Wings of Wonder: Start

[voidtreckermods]

"Good Morning Voidtreckers, today is day 6 of the month of Nebula."
The voice echoes through the train as passengers wake up in their beds. Not long afterwards their SCA’s glow with the colour of the void and a holographic image will appear...

[Prep]

The dressing room has been opened as promised. It is mostly equipment rather than clothing. Tents in team colours, bundles of rope as well as harnesses, belay points, carabiners and anchor points and helmets in team colours. Voidtreckers will have about an hour to prepare before they reach their destination.

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WINGS OF WONDER: START

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A TL;DR notes version of event/prompts: (click to show)

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EVENT BASICS: Voidtreckers arrive on the centre island, covered in a high grass and other plants that may have strange effects on them (make them high, give them hayfever, dizziness, etc). Domesticated animals are trapped in here, and some habitats have been busted up. There's no one else immediately around (except for a statue, interact-able only by the spiritually inclined or those who can make such contact), and bridges between floating, smaller islands have been wrecked.

Team Destinations: On their SCAs, the teams will be signalled to the islands as follows:

Reds: West
Purple: North, South, East
Blue: South, East
Orange: North, South

The four different islands they are to go to are as follow:

NORTH ISLAND: Going by foot, the Oranges and Purples will be led into a large forest, where the tree branches and roots can be climbed along. There are creatures - hostile and not - amongst these, living in them, as the lower ground turns into swamp land. Traps have been set, and it's a long climb and trek, taking about an hour minimum before the Voidtreckers will reach the top.

Up here some kind of craft, and a red fog in the air. There are some dead sali present.
→ This area will need fighters, people willing to investigate, people willing to search for sali. It will need those interested in repair work.
EAST ISLAND: Blue Team are directed this way, though anyone willing to attempt negotiations here may be interested. The land is overgrown (again), and there's two directions to go in - north or south. To the north leads in direction of the North Island, where some sali are. They can be engaged with. To the south leads towards some buildings, large, the sali settlement. There are crystals in the way, stone monuments, and even the sali themselves. They can be engaged with.
→ This area will need negotiators, those who can win over the sali's trust. Those with evidence of their trustworthiness is recommended.
SOUTH ISLAND: Orange and Blue team are directed this way, as well as Purple. A red shroud hangs over the island, but not too much. Still, this will have various effects on the Voidtreckers; headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, even sickness. It won't start off strong, but they will have to work with this hanging over them while, in tall wheat-like grass, they have to deal with the sali on the attack. There are red-eyed/red-crystal sali, and then sali without this. Both will attack, but the non-red versions may be won over, unlike the other.

There are destroyed buildings everywhere, except for one. A large 2 storey building. A Forever One is here.
→ It will need decent fighters, those willing to work with diplomacy. Those who can deal with unsettled livestock and who can help the wounded. Those willing to help clear up.
WEST ISLAND: Reds are sent in this direction. The highest mountain is surrounded in a thick red shroud, birds swarming around it. They also search around the lower grounds too. At the base is a white forest extremely cold but not snow. There are monster-creatures here, and then also stone markers that have repelling effects to the Voidtreckers. Some also drain energy, but too much (and also being attacked) makes them blow up.

There is an unknown enclosure here by the mountain base that can be explored. Or people can go into caverns next to it to explore the interior.
→ Strong fighters are needed for this area, and those willing to explore and investigate. Those who can handle strong dangers, but also not exacerbate issues with force.



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ARRIVAL ISLAND

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ARRIVAL. "Please mind your step getting off."

The female-coded voice of the train speaks as the doors open. Voidtreckers should take heed, with the only way off being with a jump or tumble, landing in a bed of grass below. Very long grass, of greens, yellows, greys and light blues. They'll make a good dent with their drop, but they'll also find more around them, standing as high as twelve feet. Flowers, weeds and more tangle together, their scents strong and threatening to make you dizzy. Get too close to the purple flowers, and they'll offer you a blissful high just by smelling them. Or, are you experiencing hayfever, with constant sneezing and watery eyes?

It'll be a good idea to do something about this mess, just so you don't bump into each other - and the large cylinder containers spread about, meant for rainwater collecting. There are also animals lost in this mix, agitated by the wild growth. They'll need a calming hand to help them behave, and to not go around knocking into people while work is ongoing. There are pegs on the end of the ropes attached to their necks, that can be put back into the ground. ...somewhere.

•
→ Forever One interactions
•
TAKE TWO. With enough clearing and shredding, broken dome habitats can be discovered, wrecked by the plant-life. There's decent cooking pots within, utensils, bowls and other tidbits to be found, but no one else.

Outside, a reddish sky over mountains can be seen in the northwest, and over the south skies too. To the north are signs of smoke... and no easy way to reach anywhere. There are pieces of bridges between floating land, remains hanging resiliently, but not capable of being used without some repair. There are small clusters of land around, but none seem to float close enough to jump across - at least, not for anyone of average human mobility.

The Voidtreckers will need to plan how to move, and where. Flight and abilities over gravity will be useful, except those capable of such will find that their powers aren't as realiable as they should be.

Is this the case for everyone?

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EAST ISLAND: HOME OF THE SALI

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HOME ISLAND. Arriving from the centre island, there's signs of a clean-up job. Large masses of red and yellow grass have been flattened, creating two paths: one north, and one south.

Voidtreckers will need to continue to watch out for the thorns and pollen that persist in the overgrowth that hasn't been dealt with, their SCAs beeping to help keep them away from questionable growth. They should also mind the clusters of clear crystal stone around the terrain. They are magic, that much is clear even to those who can't sense such things. For those that can, given the weirdness that is happening with their abilities these rocks feel almost like their minds are trying to swim in jelly. As if their eyes don't want to focus on the rocks but also cannot help but try and focus. Like hearing a muffled half familiar song and not being able to place it. Focusing too long however, will make them all the more confused, delirious; others on the road will need to help drag them along.

Choose your path. To the south, the long grass obscures what lies ahead. To the north, large dome settlements can be seen at a far distance.

•
→ North trail interaction
•
TO THE SOUTH. The south trail will take explorers longer to reach anywhere. The plains are vastly wider, ascending up hilly land, but there is more wild here than just the plant-life.

Sometimes, strange striped creatures can be found - usually, if a person gets too separated from others. It goes in for the grab, fast-moving, having some expertise to expect projectiles and to dodge. It won't stop running once they have someone in their clutches.

But there is something that can stop them, other than a Voidtrecker's attack. The closer they get to their destination, the more stone monuments can be found. Nothing grows wild around them, and they seem to give off a repulsive energy that even the Voidtreckers will sense, be even affected by.

They are multiple on the long road, confusing one's mind if they get too close for long. Making them see nonsensical visions, instilling a great sense of fear that spikes their anxiety.

And the most dangerous are the smaller markers; calming, even giving off a sense of relief to be near... but that in truth, have a draining effect to the Voidtreckers.

...but also, doing so does make them start to vibrate strangely...

...and then explode, if too many people past them by.

•
→ South sali interaction

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NORTH ISLAND: WEAVED IN GREEN

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TANGLING PATHS. Entering the forest is much like agreeing to navigate a labyrinth with layers upon layers. Branches and roots twist and tangle every which way, offering a way up as the ground below becomes more like swamp land. Trees overtake as pathways, limbs wide enough to walk two people side by side, vines hanging like loose threads.

Has your attempt to move forward stranded you from others? Can you reach over to where you see another figure? Or have you fallen, caught in the tangle of the vines, even webs, in need of desperate help? Call - maybe someone can reach you.

•
PROWLING FOES. But those who find you may not always be a friend. Green Sprinters move nimbly, jumping from great heights to pounce upon the unsuspecting, leaping across tree paths and jumping against any surface to weave and dodge attacks. Camo Spiders make the webs that catch clumsy prey. Sometimes, they might not be near their webs - but they will always know when one's been triggered.

And for those who get the most unlucky, they may find a rather spacious opening inside one of tree trunks. Noses will catch a strange odour...an odour of death. They've entered the den of a tree bear, agile despite their bulky size that makes it difficult for blades to penetrate them. They're heavy hitters, as well as having the ability to make the tree branches move to their will.

•
HANG-UPS, HANG LOW. You start to see a sky, and if you're heading in the right direction, a rock wall. There's still a ways up, and, unfortunately (as is always the luck of a Voidtrecker), getting closer only provides more trouble. None of the creatures save the Green Sprinter appear keen to follow them too high, with the other creatures around disinclined in engaging with the Voidtreckers, there's still issues - ahead, and underfoot.

As slick substances cover surfaces to slide any foot or hand it touches, hard to remove; vines that appear safe to grab show tear marks higher up that will lead to dangerous drops if grabbed; and when they grab along the rock wall, the stone will shift, crumbling underfoot or even trapping feet in gaps narrower than when the foot first stepped on them.

Something - or someone is setting traps...

•

→ Mountain Top investigation

•
FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS. But maybe you don't end up top side. Maybe your investigations take you elsewhere, or the density of the woods has kept you inside. Is it curiosity, a desire to explore? Or just bad luck? But there's more to be found in these wild woods than just creatures. Those traps - they were surely traps, and there's more to be found, the rustling of leaves and vines that attract you deeper inside.

They don't make themselves known easily until an attack is already on an unsuspecting Voidtrecker. A throwing knife comes close to a head, feet, and then the wood is engulfed in flames that reach out and grab for you, a giant fist or like whips.

They prefer to attack and disappear rather than entering into full on combat. They use the trees as camouflage and try not to stay still enough to be caught or attacked in return. They are fast and if cornered will posture first with their horns, making them look bigger and more ready for a fight.

Talking to them will require time, patience and a good deal of diplomacy. However, those with crystals and eyes coloured red are less willing to listen...

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SOUTH ISLAND: BLUE PASTURES

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A MURDER OF CORN. Arriving on the South Island, Voidtreckers will find the land in a similar state as the one they started on, if with more cause for concern. Great dome buildings are visible from where they land in an obvious state of disarray, and a thin red fog with it. There's no immediate threats, but as they get closer to the settlement, the red substance in the air - while some has dissipated since they first saw it - offers headaches and unsettled stomachs, turning their vision hazy and unclear. And a feeling as if something is trying to probe their mind.

As they wade through the stiff blue stalks of a wheat-like plant, berry bushes and else, shouting can be heard. "Come out!", "Intruders!" It's difficult to figure their location, while above, the squawking of some kind of bird can be heard. The ground underfoot shakes and tremble suddenly, abruptly.

It's not the Voidtreckers those voices are after, but they may soon be, their obscured locations not staying so as the sali that slice through with sickles, with shovels, a red gemstone somewhere on their bodies, eyes the same. With a touch to the ground, they make plants grow wild and whip and grab, thorns as thick as ropes barricading their foes. Reason seems to work little with them, while others in this state - if not detecting an unknown presence - can be heard muttering about, "We're being attacked... have to find them..."

Worse is if they're found by one of the red-winged birds above-head, who fly up out of the way and spew either a red substance from their beaks, or beat their wings to cause winds that blow back even the sturdiest of Voidtreckers. They won't linger for a fight, but their smaller companions will. They use the overgrowth to hide in, speed as a means of knocking into people, to get away before they can be caught.

•
→ NPC-led encounter
•
THE FARMING LIFE. Instead of a fight wit the sali, some might find themselves at the structures seen from the distance, as tall as two- or three-storey houses. They have suffered structural damage, from the wild growth piercing them, and from something crushing them from above, leaving openings where they shouldn't be.

Inside sheet-covered buildings, there are plants: purple vegetables with the texture of carrots, rising out the ground and merging like lattice screens that block one's way; stringy blue beans that hang from above like weeping willow's, and as annoying to see through; and patches filled with brightly coloured pumpkin-shaped bumby fruits. These, with too much pressure, will burst and let out a gel-like goo that sticks to skin and clothes, making it harder to move if not wiped off.

The roof reaches high, but so do plants, some which can be climbed. It's like an obstacle course, and inside? Sali; some with red eyes, making themselves known by animating the plant-life. They send the hanging blue strings to grab and try to entangle you, or throw the goo-like pumpkins in your direction. But then there are others, some sali hiding, trying to get past people, who'll couragesly hiss "Begone!" to anyone that finds them.

•
SHEEP AND BOAR. In other buildings, it's no less chaotic. One has been flattened in half by some great force from above, but who knows how. There's animal cries that can be heard inside, trapped by beams of wood and some steel; creatures between a sheep and cow, making sounds like ducks. Some have been killed by the structure, and a sali can be found in the wreckage meeting the same fate.

But there are more animals than just them. There are rows of animal barns, some wrecked, a few luckily untouched. And as for their should-be occupants? Around. Not everywhere has been inflicted with the overgrown grass, but you may be in the maze of it, hearing sounds that could be the cow-sheeps (woolies) or even some of the tall antlered creatures that had been on the first island.

And the most unlucky meeting is a boar-like creature that's rampaging around madly, startled, and only knowing to cause a scene until it runs out of energy. Watch out, for they're as speedy as they are bulky, dealing hard-hitting body slams, headbutts that can make people flinch (from being knocked over), and even has the amazing ability to curl up into a ball and start rolling around.

Wear them out, calm them down, or get knocked out!

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WEST ISLAND: STEEL TRAIL

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WHITE FOREST. For those interested in what the Reds have to do, or just interested in the sight of the mountain surrounded by a mass of red mist, their destination will be the West Island. Greeting those who come here is white: white dirt you might mistake for sand, large white trees with mushroom-tops, made from very fine fibres. Some have been cut down, by the collection of wood bundled for later gathering, with their fluffy tops used as coverings. Meanwhile, birds can be heard in the distance, their destination covered in a shroud of red, the avians visible as they circle the skies.

While there may be the opportunity to get lost, stone posts dot the environment, leading visitors (hopefully) in the right direction. Yet approaching too closely to these stones have a draining, repulsing effect on the Voidtreckers, that will make them want to stay away. Which isn't a bad idea...

Or, you could try destroying them. Be warned, that most efforts are likely to make them explode in a wide area. But it's good to find out once, right?

Finally, they will reach close to the base of the mountain, with the trail they've been following leading towards a high-fenced enclosure.

•
→ Enclosure investigation
•
A SHRILL OMEN. But life doesn't stop at investigating one enclosure. Whatever the outcome of their findings, the Voidtreckers making their way around the enclosure to the east side will be led to what appears to be a mining operation, and a building beside it.

Some of the crates are empty, while others are layered with crystals, bits of stone. Inside the building, tools for mining and cleaning the gems that were dug out are inside. There's a few simple weapons along one of the walls, wrapped food rations found in containers; things that will last a decent amount of time. Dried meats and fruits. Also, jugs and flasks near blue and red liquids.

It doesn't seem abandoned completely, rather it is not being used at the moment because of the storms.

Up above the birds swarm, their cries heard. Patrolling avians will catch sight of anyone below if they aren't careful, with the Steel Wings commonly seen, and ready to attack. Their cries will alert more to come to where they are, and be warned: their feathers can be flung around like blades, tearing into tree and rock to try and crush people under the wreckage.

•
TRAILING STONE. In the face of the mountain are cave entrances, some larger than others. Each of the cave entrances leads into tunnels that work into the mountain. Most are quite large, built and used by Salis but also dark and very steep- the Salis being very sure footed, with stones glowing lights to give visibility.

Ropes and climbing equipment might be needed for those less used to sharp declines. The good news of course is the caves are free of birds, though unfortunately not free of Steel Weavers, more durable than their Northern brethen, with more than a few bullets needed to annoy them. Most of the tunnels are narrow, though there are larger cave areas, some of which have basic supply caches for the mining operation.

Gems can be found for those who go deep enough. Silver-coloured ones will explode if hit at too hard, and so battling around them can quickly turn deadly. But mostly this tunnel system is a very good way to navigate the West Island without being caught in the storm.

May this be the answer for reaching the birds? Can a path be found? But once the Voidtreckers reach them, what will they do?

Venturing on without figuring out a plan may not be the best idea.

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OOC NOTES

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NOTES: OOC info is here, map is here, info about powers/magic here. Ask questions here, submit shenanigans here, submit rewards here.

Mission starts Nebula 6 (Sept 11th). This log covers the first 2 days. Ongoing goes up on the 16th.

Remember that it will take time to get around the different islands. Ongoing log will give time for more active planning to deal with the main mission objective (helping the sali get rid of the birds/red storm), while allowing the different teams time to communicate and plan. This log is to help determine relations, and showing what's the state of things.

SALI ATTACKS: Sali attacking on the South Island use more land-based magic, but not all use it. and may be able to enchant people and creatures with music, to attack for them (animals and Voidtreckers) or to confuse (Voidtreckers). Mostly, they have farm equipment, save the non-infected sali. They may have daggers and and bows and arrows. Physique go from muscular to lighter framed. They have basic to decent fighting abilities up close.

Those on the North Island will have a larger variety. Fire, ground magic, and more weapons. They are also stealthy and know how to hide well, and are expert fighters. They also deal with hand-to-hand, and have high strength. However, it is a mix. Some of the same kind can be found in the West Island caves for those who want to find any, infected.

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Comments

[eternalinquiry]

The pause is noted and Wangji shifts a little uncomfortably while it happens. "If it is an imposition, then do not concern yourself. I can cross most large gaps with my Qi."

He thinks over who he knows and slowly says; "...there is a dragon on board who I have seen from a distance. The SCA comms seem to say he is happy to help those who need assistance getting to areas?" The fact he recognises the name but not the dragon makes him a little confused but, it's the train. What else is new.

[happyends]

"A dragon..?"

Madoka pauses again, but this time it's to think of who he means. It doesn't take as long this time though, since the pieces click together in her mind.

"Oh, the guy with the horns..!" She's seen him around on the train, even though she hasn't personally spoken to him before. "That's good to know.. though it might still be hard for one person to take everyone across these gasps, right? Unless he's that strong of a dragon.."

It's not like Madoka knows. After all, her world doesn't have dragons - and even then, it's not like she personally knows the dragon boy well enough to be able to tell.

[eternalinquiry]

"Mn." Wangji confirms, seeing as the horns are what he saw in the first place too.

"Perhaps he will only have a set number at a time. Quite a few have already run ahead so I'm sure that will lighten the load." He finds it sweet that she's so concerned about someone she doesn't even know all that well, it speaks of a soft but strong heart.
"I have yet to talk to him myself, so I do not know how many he can carry. If you wish to cross one of the smaller gaps I can help you, my energies are strong enough for that."

He doesn't want to leave her stranded if something happens.

[happyends]

Her expression softens a little when he says that last part.

"Really..?" It's not too surprising that Wangji is okay with helping her. He's seemed nothing but nice ever since she spoke to him for the first time, so this kindness of wanting to help her across fits right in with all of that.

But it's sweet all the same. And if Wangji might be helping less people, then Madoka would feel less guilty asking him to help her than someone who's going to fly over a lot of people.. she wouldn't want to add on to that burden.

"How can you help people cross the gaps, sir..? I-If it's okay for me to ask."

[eternalinquiry]

He had honestly forgotten what it was like to be around teenagers or children. So many just wanted to pick his brain about very specific knowledge only he knows, it was exhausting. Kids just want to know about everything and teenagers ask the most interesting questions. People like Madoka make Lan Wangji actually forget how old he is.

He nods at the question, Madoka could be very powerful in her own right but her appearance makes her seem vulnerable and makes Wangji want to offer his aid. If only to repay the kindness she shown him thus far.
"I could not do it with more than one person at a time, nor for the longer gaps, which is why I have not broadcast my ability to do so. I can manipulate my internal force to strengthen my jump and project it to glide across. I cannot glide as far up as I can down, this place makes using energy more strenuous."

He half smiles at her, "You are free to ask any questions you may have."

[happyends]

"Wow.."

Sure, she's amazed by his kindness as well - the fact that he's being patient enough with her to permit her to ask questions like that. Because sure, this time it's for the sake of the mission, but there are so many things Madoka would like to know about Wangji even aside from that! Things she usually wouldn't bother him with, but if he says it's really okay, then maybe she could give it a shot...

But what's truly amazing here is what he says about his abilities.

"That really would be so useful, sir..! It's a little like the power Romeo has." Except it sounds even stronger than that. Which makes sense. Wangji is a lot older and bigger than Romeo, after all. "I'd be so grateful if you could help me get to the island the blue team has to go..!"

[eternalinquiry]

Madoka is, frankly, very cute. Wangji is the most patient man alive really, you would have to be much, much worse to make him lose any of it. And Madoka is unfailingly polite which is always a plus in his mind, she could ask him almost anything and he would give it his best.

"It has it's benefits." He concedes, thinking of battles but mostly how easy it makes scaling the mountain to his original home. He tries to put a face to the name 'Romeo' and fails spectacularly.
"I would be glad to help you to your destination." He pauses, "You will have to hold on to me and I to you, you have to be close for this to work. Is that alright?" He doesn't want to assume anything. He starts walking in the island's direction, gathering energy.

"So, who is Romeo?"

[happyends]

Madoka gives a small nod as a reaction to his question about whether it's alright. It's not even a nod she has to think about. Is moving across that gap scary? Of course it is, especially since it seems like it would be such a huge drop down if something went wrong.. But if it's one of the Wangjis asking her if it's alright, then of course she's going to say it's alright, no matter the risks.

Because she unconditionally trusts them.

So she doesn't remark anything out loud on the question, instead following him and moving on to answer the other one.

"Oh, Romeo is another one of the kids on the blue team!" Look, Madoka is self-aware enough to know their little group is more recognizable when they're called 'kids'.. "He's a little bit younger than me, but really nice. He's always smiling, and always really happy.. You should talk to him sometime, sir! He can really make moments seem more bright."

[eternalinquiry]

The unwavering trust does something soft and sort of gooey to Lan Wangji's insides. He last saw it on the face of his son and his children, so very long ago and he had forgotten what it was like to be blessed with it. He half smiles at her as she falls in next to him and then faces forward, keeping an eye on their footing so as not to trip on their way down.

"The...kids team." says Wangji, flatly. Thinking mostly about child soldiers and how he would prefer there was no such thing. But the train takes what it wants, he supposes. It's not malicious enough to wish death on it's passengers.

"I do not think I have met him, you will have to introduce me." He sees they're coming up to the edge and turns to face her. "If you hold on to whatever feels most comfortable, as closely as you can then I can carry us over." He pats her on the shoulder to try and send some comfort where he can.
"While we go you can tell me all about the 'kids team' and any other important people I should know about."

[happyends]

Uh oh.

This is a sudden conundrum. Not the part about introducing him to Romeo, or telling him about other stuff. Madoka can easily do that. No, the conundrum comes in him asking her to grab on to where she'd feel most comfortable, and that's a big ask of Madoka. She's not used to thinking of what's comfortable to her - only what's comfortable to other people!

Which is why she doesn't answer right away, instead nervously chewing her lip as she looks up at him. Like she's worried about saying something, even though she knows just standing around here isn't exactly going to help them get anywhere either.

"Um.." She starts, still looking troubled. "W-Would it.. be okay if I could get a piggyback ride..?"

That feels like the most comfortable way to do this flying(?) thing without her worrying about falling. But on the other hand, she has no idea if Wangji is okay with that! Not that he isn't nice, but he always seems so.. kind of formal. Maybe he'd think it'd be weird for her to cling to his back like a koala?

[eternalinquiry]

The level of palpable fluster increases dramatically, and Lan Wangji is a little lost as to what he did to make it so. He feels a little awkward as a result, if he were a lesser Lan he would be clearing his throat and shifting on his feet. As it is he just blinks with a sizeable amount of patience.

She seems nervous, so he tries to relax and smile as best he can. Mostly visible in his eyes, rather than his mouth. There are no stupid questions she can ask, only gain new knowledge. Or perhaps she changed her mind? He wouldn't mind that either, he knows he is a newer Wangji than the others. Then she asks, and it is none of those things.

Wangji huffs in equal parts amusement and relief, and nods.
"I do not mind a piggy back, though I will warn you I have not given one since my great grand-children were small."

He's probably a little out of practise, if there is even a technique to a piggyback? He walks a step ahead and then kneels down in the universal 'Hop on' position. He doesn't even have to think about it really, she's small and light enough that she wouldn't even cause a strain on one arm. Another bonus is he isn't wearing robes, so he won't have to worry about grass stains on white cotton.

"When you are ready." He murmurs.

[happyends]

When he's kneeling down like that, Madoka can hop on relatively easily - and so she does, not wanting to make him stay in that position for too long. Especially since he did give her permission, saying that he doesn't mind it, so surely it should be okay, right..?

(.. hopefully? Madoka is so insecure at times that she can't help but worry about it, even after people have given her permission.)

She makes sure to cling on to him tightly, just so he doesn't have to worry about her falling off. But even as she's doing so, she can't help but ask:

"You have.. great grandchildren..?"

Wangji doesn't look that old.

[eternalinquiry]

He was right, he hardly even notices the weight on his back as she jumps on. A couple of small adjustments for comfort, he starts towards the edge of the cliff. As he does he hears her question;
"Mn, I did. They passed many years ago and their descendants live on in my ancestral holdings. Not many are left that choose to claim my bloodline, but there are a few who would like to see me on occasion."

(Yes Madoka, he really is that old.) A couple of paces from the edge he summons a wave of Qi that flows through his limbs, Madoka may be able to feel it (depending on sensitivity) as a tickling sensation or like the currents when you step into a cold river.

"Here we go." He warns, before taking an extra fast and powerful step and then they are gliding across the gap to their destination island.

[happyends]

"W.. Wow..!"

Apparently she hasn't even recovered from one surprising thing here yet before the next one is already kicking in. She's still amazed to think about how old that must mean Wangji is, but there's no way she can ask anything more about that when, the next moment, they're suddenly gliding in the air.

It feels a little scary, but not as scary as it ought to be - maybe since she just trusts Wangji that much. He wouldn't let anything happen to her, so as long as she makes sure to hold on to him, she'll be fine.

But it doesn't change anything about the way her eyes are so wide right now, staring around them in wonder.

"W.. We're flying..!"

Look, flying, gliding.. It's all the same to a young impressionable teenager.

[eternalinquiry]

A small part of Wangji is would find the awe at his age amusing, another is just grateful that Madoka doesn't seem to be the type to make fun of someone for how long they have lived and how little they have experienced.

The tight grip she has on him gets tighter for a second, but then she's gasping at the gliding and really, it just makes Wangji so happy to get to teach and show people things again. It makes him think of the fuzzy memories when Shizui was just learning to fly on his sword and the most amazing thing Lan Wangji could do was this very same thing.

"Mn. I am using my energy to slow our downwards momentum and propel us forward. It is a martial art ability that you can master with time and practise." And the potential, but Wangji never held that in question about himself and so doesn't think to in others.

[happyends]

Madoka does think that with the way Wangji says it, it's like he's implying that anyone could do it. Even Madoka herself. Which is an amazing idea, but at the same time she isn't so sure if that's true.. Maybe it's only true about people from his world. Madoka can't imagine herself being able to do something this amazing..

But she doesn't pipe up with that, not wanting to drag down the mood by bringing any of that up.

Instead she just says: "You must have had a lot of time to practice it.."

You know, since Wangji is apparently just that old. Her mind is still kind of marveling over that fact.

[eternalinquiry]

Lan Wangji looks over his shoulder as she speaks, just for a second before keeping his focus on the rapidly approaching landing.

"Yes. I was proficient in this at age fifteen, it is a very useful skill so I have kept improving until I was..." he pauses just as his feet start gliding over the ground again.
"Over two hundred. If I had all of my strength that would have taken half the time to cross."

He gently taps down onto grass, walking forward a few steps to absorb the momentum before halting and looking around the area.

"But it has given me your delightful company, so I do not mind."

[happyends]

"O.. Oh."

The girl's cheeks are definitely colouring a little when he calls her company delightful. Madoka is infinitely weak to compliments, after all, and it makes her duck her head for a moment before she carefully lets go of his back, landing on the ground on her own two feet.

"T-Thank you, sir!" She stammers, making a quick and polite bow. Madoka almost trips over her own feet, still a little unsteady, but not having done that bow would just have felt wrong in the face of a compliment that's so kind. "You.. you're also delightful! You've been nothing but kind to me ever since you showed up on the train, and you're always helping me like this too.. I really appreciate it."

[eternalinquiry]

Madoka is so sweet, Lan Wangji is beginning to understand people who coo over kittens. It shows in the small smile on his face as he unruffles his clothes and straightens himself out.
The bow is returned with a deep nod, then reaches out just in case to catch her when she nearly stumbles. He looks a little concerned for a moment but she recovers and he relaxes, until she starts to return the compliments and he has to blink with surprise.
"Thank you." He murmurs, bowing again and a little choked up at the sincerity being shown him.
"I return what was freely given, as you were kind and helpful to me. I hope we can consider each other friends?"

[happyends]

"Of course.."

The way her voice trails off is purely because Madoka is so surprised at him saying that so suddenly and frankly. Her cheeks might be colouring a little as she stares at him, but then she pulls her mind back together a little more - or at the very least enough to eagerly nod at him.

"I already considered you a friend, sir! You've always been so nice to me.. That's exactly what friends do, after all!"

(And the fact that she's been friendly with at least one of the other Wangjis before certainly helped her already think quite fondly of him in the first place.)

[eternalinquiry]

Lan Wangji saying such a thing is born from him missing quite a lot of social cues in his youth that lead to misunderstandings. Now he tries to be as clear as possible so he and the people he's speaking to, know where they stand. And he likes Madoka, so would prefer to make his stance obvious.
He smiles as she agrees with the statement about what friends do, making it sound so much simpler than it is with other adults.

"Well, you know that I will help you in whatever way I can, should you need it." He puts one hand a little tentatively on her shoulder in an almost paternal gesture.
"Do not hesitate to ask."