ORIGIN

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It had been difficult leaving Eridanus, but it was probably for the best. Mayfal did not what reminders of Comet, and so they avoided Orion and Fornax. Yet, they still followed the sound of moving water. This took them to Pisces with it's fish and slippery surfaces. Last time Mayfal had been there, Comet was there to keep them safe. Now, they were only surrounded by Comet's element. Comet was once again everywhere, but Mayfal was alone.

They traveled down another tunnel that lead to Polaris. There was water here, too. It was warmer than last time, though. They heard water rushing and followed the sound. They followed the water to yet another tunnel and decided to follow it as there was, really, nothing else they could think of doing. Their appetite had disappeared and they only had the energy to walk aimlessly. And so they continued.

Mayfal eventually found a cave they knew they had not visited before. It smelled different and they were wrapped in a cool blanket of wildflowers in the air. For a moment, Mayfal forgot their sadness and was overcome with wonder. They walked further into the meadow, letting this new grass tickle their ankles, and their ears picked up a familiar sound: rushing water. Lots of it, too. They did not want to follow the water anymore until they had rested. They hadn't really even thought about why they were following water in the first place. But to anyone else who knew Mayfal's situation, the answer was clear. Humbly, bowing their head, they lapped up some sips of water. Then, the mud-covered pup curled up next to the river. It was almost like being in Eridanus, but somehow, this was much colder.

@James

James was currently trying to get a house set up, using the knowledge he had from weaving and crafting as well as the knowledge from the Edenfolk, pushing up long logs he'd found either from trees knocked over or thick branches he'd torn down as sparingly as possible. Right now, he was tying it all together.

He had a frame in mind, a house with two rooms, mostly to keep the weather off of them, but sturdy enough to withstand wind. He was supporting it using two trees, hoping that attaching the frame to both of them would allow the house to be more stable.

He got to work digging, pawing at the dirt to make the foundation for the frame, the logs and branches and other materials piled up, including as many vines as he could carry from Eridanus. This was hard work, but he was certain he could do it.

For now, he didn't notice Mayfal, but his bright feathers were flashy enough to attract her attention, should they be looking around.

@Mayfal

Mayfal could not see the marvelous wings that dawned James. But they did hear him digging and dragging logs around. The commotion sent Mayfal up with a shock from their curled position. Something else was here. Something that could move fallen trees and dig trenches. Something that made Mayfal afraid.

Hopefully, this creature hadn't yet noticed Mayfal. If that were the case, then they might be able to sneak away unharmed; they were too weak to fight at this moment.

They began to back away, in the opposite direction of the noise. However, because Mayfal was unfamiliar with the area, a conveniently placed twig snapped under their back left paw. The sound was quite noticeable as it also prompted a few birds to fly away in a fluttering rush. Mayfal was doomed. There was no sneaking away now. They would have to hope they could outrun whatever this creature was or somehow fight it.

@James

James' head shot up and he turned, slowly walking towards the noise, ears forward, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

He emerged from the trees, his crest flared up as his tail spanned behind him, colorful and beautiful as he stopped, a name slipping free.

"Comet-", he said, before shaking his head, "Ah, no. You just look like Comet. Who are you, friend?"

James had dirt on his hooves and some leaves in his mane from all the work he'd been doing, his fur drenched with sweat as his chest puffed gently. He shook his head out and rubbed his nose on his knee to wipe some off, before looking back at the fox.

@Mayfal

They heard the beast coming closer, his footfall sounding calculated but heavy.

He knew Comet.

Maybe it was some other Comet. Were there other Comets? Maybe. Mayfal took a deep breath. They could smell mud and plant matter. The creature was unfamiliar to them for sure, but there was another scent there. One that Mayfal knew all too well. This creature, did, in fact, know Comet.

"Comet." They hadn't meant for it to slip out. They were quiet so maybe it wasn't even heard, but the sound of the name had a natural reaction of pain, now.

Mayfal came to their senses, though. This creature must have thought they could gain some of this foxes trust by calling them a friend. They weren't nearly that naive. What was this creature up to?

"What do you want?! I don't want any trouble to just back away slowly and no one gets hurt!"

Mayfal's voice cracked on the last word. They really were scared. From where the voice was coming from (which is where Mayfal pointed their head) this creature was massive in stature. They didn't know what to expect.

@James

James blinked and cocked his head, lowering his wings and his crest.

"I don't want to hurt you," he said, turning away, "My apologies if I disturbed you, I'll just go back to what I was doing."

He turned and walked back to his hole, digging the rest of it out before walking over to the pile of logs. It was best to get those up first. He inhaled and hoped his magic would help him. He sighed as his magic fizzled, and stepped back out of the woods, calmly walking towards the stream. He was just tired, that was all. Tired and drained from all the hard work of that day.

James bent his neck and drank deeply, glad the water was cold. It helped him feel less hot.

"My name's James," he said, "Do you have one, stranger?"

@Mayfal

Mayfal was finally going to get some peace and quiet. The safety of solitude was beginning to grace them when the massive creature from before decided to come back and introduce himself! What in these caves did he want from Mayfal?!

And why did he want their name? If he knew Comet, he probably would have heard the name Mayfal before. Maybe he knew what had transpired between Comet and Mayfal. Maybe he wouldn't be so kind if he knew their real name then. But did they want to lie to him? What if he could help repair the damage that had been done? It wasn't likely that he would anyway, but there was always a chance.

The whole ordeal of names was too much to think about right then, so Mayfal ignored the question completely and asked one of their own.

"What even is a James?"

@James

James turned to look at Mayfal, frowning, "I... just said it's my name. It's not a 'thing', it's my name. I'm not named after anything."

He sighed and walked back to the forest, shaking his head, "Nevermind."

He returned to the logs to try again, a frown on his face. The log lifted and he nudged it into place, pushing it down before letting it drop. He shoved stones into the gap and then dirt, stamping it flat with his hooves.

"Why don't you come and help, instead of just standing there," he said, "Unless you have a place to be, then I won't stop you."

@Mayfal

Mayfal, in fact, had nowhere to be. And the idea of this lonely, quiet freedom was a little intense. They liked the idea of having something to do. But this James creature was still a stranger with strange motives. Mayfal had to proceed with caution.

"What's in it for me, then, if I help you?"

They learned this trick from tackling Kaimana: if someone wants something from you, you should get something in return.

Mayfal waited right where they were to hear what their compensation for moving logs would be.

@James

James paused, puffing gently. He hummed and shrugged.

"It builds character," he said, and tried to lift another log.

He groaned as the log refused to budge, squealing in frustration and just... kicking it. At least it rolled closer. Stupid logs.

"COMET!", he yelled out, "ARE YOU STILL HERE?!"

He hoped she was, he was exhasuted.

@Comet

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