strateelgic | sheep ic messaging

And these beasts aren't in the mist? They show themselves near the pasture?

They reside in the forest proper. However, I believe they can safely travel through the mist if they must. Though they have advised us not to travel through the mist ourselves.

Anyone who's been near the mist would advise the same. Only weeds can enter the mist without losing the ability to tell up from down.

And Holy Beasts. ♪

I really do ask that you keep this between us, however. I am only telling you in confidence. They have been targeted in the past, and while I have not met them personally myself yet, I hope to have that rectified.

I simply... wanted to let you know that I do not believe all Holy Beasts are sinister or dangerous to us. Caution must surely be exercised. But I do not believe all Holy Beasts intend us harm.

And... I would be much more willing to put my faith in a Holy Beast than a demon. None of those have proved very kind here.

I said similar to Blossom about the demons when we spoke. She is something of a dark priestess, or what have you, so that's what she knows best.

But I would still be cautious of anything that can enter the mist on its own. A trap that catches a whole flock could be more beneficial to them than one that catches a single sheep.

You need not worry. I assure you that Bluebell is taking every precaution. We will not fall for another trap again.

I'm afraid I will worry regardless. But I'm glad that you aren't running in without a plan.

[That's what Crescendo means, right?]

At least tell me before you go, so I might take action if you're gone too long.

[Ahahahaha. No.

He can feel his smile turn soft at his confession, though.]

I can do that much, certainly.

If it becomes necessary to get help, I will simply tell others your flock went for an outing in the woods.

I appreciate that a good deal. I will keep you in the loop. Though speaking of the forest, there was something I wished to ask you.

Something else? Certainly. Ask away.

[He seems a little embarrassed and hesitates for a moment.]

I do not know if I mentioned this at all. But I am training with someone. They are teaching me how to defend myself. But... one of their rules, if I wish to learn, is that I am not allowed to go into the forest until they say.

[ . . . Hates. It.]

I managed to convince them to allow me to at least hunt around the edges of the forest. I would like to try and contribute a little. But... I am only allowed to go ten feet inside.

[ . . . Glancing away, a little pouty and feeling childish.]

And that is only if I have two others with me who are capable of defending themselves or others.

Ten feet is so small of a distance it hardly seems worth the effort of finding people for. I do keep myself busy, you know.

... But if you absolutely must go in, I suppose you can give me a call and I'll see if I can make time.

It is only to retrieve whatever I might be able to shoot. It feels so silly.

The woods can be a dangerous place. They're just looking out for your well-being.

I am not Little Red Riding Hood. I will not be devoured by the Big Bad Wolf the moment I set foot into the forest. But, I do try to keep that in mind. I know it comes from a place of care.