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Read to everyone:
Wispy clouds obscure the moon, leaving barely enough light to see as you reach the bottom of the hill. A dark form shifts, impatient, with their back to you. They turn, and you’re faced with a Carja Hunter: bow in one hand, quiver dangling from one hip, heavy leather bag across their back, and large feather-covered Sawtooth jaw headdress atop a face lined with makeup in angular, starburst patterns. It takes a moment to recognize Jineko, and you only do so because you know it must be her.
When she speaks, her voice has the husky undertones of her mother, plus the imperious tone of a Carja addressing Nora savages.
“The Braves believe Grethe is sending you out to gather more herbs. After a day of felling timber, you were given a few hours of sleep before heading back again. We do not know each other, only the task we were given.”
Without waiting for your assent, she turns and walks toward the main gate. She has a slight limp, but otherwise does not seem to need any assistance.
Two Braves stand watch at the gate — one above, and one on the ground. The man nods as you approach, opening a thin sally port door to allow exit. He doesn’t address you, but whispers a count to himself as you pass, calling the total to the woman above as he closes the door behind you. The motion sends a small puff of fresh-cut wood smell which catches up to you.
Jineko, again, takes the lead.
If you comment on her ability to walk, she won’t say much about it:
“It’s … taking some adjustment.”
If asked why she is disguised and acting in secret:
“How am I to explain this to my parents, or the Matriarchs? The All-Mother came to me in a dream and healed my body? Why me and not one of the suffering in All-Mother Mountain? And what happens when they see my Focus, or the sensor pads on my back and legs? No. I need time to think. I might be able to convince them if I can find something to help. But … I don’t know.”
The remainder of the walk to the ruins is quiet, under a dark and cloudy sky. You do not encounter any machines along the way, though you disturb a number of owls and foxes competing for rats.