and bad, mitigated by the cultural force of responsibility to order the world as a good steward. Yes, it was true that this jungle was not identical to his home, but it shared way more similarities than it did differences.

Gonyaul continued to observe as they continued onward. To those that didn’t know him, which were all present, he may have appeared the rookie; however, truly he had skills which would have made his efforts at survival plausible in this dangerous environment. A beneficial affect was this actually gave Gonyaul an advantage, much like that a fighter would have against an opponent when the opponent didn’t realize the other was an accomplished grappler and they were now in grabbing distance.