Enter: Incendanx

[ComfortablyNumb]

"Oh, it's not that big of a deal, Incendanx explained, my species can survive in almost any environment, it's just that we need heat to regain any energy we happen to use." He was relieved to hear Devon explain the situation with the weather. But just incase.... "So do you know the general direction of one of those spots?"

[Gaius]

"Oh," Devon said to the explanation, perking ears making his surprise plain; he hadn't quite expected that tidbit of information. Not that he was displeased. He smiled at the salamando. "Well, I guess that explains why a guy like you doesn't mind the desert so much." He thought again about a question he'd idly wondered, and a new possibility came to him. "So, do you get all your energy from heat, or do you still have to eat?" The donkey briefly cringed at the inadvertent rhyme.

At the question, Devon closed his eyes and tried to remember. "Hmm..." Out of habit, he brought up a hoof to just below his muzzle, though he couldn't exactly stroke his chin anymore. 'Think. I mean, it's not unreasonable for you not to have it down yet; you're used to a city, not a forest, and... well, a lot of it kinda looks alike, anyway. But there have to be some landmarks you've picked u--' "Ahhah!" he said, smiling, opening his eyes and attempting to bring the fist at his chin into his left palm for effect. As his left palm didn't exist, the two hooves made a clunking sound as they collided. The ex-human shot them a glance, snorted, then turned back to Incen with a fresh smile.

"Well, it's not perfect, but there's a river further in. It's a big one, too, so it hardly matters what direction we start in. Speaking of which...". Devon took a few steps away from the newcomer into the Forest, motioned with his head to follow, and kept walking. "Anyway, it works out; after the wastes, you could probably use some water. I know I could." Absently, he ran his tongue through his dry mouth, alien enough to him when it was wet. After that, we just have to follow the current, and..." Devon turned his head back to the salamando and grinned, "Voila! One of the warmest spots in the Forest."

[ComfortablyNumb]

Incendanx thought for a moment about Devon's question, "Well," he finally said, "I usually eat also for energy, but it feels like a different kind of energy than that of what I absorb." He stopped and thought for a moment more. "Now that I think about it," he continued, "Ive seen alot of salamandos survive off just the energy they absorb...so, I suppose we don't have to eat, but I rather enjoy it."
Incendanx watched as Devon made motions with his hooves, he tried to picture them as if he had hands and thought he could figure out what he was trying to do. He started to follow him when Devon started deeper into the forest explaining about a nearby spot. Incendanx was excited to hear about the river, thinking that it had been awhile since he had seen a body of water.

[Gaius]

"Ah, I see. Wow, that's pretty neat." Devon thought surviving just fine without eating was an interesting ability. 'Heh, and I wonder how it would affect the dieting industry back home...' It was certainly a talent he wouldn't mind having, though weight loss had nothing to do with it. Changed as he was, dining had gone from a near-endless parade of possibilities to... well, whatever plants happened to be growing nearby. 'Wouldn't mind passing on meals for a while. Eh. Still better than that pizza with Gorgonzola and blue cheese...' An internal shudder.

In any case, off trudged the rather odd duo. The sound of Devon's hoofsteps made sure anyone in the area would have an easy time of finding them. It put some hint of concern into the guy, but mainly at the back of his mind; he'd been told there were dangerous things, but he hadn't yet been attacked, and had some level of confidence in the ears. Then he remembered a detail. "Oh, I should mention that it's kind of a walk. There isn't much in the way of timepieces that I've seen, but I think... Maybe an hour or two? Just let me know if you want a rest." He recalled how terrible he often was at conversation, and added, "And don't be shy about any questions."

[ComfortablyNumb]

As they continued their walk, Incendanx thought about how quiet it has been. "Have you met many others?" he asked.

[Gaius]

((Oye... Sorry about taking forever))

After a brief period of silence, Devon had more-or-less set his body to auto-pilot and gotten lost in his thoughts. "Eh? Oh, yeah." He started a mental rundown of the people he'd met and was surprised to find what a list it made. 'Wow. That many in only a week... Eh, a week and a half, but still.' "Err, quite a few, actually. You'd be amazed at the variety you can find living here. Let's see..." He would have been glad to count them off on his fingers, but that not being an option, settled for the all verbal summary.

Which, he quickly found, would be somewhat abridged out of necessity. "First, there was --" In lieu of saying "The Fairest," the donkey brayed instead, at which his ears flattened in a moment's surprise. 'Oh. Right. That.' She was the first person he'd met and the encounter had left him in his current state. And one of the 'little surprises' she had apparently included was his inability to speak of her or her realm. Well, unless the listener understood the noise he'd just made. Devon went through the usual procedure of clearing his throat, willing his ears back up a bit, and giving an embarrassed smile. "Eheh... Sorry about that..." He thought he hid rather well how much he hated doing that.

"Anyway, when I first got here, I met a kid named Kibaki who... looked kind of like a human with horns, and his wolf pup, Drifter. They were pretty new, too. Nice guys. Err, after I got used to the wolf, anyway..." Another cough. "We hadn't spoken long before Deen and Thoee popped up. They're Nism, which are... umm... Well, think of something sorta shaped like you or me, but with scales, feathers, and fur. They showed me that greeting I subjected you to." Devon smiled. "They've got a reputation for being kind of... 'passionate,' I guess, but they're insanely nice. They made us a welcoming meal, and it was probably the best thing I've ever eaten." He felt himself salivating a bit at the memory. This in turn made Devon realize he was hungry. 'Eh. Might as well hold off until we reach that warmer spot.'

"Okay, who was next..." There had been several more that first day alone, but his time in the Forest had been something of a blur; sorting things out chronologically seemed a good exercise to him.

[ComfortablyNumb]

((No problem man, glad to have you back))

Incendanx listened closely as Devon started his list of acquaintances, but was soon interupted by a strange sound from Devon. Incendanx had heard him do this before, but was still unsure of what it meant. Devon soon continued describing the various people he had come across. Incendanx tried picturing the different people, but they were all species he was unfamiliar with and wasn't sure if he quite got them right.

"Wow, it seems like you've met alot of nice friends," Incendanx smiled at the thought of there being so many friendly creatures here. "Most of the people I've come across along the way here were either really bad, or afraid that I would harm them in some way," he continued, frowning a bit at this. He suddenly lit up as another thought entered his head, "Of course, noone here seems to know of my species, so theres no reason for fear, correct?"

[Gaius]

Devon smiled. "I guess I have." And such variety, too. He was thankful; it really made the adjustment to his new form more pleasant. Even beyond all the cheery dispositions and kindness, he liked seeing so many diverse people. Looking at them and puzzling over what life in their shoes might feel was interesting for its own sake. 'And it's definitely nice to get absorbed in something other than how weird this feels.' To continue beating a dead horse (or, if you must, donkey), every sensation was new, from the frequent movements of his ears and tail to the odd feel of the wind blowing at his fur. Yes, wherever he could find one, a little break was welcome.

At Incen's next words, however, Devon gave a frown. "Oh, your kind don't have a good reputation? Aww, I'm sorry to hear that." Then the Salamando took a more optimistic track, bringing a small smile right back to the donkey's face. "You may be right. If you're basing that on me, though..." His ears drooped a bit. "I don't actually know much about many species in this world, and I'm not sure how many in here do. Devon decided to cut a potential downer off at the pass, turning to the newcomer and adding "Ah, but don't worry; everyone seems understanding. I mean, I don't think anyone assumed anything about me at first glance." Insert 'makes an ass of you and me' joke here! "So, even if they have heard the worse, I think they'll judge your actions first."

((Edit: I know it's meaningless and immature as hell, but... Yay post #100! ))

[ComfortablyNumb]

At Devon's question, Incendanx frowned, "Yes, my kind has made many enemies where I'm from." He returned to his happy dispositions as Devon continued on about how understanding everyone here seemed. "So if everyone's like that, then there isn't much violence correct?" Incendanx asked hopefully.

((Congrats man =] 18 isn't much for me to celebrate lol))

[Gaius]

((Heh. Still more than many have gotten. Besides, for 18 posts, I think I can spare a piece of confetti or two ))

Devon chuckled at the question. "I haven't seen or heard of any since I've been here, at least." A shrug. "I really hope everything's as peaceful as it looks, but it's probably still good to keep an eye out, just in case, right?" The former human's cautious optimism was likely justified. 'There doesn't seem to be much fantasy without at least some fighting in it, so... That may just be the way things are.' He remembered anew why he had some time ago added 'real self-defense' to the list of things he wished he could still do. The donkey had practiced on occasion the skills he'd learned years ago, but found them ill-designed for use by... well, a donkey. 'Go figure.'

[ComfortablyNumb]

Incendanx glanced around his surroundings as Devon finished his thoughts. Surely a place this peaceful can't have that much evil in it. "Well I guess we'll just have to find out on our own." He said with a smile. A little ways ahead, they came upon a small patch of grass that the snow had seemed to miss. "That seems like a good resting spot, what do you think?"

[Gaius]

Devon returned the reptile's smile. "True enough. Just have to hope for the best." 'It really would be great if he's right.' Still, he kept his ears perked for any approaching threat. This focus on sounds was probably why he didn't catch the grassy spot until Incen pointed it out. "Huh, you're right. Sure, let's take a breather." He wasn't especially tired, thanks to that nap, but the lazy guy was never one to say no to a little rest. We've been going a while, and you've probably been on your feet all day, right?"

Presuming Incen would prefer the snow-free patch, Devon instead approached a nearby tree. He got a foot or two away, turned his back to the tree, and, with a smile, fell back to lean against it. Wedging his tail in between. One brief wince, jerk, and readjustment left him and the appendage far more comfortable. 'Really, do you have any use at all?' Chuckling sheepishly to Incen, he put his hooves behind his head out of habit, to find that they made a poor pillow. The donkey snorted in annoyance. At least his mane was a half-decent headrest. Felt a bit odd, though.

He leaned his head up to help get comfy, and got another look at the Forest's canopy. The tree he was leaning against pierced quite a distance into the sky. To say nothing of its other dimensions; it was about as wide as the ex-human was tall, not counting the ears. Devon wondered if it said something about him that he'd stopped being amazed at the sight, days earlier. 'Mmm, nah. After hundreds of them, bigger ones besides, and other things to be fascinated by... It's only natural.' Considering the strange nature of the place, and to pick the conversation up again, he asked, "So, this place is a little different from where you came from, I'm guessing?"

[ComfortablyNumb]

"Hmm..well I have been walking since I've left the wasteland," Incendanx commented, "I suppose I've needed a rest for longer than I realized." He walked to the center of the patch and leaned his head up towards the sun, closing his eyes and enjoying the warmness of it. He finally curled up on the patch and watched the few plants sway in the light breeze. Incendanx had forgotten what it was like to just relax, without a care in the world. He glanced at Devon, who had just settled himself against a large tree, as he asked him a question. Incendanx glanced around briefly, "Well, this area does resemble the forests where I'm from, but I've never seen any species like these back home." He paused for a moment, "Then again, I haven't seen any species from my land here either."

[Gaius]

Devon nodded at the answer. "I see." It hadn't really occurred to him to check the plant species in the area. In part because, with all he knew of botany, it would have done him absolutely no good. Which he demonstrated by giving the local trees and plants a once-over. 'Alright. Trees... A coupla little sprouts... ... Yep, looks like a late winter fantasy forest to me.'

Still adjusting his position for maximum comfort, Devon turned back to Incen. "Yeah, I kind of know what you mean. Some things look familiar here. Other things..." the donkey patted the tree behind him with a hoof, producing a knocking sound, "... not so much. Which isn't to say I saw much plantlife outside of pictures." The next words stopped at the tip of his tongue. After a brief, but noticeable pause, he decided they wouldn't reveal his true nature too quickly, and let them out, "I kind of grew up in a city, and haven't seen much else."

[ComfortablyNumb]

Incendanx kept his eyes on Devon as they spoke. "Yeah, I didn't know much about the plants back home, but I knew enough to know what was safe or not, but here...I wouldn't even trust myself to sample any of the flora." At the unfamiliar word, Incendanx kinda cocked his head to the side. He started to speak up, but stopped as Devon continued. "Wow," he stated, "So your cities didn't support plant life?" Incendanx turned away slightly remembering the few cities he had come across. They were mostly crudely made of stone or wood, built by some of the more intelligent species of his land. He remembered that they all had multiple plants and trees sprouted throughout them.Surely the cities he spoke of can't be like those."So, were there many cities where your from?"

[Gaius]

Devon nodded and frowned. "Tell me about it. Especially annoying with an all-plants diet, like me." He'd at least started trusting his nose to tell the good from the bad. "What do you eat, by the way?" He'd thought Incen might be a carnivore, but with his mention of sampling the flora... The ex-human was a little curious.

Devon's mention of a city trailed off toward the end, as he noticed the salamando's confused expression. But Incen seemed curious enough about 'his cities,' so... Also, the donkey realized he'd misspoken. "Well... Actually, there were plants." He gave another sheepish grin as the ears drooped again. Sorry, I meant to say there wasn't nearly as much green as there is here. Outside of parks, most people just had the grass in front of and behind their houses, with maybe a tree or two. Oh, and some potted plants inside. Other than that, it was mostly wood and... stone." Devon wasn't sure he was up to explaining concrete. In part because his eyelids had started feeling a bit heavy. Such a comfy spot...

He tried to keep himself awake as he considered Incendanx's question. 'Well, if he means 'my world,' then big-time. ... Buuut he probably just meant my home area. ... Would that be the state, or country, or...?' The donkey gave another bray-tinged yawn. "Excuse me. Uh... Quite a few, yeah. Some were bigger than others, of course. It took a few hours to get between them." It didn't occur to him that his listener would probably presume 'by foot/hoof/whatever.' "So, what was your home like?" Devon shuffled his hooves to keep from nodding off.

[ComfortablyNumb]

"Well, I mainly eat any kind of healthy plant, but theres something about the crunch of a freshly caught insect that I find just irresistible." As Devon gave a more detailed explanation on the plant life of his cities, Incendanx tried to listen closely, but was finding it difficult to picture eveything he was referring to. He was surprized to hear about the multitude and closeness of his cities. Incendanx's were quite few and far between and sometimes took days to get from one to another.

"Well, my home was..." Incendanx kinda trailed off as he remembered everything about the land where he was born. "That wasn't really a home," he said, more to himself than out loud. Thoughts of his time with Pacifendo and the group soon replaced the thoughts from before. "Oh," he started, realizing the long pause he just took, "My home was great, there were many plants and plenty of open fields, and the weather was hardly ever bad and it was so peaceful up until...." He stopped short again. Incendanx shook this last thought from his mind, "Anyways, it was truly a beautiful place."

[Gaius]

Devon nodded vacantly at the first part of the lizard-man's diet, but couldn't repress a light shudder at the mention of insects. The other day, he'd made a meal of some leaves, and didn't notice in time that he'd snatched up a passenger on one. At the memory, he ran his tongue under his upper teeth, as though trying to scrape off some unpleasant flavor. Recalling he was in front of someone woke him up a bit. He smiled. "Eheh. Well, if you're willing to share the veggies, the bugs are all yours."

It was a shame the donkey wasn't fully awake; he might have noted Incen's apparent surprise and confusion, and better explained things. Though he did pick up on the sudden silence. And the mumbled comment. It wasn't clear if the salamando had meant it to be unheard, but he would have to use a quieter whisper to slip past Devon's ears. One of which tilted to the side, while the other pointed up, giving the look of a raised eyebrow. Aside from the ears' betrayal, the former human showed no sign he'd heard a thing. 'Yeah, that's definitely an off-limits topic.'

Of course, then came an authentically cheery description. A short one. Dveon shifted uncomfortably against the tree, a bit more awake. He could read between the lines well enough, at least. A brief time passed. The donkey coughed, and offered a faint smile. "I'm... glad it was." Another pause. He wasn't sure about the next thing he said, but... "At least you're in another beautiful place now."

[ComfortablyNumb]

Incendanx smiled at Devon's comment. "That sounds like a plan. It's nice to have someone around to eat what you don't like, that way nothing goes to waste." He layed there awhile, taking a better look at his surroundings. Though it was mostly covered in a blanket of snow, one could still see various plants trying their best to survive. This area is truly lovely he thought almost at the same time as Devon made a comment. Incendanx chuckled lightly, "Yes, this area has many perks to it, it reminds me of more peaceful times."

[Gaius]

Devon nodded in answer to Incen's food answer, giving another smile. "Great. And that's a good way to think about it." Having been a picky eater before, he was familiar with these sorts of arrangements. They usually turned out pretty well among the amenable sorts he usually ran with.

Then he heard a chuckle, and an agreement on the Forest's beauty. "Mmhmm," Devon answered, feeling his eyelids growing heavy again. Another yawn, this one perfectly human. 'Okay, that's enough loafing around for you.' With some reluctance, he pushed himself back up from the tree. He stretched his neck and back again, still getting used to how much less flexibility they seemed to have. Then the donkey paused as he realized something, and turned to the salamando. "Err, don't feel like we have to get going again if you want some more rest. I was just nodding off over there." His stomach chose that moment to growl, announcing the hunger that talk of food had summoned. "... Ignore that, too," he added, a touch of red joining the gray and white of his face.