[IN PROGRESS] Someone Lost

[cosmo]

Clarice sits down by the fire, clearly a bit impatient to get going but not wanting to rush anyone who needs to heal.

[knux400]

Brisk idly puts a branch on the fire before gently fanning it with his hand. "We'll wait as long as you like. I don't want anyone getting hurt by this."

[seppawku]

The few smaller bruises from the sand hitting the leaf start to heal over by the fire, and Mince turns their head casing to the group. 'We're okay, but thank you. Another moment wouldn't be bad - it's not too painful with the leaf, don't worry.'

[knux400]

Brisk pokes at the fire a bit more, glancing around.

"So, um... What brings you all here?"

[allhallowed]

"Well, in your listing it sounded like a pretty exciting adventure! But uh," they cough a little. "I wasn't counting on the sand. I still plan on seeing through, though! We'll definitely find Casket."

[knux400]

"Sorry about the sand... I honestly just assumed it would be forest the whole way through."

"...Thank you, though."

[seppawku]

'I had a difficult time finding my own partner, even with the pocket dimensions. I wouldn't want anyone else to feel lonely because of that - that's why I came along. The desert is nice, I think.'

[cosmo]

"If I'm being completely honest, I was just curious what we would find. I want to learn more about these places work and I think the best way to do that is to visit lots of 'em!"

[knux400]

Brisk nods at each of the other TCP's answers.

"...I'll start gathering supplies, the fire should last for a while longer by itself. You said it was the leaves from the trees, right?"

[seppawku]

'The larger the better. We should be okay by the fire, don't worry.'  Mince settles their chin onto their hands and watches the flickering light.

[aeshihowl]

Flicker mumbles, "Ren said I should get out some more. The new cat they brought home is... not great company." He shrugs. "I thought this would be isolated enough to handle. I'll help you get some leaves, Brisk." The flytrap type stands and follows the other cat.

[knux400]

(wow it has been way too long since i updated this, sorry!!!!)

Brisk clambers up a tree, using his knife to cut off large leaves at the stem.

"None of us are that big, so it should only take a few per person."

[cosmo]

"Sounds good!" Clarice grabs an extra leaf, just in case the one she already has gets damaged.

[aeshihowl]

Flicker catches the leaves as they fall and sets them on the ground until Brisk is finished. He picks up as many as he can hold and heads back to the others, passing them out with utmost care. He wraps himself in his leaves and nuzzles them gently, like one would a fuzzy blanket.

[seppawku]

Mince wraps a leaf around themselves with special attention to their head casing, dipping their head quickly in thanks. ’Was that all we needed to prepare? Or is there something we should do before heading into the desert?’

[allhallowed]

Indie is feeling much better after some time around the campfire, so she grabs her own leaves and goes to stand by Clarice. “Ready!”

[knux400]

Before long, the group is equipped with a set of leafy robes and wraps for their feet to protect against the wind, and everyone has a torch to carry for the fire's healing aura. Brisk steps forward into the desert once more, then glances back to make sure everyone is following. "Ready?"

[aeshihowl]

Flicker, looking doubtful, nods. "As ready as I'll ever be. The sand's already irritating my hairs..."

[cosmo]

Clarice readies her leaf. "I'm ready."

[knux400]

"Alright. Let's try this again."

The group starts forward into the desert, clutching their leafy robes close. Just like last time, the storm starts relatively tame before gradually getting worse the further you get. The leaves are doing a good job of keeping you protected, though, and the torches you hold soothe any wounds that slip through the cracks.

Eventually you pass the point you had stopped before, and continue into unknown territory. The storm continues getting more intense, and everyone is starting to consider going back for more leaves- but then Brisk speaks up, shouting against the wind.

"I think we've reached the center- the storm's not getting any worse!"

And sure enough, as you press onward, the storm slowly starts to calm again. Eventually, it's back to being a gentle breeze again. You find yourselves standing in front of a large glass temple. Sticking up from the sand a short distance in front of the temple is a metal rod with a circular opening on the tip. Past the metal rod is a very tiny doorway- about a half inch tall. It appears to be the only way into the temple, but it's way too small for anyone to fit through.
 

IMAGE

The metal rod is about 4 inches tall, roughly at eye level for a smaller-sized TCP. The opening in the middle is empty, and there are 5 sets of prongs around the edges.
 

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OBJECTIVE COMPLETED: TRAVERSE THE DESERT
NEW OBJECTIVE: GO THROUGH THE DOOR