Dustin
Deep, far, and lost within the First Floor of the Vektet, there lies a hidden forest within a hidden forest; an unseen land where the blue root grows rampantly, its location hidden where no normal man has ever traversed before.
Jill
***The blue glow fades, and Gaige finds himself in a land of the unknown.***

While it certainly felt like he remained on the First Floor, the environment was all-so different from even the strange forest he had witnessed before. Trees stretched to towering heights, raveled about by the familiar form of the growing, entwining, and corrupting form of the blue root, reconfiguring their construction from the top-to-bottom. Instead of green leaves that sought sunlight, there were glowing, blue leaves, reflecting the nature of the root itself, dominating the atmosphere of the surrounding region in a powerful, azure glow.

```ini
[ "Now, we can speak more freely, seeker of the Divine Root's secrets." ]```

The man spoke, dismounting the alien form of his trusty steed, stepping foot on the silver-y grass that covered the ground of the Hidden Forest. Some distance ahead of him, a **Recondite shed was founded,** With a very basic design and a most humble size.

```ini
[ "I am the Root-Tender known as Roqaa-Che. But, you can just call me Che, if it fits better!" ]```

Che spoke politely, with a laugh. Approaching the small hut, he laid his right hand on its doorframe, pushing it open and entering, motioning for Gaige to follow-after.
Maria
Having shut his eyes during the teleportation, upon opening them, he found himself enclosed by **An even larger forest.** He took in the scenery, finding a certain beauty within its azure corruption. His outlook on the blue root had begun to expand. Perhaps it wasn't just an infestation. This archer's existence was proof, _there was something more to it._ His gaze affixed back to the archer as they dismounted. Despite having no sense of where he was, the hero was given an impression of tranquility inside this rooted forest. Gaige dismounted from the beast, following the archer from a slight distance behind.

"Sure thing, Che. I go by Gaige. I'm no more than an explorer of your lands." He warmly introduced himself, gazing upon the shed that awaited in the distance. Despite its basic design, Gaige found the hut to be a cozy abode. He followed Che inside, releasing his telekinetic hold upon the broken blade and carrying it within his left hand.
Jill
Upon entry to the abode, he'd find that it wasn't warmed in any way — as was for the outside, it persisted in the strange, hollow chill that seemed to accompany the presence of the blue root, as he had observed twice before. Alongside the general lack of heat, the hut was also slightly lacking in any furnishings — there was no fireplace, no bed, and no place where food was prepared or stored. Instead, there was simply a few chairs, a table, and what appeared to be a drying-rack for herbs, as well as a single place in which it seemed that herbs were minced, mixed, and brewed into liquids. Light was supplied solely by the glow of the azure-corrupted forest outside the hut, whose ever-present, cold light peered through clean slits in the walls, forming its windows.

Che was a modest man, and so his hut's accompaniments would be modest, as well. It was a compact place, yet not lacking of space, for he had little-to-no-need for either modernity or even *Sleep,* For that matter. 

Seating himself in one of the wooden chairs of the hut — which, too, was built in a strangely helixed manner, akin to the arrows that Gaige had seen the man shoot — Che invites him to take a seat, speaking:

```ini
[ "Gaige, hmm? And an explorer..." ]```

He tilted his head at the statement, as if it was slightly strange. However, as so not to be rude, he simply gave a nod, and continued.

```ini
[ "I understand. I took you as an apprentice of the Knights of Sol." ]
[ "That is odd, though..." ]
[ "...Say, how did you come into possession of that blade, if you don't mind my asking?" ]```

Che questioned, folding his legs. He made himself comfortable in his chair. While he did say he'd answer some of Gaige's questions, he also certainly prefaced it as a *Conversation.* Certainly, a conversation should be fruitful for Che, himself, right?
Maria
The hero followed the root-infested man into his home, taking a gander at the interior that now surrounded him. The cozy hut fitted Gaige's likings, the man preferring things not to be too grandiose. Though, maybe this place was a bit _too_ barren. Furnishments were a thing of the past to this man it'd seem, Gaige leaning over to grab a chair, pulling it over opposite of the man, taking his seat in it. It could be well possible this man lived off the herbs of the forest alone, but the lack of any tools for food preparation caught the hero off-guard to say the least. He leaned the broken sword against his chair, finally getting a break from carrying it around—even if only for a moment. With a sigh of relief, the cold chill of the hut ran across his body, Gaige's zoning out being interrupted by the voice of Che.

"You'd be right. Nothing more, nothing less." He didn't wish to introduce himself as a hero to this man, instead choosing to take a modest approach. "An apprentice to the Knights of Sol? Could've been I suppose, but they don't take too nice to visitors." He jested, his eyes affixing to the blade as Che continued, "Ah—this? I'm a user of the _Sun of Reversion_, if you know of it. Came across a statue with the blade within its grasp. The prayer released the blade, and so I took it as the one who freed it." He gave him a straight answer, telling no lies. "And with that, I'd like to ask a question as well." He adjusted his cloak, his eyes meeting Che's, "You said you'd let me in on the nature of the blue root? What exactly _is_ the root in that case?" He inquired of the hunter, waiting for his response.
Jill
```ini
[ "The Sun of Reversion? Well, I can't say that I've ever heard of it before..." ]```

Che looked slightly puzzled by the process through which Gaige explained he acquired the aged, shattered blade. While the root-tender could recognize the nature and identity of the artifact from a mere glance, having encountered its wielder once before in the past, the means by which Gaige had acquired the blade from the Embrace of Sol was an entirely foreign concept. The nature of his response was confusing, and the mentioning of the 'Sun of Reversion' was *Especially* Confusing. Perhaps this strange explorer held more secrets than Che did, himself.

```ini
[ "Ah, right. The Divine Root. I did promise answers to that, didn't I?" ]```

He chuckled, briefly brushing his fingertips against the abnormal growths of blue roots that protruded from his face, replacing the general location of his eyes. Coiling and curling upwards, the root-growths glowed with that same, familiar, blue glow. If anyone knew the secrets of the Divine Root, it must've been someone like Che.
_ _

```ini
[ "The blue root — or, preferably, the Divine Root — is a hallowed entity. It is currently present on every floor of the Ark <ᴠᴇᴋᴛᴇᴛ>, and has, in a figurative sense, served as its 'root'; its very essence, in a way."```

...So he spoke, the RASWALT system briefly interjecting the word Vektet into his sentence. The word Vektet had a unique meaning in-it-of-itself, yet the usage would be akin to the nature of the Ark — a ship designed in a tale that just about anybody would be familiar with.

```ini
[ "The Ark would not be what it is without the Divine Root. A fable is descended to all Root-Keepers: many, many hundreds of years ago, the Taae Cheit Ezer, lord of the Arue, constructed a grand vessel to support all manner of disparate life on one, une vessel. To do so, he called upon the deific entity of the Veirok — a blue tree sprung from the hopes and faith of all mankind. The Divine Roots of the Veirok, through a sanctified rite, were grafted into the Ark, and gave the vessel form." ]

[ "The Divine Root is what grants the Ark structure and ability. Without the Divine Root, the disparate forms of life on the Ark could not coexist, and life as it is known would fail. That is why my people — Root-Keepers, of the Fourth Floor — exist. We tend to the Divine Root so it may flourish throughout the Ark." ]```
Maria
He was surprised the root-keeper hadn't heard of the prayer, it seeming to be a prevalent topic in this structure. The man found it slightly unusual that the archer knew of the blade, but not the prayer... But he digressed. Che prepared to divulge the secrets that surrounded the effervescent blue root, the man listening with intent.

Immediately into his explanation of the 'Divine Root', his RASWALT system flared up, 'the Ark' being interpreted as 'Vektet'. It could be assumed the two were one in the same, the system making things easy on the hero fortunately. He leaned back in the spiral root chair, processing information as Che revealed more.

`So the Ezer is the true lord of this structure from what I've gathered. They lead the Arue, who in turn made the 'Arue Arcana' which I partially use in the form of prayers...` The man thought to himself as the archer continued his explanation. This information gave him a fair bit of solidity upon the lore of this land in reference to the lord. For his primary question, the answer he extracted from Che served perfectly. The root came into being due to the actions of the Ezer in order to create the Vektet, or Ark. If the root were to die, the Vektet would collapse as well. A strange world he had found himself in, indeed.

He took a deep breath as he took all the new information in, his head snapping back as the door slowly opened.

**Crrrreaaakkkkk**

The door opened with the sound of chalk upon a board, an _unknown man_ entering through it. With an appearance similar to that of the hero, he wore a grey cloak, draped over his left shoulder and clipped at his right. Underneath, garments of the night covered his body, a brown pouch and satchel dangling from his waist with the support of a bandolier. The man's black hair took on a blue tint from the effulgent glow of the roots. In his hands, a basket of various herbs and plants rested inside.
Jane
"Che, can you check these her-" The black haired man spoke before being interrupted by the sight of Gaige. "A... Human?" He stared in absolute dismay at the hero, gazing away and setting the basket of herbs down on the floor. He gently rubbed his eyes, rapidly blinking them whilst staring at the hero. "Hey, this guy's real right, Che? Or have I been here too long for my own good already?" Examining the face of the man in the shed, he awaited a response from Che.
Maria
He watched the man in silence, scrutinizing every detail about him. `He wasn't with the mercenaries... Does he live here? Is he part of another mercenary team? Is he after me?` Questions ran through the hero's head, but he did not show any signs of hostility towards the stranger; after all, the stranger did seem to know who Che was.
Jill
Che swiftly turned to the door as it opened. He had been expecting someone to return for sometime; however, for him to return at this particular moment was something of a shock. His timing couldn't have been better... Or worse, maybe? It honestly depended on how this strange man who identified himself as an explorer would take to the presence of another one of the so-called 'mercenaries' who had taken to invading the Vektet; apparently, the explorer had a falling-out with their group, considering how he was being chased by one of their members in the forest. Che intertwined his fingers together, choosing not to comment on such circumstances until he had confirmed their affiliation, one way or another. Were it to escalate, he would step in. Until then, however, he would simply oversee.

```ini
[ "Oh, no, I assure you, he is very real." ]```

The root-keeper spoke, nodding his head towards the black-haired, grey-cloaked man who entered the building. While his initial question had been interrupted, Che took note of the herbs in his hands, and identified them one-by-one in the blink of an eye...

```ini
[ "Hmm, you'd ought to throw away those green-patched bulbs. They may appear nutritious, but are, in reality, horribly diuretic." ]
[ "Those biennials are good to eat, raw, if you wash them, and those red herbs you have are fine to eat, as well." ]```

Che commented, before offering up a chair.

```ini
[ "Come, take a seat. You should introduce yourself to the visitor. I assume he is of your world, if appearances do not deceive." ]```

Now was the moment of truth. He hoped for no signs of hostility — both of the two individuals should already understand that he wished for no more than peace in the forest.
Jane
"...Huh." He grasped the basket, lifting it from the ground. He approached the table, taking a seat in the chair that Che offered him. He as well examined the basket with Che coetaneously, seeing if he could spot any mistakes he had made in his foraging. Sadly, he was incapable, Che having to sort out the healthy herbs from the bad. He'd definitely been improving his skill in discerning flora, but was still a novice. "Really? Green usually means good where I come from. Ah well." He reached over beyond the back of his chair, grabbing a separate bowl. The man picked out the green bulbs, isolating them from the healthy herbs. He'd throw them out eventually, but for now he had to make an introduction to their visitor.
Mark
_ _
"Right, name's Foster. Although, you can just call me by Fost." He gave a warm smile. Seemed that he picked up more than just foraging from the hunter. "I'm from an earlier team of mercenaries. Shit hit the fan real fast when we entered. We weren't warned of a damn ambush. Either way, our healer got killed off the bat. Didn't even get a chance to take in the surroundings." He reminisced on the brutal battle that took place for his team at the _Embrace of Sol_. 

"Magic guy—Tyrel I think—tried to plead with the knights. Tried to get on their good side—even offered to kill us for their favor! Sad fool got cut down, knight's didn't even wanna give 'em the light of day. For the rest of 'em, I can only assume they met the same fate." He didn't appear particularly remorseful for the late mercenaries, but such was the nature of a hardened soldier of fortune. "Me? Tch—call it cowardly if you want, but I call it _surviving_. I fled. With the way things were going, I knew the rest of us would have no chance. I called it quits, heading up the stairs and out that strange door." He chuckled, having no shame in his actions. 

"After a bit of running, I found myself in this forest. Well—not this exact one. Eventually found Che here who brought me to his shed. Taught me to survive in this place, so I've been doing well for myself." He leaned back in the chair, gazing up at the ceiling in thought. "Mmmm, that's about all there is to my story. I can only assume you're a mercenary as well though. If you're here, did a successful party come through?! About time I start trying to get outta here."
Maria
He stared at the mercenary for a few seconds before gazing down at the table, "No, I'm no mercenary—just an explorer. If you wanna regroup with your friends from Odysseus, try heading towards the village if you know where that is. They're probably on their way there. Good luck if you're heading out, Foster." Despite his disposition towards mercenaries, he showed a bit of compassion just this once.
Mark
"Looks like I was interrupting you two anyways." He stood from his seat, stowing away the herbs inside his satchel. It was weird that another human was here—one not from Odysseus, but it wasn't his business to question the man. He adjusted his garb and sheathe, confirming he had all his belongings. "Wish we could talk longer, but I don't wanna risk missing them. I'm sure you understand my situation." He approached the door giving a wave to the two, "Thanks for telling me where they were headed..." He awaited a name from the hero.

. . .

There was no response.

"...Sure. Hope we'll see each other again sometime, Che. Thank you as well for teaching me about the Ark. I'll be sure to put it all to good use. Safe travels to you both." The door opened with that same creaking noise, Foster taking his leave from the shed. He knew his way around the forest luckily thanks to the teachings of Che, direction not being an issue for him. His next destination would be the village that awaited a distance from the tower.
Maria
A sigh was released into the atmosphere of the shed, Gaige turning back to Che as the door shut, "It's your turn to ask a question if that's how we're doing things." Gaige spoke, disregarding the mercenary's leave.
Jill
Che put a finger to his chin as he observed the two briefly converse. Fortunately, it seemed there was no ill will between the two; Che was wary that they might quarrel, but it seemed that they were each reasonable men. That was more that could be said for many of the people who live within the Vektet, and the many people from a bygone age who once attempted to invade it. Reminiscence aside, Che gave his approval towards the two as Foster explained his story, continuing to remain silent as he spoke.

```ini
[ "Oh, heading out?" ]
[ "I see. It was delightful to have you, but this will likely be the last we see of eachother. Farewell, and good luck!" ]```

The root-keeper gave a smile and a wave as Foster left suddenly. Understanding of his circumstances — for the man from outside the Vektet most likely did not wish to stay idle on the First floor any longer — Che would give no contention to the man's departure. He had already taught him most of what he needed to know to survive in the forest, as well as how to traverse the slightly precarious way by which one had to take to leave the azure forest, hidden somewhere within the depths of the First Floor. He wouldn't be far from the village once he left, and could rendezvous with the people of his own land once again. It was sad to regretful to see one of the few visitors he'd ever have leave, but Che was an understanding man. 

Returning his view to Gaige, Che nodded.

```ini
[ "Ah, a question..." ]
[ "Well, I can't say that there aren't, at least, a few things that pique my curiosity."
[ "Gaige, you said... Would you mind explaining to me the nature of this 'Sun of Reversion' you speak of? I'm familiar with the Prayers of the Knights of Sol, but not that one, particularly."```
Maria
Gaige thought to himself in silence for a moment, ruminating on whether or not to give an honest answer. Che so far has proven to him that they mean no harm to him though. They've also been _seemingly_ honest in their answers and actions. "Hm, I thought it'd be regarded quite highly in this land, but maybe its more of an unknown prayer. From what I know, the Sun of Reversion is only known by two people: myself, and the Eclipse Guardian, Ukue." He paused in his explanation, crossing his legs.

"In my exploration, I found notes left by Ukue; they said that he would one day return to floor one, possessing a greater knowledge of the Sun of Reversion in order to punish those he considers traitors. Of course—I can only imagine my aptitude with the Sun of Reversion pales in comparison to the Eclipse Guardian's." He breathed, revealing all he had learned about the prayer to the hunter. "For what it does... The journal I found described it as, 'restoring a tarnished object to its former glory'. After having used it, I believe it to be a prayer that **Restores the object by rewinding time.** Now, I've found no information regarding whether or not my theory is true, but I felt a certain aspect of _timelessness_ as I casted it." He finished his elaboration on the Sun of Reversion, hopefully having answered the hunter's question.

"Though, I do need to get going soon as well, Che. I'd like the answers to two more questions though if you'd be so kind." He requested of the hunter, asking his queries, "Firstly, do you know anything on the whereabouts of **Ukue's Heir?** I mean no harm to them, but I do want to speak with them. And secondly, how does one reach the second floor? I assume you'd know, seeing as you know the roots exist on later floors." He awaited a response from Che.
Jill
```ini
[ "Time-lessness? I understand. That is a most strange concept, but it does bring memories of the nature of the Veirok. A spell that works in a way akin to that shouldn't be impossible..." ]

[ "It appears you are in possession of quite the unique Prayer of Sol. It is most dissimilar to that which I have seen the Knights of Sol incant. Further more, you are no descendant or apprentice of a Knight of Sol in the first place... No matter. We all have some quite outlandish stories to tell, it seems." ]```

Che appeared thoroughly perplexed as Gaige continued through his explanation of a prayer and effect whose likeness he hadn't once had the pleasure of encountering. *Restoring a tarnished object to its former glory, through the manipulation of time, itself?* It almost seemed too ludicrous to even believe! Yet Che knew better than to disregard such words as a mere fable. He had seen and practiced things of equal abnormality, himself, and Gaige wielded a blade whose nature revealed all he needed to know on the matter of his words' truthfulness. Indeed, one who held *That blade,* A blade of almost hostile purity, could not do so if frivolous fibbing were in their nature.

With a subtle shrug, he moved on from the topic. These were thoughts to mull over; however, in the moment, there were some things that the root-tender must acknowledge that he cannot immediately understand. Gaige proceeded to shoot back a topic to Che, and he seemed to slightly, disappointedly tilt his head downwards as Gaige spoke that he was soon to leave, yet remained attentive to his next two questions nonetheless. Che didn't mind answering all the questions Gaige had, even if he were not to offer up answers to all of his own questions, likewise.

```ini
[ "Ukue's heir?" ]```

Che placed his hand to his chin, apparently deep in thought.
_ _

```ini
[ "No, I'm afraid not." ]
[ "The name resonates familiarly within my mind, however. Ukue, the Eclipse Guardian, I am familiar with. I am also familiar with the ruminations of the Knights of Sol, and how they once hypothesized that Ukue had child in his unspoken marriage, during his time on the First Floor." ]

[ "But... Beyond that, I am unaware of this proposed heir's nature. It is very possible that they exist; but I am unaware of where they would be, if they remained on the First Floor." ]

[ "Ukue is known to have climbed to the Second Floor for one reason or another. If he truly did have a heir, it's also entirely possible that he fled the First Floor with them in tow.]

Che interrupted his own wordy speech then and there, shaking his head.

 [ "—Oh, my apologies. I digress. You aren't looking for my theories, just a straight answer. I'm sorry, but I do not know of this heir's whereabouts." ]

He paused, then continued on to answer Gaige's second question.

[ "Indeed. I am most familiar with floors beyond the First. I have visited all of them, though only once, as I determined it was most appropriate to make my residence here." ]

[ "The path to the Second Floor is quite as simple as you might expect. I'm certain that you saw that towering structure in the distance, enshrined by the Divine Root that descends from the sky above. That tower, indeed, is the Rise to the Second Floor." ]

[ "Though, you may find some trouble traversing beyond its gates... It appears as though the Divine Root, itself, has chosen to seal passage to the Second Floor. Its azure growth has sealed the structure tightly shut, so I'm afraid you may have some trouble getting in." ]```
_ _

He finished, folding his arms. He opened his mouth and briefly inhaled, as if prepared to ask Gaige a question, yet stops himself before he does. Che respected the fact that the man was likely short on time, and thus would not bother him with the manifold, whimsical questions that he well-could rattle his mind with. The root-keeper had already acquired the few answers he truly wanted, anyway.
Maria
Gaige leaned back in his chair, taking a deep breath as he processed what Che had told him. Etra had spoken of the second tower—that a terrible presence loomed near it. That same tower would appear to be the way forward according to the root-keeper. Unfortunately, he only knew a disturbing aura emanated from the tower, not the full strength of it. The Divine Root supposedly denied entry to the second floor as well; if its properties matched that of the root he found in the cave, it wouldn't prove difficult to get past. _Only the presence would be an issue;_ that and the mercenaries indubitably. He sighed, `That's right... The mercenaries.` He hadn't considered them too much, but it'd be a thorn in his side to have to deal with them at the village. Maybe it'd be best to stay a while longer... And do what though?

The heir was another focus of the hero, but the root-keeper regrettably knew nothing. The heir was not on the second floor—Gaige knew this from the notes in the cave. Logically speaking, the heir could only be in one of two places from what he'd seen of this floor: the _forest_, or the _village_. Finding her in the forest would be an annoying task, but he'd be able to avoid the mercenaries for now then. There was no true rush after all. Reaching a conclusion, the hero decided he would explore the forest in search of Ukue's heir. The Desecrated would serve as good practice for him in the meantime.

The man leaned back in, "Your theories were realistic, but I already know the heir is somewhere on the first floor from my journey through the Vektet. Your honesty is appreciated, Che." He thanked the root-keeper. "As for the tower, I don't believe I'll be heading there yet. I'd rather not run into those mercenaries; don't think they're very fond of me." He chuckled, sitting in silence as Che prepared to say something, but the root-keeper said naught. "Mm? Go ahead. I'm not in that much of a rush." He encouraged the hunter to ask his question, awaiting it.
Jill
```ini
[ "Ah! No rush, then? I understand. I have just a few things I'd like to probe your mind about..." ]```

Che smiled lightly as he heard Gaige's latter statement, briefly standing from his seated position. Unholstering his bow, his quiver, and the cloak flowing over his shoulders, he laid his weapon on a rack opposite to the chairs that he had set within the center of the shed. Making himself comfortable, he hung up his cloak on a rack alongside what appeared to be a few odd trinkets: a pair of bracelets made purely of what appeared to be silvered wood, and an earring, or something along the likes. Stretching, Che paced back towards Gaige, seating himself opposite him oncemore.

```ini
[ "Now, I don't intend to pry..." ]
[ "...But, it's been made clear to me that you are from beyond the Ground Gate, no...? So too are these 'mercenaries' you have referred to. That young man, Foster, told me some about their nature, during his stay. I haven't an idea why they would pursue you, however. Is it not true that you are simply an explorer?" ]

[ "So... That is to say... What are your relations with this party of mercenaries...? Why were they pursuing you through the forest?" ]```

He questioned. Che wanted to remain slightly delicate about the matter, in the case that it was a sensitive topic for Gaige, yet would voice it nonetheless. Seeing as he did not wish to rush out into the forest immediately, he presumed that he had some time to kill. A question or two of this nature couldn't hurt, right?

```ini
[ "And, if you possess the answer to this: precisely what are their goals, if you don't mind my asking?" ]

Che placed a finger to his chin, whispering:

[ "...I hope they are not born of an intent to harm the delicate balance which is held in the Exile's Watch..." ]```
Maria
The hero watched as Che abandoned his weapons and hung his cloak on a rack. Gaige took notice of the bracelets, but paid them no mind. They weren't his after all. Upon the root-keepers return, Gaige gave a cordial smile, "Feel free to ask away!" He spoke, intent on returning the root-keeper's hospitality with answers.

Gaige emitted a drawn out exhale, thinking in silence after the root-keeper had asked his question. Eventually, an answer was released from the man: _a shrug._ "Dunno really. Saw them for the first time _outside_ of the Vektet. They're employed by some 'Odysseus Corporation'—real shady business." He chuckled, pondering the foolishness of mercenaries, "Anywho, I snuck into the Vektet with the help of a man who wears a gas-mask. If I had to guess, their employer is angered by my trespassing; therefore, they want me dead." He answered the man's first question, his stomach grumbling lightly afterwards. He hadn't eaten in quite some time after all.

"Their goals, huh...?" He shut his eyes, lowering his head in thought. "From what I know, their employer was looking for mercenaries that would explore this place. Though, mercenaries are a lot different than that of regular people. _Most of them_ will probably do whatever it takes if it means getting something shiny. Can't say any of them have much care for the denizens of this place." He raised his head, "This is all just an assumption in the end though. _A good one._" He answered Che's second question, his attention focusing elsewhere.

"Now, do you have anything to eat? _Safe_ to eat, preferably? I saw that mercenary had some food, so perhaps you do as well? It's been a while since I had a bite to eat." The hero changed the topic, examining the room for any food.
Jill
```ini
[ "...Gas-mask...?" ]
[ "...Corporation...?" ]
[ "...Huh..." ]```

Che questioned in a silent murmur, slightly confused as to the nature of the many foreign words that Gaige spoke. Not only was he one who had lived solely within the secluded culture of the Vektet, he was one who lived on the First Floor — a location severed from the rest of the entire superstructure. And, further then, he was not only secluded to the First Floor, but to the *Forest* Of the First Floor, which was to say, even *Further* Secluded from society. He had residence within a secluded location within a secluded location within a secluded location, and, lacking any figment of what technology or modern society even was, was left entirely clueless as to the two words' natures. 

Nonetheless, with a shake of his head, he disregarded his own ignorance and non-understanding of Gaige's terminology, instead allowing himself to simply take in the context of his sentences. Even though he hadn't a clue what this *Odysseus Corporation* Could even be, he still had a basic understanding of what Gaige was getting at. Quietly nodding with a *`"M-hm,"`* He took notice of Gaige's explanation, and spoke following the conclusion of the explorer's explanation.
_ _

```ini
[ "I understand. Then, it's simply the matter of the fact that you lack *Any* Relation with the aggressing faction, rather than you possessing any *Negative* Relation." ]

[ "...Exploring such a vast and formidable structure as the Ark is no easy feat. It is not a matter that I can understand, that a human outsider, one-in-the-same as yourself, would find it a principal duty to hunt you down, rather than to advance on the more imperative task at hand: ascending to the Second Floor." ]

[ "How odd. I cannot say I quite yet fathom you outsiders' customs, even despite the considerable explanation that polite young man, Foster, gave me..." ]```

*Something to eat?* 
Che seemed to ponder, and folded his hands in consideration. Giving an askance glance and furl of his lip, he gave a low, unassured *`"Hmm..."`*

```ini
[ "Something to eat, you say." ]
[ "Well..." ]
[ "It's unfortunate to say, but I do not currently have anything that you would find palatable. I do have some herbs," ]
He said, motioning to the drying-racks and mixing-table positioned at the rear of the shed,
[ "...But, well, they aren't at all an aliment for a human explorer like yourself. To be frank... They're potent poisons." ]

[ "I do not require nourishment, and thus I do not preserve any stock of the forest's bounty. There are indeed a variety of nourishing herbs and rife game that surround this shed, but I do not have any on-hand, as of right now." ]```

Che's tone was slightly remorseful, yet more explanative than anything else.
_ _

```ini
[ "It's regrettable that I cannot provide you such charities within the confines of my own home, but I very well could guide you to finding the sustenance you seek within the forest. In fact, with my ability to traverse and observe the forest, freely as I so wish, I could acquire some quite expeditiously. If you're interested, that is." ]```

He elucidated, motioning with an extended right hand towards Gaige. An invitation for assistance. And were he to accept, Che would certainly follow-up on his statement, as he once had before.
Maria
He chuckled, "The world outside here is a strange place—it'd take a long while for you to understand it fully." He commented on the state of the current world, shifting his attention to the matter of food. "Ah... I see." He spoke with a look of sorrow on his face, but his eyes focused on the herbs that Che had noted as _poisonous_. "You say those herbs are poisonous? Would you be willing to part with some of them? I believe they'd prove quite useful in my journey up the Vektet. If not, that's understandable. I am a complete stranger after all." He gave a warm smile to the root-keeper.

He was surprised by just how hospitable Che was, even offering to gather food for the man. "Ah—no, that's unnecessary. I wouldn't want to bother you with that. Is it possible you can simply teach me the fauna and flora of this land? I plan on exploring the forest for the heir first, so I can grab some food while I search." He declined the root-keeper's offer, not wishing to burden the hunter with the task. "You don't need to worry about the Desecrated and I; I'm much stronger than I look." He reassured Che incase the root-keeper was concerned for his safety.
Jill
Che gave a nod. 

Indeed, the outside world beyond the Ark he was so familiar with was quite the mystery. 

Indeed, the outer worlds beyond the Ark he was so familiar with were quite the mysteries.

Perhaps he could not understand the people beyond the Ground Gate of the Ark, and perhaps he was never intended to. Those abundant outsiders, each with their own stories to tell, and each with their own reasons for venturing into its depths, came and went in each of their respective epochs, each venturing further and farther into a territory unknown. None knew what awaited them, yet all took the first step forwards, despite the utter uncertainty of what could be held within. It could be considered an admirable virtue of courage, if not simple recklessness. Yes, indeed — their thoughts were of a different vein than Che's own, and far beyond the ideologies that he could ever hold.

Unerring duty had changed the fundamental way that Che thought. It was disturbing to think that he had ensnared himself within the boundaries of his own moral obligations, and that he had pruned any and all potential future branches of characteristic advancement before they had even begun to sprout. 

Nevertheless, he took an oath. An oath that he would hold true to, for the rest of his existence. So it is said, in the Ark, and all know this well: 

*`"Vekei zuez tuetzaav tueq koshe qaaq; tvaak zuez tueq qaatzeiz qaaq. Zei eiq tueq zaatzaatueq cherve cheter ei."`*
*`"An oath by mouth lasts a lifetime; an oath by deed lasts an eternity. An oath is the anchor upon which the unsteady mind is fixed."`*
_ _

With a sigh, he accepted his lack of capacity to understand the soul of the foreign adventurers. These things are not for the oathbound to know.

The topic had shifted, and so too did Che's nature of deep cogitation. With a perk of his head, he spoke:

```ini
[ "Interested in those poisons, hmm...?" ]
[ "Those are a specialized sort of herbal venom designed to slay the Desecrated beasts. I do not know how much good they would do for you. But if you so desire, you may take as much of it as you wish. The root and leaf from which I extract the poison are especially bountiful within this forest." ]```

A pause, and he continues:

```ini
[ "Flora and fauna, hmm? That is, something, indeed, that I could assist with. There is a manifold variety of vegetation within even this single forest of the First Floor, and many an herb safe to eat. It would take a moment, but I could impart you with some of my knowledge." ]

Che lightly tilted his head at Gaige's following statement.

[ "That would be true, hm? I did feel it — the reverberations of your violent reprisal to the pursuit of the Desecrated beast. So too do you hold that blade of purification..." ]

[ "...Yes, I'd better stave any doubts of your might I may have. The Desecrated beasts may be ferocious, but you could certainly cross the forest safely with the power you possess." ]```
Maria
The hero knew little about poisons, but he did know that they were deadly and _useful_. He gave a smile as the root-keeper explained the nature and origins of the poison. "Oh, they're from this forest? Nevermind then, I'll gather them in my search. No need to give me what's yours." He spoke. The man would need Che's knowledge however to discern the appearance of the herb in the wild. In regards to Earth's flora, Gaige never took much interest in learning the various plants and herbs that scattered the land. Seems as though he'd have to learn this land's flora however if he wished to survive.

"Yes—it'd be of great help!" He exclaimed in response to the root-keeper's offer to teach him the flora and fauna of the land. He leaned in closer, preparing to lend an ear to Che's fount of knowledge.

Che's recognition of the man's strength also raised his view of the root-keeper. An easy way to get to the hero's heart was a simple boost to his ego—which doesn't take much. However, it's as they say: overconfidence is a slow, and insidious killer. The hero's confidence in his own abilities would likely result in tragedy, despite his strength.
Jill
Che nodded cheeringly as Gaige showed his willingness to learn of the flora of the forest. Not many, these days — or, well, ever, really — were willing to learn the arts that a Root-Keeper practiced. To see an explorer from beyond the Ground Gate intrigued was a treat to the man who hadn't seen proper acknowledgement for his obscure discipline in the herbal arts. The last man he'd seen interested in the First Floors herbs was that strange man with the blue glasses...

Giving an almost devious grin, he placed a hand to his chin, nodding oncemore.

```ini
[ "Confident in your scavenging skills, are you? Then, I suppose a lesson is in order." ]```

Chuckling lightly, he furled his hands together. He was *Exceptionally* Knowledgeable on this topic, in particular. To share the knowledge which he had accrued over literal centuries would be his utmost pleasure... Though, it'd be up to Gaige to keep up.

Though Che wasn't the best of teachers.

Extending one of his hands, an effervescent, blue arcane energy manifests at his fingertips, sprawling and twirling about his hands, bending to his will. The energy twists and turns, forming into the luminous shape of a plant, as Che opens his mouth to speak. He would explain the rather strange name, interesting properties, and nature of the herb, before moving onto the next, and continuing likewise. Edible fungi, lethal fungi, capped fungi, flat fungi, blue molds, green molds, black molds, red molds, pink molds, ever-budding flowers, false-coniferous trees, potently-poisonous leaves, seaweed-like grassen growths, special types of moss that could cure bleeding, prickly plants that induced hallucinations, the sleep-inducing taarei pellet, and roots that brought about lucid dreams... Indeed, he would list off nearly every plant that he knew of to Gaige, in a long-winded and unelaborated lesson of loose-flowing information that almost felt simply like Che was gushing about his favorite plants.


_ _

`[...]`


Whether or not he could learn anything from it was... Up for debate. Nonetheless, Gaige had learned the names and appearances of several edible plants that he could quite easily scavenge for, as well as the special combination of plants that Che crafted the Desecrated-slaying herbal venom from. Furthermore, the process by which he crafted such a potent poison — through the utility of the leaf's extract as a catalyst, and the root's ground-and-pestled form as the payload — was revealed, and could... *Maybe,* Be used by Gaige, were he to try his hand at the process.

```ini
[ "And thus concludes the lesson! If you wish to survive in the forest, you'd better have caught every last detail. A forest in its entirety is a single living organism with thousands of smaller parts. To coexist with it means to understand each of these small parts, and to exploit them to the full of their use." ]```

Che gave a proud smile as he nodded his head. It was true that much of what he had spoken of *Could* Be of use, yet much of it remained as information whose greatest value was simply being interesting. For example, the fact that pink mold releases its spores when the water it grows alongside is rich with nitrates, wasn't exactly relevant to the living in the forest...
Maria
The hero took the enthusiasm behind the man's grin with a hint of fear of what he was about to learn. Struck by an epiphany, Gaige reached into his satchel, pulling out the journal he had found in Okot's chamber. He flipped it open to an empty page, a pen twirling between his fingers. He prepared himself for the bombardment of information that Che was about to unleash upon him.

**And so the lesson had begun.**

Gaige scrawled down notes as Che began his spiel. The root-keeper barely gave him time to write down what he said! Trying to keep up, he made basic descriptions of each the herbs, flowers, and animals that Che mentioned. This would end up being his most arduous task yet, beating that of Kaaze. This act of hastily writing down whatever he could would go on for quite some time...

`"And thus concludes the lesson!"`

The hero flung himself back in his chair, an elongated sigh of relief releasing from the man's mouth, as if he had just finished battling Ukue himself! With his eyes facing the ceiling, he relaxed a mere moment as he recovered from the scribbling down of notes. "You know... You could've given me a bit of time in between each plant and animal." He spoke as he leaned back in, facing Che again. "But... I think I got a good enough description of everything you mentioned. Thank you." He thanked the root-keeper for his lesson, his expression being one of lament.

_ _
"Sadly, it's probably time I get going now. I do need to begin my search eventually after all." He stood up from his chair, rolling his neck and shoulders. He'd been sitting down for what felt like an eternity! With a stretch, the broken sword rose from the ground, being telekinetically held again. He grasped the journal, stuffing it back in the satchel it came from. He patted himself down, ensuring that he wasn't forgetting anything—all good. He approached the door to the shack, placing his hand against the door. "Any last words or questions, Che?" He inquired of the root-keeper, not wishing to leave him with wandering thoughts.
Jill
```ini
[ "Hmmmm... Was my method of teaching not effective enough...?" ]```

Che briefly pondered, concernedly placing a finger to his chin. Perhaps it was lacking in more exciting facts about the plants? There was a type of mushroom that exploded from time-to-time. Maybe he would have been more invested in the lesson if he mentioned more facts like that. Who would need breaks between the learning of such fascinating information, if they weren't simply disinterested...?

```ini
[ "...Oh well." ]```

Not everyone is born with an equal appreciation for how plants live and function. Perhaps only Root-Keepers were born with such keen interests. Such is the way of life...

```ini
[ "It's my pleasure to share the way of the forest with all those who seek it out. Consider it an unrequited gift, explorer from beyond the Ground Gate." ]```

He grinned oncemore, pleased with the fact that Gaige was pleased with the information. While he may not be wholly taken by the intricacies of the forest, he had, at the very least, a base level of appreciation for the value of the knowledge.

```ini
[ "Final statements?" ]
[ "I have just one." ]```

Che spoke with a slight pause,

```ini
[ "If ever, in your future journey in the Ark, you encounter a Root-Tender in need, please show them the courtesy I have shown to you this day. That is all I request of you." ]

[ "I wish you luck on your further travels, explorer. May the road fare you well." ]```
Maria
The man paused with an eyebrow raised as the root-tender spoke. He listened to Che's request, turning away from the root-tender and facing the door. He pondered it for a while—he had sworn off these types of things a long time ago.

. . .

"Sure, I will." He turned back to face the root-tender as he responded. His response wasn't one he was pleased with, but it was the least he could do for Che, who had taught him much about this land. 

With a deal of remorse, he waved farewell to the root-keeper, "To you as well, Che." He pushed the door of the shack open, closing it behind him. With a deep breath, he gazed out at the expansive azure forest. _`Now... Where to start?`_ He scanned the environment before him, his eyes locking towards a direction.

**With a burst of speed, the hero had begun his search for the heir inside the root-infested forest.**