( CLOSED )

[facultative]

WHO: Anakin Skywalker, Natasha Romanov, Saijou Claudine
WHAT: Maze stuff!
WHERE: ...the maze
WHEN: 10 Nov to 23 Nov
WARNINGS: TBD

[The realisation that solo adventurers were blocked from entering has him waving over the first couple of people he ran into. One of them ending up being a member of the other faction is only an opportunity to see what the other side was up to.

This also being an opportunity for the reverse to be true doesn't stop Anakin from stepping forward first to answer the stag's question.]

Hinder.

Comments

[vies]

[Figures that yet another talking hooved animal with antlers is making things troublesome for her. Claudine might have gotten into a glaring contest with the stag earlier...

Either way, after the stag went off to accost (?) others trying to enter the maze, she had a little while to observe -- the groups who went in gave the same answer, which means it must be the key.]

Hinder.

[Seemingly satisfied with her response, the stag turns to look at the last member of their party.]

[latrodectus]

[ She looks to her left, for a moment, then straight at the stag. ]

Hinder.

[ Might as well match, Natasha thinks. This isn't a lie. But Natasha always reserves the right to change her mind, with better information. And that's what she's really after here. More information. ]

[facultative]

[The stag regards them before stepping to the side. Animals don't exactly have facial expressions they can read so it's impossible to tell if it's happy with their answer or not. Anakin has limited experience with using the Force on animals, but even then he can't read approval or disapproval from it.]

Looks like we answered correctly.

What do you think we'll find in here?

[He's brought a pack with him, but without knowledge on what to expect it's filled with generic items such as rations and medicines.]

[vies]

[All she has is her sword and good looks. Anakin is already better prepared than her.]

Can't say for sure. It looks very different from the last time I was here, but I suppose that's to be expected.

[A strange sensation on her palm catches her attention --] A number?

[latrodectus]

[ Natasha has her guns, her gauntlets, and some basic rations, though most of that is hidden under her dark cloak and sleeves. Thanks, SHIELD tech. She does wear a belt at her waist, obvious and easy to reach. ]

What?

[ She looks over to the young woman standing beside her, trying to get a better look. Another mark? What is this place? ]

[facultative]

[Anakin also leans over to see what's caught her attention and then to see if Natasha has anything on her. He's wearing gloves so he pulls his left one off to see if there's anything and other than his stars tattoo on the back of his hand there's nothing there. He doesn't check his right hand.]

Is it just you?

[He'll discover his later when he rolls up his sleeves, his countdown etched further up his arm.]

[vies]

[She holds her hand out for them to see. The small image of the rising sun is concerning, bringing to mind all the talk of those carrying sun-shaped brands, and she wonders whether there is any connection.]

This has no special meaning to me, though. [Another mystery to puzzle over. Unlike certain other numbers, 14 doesn't connote anything she can think of.]

If neither of you has it, I might as well figure out its significance along the way. Sorry. Let's get going.

[latrodectus]

[ Fourteen doesn't mean anything to Natasha either. She's wearing gloves, and not inclined to take them off. But she has no problem taking the lead, into the maze.

She takes the first few steps in, careful but not hesitant, cautiously reaching her hand out to one of the branched walls.

Which promptly tries to eat her hand off.

Her reflexes are quick and she pulls her hand back, avoiding losing the limb. But it's definitely a warning. ]

Hhhht.

[ She steps back, to steady herself. ]

That's good to know about.

[ That's one way to put it. ]

[facultative]

[He tugs his glove back on in the absence of any immediate answers just in time to watch the branched wall seemingly reach out and reach for her fingers. This place reminds him a little too much of Mortis.]

I can see why it wanted us to be with others.

[Just to check he switches on his lightsaber and stabs a section of the wall. He has no problem with cutting off branches, but when he removes it the hedged wall remains as thick as ever.]

[vies]

[A machete to clear foliage would be helpful, she realizes belatedly. Using a sword beam (???) on the hedge feels like a waste, but Anakin's little test also makes apparent that they can't just blast or burn their way through obstacles, so she keeps her comments to herself.]

Yeah. [What a narrow escape. Internal memo: don't provoke the walls.

Moving closer to Natasha.] Are you all right?

[latrodectus]

[ Natasha nods. ]

I got out of the way in time. [ And, after a short pause, she adds. ] And these are armored gloves.

[ Still, it was a close call, and she feels a little foolish for getting into danger so quickly. But it's good to know about. ] I'll have to be more careful. But maybe we can use this, if we're clever.

[ She hoped to avoid conflict, but it might be unavoidable. And that laser sword is good to know about, too. ]

[facultative]

If we run into trouble and get outnumbered, it'll also make it harder to defend ourselves. We'll have to make sure we don't get boxed in.

[He knows where he stands, but he doesn't know their capabilities and whether he'd need to shoulder a greater burden in a fight.]

It's one thing to stop us from cutting our way through, but even touching it? I don't think we're supposed to mark a path here.

[vies]

Explains how we haven't come across any sign of the group before us passing through here. [Or the walls already ate them, which is a far grimmer prospect.]

If we are to go back out the same way we came, perhaps another way to keep track is by counting the number of paces taken, and in which direction. Did either of you bring your compass? I'll send you a text.

[latrodectus]

[ Natasha is a little skeptical. If the walls of the maze can grow back so quickly, maybe they can rearrange themselves entirely. Maybe the way in won't be the same as the way out. Still, they should take any precaution they can. ]

I have mine. [ She pulls it out, careful not to disturb the waiting hedge. ] I'm Natalia.

[ Her given name, but not necessarily the one she gave upon introduction. Natasha is a nickname. ]

[facultative]

[Anakin gives her a curious look as the name she gives them now is now different. Considering how readily she offered it now, it can't have been to trick them.]

Mine's still Anakin.

[It would have been foolish to not bring a communications device]