[PRP] Where The Mountain Crumbles To The Sea (Westward Spirit x One Big Fish)

[doomsayer]

With the west wind whipping at his hair, Westward Spirit descends his humble mountain cave home down to the arid desert below to herd some animals towards the foot of the mountains for hunting and cultivating.

A daily exercise for him, Westward Spirit rarely decides to mix up his routine. But today he feels like pushing towards the nearby craggy coast. He figures maybe he could herd some aquatic animals while on the way.

What he did see where the foot of the mountain met the edge of the desert and surrendered to a beach coast was a surprising sight. An acha doe with unmistakable aquatic features and a full-figured build. She walked alone save for a fish that bobbed after her. This place was not typically hospitable to visitors, and certainly not ones who seemed to just be enjoying a leisurely stroll.

He had to know more.

Rushing down the jagged mountain slopes, using his horns both to make swift turns and stabilize his bulk as he sped down, Westward Spirit made a beeline to the intriguing doe. When he arrived within earshot, he flipped his hair into place and let her know that he was around by saying, "Well howdy there ma'am. I don't reckon I've seen you 'round these parts before." followed by a quick bow in her direction to tip his horns to her in respect.

[HuniPi]

When One Big Fish woke that day, it was to the sound of big, heavy objects being moved around echoing throughout the shared alcove. Much to her dismay, it seemed that her once-partner was dragging in all manner of sea debris to "decorate" his side of the alcove.

One Big Fish didn't know which upset her more: That the other acha was purposely doing the complete opposite of their agreement, that he couldn't even be considerate enough to be quiet about it, his ugly, erm, eclectic taste in decor, or that this wasn't the first and it wouldn't be the last time the other acha would disregard her so blatantly? The gray fishcha decided that enough was enough but she wasn't going to get mad. Not right now, it was too early for that.

Wordlessly, she began to walk out of the alcove, her fat fish accompanying her without needing to be called. She didn't know where she was going to go, she only knew she just wanted to go away. Maybe she would up and leave for a change of scenery? That might be nice.

How far she'd walked, One Big Fish didn't know, it was only when she noticed the difference in the way the wind whipped about her did she realize the distance she'd traveled. "Huh."

She wasn't sure if she liked what she saw here but she didn't have much time to be alone with her thoughts before someone greeted her with a drawl. Turning, the acha was visibly startled at the totoma's appearance, she'd never seen large horns before. "I'm just passing through," she said evenly. "Resolve and I don't want any trouble."

[doomsayer]

He consciously took a step back, seeing as the acha doe seemed startled at his approach and he wanted her to know that he didn't mean any harm to her.

"Didn't mean to imply anythin', you'll have no trouble from me ma'am. I promise you that. But the sharks and beach worms are aplenty 'round here, and they're as friendly as a crack on an obelisk. Wouldn't want a beautiful lady getting in a fracas if I could help it."

It was at this moment that a large wave from the sea came in and, along with the spray brought by the salty sea water, a shark with its jaws agape made a jump for the acha doe's meaty flank.

With a swift movement, Wayward Spirit launched himself from his spot to bash the shark with his head and horns, throwing it back into the sea as quickly as it jumped out of it.

"Speakin' of the Other! Just wanted to let you know how dangerous it was here. If'n you wouldn't mind it, I could accompany you on your walk 'til you get somewhere it's less... buckin'."

[HuniPi]

In spite of the crashing waves and the shark's attack, the gray acha remained calm. Her thick tail's gentle sway belied the strength of her strikes. There was something incredibly familiar about suddenly being "rescued" from a situation she did not need rescuing from. Except the kin doing the rescuing was actually capable this time around, and One Big Fish didn't have to rescue her would-be rescuer.

"Thank you kindly," she said flatly, "But I've seen and survived my fair share of fracas." The word was new to her, and maybe it didn't easily roll off her tongue, but she liked the way he said it and it had such a nice ring to it she couldn't help but mimic him.

As for his request to accompany her, she only shrugged nonchalantly. "The shore's free for any kin. I can't exactly stop you from walking beside me, especially if you're still keen on spoiling any surprise shark attacks. I just hope you don't expect anything out of it."

It wasn't a yes but it wasn't a no either. She began to continue her walk, though a little more wary of her environment than earlier.

[doomsayer]

The quiet composure in her stance as the encounter with the shark played out showed him that she was no damsel in distress. He realized that her shapely haunches and the musculature on her thick tail could no doubt drop a fully grown aggressor if she so desired it to. Her calm and measured replies to him only served to intrigue him even more, and the fact that she decided to pick up some of his highland desert drawl to say his own words back to him did something to him he couldn't put into words.

He straightened himself, flipping his jostled locks back in place, and took a spot between the sea and her--not too close as to imply anything, but just close enough to have a pleasant conversation.

"Let it never be said that this buck would leave a lovely lady to her own devices without an escort in such a savage place--even if she obviously could fend for herself. It's not a matter of expecting anythin' in return ma'am; I'm doin' it because it's the right thing to do. It's just how my mama raised me. My name is Westward Spirit. Would you mind terribly if I asked for your name?"

[HuniPi]

"The right thing to do, eh? That's rather refresher to hear." And to the acha it very much was. She wasn't accustomed to not owing something. Ever since she arrived here in the coast, having traveled from the desert, every kind gesture she received usually came with strings attached. "I'm One Big Fish, though I prefer being called One."

They walked along the shore at a steady gait and she noted he purposely matched hers rather than trying to overtake her. She wasn't forcing herself to slow down to prevent herself from being subject to all that whining. This was very refreshing indeed.

"These parts you hail from, how far does it stretch?" Maybe if it was big enough and far away enough, she could consider leaving the alcove to strike it out on her own (with Reconcile of course).

[doomsayer]

"Where I come from is the part of the great barrier mountain range that merges with the desert on one side and abuts this craggy coast on the other. It's pretty far from the swamp, or as the Kimeti like to refer to it, "the mainland", because it's pretty much the rear end of the mountain range in their perspective.

Travelling the mountain itself is treacherous even for those born and raised there, and traversing the entire stretch of the mountain range without the fancy obelisk would take the changing of two whole seasons from one end to the other.

And the changing seasons on the mountains ain't for the yellow-bellied. Depending on how high you are on the mountain, winter lasts it's full stay and half of spring's. Spring brings the melt and loosens the ground and rocks. Summer is maybe felt for a week before the fall storms take over."

He notices that One has been listening intently to him ramble on about his home and assumes that she may be one of those kin who like to travel for the sake of traveling.

"But it ain't all blizzards, floods, and storms up there. The mountains offer the most breathtaking views of the vast kinlands anyone can ever see. The plants and minerals that grow up on there in the higher elevations are unique in both use and flavor. The view of the sunrise and sunset across the sea is unimpeded by any obstruction. The nights offer a clear view of the sky and the stars that dot it--you get to feel so close to that endless vastness and have the opportunity to re-examine your place in our world.

And the kin are exceptionally kind and hardy. They'll never tell you a lie, they won't hesitate to tell you off for something wrong you've done, and they'll never hesitate to offer help to anyone in need regardless of creed or color. We figure when it comes down to the start of all of us, we all come from the MotherFather, so that makes everyone family."

He can't help but smile as he talks about his home and his family, hoping he's done justice to the good and the bad with what grasp of words he has.

"If it wouldn't be too rude of me to ask the question, is that why you're on the craggy coast ma'am? Yer lookin' to travel up the mountains?"

[HuniPi]

Throughout Westward Spirit's description, there would be times where the acha's and totoma's eyes would meet. One Big Fish couldn't help but appreciate how he was actualy maintaing his gaze as opposed to simply watching out for her reaction. The mountains sounded harsh, cold, and surprisingly wet despite being so high up. Honestly it didn't sound too different from where she had settled down, except it was year-round rather than just a few seasons.

The kin who lived there on the other hand...

One Big Fish had to stop herself from focusing on the fact there were other kin. Thankfully, Westward Spirit asked her a question, giving her something else to ponder instead.

"Who knows," she shrugged, "I'm not really sure what I'm doing with my life. Or if I can do anything..."

She could hear her denmate's voice whispering how she's been gone for too long, how she must have gotten herself lost by now. Her ears flattened against her head, as if it could somehow deafen her from these internal thoughts. "Wind got in my ear," she quickly explained, still staring at the totoma as if... what? Daring him to read between the lines? Pleading with him not to take her at face value?

The acha didn't know what she wanted. Other than not to go back to that alcove.

[doomsayer]

He had heard this kind of self-derision from other kin before. It was surprising to hear from her since she was so calm and confident just a little while ago. And the wind had been blowing since they started talking and walking along the craggy coast, so there's no hiding that she had something weighing on her mind.

It seemed like she was doubting her own abilities; whether that was because of previous failures, insecurity borne of trauma, or from being told repeatedly that she was inadequate, he couldn't know. It would be rude to pry considering they just met, but he found himself speaking before he could consider the propriety of his next words. Gosh darn it; seems like deep inside he wanted to figure out the mystery that was One Big Fish!

"Now ma'am, I know it ain't my place. But just lookin' at you tells me you're capable of doin' A LOT of things! I know I made it sound like a hunt and a half to live and travel around these parts, but I'm sure with the right guide, you'll have an easy time moseyin' on along. What would make you think you're otherwise capable, well I'd like to rebut.

As for what you're doin' with your life, well, whenever I get sick of my routine, I find it helpful to mix things up. Try new things. Meet new kin. See new places. Y'know, measure the value of my life in things I've done, not the things I couldn't or failed do. That way I get a better understanding of me and what I'm capable of. Everyone's great at something, and I'm sure you are too!"

[HuniPi]

One Big Fish couldn't help but give Westward Spirit a wry smile. She wasn't in any position to explain to him what she really meant by her inability to do anything. They'd only just met, after all. No, she had too many responsibilities back home. She would eventually have to return to the alcove, clean things up and fix whatever problem her former partner had accidentally caused or created while she was gone.

He'd whine about how she shouldn't have left him alone and unattended, especially knowing how he was.

She could already feel a headache begin to form between her eyes, but she craned her neck to be able to get a deep lungful of the air. The saltiness from the water mixed with the cool, crisp mountainside, it was quite lovely all things considered. "I'll keep your words in mind, Westward Spirit. But right now, I should be heading back."

She turned to backtrack, "You needn't walk me all the way, it's quite a distance. But..." she stopped, both in her words and tracks, "It might ease your mind to accompany me up to where the shark attacked."

[doomsayer]

Turning back now felt to Westward Spirit like One Big Fish was going back to just how she was before. Though he'd offered her an opportunity to do something new, it didn't seem like she could get herself to break away from what she currently had happening in her own life to take his offer. Though deep inside he wanted to help her somehow, she had to be willing to take that help.

And so they walked back across the craggy coast, back to the spot they first met. He had hoped to spend more time to get to know her, but he would never force himself on her time. As she wanted, he stopped accompanying her from this spot where he assumed she would make her way back from whence she came. He watched her walk away as a heavy feeling that he couldn't describe developed in his chest.

But before she could go too far, he couldn't help but shout out, "I do hope I'll be seein' you back 'round these parts again ma'am! I promise next time I'll show you around good and proper!"

[HuniPi]

Half a season.

That was how long it took for One Big Fish to realize she didn't have to put up with a den-mate who willingly chose to be so incompetent. She was no longer so emotionally involved with the ongoings within the den, not that there was much to begin with. She'd begun spending more and more time outside, "going hunting farther and farther away," and as long as she returned with some catch for her den-mate, she was spared the whining and self-pitying comments.

She didn't want to think how much worse it would be if she told her fellow acha about Westward Spirit. Any guilt she felt for not sharing her encounter (and continued encounters) with the totoma crumbled each time her den-mate failed to fulfill their chore agreement. And that was a near-daily occurance.

Today, One Big Fish reached a breaking point when the food storage she'd carefully built was completely eaten by her den-mate and his "guests."

She knew she couldn't take much more of this. But rather than snapping and getting into a screaming fit, she tiredly sighed and said she's going out to replenish the stock.

Maybe this time, she won't come back. This was perhaps why when she met up with Westward Spirit again, she greeted him "You remember how you keep offering to properly show me around these parts and I've always said next time? Today is next time."

[doomsayer]

Westward Spirit was slightly taken aback at One Big Fish finally taking him up on his offer to show her around.

He was already thankful for the opportunity to spend time with her when she would occasionally go out of her way to head out as far as the foot of the mountains to hunt. He made it his routine since their first meeting to hover around the area for a while to see if she would appear. And when she did, he would jump at the chance to accompany her.

Over their little excursions together, she was never completely forthcoming about her issues, but he did pick up that she was unsatisfied with her situation. So every time they would see each other, he would ask her if she would like to go around with him and see more.

He didn't expect this day to be the day she said yes. With a smile he could not for the life of him contain, he replied, "And today is the perfect day for it! We can start a short trek around the foot of the mountain, drop off some animals I'm herding with a neighbor, and get on along a trail up to one of the summits. We can get high up enough to see the ocean by the evening if we start now!"

He spots her usual measured expression and unintentionally let's out a thought that he really should have kept to himself.

"But why today ma'am, what changed?"

[HuniPi]

One Big Fish found herself smiling genuinely here at the shore. She was glad she brought Resolve along, knowing that her den-mate would not take care of the fat fish, no matter how little effort it would involve. The fat fish still had not warmed up to Westward Spirit, but it was no longer suspicious of the long-horned totoma.

And so when he'd asked why she accepted his offer today of all days, the fat fish was not immediately bobbing in the other kin's face. (Admittedly it wouldn't do anything beyond be a slight annoyance of blocking the view but fat fish weren't exactly the brightest ray of light.) Instead, the fat fish hovered extra close to its mistress neck, gently letting its fin flutter against fur as if calming her anxiety.

The acha was ready for the question and while she could normally get a good handle on her emotions, she'd started slowly allowing herself to be more open with Westward Spirit. Her lips curved into a wry smile, made all the more pronounced thanks to her crooked mouth markings. "There's a shortage of game back home when there shouldn't have been one. And I think it's time I take a step back from handling everything. Like you said, everyone's great at something," she said in the same, easy tone Westward Spirit had said it, "Though I'd be happy if he was just adequate at it. Or if he finally did anything at all."

[doomsayer]

Although she was finally starting to open up to him about her issues in her own home, Westward Spirit immediately forgot his own curiosity as soon as he saw her smile at him. It didn't matter who this he that she was talking about and right now it mattered even less that he couldn't measure up to One Big Fish's expectations. What was important was she chose to spend time with Westward Spirit now and he resolved to do his darndest to keep that beautiful smile on her face as long as she stayed with him.

With the biggest smile on his face, he says, "Well ma'am, I assure you as long as you stick with me, you'll never run low on anything 'round here. And if ever you think you're willing to stay and be part of the local herd, you'll never want for nothing because everyone's doin' their part."

-----

Their first stop was the foot of the mountain, where a large cave filled with shucked and husked grains as well as harvested berries were stored and wild game in excess of what was needed for one's nutrition for the day was deposited for processing, preservation, and distribution to those who need it.

Wayward Spirit explained to One Big Fish, "We all work together to gather and hunt and stock up for a rainy day and to help those who happen to be down on their luck on their food that day. This way, nothing goes to waste, everyone is able to help out everyone else, and no one goes hungry around these parts."

He had herded some small game into the cave's pens and was rewarded by thanks and compliments by the kin managing it--mostly a mix of achas and totomas who lived nearby where the foot of the mountain met the edge of the desert.

For his efforts, he was given a hefty portion of mixed nuts and berries wrapped in a large leaf for the trip ahead.

-----

The next leg of their journey was to follow a trail up the mountain toward the first summit. Westward Spirit expertly used his hooves and horns to navigate the more perilous parts of the climb, all the while doing his best to guide and offer assistance to One Big Fish to make her climb as easy as he could make it.

"Just take it slow and steady ma'am. I know these trails like the back of my hooves and I'm right beside you if anything untoward happens. Even at this pace, we should make it to the summit by sundown!"