[h3][center][i]Etsuko Tanaka // Barcea, Southwestern Region[/i][/center][/h3]

Etsuko had merely hummed in agreement with what Calypso said, a smile gracing her features. The village where they lived was closer to the mountains, therefore making it slightly colder than where they were now. Even though curling up with a good book and a warm fire was one of Etsuko’s favorite pastimes, a little bit of sunshine and blue skies certainly didn’t hurt. Being able to enjoy it with someone she held dear to her heart made it even better.

At first, she didn’t notice the cloud of dust or the hooves of horses pounding against the dirt, but something in the atmosphere had changed, giving her reason to look around. Finding nothing in her direct line of sight, the Diviner simply shrugged it off, attributing it to the wildlife that seemed to reside in these parts.

Well, until Calypso tapped her shoulder.

Etsuko turned her head in the direction her companion was pointing at. Indeed, there were three people on horses and something…that looked like it could’ve crawled out of the nightmares of small children. Her eyes gradually widened, to the point where it was obvious she was both alarmed and worried.

[b]“No, that usually doesn’t happen around here… W-Well, the massive, er, creature doesn’t, but travelers do.”[/b]

She then looked up at Calypso—for she was much taller than the Diviner—the worried expression never leaving her face.

[b]”Should we go see if they need help?”[/b]