*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.*

Read More...