Orsender's inspection of the obelisk had revealed the numerous carvings etched in the square stone's surfaces. Formed from an odd grey stone, streaks of an opalescent blue shimmered against the light. Simple artwork depicting unknown events were visible, but too esoteric for one not versed in artifacts to understand. It wasn't a matter of cavemen drawing or abstraction. Rather, the obelisk was etched with thick, diagonal lines. The only thing that Orsender could make out within the complex imagery was that there was never an end. Like a corkscrew, the artwork stretched diagonally and rested ontop of itself. As the obelisk narrowed, the imagery only shrank. They also carried into the ground, making it unknown how large this pillar actually was. Most odd about it all, he could feel the invisible hairs on his arm raise towards the obelisk. After Orsender introduced himself, the young Lord's face instantly shifted once more. His sudden deviousness became obvious with his words. [color=a0e39d]"Oh, but I wouldn't mind if you ate me..."[/color] To those who paid attention to the still kowtowing Yda, they could visible see her shudder when he said those words. Luckily, they were unable to see her face. Cringing hard enough to form a singularity did not make for an appealing look. As always, he quickly reverted to an amiable smile. When Cinder asked about the creepy skull guy for a second time, he remained his usual self for once. [color=a0e39d]"There are two gods that come to mind for having skulls. One of the tribal gods worshiped by the Oni and one of the kingdom's gods. Emet'etal is the patron of the hunt for many Oni tribes. He wears a deer skull on his head and carries a spear, but there really isn't much I can tell you about him. Most of the Oni's traditions are oral. The other is Yoraganos, who is the god of...[/color] He looked at the young Cinder. [color=a0e39d]"Well, let's just say that he isn't exactly a god that would be interested in giving his blessing to any of you. But this fracturing... It's rare for a god to directly speak to someone. I might know someone who knows more about this, so I'll call him over."[/color] With the final member introducing themself (and also saying that he wouldn't eat him), Siris paused. He looked to Sayako and, even if just barely, his smile increased and he gave her a subtle wink. Every single alarm went off. [color=a0e39d]"Yda, lead these visitors to the estate if they so choose. They are free to cross our lands in the mean time. I still have some unfinished business around here, so don't wait for me."[/color] [color=827CD3]"But young ma-"[/color] [color=a0e39d]"Also, please do not engage the bears. The bears around here are indeed 'shit'."[/color] And with that, Siris gave a polite bow to the now-introduced strangers and mounted his horse. With a healthy gait, the horse trotted back onto a forest path with Siris not looking back. Yda rose from her grovelling and gave the young lord's back a blank stare of contempt and defeat. Taking a deep breath, her mood instantly shifted from worried-guard to amiable host. It was actually kind of gross to see her suddenly shift from 'Oi, lezzgo kill all da oni' to 'Dearie me, welcome to our estate~'. The act would have probably been better had she not possessed twigs in her hair. [color=827CD3]"Well, if you so choose, you may follow me for some rest at the estate. It's merely a short walk away."[/color] With that, she turned her back to the group and walked on a forest path opposite of the way Siris went. The path was to the estate was pleasant, to say the least. Sun danced between the leaves as wind blew through the trees. Despite the overgrown nature of the forest, the path had been used enough to keep a solid and firm dirt foundation. Peaceful was really the only way to describe it. But the trees, grass, and brush that stood at your side soon made way as a great stone manor came into view. In the middle of a cleared section of the forest, the manor sat. To those who cared about architecture back on their old world, the manor resembled one from the 16th century. Its stone walls were clear of any sign of age. The many windows were filled with geometric diamonds. The size of it all, however, was what made it so impressive. It was practically a fortress in the middle of nowhere. [color=827CD3]"The house staff will take care of you if you so care. I will remain outside, should you need me for anything."[/color]