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Part the North (5)

2014-06-09T19:02:33Z

Silvante: Created page with ' The AMS Dao II is currently in a dire situation. With the engine room mostly wrecked and stranded at the exact geographical south pole things are looking dire. The engineers wit…'

The AMS Dao II is currently in a dire situation. With the engine room mostly wrecked and stranded at the exact geographical south pole things are looking dire. The engineers with the aid of Kiyo report they can repair the damage to their systems but with no maps, charts or usable directions availiable even when they do take off their is no gurantee they will fly in the correct direction. Even then it is likely to take months to fly back to the northern realms by which point Shemhazai will have moved forward! Currently however there is a small ray of hope, Ifrit himself is here... arriving in response to an insult cast into the ether at Queen Shiva when Marduke was trying to summon her he has assumed the form of a tall, bronze skinned man with firey red hair. He is currently lounging in the passenger dining room with the others, waiting for everyone to get settled. His presence fills the room, the light hint of spice lingering in the air a constant tickle at the back of everyones minds and the constant idea of heat radiating from him is hard to ignore.
Azar has connected.

Lee makes his way to a seat, leaving his cold-weather cloak draped over the back of his chosen chair, and pulling the seat next to him out politely for Ainsley as well before sitting himself. Folding gloved hands on the table before him, and leaning forward to prop laced fingers before his mouth; he huffs a small breath, waiting for everyone else to sit before looking to Ifrit with a respectful bob of his head, "A'right, so, t'voice tha question we're all likely thinkin': Wot now? We're at the complete opposite end o'tha globe t'where we want an' need ta be, so..."

Videl stands not too close, but not too far away from Ifrit. He was not obviously there, but he made sure that Ifrit could see him. He and his glowing, green eyes, narrowed in perpetual scowl. Almost as if he was trying to tell the spirit something. All the while holding up a piece of umbrella without hte umbrella, just sprouts constantly casting water over his yellow straw hat, now hung low from the wetted mass. He was so ignoring that presence.

Marduke has found himself a place to sit and leans back. Relaxing and enjoying the heat Ifrit is providing in the extreamly cold area the group is surrounded by. A glance to Lee and then back to Ifrit, "A difficult posistion we are in. Any guidiance you can offer would be greatly appriciated. Also, how is Eleanor doing, havn't summoned her for a bit." A faint touch of a fond smile, "Still picking fights with things bigger then her I am sure." Shaking his head he glances around, "Anything to drink by the way?" Standing up and getting ready to go looking and spotting Videl. The summoner has to bite his lip decenlty hard to keep himself from laughing. A very amused grin on his face from behind the construct and the summoner glad he cannot be seen right now.

Silmeria has taken up a seat by Ifrit's left-hand side, contemplative and troubled as Lee and Marduke sketch out their issue, and Videl... soaks. "Well... given the rules, I imagine there's only so much that even you can do, Lord Ifrit," she says slowly. "So honestly no matter what we decide, we're probably going to have to leave something up to chance, anyway."

Ainsley is, instead, giving a tired stare over at Videl because of his consistently rude demeanor toward Ifrit. She had found a seat when Lee offered one for her, and settled into it. She spent some time trying not to eye Ifrit too much, because he's turned into a fairly attractive fellow and she has a fiance. The others have handled explaining the majority of the problem to the Spirit of Fire, so she's keeping an eye on Videl.

Azar will settle down into a chair, looking over at Ifrit with a smile. "We give thanks, Lord Ifrit, for your warmth." She nods at what the others say, "A very difficult spot, since we need to be somewhere else and had to be there yesterday." She idly plays with a lock of red hair while she speaks. Is there some way you could see your way to assisting with navigation, Lord Ifrit? That is the smallest thing to be done that would help us greatly."
Kiyo has just opted to take refuge at the farthest spot on the table. While he had been assured that the 'man' was okay, he was still a bit off-put by it. He just listened to what everyone else had to offer to this, greatly wishing that Shemhazai had not done this to them. Thankful for the warmth, he knew that once Ifrit had to leave, it was going to get much colder once more...

Ifrit grins and steeples his fingers, "No Marduke, nothing to drink... I am not officially here. I was not summoned, I came in answer to insult. So in a way Videl did you all a favour by insulting my wife. Despite his prowess Marduke has not the power to summon my Queen on her own even in this land of eternal ice." he shakes his head and sighs leaning back in his chair casually. "The insult has been answered and by rights I should return to my real of flame and fire... so it is up to you Mortals.." he looks around the room at everyone, "To come up with something, an offer, a sacrifice, a true and proper summoning in the styles of old. I cannot lift a finger to help you, even to point a flare in the right direction without breaking the rules. By rights I should be gone and..." he takes a watch out of his waist coat pocket, "We have ten minutes at most before I stretched the bonds of time too far," he puts it away and sighs heavily, "It is a huge pain, I hate the rules but if I break them the King on the Mountain and all of you will not be pleased when cosmic balance shifts. Even the smallest infrigement of the rules could crack another prison."

"It's not an insult if it's true," Videl points out helpfully, tilting towards Ifrit from the opposide side of the spirit. "However, before there is another temper tantrum," The construct had no sense of self preservation. "It has been long debated that the several states of fire have between states that have alternating outcomes, some of them highly unpredictable. Parts of this so called ember fire," Videl shakes his 'umbrella', sprinkling a bit of his water over the large man, as well as the table properl. "Have been known to briefly exhibit potential for wildly fluctuating power surges. Therefore, part of my hypothesisis is that given a large enough of an explosion in the thrusters; we could simply be at the other side of the world." He pauses, then turns to give Ifrit a look with barely hidden hostility. "Because magic."

Marduke shakes his head, "I understand Lord Ifrit. I though still need a drink of my own. I lost a lot of blood, and I mean a lot." He pauses as he turns and just stares at Videl for a long moment. Then shakes his head slowly and sighs, "Well you have not said, but said possibilities. If I may ask Lord Ifrit, as I have no knowledge at all of ancient summoning styles now. If you could say give me advice on how to contact a particular saint, such as say a particular patron saint of summoners? Any help would be greatly appriciated my Lord." A thought of a thoughtful look on the summoners face as he stands there thinking.

"Lord Ifrit would be greatly constrained in telling you," Silmeria speaks up, "but it would be perfectly within *my* duties to tell you, Master Marduke. The Lord of the Inferno has come to redress an insult, and that being done and over, now we've the opportunity to seek his *blessing.* And with the time constraints we have, the only way to manage that is through something imbued with the deepest essence of a Summoner's Pact." Here she trails off, fiddling with her fingers and clearing her throat." "...It was a long time ago, in the Ash Forest... The soul that mentioned this was old, and seemed confused over whether it was called Materia, or Magicite... but he was certain that anyone who possessed such a thing, could make use of a Spirit's power in the manner of a Summoner."

Ainsley's head swivels when Ifrit speaks, the specific part about breaking the rules being a risky prospect because it breaks the prisons. She looks over at Videl for a second after that, and then over to Marduke and Silmeria. "Where, exactly, are we going to get this object, when we are out in the middle of the frigid wastes?" she asks, seeming fairly incredulous about that information. She looks over toward Ifrit, briefly, and then to Silmeria again. "Is it found in the Spirit Realms? Has it been hidden way out here?" She crosses her arms.
Kiyo pages, "I was just saying for you to prepare for when Kiyo asks it." to you.

Azar listens to Silmeria as she starts her tale, leaning forward with an eager grin, as though she were a girl half her age. She nods at what Ainsley says. "My question is the same, however, I don't think Silmeria would bring this up without a way to use it."

Kiyo didn't want to speak up, fearful of the man... but he had an idea, and didn't wish it to be spoken by someone else... "Umm... if I may, Kupo... what sort of offerings would one such as yourself accept? If time permitted, I could possibly craft something to which you would find a suitable offering... or if I may even be so bold as to suggest, I may be able to craft something beautiful for you to present to your wife? I figure, if it's something to warm the heart of the Queen of the Ice... that might very much be a viable offering, Kupo? Or am I just billowing smoke from my fur?" He looked a little embarassed as he made this inquiry... hopefully it wasn't so crass to even suggest... or too bold to even think of... my, how the Moogle was quivering after he had addressed the Lord of the Inferno. He was definitely 'billowing smoke from his fur,' as he put it before. The soot that clung to his fur was shaken loose, bit by bit as he waited for the Lord of the Inferno to respond...

Ifrit chuckles warmly and stands up, walking over to look out the window then turns and leans on the back of his chair looking around the room. "Mhmm you mortals never look and think... think of where you are... the Sacred Heart of the Deepest Ice..." he laughs, a deep, warm booming laugh and starts to walk along the length of the table, looking at first one then the other. "I suggest you go outside and look and see what may be seen. You may be nearby to something useful, something interesting but you'll need to look with more then mundane means." he pulls out a spare chair and sits down opposite Kiyo, "Though be warned, make sure to pick something useful and use it wisely... the King and the Covenant shall not let you keep it and then well things will move." he leans on the table and grins, "Now my time is up, my words are spoken but the young mog and I need to have a chat! I do so love taking my beloved lady of the Snows gifts!" he grins lecherously, "It always puts her in the mood to be entertaining."

Lee listens, following the conversation from person to person, then blinking at Ifrit, grimacing, "Outside again, is it?" He takes a breath, then stands, pulling his cloak off the back of his chair and starting to pull it on over his shoulders, "More'n mundane means... Guessin' that means just havin' a higher point o'view won't be much help, then." He takes a moment to give Ifrit another respectful bow of his head, "Well, we can only do our best, Ser Ifrit, an' we all appreciate th'tips, I'm certain." He turns to Ainsley, offering her a hand up from her chair while looking around, "Shall we?"

Videl looks up at Ifrit with deadpan look on his face. He reaches up and taps at Ifrit's shoulder with his bundled umbrella. "Don't make me wet you. You wouldn't want to freeze." He says with an uncharacteristically dry voice.

Ifrit is happily ignoring Videl, waiting to see exactly what sort of device Kiyo is going to offer to make him.

Marduke glances to Silmeria, "Interesting, but I do not think that is what may be fully ment by a true and proper summoning in the styles of old. Unless such is broken down into a object? Still, I have a new research topic to start into when I get back, lost summoning styles." A grin there, then glancing back to Ifrit. He nods slowly and grabs his coat, "Well I am heading outside and summoning some pyrefiles in case they can help searching. Something is out there, and it is a lead we can follow. Materia or magicite eh? I have heard of Materia holding the power of spells in them, but summons?" Shaking his head in disbelief, then waving to Kiyo. "Kiyo, good luck." Winking to the moogle, "Friends with a spirit like lord Ifrit here, is a good thing." A proper bow is offered to Ifrit, "Lord Ifrit." Then the summoner turns to start back outside calling back, "Videl, join me outside." His voice offering suggesting this is more of a order then it is a request. "Staying in here is going to be bad for your health very shortly for when you stop getting ignored."

"Indeed," Silmeria murmurs, rising from her chair as well and dipping a curtsy toward Ifrit. "Master Kiyo, I do believe you'll have a lovely coup for your career as an engineer. Approved by the Spirit of Fire has a lovely ring to it, don't you think?" With a brilliant smile, she turns to the door, one hand reaching out to snag Videl's umbrella and tug the unstable mage along. "I think we ought to talk on the way, Master Videl... and listen. Too much of one, of late, little enough of the other."

Ainsley grasps Lee's hand tightly and gets up to a stand. She is really not relishing the idea of going out into the snow and ice to find a mystical object that they have no guarantee of finding, but whatever, they might freeze out here anyways! She's seeming increasingly miserable with the situation. She doesn't have much to provide for Ifrit or the conversation, seeing as it's far outside of her ability to respond.

Azar hmms, and stays quiet for quite some time before she stands. "I don't know if I relish a trip out into the snow and ice. But I suppose I can be at least an extra pair of eyes, yes?" He offers Ifrit a deep bow, "Thank you for your help, Lord Ifrit. Hopefully we can meet again for ale, and in a far warmer place, yes?"

Kiyo smiles as his request seems to be taken well by Lord Ifrit! Now all he had to do was to come up with a very desirable gift... something the Queen of the Ice would enjoy receiving from the Lord of the Inferno... he places a paw on his chin in contemplative thought. "A queen such as herself would accept nothing less than the best... and the better the gift, the more favorable mood she'll be in towards you. So... maybe a necklace... no, she probably owns several of them... then... hmm... maybe... Lord Ifrit, might I suggest... a simple, yet warming gift for your Lady. A dozen roses of Ice might just well do the trick... though transporting them to her might prove a challenge... they'd have to be brought to her quickly, so as to avoid the hassle of them melting... I will of course do my very best to avoid such a problem... a bouquet of Ice Roses that do not melt in the hands of the Lord of the Inferno... seems a very tall task... and while it's as simple a thing as just bringing flowers to someone, sometimes that's all that's needed to brighten someone's mood, Kupo. So with your blessing, I'd begin working on such. Even if I cannot craft all of the roses before you must return, I would guess any amount would work well to gift to the woman you call your Lady, Kupo." He smiled as he came up with this... so simple, yet elegant an idea... roses made of ice that even in the hands of the Lord of the Inferno, would never melt... quite a feat, to be sure... and a tall one... but he had faith in his own abilities that he may be triumphant in his endeavors.

Ifrit waves a hand at Azar in passing and chuckles at the words directed at Videl before focussing on Kiyo. "Well m'boyo I think that sounds a fair deal... a bouquet of Ice flowers! Mmhmmm i'll give you a year to carve them! A proper bouquet, roses, tulips the works! When it is complete take it to one of my shrines! If you complete this I shall reward you most handsomely!" He grins and stands up, patting the mog on his head, setting all the soot in his fur aflame in a moment of warmth and fire! It pretty much goes WHOOOOMPF leaving Kiyo a bit singed and clean.... oh and quite, quite naked as his clothing crumbles into ash and puffs away. "Ooops... sorry lil mog dude! See ya in a year!" He nods and turns sideways and is gone... the ash cloud expanding out from Kiyo whirling and flowing away and vanishing.

Meanwhile outside things are cold... the stars are out and there is a bitter wind blowing out across the empty and quite, quite boring ice! There are some clouds high over head and the sky is filled with magnificent and unfamiliar stars! Of course for our party of adventurers time is limited, there is only so much time one can spend outside in the freezing cold! So once they are all down on the ice the search begins with each person using their own unique skills to examine what there might be but working together as a team to do the best they can. After five minutes of painstakingly examining the ice with an accredited and skilled eye Videl points to a location about three miles away and suggests Ainsley turn her magical vision on it! Her scanning magic engulfs the outcropping of ice and stone and for a brief moment as the magic plays over it a gigantic doorway is revealed! Buried far beneath the ice and quite unreachable by any magic the party have on them! If only they had some sort of BOOMING fire mage with them! But alas they but have a water mage! Which is when Marduke pipes up that he has an idea and pulls a small crystal out of his pocket. It is tear-drop shaped and glistens like mother of pearl shimmering constantly with the colours of the rainbow and he holds it between both hands and prays to it!

The Rainbow Drop which Silmeria and Ainsley may recognize from their earlier adventures starts to clow! Shimmering and glistening with all the colours of the rainboow! The bright warm colours so very vibrant here in the endless monochrome of the deepest south! Which is when it splits apart and with a crack of light 7 imps materilaise out of magnificent beams of coloured light! They hang suspended in mid-air for a moment as if listening to Marduke's payer and since he has been able to direct them toward the location discovered by Videl and Ainsley's magic without which he would have no target they streak forward and slam into the wall of ice and rock literally blowing it apart!

Of course they don't do things subtly and the resultant explosion of ice and dust and rock scatter through the freezing atmosphere and the largest chunks of spinning ice and rock start to shift and twist! Filling with colours and reaching out, transforming and landing as massive great big primary coloured golems of ice and rock that roar and charge the party! Thankfully Azar and Lee are in a position to step forward and spin into a whirling dance of Kung-Fu fighting and whirling blades! Driving the crazy golems backwards! They break apart and just keep reforming into smaller varieties of primary coloured magical creatures! Ainsley and Videl are able to help out somewhat with their skills and magic and of course Ainsley's fire-balls are quite, quite effective at blasting the golems apart but they just keep reforming and swarming forwards! Silmeria's scythe is out in a second as well but one of the blue coloured demons freeze it in a block of ice and then Silmeria has a stroke of genius and steps forward and shouts at the spiritual entities set loose! The sky is exploding with fire-works, the air is chill and cold and the wind is howling as the chaotic spirits summoned forth by Marduke's insane artifact whirl out of control now their task is complete but with a smile and the charm that makes her so good at her job she is able to talk the 7 imp like spirits down until with a thunder clap of epic proportions the ice and rock drops to the floor and the embattled party is left in a loose circle around Marduke fighting thin air! Of course thankfully everyone sparkles! A light dusting of glistening ice chips cling to everyones clothing and Marduke's fabulous rainbow coloured hair streams prettily in the wind behind him..... the chaos is over the doorway to this strange and ancient vault is not only clear but open..... it seems the party have had some success! Albeit quite chaotic success....

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Part the North (4)

2014-06-09T18:58:17Z

Silvante:

The AMS Dao II is currently stranded on the South Pole, now that they have worked out where they are and recalibrated the instruments they are quite, quite firmly in the south pole. They have no idea which direction is North and Home rather then just well North. There is lots of North, it is all north.... it is no doubt full of places to go and people to see and stuff to do. Oh and did we mention the engine room has been ripped to shreds, it is a couple of days work at least just to get things back in working order. But at least for now their is heat and an amazing view of the stars above.....

Azar seeks out both Silmeria and Lee, to ask the same question of both. "What is there for me to do? I've not the technical skills to assist in getting the ship airborn again, and I doubt very much that it's a good idea to go hunting or exploring at the moment."

Silmeria has been staring up at the sky on the deck, consternation writ large on her face. So deep is she in concentration, she actually manages to start at the sound of Azar's voice. "Well," she says, turning and schooling her features into her customary gentle smile, "You could ask the captain to be sure... But, I'd think repairing the engines is going to require a good deal of hauling what's broken out of the way, and any hands would be welcome in moving."

Ainsley has decided not to pester the engineers while they try to get the engine working. She plays with the charm on her necklace, frowning gently at the idea that she may have to use it for something like this, and what could Mog even do to get them out of here? His purview has nothing to do with stars or ice. She stares up at the stars, as if trying to figure out which direction the ship should go, once it's operational. If all else fails... they're going to be delayed for a good long time. She's not being talkative with anyone right this second.

Lee makes to follow along after Ainsley, but pauses at Azar's question, nodding along with Silmeria's answer before adding, "It's as Silmeria says, I'd wager, but if nuthin' else, attach yerself t'someone as an extra pair o'hands. S'what I'm doin', lackin' much in th'way o' technical know-how, m'self, y'know?" With a grin and a two-fingered salute to Azar and Silmeria, he toddles off after Ainsley, intent on being the Scholar's muscle for whatever task she ends up setting herself to.

Marduke sighs softly as he closes his eyes and hangs his head, passing into a moments deep thought. Then he glances up to the sky, "The stars are beautiful arn't they? My grandfather spends every night staring up to them." A faint chuckle then his expresison going more somber. "She made her move well, it will take weeks maybe months for lost ground. By then everything we seek would be moved." He offers nothing more as he disappears below decks, and is soon back up on the deck. He has changed his cothing again, not into warm winter ones, but his fancy blue ones. The blue robes though are still built for warmth, but seem more like one might dress if they were planning to go to court. "I am going onto the ice shelf, anybody is welcome to join me. I still have a move to make here. We can only see if there is anything to be gained." Turning to start off the ship, taking his steps carefully to not slip on the ice and out into the frozen cold.

Mumbling and grumbling could be heard from Kiyo as he worked diligently with the other Moogles to help get the engines back up. "No good... dirty... Kupoing... touched me like that... creep..." Thankfully, the Engine room was warm enough to stave off the cold out there. He worked with the other Moogles to get the Engines back up as quickly as possible. The sooner they were back up, the better.

Videl walks over Marduke, his yellow straw hat's tip wobbling. "I believe, since this is not the fire realm, we should concentrate a degree of our effort in appeasing the proper spirits." The black mage construct says - hands bound behind his back, after his best effort in the engine room. "Naturally, that would require some fire."

Down in the engine room it is not so much heavy lifting as it is sitting down and untangling cables and working out what the various components are and shifting them into piles. It is long, complicated, rather boring work however and it takes a lot of findling with tanglerd cable, strange crystals, static shocks and irate moogles chattering in Mooglish. Kiyo doesn't have any real trouble keeping up with the fast paced sorting and organising of the mogs but Silmeria soon flags, increasingly left behind as the tangles of cable start to all look alike and Azar is soon catching up with her in bafflement unsure what is going on or how it is working. Outside and on deck however the Captain joins the others, leading them downstairs to the passenger embarkation room and opening the hatch and extending a gangplank which makes getting onto the ice easy enough,. However once they are down it is another matter. Videl almost immediatly slips over sliding off a few feet and everyone else has a wobbly few moments to hold onto one another. And lacking proper arctic clothing however it soon hits everyone just how cold it is here under the naked sky... there is no way they can hope to stay here long.

Azar grunts, coming to a stop beside Silmeria momentarily. "Huh. I am not quite sure if what I am doing is useful or if they are now conspiring just to keep me busy and out of the way." The red-head rubs at her brow. "The one saving grace is that it is warm, at least."
Silmeria has settled herself down on an out-of-the-way corner, a fistful of cabling in each hand. "I'm... not... sure I haven't already done this pile," she murmurs back at Azar, looking from one hand, then the other. "Have I? They practically look all the same, and what's an arcanodunamic accumulator anyway?"

Ainsley wobbles a bit as they travel onto the ice, and turns to watch as Videl slides about, frowning at the sight. She lets out a sigh, and turns to try to help him balance, only for a moment. She shivers a bit, but her robes help protect her from the cold to some degree. She pulls her hood up over her head, though, and turns to look at the rest of the party. She looks over at Marduke, hoping that just being out on the snow and ice is sufficient for his ritual, and they don't have to go wandering into the wastes. She keeps her eyes peeled for any exotic fiends that might live out here, though. Those damn things can live anywhere. "Th-this better not take too long, or m-my tail will freeze off." Grumpy.

Kiyo just shakes his head at both Azar and Silmeria, sighing. "Just... ugh... I don't know how to help you, Kupo. Sorry." He just goes right back to work sorting 'broken' parts to be reused later, and rewiring everything to try and get at least SOME power back to the Engines.

Lee, once out on the ice, has that moment of wide-feet and spread-arms as he finds his equilibrium on the semi-slick surface of the snow-blown ice, after which, balance mostly found, he does much the same as Ainsley, wrapping himself in his cloak for what warmth it can provide. He follows after Ainsley in a kind of half-shuffle-step, every now and again having to pause as he slips more than is comfortable and has to re-check his balance, and nodding in heartfelt agreement with the scholar, "Aye, wouldn't do us well a'tall t'be out 'ere longer than needs be... I mean, I know high-altitude is cold an' all, even a li'l uncomf'table sometimes, but 'andlin that'n 'andlin this're not quite th'same."

Marduke walks out into the ice and takes a few moments to get his bearings and balance. Then starts off away from the ship. "No fire would be required Videl, it would only hinder what I am trying to do." The summoners voice soft, distant. A glance to Ainsley, but offers no words as he turns and starts walking. After a few minutes of walking and a decent distance from the ship he turns and glances around. Then nods slowly to himself, "Surrounded by ice, on the southern shelf of the world. I surrounded myself in Blizzna's eternal embrace. By the pact of the handmaiden Sharina, let thy vassels call be heard, I reqeust an audiance Queen Shiva." Holding up his staff four orbs of ice form around him and fly up into the sky, leaving Marduke waiting to see if his request is heard.

Kiyo just shakes his head at both Azar and Silmeria, sighing. "Just... ugh... I don't know how to help you, Kupo. Sorry." He just goes right back to work sorting 'broken' parts to be reused later, and rewiring everything to try and get at least SOME power back to the Engines. He wondered if the others out there were having any luck in sorting out their predicament...

Videl's legs kick out from underneath him, his sandals not at all appropriate for the frozen smooth surfaces. Thudding against the ice with an quite uncomfortable fashion, his momentum carries him away, slowly rotating as his body glides away, the brim of his fresh straw hat bent. "This is not the fire realm." Muttering underneath his breath, he struggles back to his feet, or at least kneels, and attempts to make his way towards Marduke. "Also, bring us fire o' mighty Queen! King of fire! We all know what is up with you two!" Videl squirms in place, wide-eyed as he attempts to cast Fire. However, his bound hands do not yield to such spells.

Thanks to Kiyo's work and in part thanks to the help from Azar and Ainsley "Not" helping the lights flicker, there is a hum and various grills and ducts start to come back to life as the heating starts up and most of the lights on the ship come back on! Including the spot-landing lights! Which is a good thing yes! One of those spotlights lands on Marduke as he begins his prayers to Shiva.... his voice calling out only to be rudely interupted by Videl's own passionate cry. There is a moment of light.... a flickering glow as if for a brief moment something was responding and then with a deep BOOM the ice shelf they are on trembles and shakes as if someone just struck it like a gong! The whole thing BOOOMS and shakes and the magical energy around Marduke and Videl collapses in on itself. For a brief moment Sharina appears before the party on the ice. "Your insult has been noted.... Her august majest... or his August Majesty shall reply soon...." and then she is gone as the spell snaps off with a back-blast of magical energy that introduces everyone except the two summoners to the concept of behind the eyes headaches as their connection with the magical world is all but drained.

Azar grins at Silmeria, and looks at the pile she has, and rubs her chin. "I don't think so, Silmeria. Hopefully it won't be too long before stuff is working again. This is really confusing." She looks to Kiyo and shrugs, "It's no problem, Kiyo, we'll get it sorted." And then the power starts to come on, with lights and vents going... and the accompanying blast of warm air once again. And she's about to celebrate when the ship wiggles ever so slightly. "Hhhhhuuuuhhhh... that didn't feel good at all."

"Oh thank Hades, it's wo--" And the priestess is cut off by the blast of magical energy, the spike of pain behind her eyes sending her toppling over to one side, the heel of her free hand against her eye. "....Ow... what... I.... *ow*...."

Ainsley is struck by a wave of magical energy, and staggers on the ice for a moment. Then she leers into the air, and turns to look at Videl like she's going to shove him off his feet. It takes a tremendous push of willpower and patience, and the headache itself, for her to refrain from doing something violent. "Do not do anything like that again," she tells Videl, in a disturbingly calm voice that betrays the incredible fury she has toward him. Then she rubs her face with both hands, and turns to go back up the gangplank, because the cold and her frustration are really getting to her.

Lee staggers, arms windmilling briefly after the blast of magic and the booming ice, managing to keep his feet, though, given his preoccupation with his own balance, he isn't able to give any help to Ainsley; that she keeps her feet as well seems to be as much of a relief to him as his own success in avoiding a fall. Looking back and forth between Marduke, Ainsley, and Videl, he clears his throat, "Ahem, well... That didn' sound like it went e'zactly t'plan, did it?" Moving back to Ainsley's side, he rests a hand on her shoulder, trying to soothe the scholar's quiet rage, "Now, Ains luv, let's not loose our 'eads, eh? I'm sure s'not as bad as all that, jus' a little hiccup, tha'sall."

Marduke stares at Sharina his face going pale. "Insult... has been noted? I..." the summoner closing his eyes a moment and ignoring everything around him. He hmms faintly and glances to everybody and frowns, "Err sorry about that." Then glancing to Videl with a frown, "To summon or try to summon fire when requesting a audiance with the Queen of Ice is a grave insult. Be mindful of the circumstancers you put people into with your actions." Wasted words Marduke is sure, but says them he does anyways. He glances to the other two, "Lee, we shall see how bad it is. I may be credited with the insult as the emissary. Regardless, I will do everything I can to earn back the Queen's good graces. Lady Sharina said his or her August Majesty, so we may be visited by King Ifrit as well, or maybe both. I shall wait here where I did the summoning, Videl you will wait as well." Eyeing the construct to make sure it doesn't leave.
Kiyo throws his paws in the air in triumph. "Kupo! Score one for Moogle-kind!" Then an almighty lurch as the ship creaks loudly. "Ohh... what in Mog's name are the others doing out there, Kupo?" He looks at the other Moogles in the Engine room. "I've set up the framework. Getting more power to the engines shouldn't be hard from here, Kupo. I'll return shortly." He'd then head out of the Engine room to look around and see where everyone had gotten to... once he'd spotted everyone else out on the ice, he'd look very incredulously at them all. "What are they doing?" He mainly said this to himself, however, as he just stood on the ship and watched the scene from afar.

The booming gong fades, the creaking and cracking of ice shifting and settling..... and as Kiyo reaches the open hatch-way and Ainsley starts up the gang-plank toward warmth a figure bursts out of the ice about 20 yards away from Marduke in a pillar of flame and erupting steam. He roars to the heavens and stomps toward the group. "VIDEL!" he bellows, "Bring me the wretched cretinc Videl!"

Videl slowly straightens himself to a stand, apparently very unperturbed by the sudden change in things. He tips his head to Marduke. "Do not worry, old chap. The spirits say that all the time, and look, still we stand! It's just a thing they say, to seem more impor-" He attempts to cheer up the summoner - up until the creature from down below makes himself known. Eyes wide, he tilts towards Marduke. "Did he just call me a wretched cretin?"
Ifrit stomps to a halt, the ice steaming and hissing around his feet as he glares down at the black mage "YES I did you flaming cretin! How dare you interupt a summoning AND insult my LADY!" He roars again and hurls a ball of flame toward a distance ice flow which promptly explodes. "I will have your HEAD for this Insult!" he points a finger at Marduke. "AND You! What the hell are you all doing here! This is the sacred realms of eternal ice!"

Azar tilts her head slightly, reaching out to gather Silmeria in a hug. "Are you alright? I've got this ringing headache all of a sudden, but you seem to be feeling it harder than I." Then the sound of nearby yelling reaches her ears. "Something is going on outside..."

That's because it's to do with magic," Silmeria mutters, lifting her head a bit. "Help me up, Azar? I... think there's something very, very worrying happening outside, and we need to see it..."

Ainsley is halted on the gangplank when she hears the sound of a TOWERING INFERNO behind her. She turns to look at Ifrit as he stomps across the snow toward them. She watches him as he shouts and thrashes, and obliterates an ice flow in frustration. Her brows raise at the strange offense he takes to an insult to a woman that is his Complete Opposite. Her arms cross, and she seems less angry and more curious and thoughtful. "Hello!" she greets at him, waving a hand, surprisingly okay with his presence despite his anger. "Hi! He's obsessed with fire, apparently, so he's dedicated to you, he just doesn't know the appropriate time to call for fire." Ifrit should know her Pretty Well, she is notorious for decapitating her enemies with fireballs. At least she hopes so.

Lee nods to Marduke and follows after Ainsley as she heads for the gangplank, leaving the Summoner and Construct to do what they need to do... And then, flames erupting from the ice, and he pauses, looking back over his shoulder, eyebrows arched, at Ifrit's Dynamic Entry. He watches as Ainsley addresses the Spirit, arms crossing as he stands off the scholar's shoulder, head cocked slightly, and then, at the point where Ifrit asks what Marduke, or perhaps the group and ship in general, are doing here in this 'sacred realm', he cups his hands around his mouth and shouts to the raging personification of Inferno, "Shemhazzai did it!!"

Marduke is listening to Videl's retort and is frowning more and more, only to get completely startled as Ifrit makes his appearence. Marduke steps back not sure at first what to do in Ifrits rage. Finding that most of it is directed at Videl he glances to the construct, "I suggest you apologize, and quickly." His voice seriuos on this. Then turns to Ifrit, "We were in pursuite of the Whisperers prison, we were getting to close so she transported us here and destroyed the engines of our ship." Marduke's explination very concise and not wasting words. "Though." A touch of a smile, "this means we are getting her to worry, I even pissed the whisperer off good. Got the injury still to prove it."

Kiyo's eyes go wide as the pillar of fire shoots up, and a... something... appears through it! And it sounded very angry at Videl! He was scared... didn't want to approach at all due to this fear... instead, he kept his head down just enough to let his eyes be above the ship's railing so as to continue watching the scene. If he was needed... and he hoped to Mog he wasn't needed... he'd act... but until then, that... whatever it was, too scary-looking to even consider approaching.

Videl pauses briefly, nods his head towards Marduke. "Naturally, what do you take me as, insane?" hops towards Ifrit, with his slippery sandals. "A WRETCHED cretin!" He shouts back, straw hat hopping up and down. "How could I insult her with the truth, are you claiming saying it out loud is AWKWARD for you, how would THAT make her feel?" Wringles his hands free. "Buffooning balloon of fire spouting nonsense all over HER realm! But that is not important, what is important that he - " He suddenly pauses to point towards Lee with his singed gloves.
"HE gave up his FIRE for this cause. And here we are, encased in ICE." He crosses his arms across his chest, tilting his head upwards. "So pardon me for thinking our party was lacking in Fire."

Ainsley makes an exaggerated gesture with her arms toward Videl, as if this just proves her point. She also frowns helplessly.

Ifirit is about to speak to Marduke but his attention is drawn back to Videl... his eyes go wide.... wider.... wider....... this is just not how mortals talk to him about Shiva. This is not how PCs react to his presence.... he stomps over toward the Black mage and leans down. "There is a time... and a place to discuss someones relationships.... in the middle of a summoning. In public is not an acceptable place..." he then grins, "I like your balls however, talking back to me.... but... well" he flicks the Mage's hat then turns away back to the others. "I won't be answering your calls for aid any time soon, learn some social manners. I hope you like water...." and with a swish of his tail that knocks the mage over takes two steps and is suddenly a very tall, very muscular man in leather trousers and a vest with fiery red dreadlocks. "Lets go inside and talk. I have come to answer insult and it is answered but whilst I'm here lets see what the rules will permit." He's about 10 feet tall too and shifts visbly down to about six so he can fit inside the door as he heads inside leaving the "water mage" behind.

Azar helps Silmeria to her feet, while more yelling can be heard outside. "I don't know if it's getting better or worse. But at least my head has stopped ringing. Let's get out there and see if we can't put cats back into the bag, yes?" Azar will slip a shoulder under one of Silmeria's arms, "Lean on me a moment."

Silmeria does so, shaking her head briefly as if to clear out a ringing in her ears. "Knowing our luck?" she mutters, with uncharacteristic asperity, and sighs. "Yes... let's see just how much damage has been done..."

Ainsley stares at Ifrit for a while as he speaks to Videl, and then lets out a heavy sigh. Okay so he respects bravery, but not guff. That's good. She rubs at her jaw, soaking in that information for later use, if it ever becomes relevant. She can totally stand up to him... if... she had any reason to. She's gotten less and less inclined to do so over the years, as Spirits are too valuable as allies. She looks over her shoulder at Lee, briefly, smiling at his words. And then toward Ifrit... who is now a six foot tall man with dreadlocks. "Huh." She pauses a beat, stepping aside respectfully for Ifrit's passage. "Can all of the Spirits do that?" she inquires at him, gesturing at his human form. She might've read accounts in a book, but it's better to ask directly.

Lee watches as Ifrit and Videl go back and forth, interested, and perhaps concerned at first, until Ifrit shrinks to person-size. Figuring the worst, figuratively, is over, he starts to smile, somewhat relieved, catching Ainsley's look and giving her a wink, seemingly just for the sake of winking, and steps aside with her, giving Ifrit a respectful bob of his head as Ainsley makes her inquiry to the Spirit of Flame.

Marduke watches the exchange between Videl and Ifrit. Shaking his head slowly, "Social graces indeed. Brave, but foolish. Come Water Mage, we have a guest to entertain." A friendly smile offered towards Videl. Then Marduke turns and starts towards the ship his pace picking up looking forward to getting out of the cold. "Tell the captain we have a guest, bring out the strongest drinks for him. On my expenses for them." Knowing Ifrit likes a good drink and that should hopefully appease the spirit further.

Kiyo scurried away from the gangplank as the... whatever it was... that just shapeshifted into a VERY tall human... would go aboard the ship, attempting to hide from it! By the way he was acting, one might assume he'd never seen such a Spirit before... if even at all. He'd try to find a suitable hiding spot from the approaching humanoid... but with no immediate hiding spot, and out of desperation, he'd just curl up into a ball, wings flapped down flush with his body, and small pom pom huddled next to him... it was uncomfortable, but he now looked... at least a LITTLE bit... like a soot-stained furry ball, with a fuzzy red ball clinging to it.
Videl looks blankly, his long pointed ears dark, the green gems serving as his eyes glimmering dully. "Why... do I feel so rational?" He whispers in disbelief, hands gasping at the air. He then shakes his head. "I've... centuries, /centuries/ of fire! Aagh!" He grits his teeth, then points a finger at Marduke. "Don't call me that, or I'll wet your bed." Huffing, he steps after the summoner, muttering underneath his breath as he covers his face. "Salamander is much more reasonable than this adolescent..."

Ifrit nods to Ainsley as he passes hewr, "Of course... when needed we can disguise our aspect..." he pauses then and glances down at the small ball of soot and fluff "I appear to have upset your Moogle however, I suggest one of you take care of it." he then starts on down the corridor, "What ho Captain Farquan nice to see you again and Silmeria too!" he pauses to give Silmeria a big manly uncle hug! And Azar too by dint of him having big arms, "This is a gathering, now then come along Ainsley, Lee pleasure... and Marduke do keep your Mage Construct in check please... talking about Salamander like that... he'd be a lot less reasonable then me!" the spirit man then strides along with Captain Farquan leading the way to the dinning room and the big table. "We must have discusions I can only remain so long. But I am here though not for any reason I can think of other then my own anger so we must talk quickly or I must leave and render you no aid." he motions for everyone to follow then ducks inside and the absence of his presence in the companionway of the ship can be palpably felt.

Azar is leading Silmeria outside, and does look quite puzzled at the group now returning to the ship. "Oh... you've found a traveller? HERE? At the south pole? There must be quite a story, I trust that you're not..." She trails off as it appears that Silmeria knows the rather tall man.. and Azar squeaks girlishly as she's pulled into a large hug. "Okay... the cold weather doesn't seem to have impacted his humor or friendliness."

"Hrrrrk!" Is all Silmeria can get out, before she gets buried in huge, tanned arms, staggering a bit when the pair are finally let go. "I, um... thank you... eh... Uncle Ifrit... It's... surprising? To see you, ah... here..." And the Spirit sweeps away, forestalling the need for further conversation, and Silmeria passes Azar a significant look. "Go after them," she mutters, "I'll take care of Master Kiyo and bring him along. *Hurry,* Azar, there can't be any time to waste at all." With that, she disengages from Azar's side and moves to kneel at Kiyo's side. "It's okay, I promise," she murmurs gently. "He's got a temper, I know... but he's honestly here to help. C'mon, let's go see what he has to say?"

Ainsley scurries along hurriedly. She's happy that it's a pleasure for her to meet Ifrit, because she's always afraid one of the Spirits will go 'AAAA I HATE YOU' at her. Gotta be at least one, right? She makes her way to the dining room, and decides to speak along the way: "We are here because of Shemhazai's meddling. We were heading to the North, and this is most certainly the very opposite end of the world. We need to get to where we were going as quickly as possible. If you can help us with that at all, it would be vastly appreciated, you have my word." She means 'i will add you to the list of spirits i pray to for guidance or just to appreciate,' which is something Ifrit may be privy to.

Lee smiles and nods as Ifrit greets him, "Likewise a pleasure an' honor, Sir."; if there's one thing having a Patron Spirit has taught him, it's to be respectful to Spirits in general, since, if he's not, word would undoubtedly get back to The Father... Then, he's following along in the Spirit's wake with Ainsley while Silmeria gathers Kiyo up, taking over the ushering of Azar as Ainsley gives Ifrit further explanation about their presence here in the frozen southern reaches of the world, and the details of their predicament.

Marduke glances to Videl and shakes his head, "My construct? Oh my no, a recent aquantance. Though Videl, you have centuries of Fire, perhaps it is time to learn about water, balance. You brought this on yourself." Still offering that very friendly smile to the construct. He follows after the group and takes a seat as they enter the dining room. "Indeed, Shamhazzi has at shard in the north cap, while we are in the south. by the time we get back there everything will be moved and lost. Any help, even if it is limited transportation for a few of us, would be greatly helpful."

Kiyo pokes his head out a bit at the mention of Silmeria speaking of 'Uncle Ifrit' as he'd at least heard the name before... but... THIS was Ifrit? He seemed... really scary... then as Silmeria kneeled down next to him and talked to him, he gave her a worried look... but then sighed as he uncurled himself and stretched. "Alright... but only because if I stay out here, I'm liable to freeze my Pom Pom off." He shivers a bit and would follow Silmeria along. "I hope he doesn't burn my fur off..." is heard from under his breath as he follows Silmeria into the dining room with everyone else.

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Part the North (4)

2014-06-09T18:57:55Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Vazkor has been watching the whole proceedings even as he balances on one of the chunks of ice as the float starts breaking apart... The swordfighter studying Grievier, seeming …'

Vazkor has been watching the whole proceedings even as he balances on one of the chunks of ice as the float starts breaking apart... The swordfighter studying Grievier, seeming to look for another opening to attack... But then he looks down, at the one sword he's holding- the other hand still clutching the Stellazzio coin- and watches as the cobalt blade is engulfed in shimmering water magic... The man's lips curling then, showing white teeth in a grin as realization hits only a split second after... And with that, he's suddenly on the move. Moving quick, nimbly, hopping from chunk of ice to chunk of ice, and heading straight for the great beast. The man letting out a loud cry to get Grievier's attention, right before he pushes himself off, and leaps up... His sword a blur in the air as he attempts to connect repeatedly upon the beast's body with his magically powered sword in mid-flight. [Pummel]

Grievier shrieks and bellows as Vazkor slams into him! Slicing deep cuts into his side and flank! Once, twice, three times. The giant beast roars and rears back! Pulling away from the warrior and his magical blade as dark, black blood oozes down his side... seems Thaylorn's water enhancement worked!

Following up with Vazkor's attack, Kier draws two arrows from his quiver, and slowly draws... exhaling a slow breath. With the water magic glimmering around the bow, it infects into the arrows, causing small mana droplets to patter into dust on the boat. The bow is turned horizontal just before he releases, sending twin empowered arrows into the wounds already created by Vazkor!

Kier's arrows sing true! Racing across the intervening space between himself and the giagantic black beast! They strike home, burying themseleves in its flesh and the spritual monster roars and turns to glare balefully at Kier.

Penny keeps pulling her way through the waves and water as fast as she can with the aid of her poleaxe as a makeshift pole, her armor keeping her feet firmly on the sandy floor beneath the water, and the resistance of the water itself keeping her pace rather slow. Still, she soldiers on until she reaches the nearest edge of the ice platform, next to one of the ice-locked boats, climbing her way laboriously back onto dry "land"! Sheflops onto her back once on the ice, and is tempted to take a moment to catch her breath, the water-walk having been something of a work-out, but no rest for the wicked, especially with the fight raging still, and so she rolls over and climbs to her feet.

Allowing his magic to do most of the work, Thaylorn takes a more supportive role in the fight. He moves back away from Griever so that he can focus on keeping the watery enchantment upon the party's weapons. The Imp does his best to appear non-threatening in the situation, mostly by not throwing any more magic and letting the rest of the group do the fighting for now!

Talen had watched Penny go flying, and took a few moments to see if she was alright. Since she was still mobile, and making her way back to the ice floe, he turned his attention to the matter at hand. "Now... how does one get a swallowed coin back?" he asks of no one in particular. "Hmmm!" The viera makes his way in a circular fashion towards the back of the beast, and without skipping a beat... tries running up the creature's tail.

Talen leaps onto Gievier's tail and runs up that tail and just as he reaches the base the beast flicks it up, cracking the boy in the shoulder! The summoner is knocked forwards, his hand sgripping the beasts fur! He's on his back... but... well... he's having to hold on as the monster bucks and roars and screams!

Raziel's head tilts this way then that real quick as his companion's take up the attack. Briefly the man glances at the water which the monster is half within and then he lets out a little growl. Shaking his head a little he begins to motion once again, droplets of water that linger around him hardening as the temperature drops along his wings and frost forms. He suddenly turns his wings forward then, his hands motioning sharply and the icy daggers shoot off of his golden feathers and hands, flying towards the Griever.

Icicles + Shadow Beast from beyond the Universe! Damn Raziel is good! That hurt it, he doesn't sound happy about that. He draws back, bucking and shaking his body! Trying to dislodge Talen! It's tail cracks back and forth, lashing out at the boys body! And somehow, with a scamper, a determined yell and a good grip the viera boy lunges out of the way of Grieviers tail and lands between his front shoulder blades and grabs hold! he is right behing the monsters neck now. Sadly it seems the beast can do more then one thing at once. He turns, lowers his head and roars, lobbing a ball of dark energy directly at Thaylorn! It seems he knows who has super charged the party's attacks and as the crackling ball of energy streaks through the air the water on everyone's weapons wavers and flows... the lines of magically charged water twisting away from Thaylorn. The magical energy tries to block the onrushing ball of darkness but it burns through them cutting off the water magic and slamming into Thay! He's tossed backwards off the ice with a scream as the Gravija attack drops him into the water with a splash! Thankfully there is still a residual charge around everyones weapons but they are going to need recharging after one more attack as the imps concentration has been broken.

Vazkor ends up back on his feet after having jumped and slashed right at Grievier... Landing right next to the great beast, and not wasting much time. The man only briefly noting as Grievier seems to relatiate at something or someone, and then pressing the attack once more himself. The swordfighter spinning himself in a half circle, swinging that Katana in a wide arc, all his power behind it, and aiming right for one of the beast's legs, hoping to perhaps cut a tendon and hobble him with that last water magic charge.

The beast ROARS in agony as that sword does indeed slice into a tendon and with a shriek of agony he staggers and half falls onto his knee glaring daggers at Vazkor!
Talen pages, "Okay.... soooooo, what would one need to do to get inside the beast, probably through his mouth... there is a coin to get after all." to you.

Kier looks at the beast for a long moment, then just... puts away his bow. Instead of aiming his last good shot from the still-enchanted weapon, the Viera-trained hume digs into his hunting pack and brings out something that looks like a rough charm made of bone and beads, with a few crystals. He holds it in front of him and begins to incant in the older Viera tongue, and in front of him, lines of power begin to form in the air... not a spell, but the beginnings of what looks like it's meant to be a Caller's summon... except the symbology is not set correctly, it looks more like an equation for a Libra spell! He takes a breath, and attempts to release this makeshift attempt to lock the circle around Griever and bring the attention of the Realm of Water to the abomination here. As the circle tries to glow to life around the beast, he says in the more common tongue, "Let that which does not belong be seen by all."

Kier's spell starts to take shape, the symbols and circles flowing out from his charm starting to snap and flow and flaot on the water. The circle is building but it is slow to form. It look half complete, a if it needs a bit more work! But it is a start, if they can keep the beat occupied long enough then Kier may be able to finish it and summon some help.

Penny watches as the others rain pain down on Greiver, waiting for an opening... And as the beast goes down to it's knees, she spots the opening she was hoping for, levelling her polearm and charging with a fierce yell, the pike-tip of her pole axe's head aimed at the base of Greiver's throat, the mouse building up momentum in the hopes of catching their attacker there and not skewering it through, necessarily, but lifting it up, just far enough that it's forepaws can't get purchase on anything, and letting gravity pin it on the top of her weapon to immobilize it at least a little, to make it that much more of an easier target for the others.

Penny attacks! Her polearm bites into the skin of the monster's chest missing his throat and sadly on the slippery ice she just doesn't ave enough leverage to heave the beast up and trap it as she was hoping! till she hit and did a bit of damage which made the monster grunt in pain.

Blasted beast is too smart of its own good. Especially as it turns its attention in Thaylorn's direction in the form of a deadly gravija spell. Being thrown off the ice as he has been, the Imp remains under the shallow water for a few moments as he tries to recover from the mostly direct spell. Slowely reemerging with an agitated groan Thaylorn tries to steady himself, looking worse than he did before getting hit with that spell for sure. "Oh you stupid bastard, we're going to kill you this time for sure." The Imp mutters as he moves to climb up onto the remaining ice once again. Instead of recharging the group's weapons right away, he prepares another spell to heal the wounds he had recieve. Magic energy seems to flow back and forth between the Imp and Griever, hopefully enough to distract him from Kier! (Drain)

The beast is indeed distracted a Thaylorn' spell sucks out some of its natural life energy and pours it into himelf! He growls and glares at the water imp as the large bruises and grating cracked bones that poor Thay was suffering from as a result of that gravity based spell knit and mend and then the imp starts to sparkle and glow blue... he's perfectly ok now!

Talen hangs on for DEAR LIFE as Griever bucks back and forth attempting to dislodge the viera. He ducks several times as attacks and magic fly at the creature, Talen not wanting to get clipped by something. In a momentarily lull, as the creature tips sideways from Vazkor's crippling, Talen stands and runs up and over the creature's head. As the creature growls at something smacking it hard, the viera swings off of one of the creature's horns, aimed directly at the open maw.

Raziel breaks off from the fight as Thaylorn is thrust back, a quick glare sent at the Griever before he rushes to the side of the ice just as Thaylorn is coming back up. As he launches off his spell the mage makes a quick grab for the imp to pull him back onto the ice flow before he then again turns back towards the monster, with himself between the imp and the much larger foe

As Raziel moves toward Thaylorn he sees there is no need, the water is supporting the imp! He is just standing on a small plume with ease that is holding him up. Talen however then takes the moment to swing around and try and leap into the beasts mouth! Well... Grivier GROWLS And snaps down around the boy as he tries to swing inside! One of those massive fangs can be seen to pierce the boys hand as vanishes into the beasts mouth and with a growl he rolls him around on his massive tongue, yawns wide and then swallows! Gulping the summoner down his throat in front of everyone.....

Vazkor is only peripherally of most the other's actions around him, his proximity to the beast requiring him to pay attention... But he can't help but look up as he watches Talen swing towards that open maw from above... And go right down the beast's gullet! A brief look of shock crossing the swordman's face, followed by one of concentrated anger and intent, as he brings that Katana back around, cocking his elbows back and lining the blade up, its hardened tip aimed straight at the beast's flank... And then THRUSTS forward, hoping Grievier has been wounded and weakened enough that his blade will pierce him even without the water enchantment. And aiming low enough that he shouldn't skewer Talen at that, figuring it'll take a while for the Viera to move through the beast's throat...

The strikes is a good one! Vazkor's sword slams into the beasts flank and the sword shakes and bends as it refuses to pierce the creatures skin. The sword, being a mystical and magical weapon of olden time straightens and kicks Vazkor back a few steps making the swordsman stagger away as the recoil from his mighty thrust sends him reeling a good three feet away fromt he beast. It looks like some magic is needed to harm the beast regardless of how injured he is, and he sure does look injured and he is starting to glow with the same purple light that surrounded him when he arrived... looks like he is planning, or trying to leave!

"Let me be clear, creature...", Kier says as he holds up the summoner's charm, and the inexpert but still potent energy pulsing through it, "You will cough up my brother, you will return the coin... and you will leave. Or I will complete the circle, and you will suffer the consequences. I am given to believe that Leviathan has a temper about it. The kind of temper that destroys things like fleets... cities... islands." He closes his eyes once more and channels more into the charm to put the circle to the point that all it takes is a locking phrase to set it off, and call down the Realm on Greiver. Taking another breath, more Vieran comes out under his breath before he adds, between verses of the nearly song-like language, "To honor your cunning, I give you this... do as I bid, and you may house yourself in my knife, safe from the Realm, and safe from your Mistress... who will doubtless be... displeased... at your failure." His eyes open, cold and unflinching, "Choose." (Repeating Channeling Roll)

It's an impressive speech! But Kier's lacking the magical no-how and power to back up the choic with power. Grievier sneers at the man and then laughs and speaks. "Why should I heed your threat? I have a coin... and I have your brother.... Your power cannot hold me... your call to Leviathan is week and will not pierce the depths.... I shall leave and take them with me in victory."

Taking note of the odd magical aura that is surrounding Griever, Thaylorn prepares for his next spell to toss at the annoying beast. We can't have him teleporting off with Talen inside of him and alll, would be bad! Taking note of how slow Kier's magic is though, he has a minor change of plan. Sliding down the ice the Imp moves to stand next to the man, one arm going up to grab onto his arm...The other, pointing straight towards the beast. "Let me see if I can't give you a little help, maybe?" He remarks as energy once again begins flowing between him, and Grievier. (Siphon)

The dark energy from Grivier's attempt to leave streams out and into the imps free hand... across his body and into Kier's arm! the sudden jolt of extra mana makes the summoning circle around the beast FLARE into bright golden light as it rushes to finishes writing itself and the beast growls in distaste!

Penny retreats again after her failed, at least in terms of what she was hoping to do, attack, though that she caused Greiver pain is, in itself, something of a success of another kind. Still, she waits for another opening as more attacks rain down, preparing her own for the right opening. Vazkor's failed thrust gives her pause, though, and she glances at the head of her poleaxe to see if any enchantment yet resides there. Finding none, she grimaces, commenting after Greiver's and Kier's exchange, "What a bastard!" She braces herself for a hard swing, her weapon arcing around, aimed for Greiver's nose; even if she can't hurt him any more, necessarily, maybe she can distract him enough to delay him, to give Kier and Thaylorn a few more precious seconds to finish what they are doing.

Like with Vazkor's attack.... the pole-arm hits! And bounces off Grivier's skin! Making Penny jerk back and stagger! Seems without that water enchantment people cannot harm the beast.
Raziel pages, "I was asking if Raziel could make Kier's bluff more affective as he's got skills in channelling.. but thaylorn leapt in so I don't know if that'll help or won't." to you.
Talen slides down through the beast's throat, and into it's belly, unseen to those outside. The spirits fade from his mind, and mana fails and goes dark. "Well. Not foreseen. Gemini, if you have any hope of getting out of this dark place, show me a sign. Let me find ye. And help me cut my way out." The long dagger that Talen keeps for just these occasions is carefully drawn as he stumbles about in the gloom.

Thankfully for Talen, despite the Jagd like properties inside Grivier there is a soft, very faint sparkle of silver... and the coing Gemini floats over to hang in the air before the boy.... flickering nd glowing lightly until he takes it in his hand.

Raziel's brow twitches as he hears Kier's challenge. There is a moment of thought before the mage begins to draw upon his own knowledges and he draws one of his kukri to use the crystal to draw a symbol within the air before him. "I am not a man of many words, so I will say nothing nearly so impressive as the offer my companion gives you.. but as you say as his can't. Mine can." His wings flare out then the gold catching the light and motes of energy sparkling as he attempts to aid in Kier's binding.

CROOM! More power! MORE! Raziel is able to attune his energy flow to Kier's AND Thaylorn and the circle explode with even more light blinding the others. Grivier roars and shy back, jerking himself away from the edge of the circle as it burns on the surface of the water. What's more the lillies are starting to turn their heads... the song that lulled the party to sleep focussing on the beast also, the realm is taking notice.

Vazkor grunts as he's bounced back from his attempted stab, stumbling those three feet, and pausing for a moment even as he scowls and looks up at Grievier... Followed by a glance over at the others as he catches evidence of some large spell being conjured up with combined effort... Looking at Penny then, who's even closer, he simply gives the mouse a knowing nod... And then attempts to rush back in, for another attempt at the beast's flank... Only to be blinded as their spell hits, the man grunting and looking annoyed as he's forced to squint his eyes, and retreat once more, having lost his opening.

Kier replies to Greiever as Raziel takes up the slack, and holds the charm out in front of him, "Your fate is freely chosen. Fire and water are forever in opposition." And he tosses the charm up in the air towards Raziel, so that in the apex of it's arc, it will pause long enough for him to finish the circle, and alert the Realm of the intruder. He makes it look casual even, just lobbing it into the air in Raziel's direction...

The charm sails into the air, glittering and sparkling and Grivier roars as it seems to hang there at the apex of its trajectory! Sparkling and powering the circle holding the beast in place... one more influx of magical energy and concentration and the entire realm of water will be awakened to Grivier's presence.

Penny returns Vazkor's nod, preparing to follow him in, until the spell flares, causing her to wince and turn her head away as she's momentarily blinded! She retreats a couple steps, taking in the chance, and elects to not try to cross the spell's boundary, instead falling back into a defensive stance, in case she is picked out as a target of opportunity for reprisal from Greiver. (Defend)

Thaylorn keeps mainting the energy link between him and Kier, offering as much of Greiver's, and his power as possible to make sure the spell is a success! With the flare of light he closes his eyes, allowing it to follow it's course!

Talen huffs and grunts after a number of experimental stabs to the lining of the beast's
stomach. "No wonder our attacks failed. It's like stabbing rock." The viera sighs and huffs. "Against my better judgement, and you do realize I face possible burning and maiming from the first time... but I'm going to need your help to get out Gemini. I don't think I can get past the stomach's upper iris... so we're going to have to get out a different way. Think you could brighten the place up a little?" The viera squints as suddenly a light begins to glow, originating with the coin. And squints harder as suddenly it gets very bright indeed.
As Kier throws the charm towards his wings beat once, launching him in the air to snatch the charm with his free hand. In the other he grips the blade. The amber leaves an ark through the air as the sigils of the charm are repeated once again, burning them into the very air itself. "Come watchers of this realm, come guardians.. come and see what invades your sacred depths." He snarls then while making another slashing sigil within the air, "come and be Leviathan's eyes!"

The beast roars and white light seems to erupt from its throat even as Raziel finishes chanting and pours his power out to join Thaylorn's and Kier's! And the whole thing explodes! White light just rolls outward as Grivier all but disintergrates under the blinding Starlit force of the Gemini contained inside the ritual circle the party formed to contain and hold the beast bursts forth! Vazkor, Penny, Kier, Thaylorn, Raziel are all picked up and hurled off the ice-berg to go careening through the air. The coins everyone was holding to protect them from the sleep inducing harmony of the flowers spin and whirl and glitter in the air until with a rather uncomfortable thump the party land atop something hard, wet and uneven. The surface shifts and flows beneath them and as the white light begins to die down they can see a long straight road of blue/green scales beneath them stretching up.. rearing up coil upon coil to the great horned head of the water-dragon hanging suspended in the air above them. There are other figures stood on the waves in front of the dragon, Lady Undine with her trident in hand riding a cresting wave of water, Lord Bismarck hanging in mid-air in a way no Whale ever should, the giagantic clam shell chariot of Siren with the harp wielding mermaid sat within it. The eyes of the water realm have come to see what is going on and what they see... is the burning ritual circle with Talen sat in the middle of it, the glowing form of Gemini in his hands and the twisting, writhing form of Grivier shrinking, screaming... flailing.. glittering... reduced, contained... trapped... a chain seems to form out of the beasts head as the black enamelled, silver backed amulet in the shape of a rearing lion lands in the water in front of the young summoner.... The circle flickers.. flares.... and begins to die down as Leviathan rumbles softly, his gaze turning from the trio of Gemini, Talen and the now trapped Grivier to the form of Raziel and his companions lying on his scaled hide....
Logfile from Chronicles of Ivalice.

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The AMS Dao II is currently stranded on the South Pole, now that they have worked out where they are and recalibrated the instruments they are quite, quite firmly in the south pole. They have no idea which direction is North and Home rather then just well North. There is lots of North, it is all north.... it is no doubt full of places to go and people to see and stuff to do. Oh and did we mention the engine room has been ripped to shreds, it is a couple of days work at least just to get things back in working order. But at least for now their is heat and an amazing view of the stars above.....

Azar seeks out both Silmeria and Lee, to ask the same question of both. "What is there for me to do? I've not the technical skills to assist in getting the ship airborn again, and I doubt very much that it's a good idea to go hunting or exploring at the moment."

Silmeria has been staring up at the sky on the deck, consternation writ large on her face. So deep is she in concentration, she actually manages to start at the sound of Azar's voice. "Well," she says, turning and schooling her features into her customary gentle smile, "You could ask the captain to be sure... But, I'd think repairing the engines is going to require a good deal of hauling what's broken out of the way, and any hands would be welcome in moving."

Ainsley has decided not to pester the engineers while they try to get the engine working. She plays with the charm on her necklace, frowning gently at the idea that she may have to use it for something like this, and what could Mog even do to get them out of here? His purview has nothing to do with stars or ice. She stares up at the stars, as if trying to figure out which direction the ship should go, once it's operational. If all else fails... they're going to be delayed for a good long time. She's not being talkative with anyone right this second.

Lee makes to follow along after Ainsley, but pauses at Azar's question, nodding along with Silmeria's answer before adding, "It's as Silmeria says, I'd wager, but if nuthin' else, attach yerself t'someone as an extra pair o'hands. S'what I'm doin', lackin' much in th'way o' technical know-how, m'self, y'know?" With a grin and a two-fingered salute to Azar and Silmeria, he toddles off after Ainsley, intent on being the Scholar's muscle for whatever task she ends up setting herself to.

Marduke sighs softly as he closes his eyes and hangs his head, passing into a moments deep thought. Then he glances up to the sky, "The stars are beautiful arn't they? My grandfather spends every night staring up to them." A faint chuckle then his expresison going more somber. "She made her move well, it will take weeks maybe months for lost ground. By then everything we seek would be moved." He offers nothing more as he disappears below decks, and is soon back up on the deck. He has changed his cothing again, not into warm winter ones, but his fancy blue ones. The blue robes though are still built for warmth, but seem more like one might dress if they were planning to go to court. "I am going onto the ice shelf, anybody is welcome to join me. I still have a move to make here. We can only see if there is anything to be gained." Turning to start off the ship, taking his steps carefully to not slip on the ice and out into the frozen cold.

Mumbling and grumbling could be heard from Kiyo as he worked diligently with the other Moogles to help get the engines back up. "No good... dirty... Kupoing... touched me like that... creep..." Thankfully, the Engine room was warm enough to stave off the cold out there. He worked with the other Moogles to get the Engines back up as quickly as possible. The sooner they were back up, the better.

Videl walks over Marduke, his yellow straw hat's tip wobbling. "I believe, since this is not the fire realm, we should concentrate a degree of our effort in appeasing the proper spirits." The black mage construct says - hands bound behind his back, after his best effort in the engine room. "Naturally, that would require some fire."

Down in the engine room it is not so much heavy lifting as it is sitting down and untangling cables and working out what the various components are and shifting them into piles. It is long, complicated, rather boring work however and it takes a lot of findling with tanglerd cable, strange crystals, static shocks and irate moogles chattering in Mooglish. Kiyo doesn't have any real trouble keeping up with the fast paced sorting and organising of the mogs but Silmeria soon flags, increasingly left behind as the tangles of cable start to all look alike and Azar is soon catching up with her in bafflement unsure what is going on or how it is working. Outside and on deck however the Captain joins the others, leading them downstairs to the passenger embarkation room and opening the hatch and extending a gangplank which makes getting onto the ice easy enough,. However once they are down it is another matter. Videl almost immediatly slips over sliding off a few feet and everyone else has a wobbly few moments to hold onto one another. And lacking proper arctic clothing however it soon hits everyone just how cold it is here under the naked sky... there is no way they can hope to stay here long.

Azar grunts, coming to a stop beside Silmeria momentarily. "Huh. I am not quite sure if what I am doing is useful or if they are now conspiring just to keep me busy and out of the way." The red-head rubs at her brow. "The one saving grace is that it is warm, at least."
Silmeria has settled herself down on an out-of-the-way corner, a fistful of cabling in each hand. "I'm... not... sure I haven't already done this pile," she murmurs back at Azar, looking from one hand, then the other. "Have I? They practically look all the same, and what's an arcanodunamic accumulator anyway?"

Ainsley wobbles a bit as they travel onto the ice, and turns to watch as Videl slides about, frowning at the sight. She lets out a sigh, and turns to try to help him balance, only for a moment. She shivers a bit, but her robes help protect her from the cold to some degree. She pulls her hood up over her head, though, and turns to look at the rest of the party. She looks over at Marduke, hoping that just being out on the snow and ice is sufficient for his ritual, and they don't have to go wandering into the wastes. She keeps her eyes peeled for any exotic fiends that might live out here, though. Those damn things can live anywhere. "Th-this better not take too long, or m-my tail will freeze off." Grumpy.

Kiyo just shakes his head at both Azar and Silmeria, sighing. "Just... ugh... I don't know how to help you, Kupo. Sorry." He just goes right back to work sorting 'broken' parts to be reused later, and rewiring everything to try and get at least SOME power back to the Engines.

Lee, once out on the ice, has that moment of wide-feet and spread-arms as he finds his equilibrium on the semi-slick surface of the snow-blown ice, after which, balance mostly found, he does much the same as Ainsley, wrapping himself in his cloak for what warmth it can provide. He follows after Ainsley in a kind of half-shuffle-step, every now and again having to pause as he slips more than is comfortable and has to re-check his balance, and nodding in heartfelt agreement with the scholar, "Aye, wouldn't do us well a'tall t'be out 'ere longer than needs be... I mean, I know high-altitude is cold an' all, even a li'l uncomf'table sometimes, but 'andlin that'n 'andlin this're not quite th'same."

Marduke walks out into the ice and takes a few moments to get his bearings and balance. Then starts off away from the ship. "No fire would be required Videl, it would only hinder what I am trying to do." The summoners voice soft, distant. A glance to Ainsley, but offers no words as he turns and starts walking. After a few minutes of walking and a decent distance from the ship he turns and glances around. Then nods slowly to himself, "Surrounded by ice, on the southern shelf of the world. I surrounded myself in Blizzna's eternal embrace. By the pact of the handmaiden Sharina, let thy vassels call be heard, I reqeust an audiance Queen Shiva." Holding up his staff four orbs of ice form around him and fly up into the sky, leaving Marduke waiting to see if his request is heard.

Kiyo just shakes his head at both Azar and Silmeria, sighing. "Just... ugh... I don't know how to help you, Kupo. Sorry." He just goes right back to work sorting 'broken' parts to be reused later, and rewiring everything to try and get at least SOME power back to the Engines. He wondered if the others out there were having any luck in sorting out their predicament...

Videl's legs kick out from underneath him, his sandals not at all appropriate for the frozen smooth surfaces. Thudding against the ice with an quite uncomfortable fashion, his momentum carries him away, slowly rotating as his body glides away, the brim of his fresh straw hat bent. "This is not the fire realm." Muttering underneath his breath, he struggles back to his feet, or at least kneels, and attempts to make his way towards Marduke. "Also, bring us fire o' mighty Queen! King of fire! We all know what is up with you two!" Videl squirms in place, wide-eyed as he attempts to cast Fire. However, his bound hands do not yield to such spells.

Thanks to Kiyo's work and in part thanks to the help from Azar and Ainsley "Not" helping the lights flicker, there is a hum and various grills and ducts start to come back to life as the heating starts up and most of the lights on the ship come back on! Including the spot-landing lights! Which is a good thing yes! One of those spotlights lands on Marduke as he begins his prayers to Shiva.... his voice calling out only to be rudely interupted by Videl's own passionate cry. There is a moment of light.... a flickering glow as if for a brief moment something was responding and then with a deep BOOM the ice shelf they are on trembles and shakes as if someone just struck it like a gong! The whole thing BOOOMS and shakes and the magical energy around Marduke and Videl collapses in on itself. For a brief moment Sharina appears before the party on the ice. "Your insult has been noted.... Her august majest... or his August Majesty shall reply soon...." and then she is gone as the spell snaps off with a back-blast of magical energy that introduces everyone except the two summoners to the concept of behind the eyes headaches as their connection with the magical world is all but drained.

Azar grins at Silmeria, and looks at the pile she has, and rubs her chin. "I don't think so, Silmeria. Hopefully it won't be too long before stuff is working again. This is really confusing." She looks to Kiyo and shrugs, "It's no problem, Kiyo, we'll get it sorted." And then the power starts to come on, with lights and vents going... and the accompanying blast of warm air once again. And she's about to celebrate when the ship wiggles ever so slightly. "Hhhhhuuuuhhhh... that didn't feel good at all."

"Oh thank Hades, it's wo--" And the priestess is cut off by the blast of magical energy, the spike of pain behind her eyes sending her toppling over to one side, the heel of her free hand against her eye. "....Ow... what... I.... *ow*...."

Ainsley is struck by a wave of magical energy, and staggers on the ice for a moment. Then she leers into the air, and turns to look at Videl like she's going to shove him off his feet. It takes a tremendous push of willpower and patience, and the headache itself, for her to refrain from doing something violent. "Do not do anything like that again," she tells Videl, in a disturbingly calm voice that betrays the incredible fury she has toward him. Then she rubs her face with both hands, and turns to go back up the gangplank, because the cold and her frustration are really getting to her.

Lee staggers, arms windmilling briefly after the blast of magic and the booming ice, managing to keep his feet, though, given his preoccupation with his own balance, he isn't able to give any help to Ainsley; that she keeps her feet as well seems to be as much of a relief to him as his own success in avoiding a fall. Looking back and forth between Marduke, Ainsley, and Videl, he clears his throat, "Ahem, well... That didn' sound like it went e'zactly t'plan, did it?" Moving back to Ainsley's side, he rests a hand on her shoulder, trying to soothe the scholar's quiet rage, "Now, Ains luv, let's not loose our 'eads, eh? I'm sure s'not as bad as all that, jus' a little hiccup, tha'sall."

Marduke stares at Sharina his face going pale. "Insult... has been noted? I..." the summoner closing his eyes a moment and ignoring everything around him. He hmms faintly and glances to everybody and frowns, "Err sorry about that." Then glancing to Videl with a frown, "To summon or try to summon fire when requesting a audiance with the Queen of Ice is a grave insult. Be mindful of the circumstancers you put people into with your actions." Wasted words Marduke is sure, but says them he does anyways. He glances to the other two, "Lee, we shall see how bad it is. I may be credited with the insult as the emissary. Regardless, I will do everything I can to earn back the Queen's good graces. Lady Sharina said his or her August Majesty, so we may be visited by King Ifrit as well, or maybe both. I shall wait here where I did the summoning, Videl you will wait as well." Eyeing the construct to make sure it doesn't leave.
Kiyo throws his paws in the air in triumph. "Kupo! Score one for Moogle-kind!" Then an almighty lurch as the ship creaks loudly. "Ohh... what in Mog's name are the others doing out there, Kupo?" He looks at the other Moogles in the Engine room. "I've set up the framework. Getting more power to the engines shouldn't be hard from here, Kupo. I'll return shortly." He'd then head out of the Engine room to look around and see where everyone had gotten to... once he'd spotted everyone else out on the ice, he'd look very incredulously at them all. "What are they doing?" He mainly said this to himself, however, as he just stood on the ship and watched the scene from afar.

The booming gong fades, the creaking and cracking of ice shifting and settling..... and as Kiyo reaches the open hatch-way and Ainsley starts up the gang-plank toward warmth a figure bursts out of the ice about 20 yards away from Marduke in a pillar of flame and erupting steam. He roars to the heavens and stomps toward the group. "VIDEL!" he bellows, "Bring me the wretched cretinc Videl!"

Videl slowly straightens himself to a stand, apparently very unperturbed by the sudden change in things. He tips his head to Marduke. "Do not worry, old chap. The spirits say that all the time, and look, still we stand! It's just a thing they say, to seem more impor-" He attempts to cheer up the summoner - up until the creature from down below makes himself known. Eyes wide, he tilts towards Marduke. "Did he just call me a wretched cretin?"
Ifrit stomps to a halt, the ice steaming and hissing around his feet as he glares down at the black mage "YES I did you flaming cretin! How dare you interupt a summoning AND insult my LADY!" He roars again and hurls a ball of flame toward a distance ice flow which promptly explodes. "I will have your HEAD for this Insult!" he points a finger at Marduke. "AND You! What the hell are you all doing here! This is the sacred realms of eternal ice!"

Azar tilts her head slightly, reaching out to gather Silmeria in a hug. "Are you alright? I've got this ringing headache all of a sudden, but you seem to be feeling it harder than I." Then the sound of nearby yelling reaches her ears. "Something is going on outside..."

That's because it's to do with magic," Silmeria mutters, lifting her head a bit. "Help me up, Azar? I... think there's something very, very worrying happening outside, and we need to see it..."

Ainsley is halted on the gangplank when she hears the sound of a TOWERING INFERNO behind her. She turns to look at Ifrit as he stomps across the snow toward them. She watches him as he shouts and thrashes, and obliterates an ice flow in frustration. Her brows raise at the strange offense he takes to an insult to a woman that is his Complete Opposite. Her arms cross, and she seems less angry and more curious and thoughtful. "Hello!" she greets at him, waving a hand, surprisingly okay with his presence despite his anger. "Hi! He's obsessed with fire, apparently, so he's dedicated to you, he just doesn't know the appropriate time to call for fire." Ifrit should know her Pretty Well, she is notorious for decapitating her enemies with fireballs. At least she hopes so.

Lee nods to Marduke and follows after Ainsley as she heads for the gangplank, leaving the Summoner and Construct to do what they need to do... And then, flames erupting from the ice, and he pauses, looking back over his shoulder, eyebrows arched, at Ifrit's Dynamic Entry. He watches as Ainsley addresses the Spirit, arms crossing as he stands off the scholar's shoulder, head cocked slightly, and then, at the point where Ifrit asks what Marduke, or perhaps the group and ship in general, are doing here in this 'sacred realm', he cups his hands around his mouth and shouts to the raging personification of Inferno, "Shemhazzai did it!!"

Marduke is listening to Videl's retort and is frowning more and more, only to get completely startled as Ifrit makes his appearence. Marduke steps back not sure at first what to do in Ifrits rage. Finding that most of it is directed at Videl he glances to the construct, "I suggest you apologize, and quickly." His voice seriuos on this. Then turns to Ifrit, "We were in pursuite of the Whisperers prison, we were getting to close so she transported us here and destroyed the engines of our ship." Marduke's explination very concise and not wasting words. "Though." A touch of a smile, "this means we are getting her to worry, I even pissed the whisperer off good. Got the injury still to prove it."

Kiyo's eyes go wide as the pillar of fire shoots up, and a... something... appears through it! And it sounded very angry at Videl! He was scared... didn't want to approach at all due to this fear... instead, he kept his head down just enough to let his eyes be above the ship's railing so as to continue watching the scene. If he was needed... and he hoped to Mog he wasn't needed... he'd act... but until then, that... whatever it was, too scary-looking to even consider approaching.

Videl pauses briefly, nods his head towards Marduke. "Naturally, what do you take me as, insane?" hops towards Ifrit, with his slippery sandals. "A WRETCHED cretin!" He shouts back, straw hat hopping up and down. "How could I insult her with the truth, are you claiming saying it out loud is AWKWARD for you, how would THAT make her feel?" Wringles his hands free. "Buffooning balloon of fire spouting nonsense all over HER realm! But that is not important, what is important that he - " He suddenly pauses to point towards Lee with his singed gloves.
"HE gave up his FIRE for this cause. And here we are, encased in ICE." He crosses his arms across his chest, tilting his head upwards. "So pardon me for thinking our party was lacking in Fire."

Ainsley makes an exaggerated gesture with her arms toward Videl, as if this just proves her point. She also frowns helplessly.

Ifirit is about to speak to Marduke but his attention is drawn back to Videl... his eyes go wide.... wider.... wider....... this is just not how mortals talk to him about Shiva. This is not how PCs react to his presence.... he stomps over toward the Black mage and leans down. "There is a time... and a place to discuss someones relationships.... in the middle of a summoning. In public is not an acceptable place..." he then grins, "I like your balls however, talking back to me.... but... well" he flicks the Mage's hat then turns away back to the others. "I won't be answering your calls for aid any time soon, learn some social manners. I hope you like water...." and with a swish of his tail that knocks the mage over takes two steps and is suddenly a very tall, very muscular man in leather trousers and a vest with fiery red dreadlocks. "Lets go inside and talk. I have come to answer insult and it is answered but whilst I'm here lets see what the rules will permit." He's about 10 feet tall too and shifts visbly down to about six so he can fit inside the door as he heads inside leaving the "water mage" behind.

Azar helps Silmeria to her feet, while more yelling can be heard outside. "I don't know if it's getting better or worse. But at least my head has stopped ringing. Let's get out there and see if we can't put cats back into the bag, yes?" Azar will slip a shoulder under one of Silmeria's arms, "Lean on me a moment."

Silmeria does so, shaking her head briefly as if to clear out a ringing in her ears. "Knowing our luck?" she mutters, with uncharacteristic asperity, and sighs. "Yes... let's see just how much damage has been done..."

Ainsley stares at Ifrit for a while as he speaks to Videl, and then lets out a heavy sigh. Okay so he respects bravery, but not guff. That's good. She rubs at her jaw, soaking in that information for later use, if it ever becomes relevant. She can totally stand up to him... if... she had any reason to. She's gotten less and less inclined to do so over the years, as Spirits are too valuable as allies. She looks over her shoulder at Lee, briefly, smiling at his words. And then toward Ifrit... who is now a six foot tall man with dreadlocks. "Huh." She pauses a beat, stepping aside respectfully for Ifrit's passage. "Can all of the Spirits do that?" she inquires at him, gesturing at his human form. She might've read accounts in a book, but it's better to ask directly.

Lee watches as Ifrit and Videl go back and forth, interested, and perhaps concerned at first, until Ifrit shrinks to person-size. Figuring the worst, figuratively, is over, he starts to smile, somewhat relieved, catching Ainsley's look and giving her a wink, seemingly just for the sake of winking, and steps aside with her, giving Ifrit a respectful bob of his head as Ainsley makes her inquiry to the Spirit of Flame.

Marduke watches the exchange between Videl and Ifrit. Shaking his head slowly, "Social graces indeed. Brave, but foolish. Come Water Mage, we have a guest to entertain." A friendly smile offered towards Videl. Then Marduke turns and starts towards the ship his pace picking up looking forward to getting out of the cold. "Tell the captain we have a guest, bring out the strongest drinks for him. On my expenses for them." Knowing Ifrit likes a good drink and that should hopefully appease the spirit further.

Kiyo scurried away from the gangplank as the... whatever it was... that just shapeshifted into a VERY tall human... would go aboard the ship, attempting to hide from it! By the way he was acting, one might assume he'd never seen such a Spirit before... if even at all. He'd try to find a suitable hiding spot from the approaching humanoid... but with no immediate hiding spot, and out of desperation, he'd just curl up into a ball, wings flapped down flush with his body, and small pom pom huddled next to him... it was uncomfortable, but he now looked... at least a LITTLE bit... like a soot-stained furry ball, with a fuzzy red ball clinging to it.
Videl looks blankly, his long pointed ears dark, the green gems serving as his eyes glimmering dully. "Why... do I feel so rational?" He whispers in disbelief, hands gasping at the air. He then shakes his head. "I've... centuries, /centuries/ of fire! Aagh!" He grits his teeth, then points a finger at Marduke. "Don't call me that, or I'll wet your bed." Huffing, he steps after the summoner, muttering underneath his breath as he covers his face. "Salamander is much more reasonable than this adolescent..."

Ifrit nods to Ainsley as he passes hewr, "Of course... when needed we can disguise our aspect..." he pauses then and glances down at the small ball of soot and fluff "I appear to have upset your Moogle however, I suggest one of you take care of it." he then starts on down the corridor, "What ho Captain Farquan nice to see you again and Silmeria too!" he pauses to give Silmeria a big manly uncle hug! And Azar too by dint of him having big arms, "This is a gathering, now then come along Ainsley, Lee pleasure... and Marduke do keep your Mage Construct in check please... talking about Salamander like that... he'd be a lot less reasonable then me!" the spirit man then strides along with Captain Farquan leading the way to the dinning room and the big table. "We must have discusions I can only remain so long. But I am here though not for any reason I can think of other then my own anger so we must talk quickly or I must leave and render you no aid." he motions for everyone to follow then ducks inside and the absence of his presence in the companionway of the ship can be palpably felt.

Azar is leading Silmeria outside, and does look quite puzzled at the group now returning to the ship. "Oh... you've found a traveller? HERE? At the south pole? There must be quite a story, I trust that you're not..." She trails off as it appears that Silmeria knows the rather tall man.. and Azar squeaks girlishly as she's pulled into a large hug. "Okay... the cold weather doesn't seem to have impacted his humor or friendliness."

"Hrrrrk!" Is all Silmeria can get out, before she gets buried in huge, tanned arms, staggering a bit when the pair are finally let go. "I, um... thank you... eh... Uncle Ifrit... It's... surprising? To see you, ah... here..." And the Spirit sweeps away, forestalling the need for further conversation, and Silmeria passes Azar a significant look. "Go after them," she mutters, "I'll take care of Master Kiyo and bring him along. *Hurry,* Azar, there can't be any time to waste at all." With that, she disengages from Azar's side and moves to kneel at Kiyo's side. "It's okay, I promise," she murmurs gently. "He's got a temper, I know... but he's honestly here to help. C'mon, let's go see what he has to say?"

Ainsley scurries along hurriedly. She's happy that it's a pleasure for her to meet Ifrit, because she's always afraid one of the Spirits will go 'AAAA I HATE YOU' at her. Gotta be at least one, right? She makes her way to the dining room, and decides to speak along the way: "We are here because of Shemhazai's meddling. We were heading to the North, and this is most certainly the very opposite end of the world. We need to get to where we were going as quickly as possible. If you can help us with that at all, it would be vastly appreciated, you have my word." She means 'i will add you to the list of spirits i pray to for guidance or just to appreciate,' which is something Ifrit may be privy to.

Lee smiles and nods as Ifrit greets him, "Likewise a pleasure an' honor, Sir."; if there's one thing having a Patron Spirit has taught him, it's to be respectful to Spirits in general, since, if he's not, word would undoubtedly get back to The Father... Then, he's following along in the Spirit's wake with Ainsley while Silmeria gathers Kiyo up, taking over the ushering of Azar as Ainsley gives Ifrit further explanation about their presence here in the frozen southern reaches of the world, and the details of their predicament.

Marduke glances to Videl and shakes his head, "My construct? Oh my no, a recent aquantance. Though Videl, you have centuries of Fire, perhaps it is time to learn about water, balance. You brought this on yourself." Still offering that very friendly smile to the construct. He follows after the group and takes a seat as they enter the dining room. "Indeed, Shamhazzi has at shard in the north cap, while we are in the south. by the time we get back there everything will be moved and lost. Any help, even if it is limited transportation for a few of us, would be greatly helpful."

Kiyo pokes his head out a bit at the mention of Silmeria speaking of 'Uncle Ifrit' as he'd at least heard the name before... but... THIS was Ifrit? He seemed... really scary... then as Silmeria kneeled down next to him and talked to him, he gave her a worried look... but then sighed as he uncurled himself and stretched. "Alright... but only because if I stay out here, I'm liable to freeze my Pom Pom off." He shivers a bit and would follow Silmeria along. "I hope he doesn't burn my fur off..." is heard from under his breath as he follows Silmeria into the dining room with everyone else.

-----

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Onward to [[Part_the_North_(5)]]

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Part the North (2)

2014-06-09T18:57:43Z

Silvante:

It has been three days since the party boarded the AMS Dao II and the sleek Moogle run airship has been a beautiful ride. Smooth, flawless and though they are not allowed outside onto the deck as the airship rushes north across the desert toward the Archadean border the rooms are comfortable, the air is cool and the stewards are polite, efficient and well turned out. The captain and his officers are clearly well trained in their jobs and the table at dinner each evening in the forward dinning room has been magnificent! It is however still troubled by the whims of Valefore and Lord Pandemona and so as the sun sets in the west it's final rays are sprayed in glorious triumph over the underside of a giagantic storm front that is slowly drawing in from the west....

Kiyo would be in the ship's underbelly at this point in time, keeping an eye on the crystals as he moved about to make certain all was right with it. He has no knowledge of the incoming storm, unless it had been announced, at which point he'd be doubling his efforts to keep the crystals under great scrutiny. The worst thing would be if these crystals failed while they were in the middle of said storm.

It's a marvel of airship engineering, and so Ainsley has spent much of the trip... drawing pictures of various things in the airship. She already drew an overall picture of the outside. It's largely just a way for her to pass the time. She pauses briefly when, as she gazes out of a window, she spots a storm on the horizon. She frowns at the sight for a while, but that's about all she can do. She doesn't know how to pilot or maintain an airship, an untrained skill that she was attempting years ago that didn't turn out so well. "We aren't even on the ground yet and already there's trouble," she remarks, sourly.

The mage construct has largely spent his time sulking. After all, the crew quickly confiscated anything flammable from his grasp due to safety concerns. So there he was one, once again, his yellow strawhat ever worn as he stares out the window towards the storm with a steady, narrowed glare on his darkened face. "Not even a Thundaga." Videl breathes out under his breath, his strangely glimmering green eyes unblinking. Meanwhile, he continues on trying to undo the thumblock he has been forced to wear for a while now.

Lee's spent a lot of his time, well... Watching Ainsley draw. Or napping. Usually napping. But at the moment, he's watching her draw and sipping a glass of some sort of iced tea when she looks out the porthole and comments about trouble, leaning a bit to take a brief glance out himself, "Ah, storm comin'? Could be trouble, aye... I'd guess th'captain knows wot he's about, though. 'Sides, way I look at it, "Trouble" jus' means we're on th'right track, given our 'istory wi'tha things we tend t'be after since we first set foot after ol' Shem."

For three days, if Silmeria hasn't been talking to the off-duty crew, or wandering the ship, she's been knitting. A wide, heavy white scarf this time, with light grey tassels at either end. Glancing out the bay window of the common room, she purses her lips at the sight of the oncoming storm, then carefully begins to put away her things. Soon, it seems, she and her companions may be needed; best to be ready for it.

Marduke has spent most of his time in the communal areas of the ship, and keeping to himself. He has been meditating the last three days, and occasionaly playing his silver flute. He was playing his flute when the storm was announced and offers a sigh. Standing up he heads to his room and returns shortly after with his staff and gear. not wanting to take any chances and lose anything should the storm beat the ship. At which he returns to his seat and speaks up, "You know, it could just be a regular mundane storm". then starts to play his flute and only showing that brief moment of concern.

Azar has spent much of her time training, keeping herself fit and her skills sharp. When she has not been training, she has sought out her various companions to socialize, and she has appeared to greatly enjoy the dinners each night. Upon hearing of the storm, she goes to get a good, long look at it, a faint smile upon her lips. "Of course nature gets the first kick in."

Bing Bing Bing Boooooon! The gentle harmonic tones of a glockenspiel plays over the ships PA. A novel merger of magic and technology that allows the bridge crew to talk to everyone onboard. "This is Captain Farquan speaking. All crew prepare for a category 7 storm... engines to holding please. All passengers please assemble in the forward lounge..." The ship starts to turn, facing into the storm as the engines begin to change pitch and tone. "I repeat all passengers to the Forward Lounge we are detecting some strange anomalies in the storm front." Down in the engine room the orders come down the telegraph and the engineering crew start to adjust the crystal resonance so the engines can begin to idle and hold the ship stationary.

Kiyo goes wide-eyed as the crystals, while supposed to be in idle, seem to be detuning... "Oh no you don't, Kupo! No destabilizing on my watch!" He'd attempt to counteract whatever was happening to them. Possibly a counter frequency? If that was the case, just have to keep shifting the frequencies to keep ahead of whatever... or WHOever was doing this to the crystals. He was hired on to keep this airship afloat... and that's JUST what he intended to do!

WIth the engineering crew to help him Kiyo is able to adjust the electrical current flowing into the crystals, counteracting whatever weird harmony is affecting them. The ship thrums and a tone chimes out throughout the air as those looking outside the windows will see a crackling of static and energy push out a bubble of air around the ship as the storm races closer... it will be upon the stationary ship in minutes....

As the word comes along the PA, Ainsley turns and gathers up her combat supplies, what little she has in her possession, then she makes her way to the forward lounge as told. But on her mind is the storm, and what she witnessed within. Some sort of Fiend, she believes, something they may need to strike down in order to progress, but maybe it was something more than that. It's usually something more complex and agitating. Once in the Lounge, she would begin informing everyone of what she saw: A peculiar collection of beasts, and purple lightning, with a distinct magical signature. She also tells people she thinks they're Fiends, but she can't be sure from this distance. She advises the crew and otherwise to brace themselves and prepare their weapons, in case they have to fight off the creatures.

Videl continues to stare at the storm with that frown creased upon his features, though gladly only visible by the half-lid gleaming eyes due to his mysteriously dark figure. And he stares, his green eyes catching tints of purple every now and then when there is a thunder. Then it snaps. "Colors!" He holds up two of his fingers, his hands forced to stay near eachother due to the thumb device. "Colors! Look, it has colors!" He exclaims with wide eyes, waving his hands. "Somebody is gong through a lot of effort to show off!" And with that, he turns back towards the storm, his former slightly disgruntled look returning to his face. "Not even Thundara." He grunts.

Lee leans closer to the porthole as something at the edge of the storm catches his eye, and he frowns, muttering under his breath, "Oh, bugger all..." He quickly follows Ainsley out, having little he needs to gather up himself, accompanying her to the forward lounge, and expanding a little on the news she delivers to fill in the details Ainsley herself wasn't able to determine, "Not jus' any fiend; it's a wild drake, an' a bloody damn huge one at that, wi' about fifteen tag-alongs in tow." He blinks at Videl's apparent randomness about colors, giving an uncertain nod, "Ah, yeah, an' colors... I saw those too, yeah."

"A wild drake," Silmeria says, sighing quietly. "Well... the journey *was* a nice one, but now I suppose it's going to have to get exciting." Shaking her head, she makes a grasping motion at the air, plucking a blue-steel, ebony-handled scythe from the nothing between spaces. "Best we be done with it, then. Ainsley, Videl, Marduke, I don't suppose there's a deeper meaning behind the strangeness of the lightning colors?"

Marduke offers a soft sigh as he closes his eyes, "No meer storm it would appear. One can hope." Standing up he grabs his staff to head towards the forward lounge and listen to Ainsley's explination. "The first of many guardians I am sure we will face. We are limited in what we can do in this enclosed space. Yet you say the lightning is magical in nature?" tapping his chin with a touch of a frown and then glancing to Lee, "A wild drake? That is... unexpected". sighing briefly then offering after, "If I can get outside I may help with a distraction with Chlaal for a little bit." Then he holds up his hand as he starts to cast a spell, the words quick and under his breath. The spell proving a complicated one before he points his hand at himself, "by the mirrors edge, focus thy light and reflect thy beam. Reflect!" [Reflect] A thoughtful hmmm to Silmeria's question, "Nothing I am aware of, taking a gamble it can be reflect due to the noted magical nature."

The storm is indeed riding in closer, whatever the strange chiming sound coming from the engines is it seems to couple with Marduke's reflect and hijack it. The storm front hit, rain splashes over the windows in an eternal torrent as the clouds engulf the ship. But the lightning that crackles and sparks through the air bends away from the ship and outside, through the haze of rain and fog of clouds huge shapes can be seen twisting and turning and flying through the air as the airship rocks and shifts with the powerful storm currents. The lightning casts an odd purple light through the windows and with a sudden flicker the lights dim and flare and the lounge door BANGS open as someone throws it open widely! The fail, darkness falls and lightning flashes, sparkling off bright shiny armour and flowing hair, "DARLINGS! How good it is to see you all again!" the figure glides into the room, their silhoutted shape in a different location as each flash of lightning illuminates the room. Next to Silmeria, "Ah the hand maiden, sweety we simply must do tea nad talk about that bore of a father of yours! Gosh we simply must catch up and exchange the goss!" FLASH! An arm around Marduke's shoulder, "Summoner Marduke! Sweetie you must call upon me! I am sure..." a hand caresses his cheek," We can work out a most suitable pact for you to call upon me..." FLASH! "Oh darling Azar! My sweet little girly warrior! Ahh it has been too long sweet heart. We must sit and be girly and do each others hair." FLASH! "Lee oh my dear sweet poor deluded fool! I hope you have been looking after my girl and hmmm something is off about you indeed.... strange...." FLASH! "Hmm a new comer... strange creature you are and touched by the seer no less, what an odd thing to leave behind. Still I could have use for a construct like you, we must talk about the plan where I teach you how to set Archades on fire! All of it!" FLASH! And Kiyo is in the room, swooned back in the strange figures arms, "And a Moogle! Oh Ainsley you have been a naughty girl, a big strong moogle mechanic of your own! Tsk tsk whatever was the High Priestess thinking letting you have one of these!" FLASH and thump as Kiyo hits the floor next to Silmeria's feet, the figure standing before Ainsley as the lights come back up revealing the shape and figure. Tall, elegant, beautiful in shimmering armour with long flowing hair, that strange, high pitched female voice heard in the darkness at odds with the broad shouldered, beautiful, masculine features and when he speaks his voice is low and male, "My beloved Ainsley, too long has it been but tsk tsk here I find you scampering away out of Emberstrand and you my dear never go anywhere without a plan do you."

Kiyo had been working tirelessly to keep the engines working... until something new happens to the engine and the harmonics stabilize. He sighs in relief as the crystal seems to be back to normal... but suddenly, there's a FLASH! as suddenly he's no longer touching the ground. He looks around a bit, and seems to be in a very dark Lounge, the only way he'd known is from the flash itself. He flails a bit as he realizes he's being carried by some weird... thing... or whatever it was! As he was finally dropped, he scrambles up and over to the rest of the group, of which he noticed were there as well. He didn't feel at all safe about this, so he actually drew the pistol from its holster and prepared for an encounter. "Just who the Kupo do you think you are, scooping me up like that?!"

The figure turns a smile on Kiyo, "Oh darling I am Shemhazai! At least this aspect of me..." he blows a kiss with a gauntleted hand at the moogle. "Pleasure dear, we'll talk later about how you can scream my name in pleasure and shed that broing moogle soul of yours."

The appearance of Shemhazai startles Ainsley. She looks about as lightning flashes, and the Lucavi bounces around the room with a comical effect, taunting the party in various ways. By the time she gets to Ainsley, one might expect the paint to peel around the lizard woman with the sheer fury in the scholar's eyes. There's not even a millisecond of pause between the figure appearing as the manly appearance and a spell being shaped and aimed at the offending demon. This is, of course, accompanied by a berserker roar of hate... as much as a diminuitive, slightly aged lizard woman can manage. She casts [Fire] at Shemhazai.

Shemhazai's figure, the leader of the Knights of Restoration, Savourn wavers as the fire ball from Ainsley launches straight through the shape causing it to break apart into a whirl of light then reform gently next to Ainsley, He places a hand on her shoulder, a hand that feels solid and tangible. "Ah my love, I am so glad to see your passion for me still burns so brightly!" The wave of flame however has spread out from enraged lizard lady and flooded the room! Marduke, Azar and Lee dive and roll with ease out of the way. Even Kiyo makes a good scramble for safety only getting his wings and pom a bit singed as Silmeria dives out of the way, most of the flames catching her hair and dress, singing them somewhat. Poor Videl however is standing opposite Ainsley as the wave of flame comes a roaring in toward him!

Videl's eyes are wide as suddenly there is someone beside him, and talking about fire. But as he tilts his head towards the strange figure - Shemhazai, he narrows his shining green eyes. "Purple. Of course. Is it even Thunder?" The mage construct harumphs, then turns his head back towards the window, apparently more interested in observing the storm. Until there is a sudden flash of Fire. "Double-Fire!" The mage construct shouts with wide eyes, as he twists around and double-finger points a [Fire] of his own at Shemhazai.

Videl's on fire! At least his clothing is and his nice strawhat is burning away but he throws a fire-ball at Shemhazai and again it ripples through the figure of Savourn/Shemhazai and Ainsley has to dive away rather ungracefully to get out of the way in time. "Oh sweetie please!" he says to Videl, clicking his fingers and snuffing the flame, the straw hat crumbling into ashes, "You should all know this beautiful shape of mine isn't real."

Lee blinks as the lounge door slams open and the lights go out, trying to follow the figure from location to location between flashes, his expression shifting, with each statement, from surprise to an angry, hateful glower, particularly when the figure flashes to, and addresses, him, and *especially* when the figure stops before Ainsley. He quickly closes ranks with the scholar, gothic gauntlets creaking with how tight he's clenching his fists, crimson eyes faintly glowing as he glares angrily at the effeminate armored one; it's not even that he's trying to be intimidating or anything as he stands, in some mix of supportively and protectively, at Ainsley's side. It's simply that he just really, palpably hates this person with just about every fiber of his being, given how he's seething, almost in a measure equal to Ainsley herself. And then, the spell, the wave of flame surprising him, but the black-cloaked man able to react in time to avoid the burning cascade. He's on his feet again as soon as the danger has passed, starting to move back to Ainsley's side with a growl at
"Savourn", reaching to try and knock the Lucavi's hand from Ainsley's shoulder, "Git yer hand offa her y'damned he-bit-" He doesn't get to finish that particular insult, or complete the swat, as Videl joins the fire-slinging band wagon, which solves Lee's problem in another way when Ainsley dodges the blast. Lee grinds out between clenched teeth, "Some of us know, but never really 'urts t'try anyway. 'Sides, doesn't mean we don't hate yer pretty-boy face any less... Don't care what it takes, but one o'these days, I'll find a way t'knock yer ever-so-perfect *teeth* down yer gracefully pretty *throat*."

"Awwww the big vampey-pampey is angry with me?" the man flutters his too long eye-lashes at lee, his long white hair blowing in a wind that is not there, "Awww I am so hurt...." then a smile, "But you seem to be looking after my love well." the gaze is flicked toward Ainsley, "Just make sure you don't lay your hands on my chosen bride in an inappropriate manner sweet heart or," cheek pat, "I'd have to do something about you."

"Besides which," Silmeria huffs, leaning on her scythe as she hurriedly pats out the last of the flames on her dress and hair, "what would be the point of simply accepting what we see as fact? The way I see it, a few burns... *sniff* ...and the smell of burnt hair, oh lovely... are a fair price for not taking *anything* from you for granted, Liar Queen. If you've no proper purpose here, then *begone.*"

Flash.... and Silmeria is being bent half backwards over the haft of her scythe, "Oh darling cousin... your words, they wound me so! But not as much as this little thing might." she caresses the scythe blade, "I came here for a very specific purpose... you left Emberstrand. All ofyou together and started North... well this just cannot be good for me and my lovely Knights now can it.." then mid sentence Silmeria drops the sycthe and grabs a box that the strange figure was trying to take off her purpose. A brief struggle ensues but Silmeria wins, staggering back with the box and Savourn smiles at her and then bends and picks up the scythe. "Oh well.... I thought it might be something like this and this... sweethears simply will not do... bhut alas I am far away and rather busy..."

Marduke starts and jumps back as he feels the reflect magic being drained out of him. He closes his eyes trying to feel what is going on and quickly glances outside. "Did I... just reflect the entire ship?" Watching one of the lightning bolts wrap around the ship. Twirling again as the door burst open and the lights go out. Not moving or reacting fast enough as the aspect of Shemhazai makes its rounds and passes at everybody. One his turn comes he winces from the touch and a look of disgust crosses his face, but passes quickly as he retakes a neutral expression. He regains his composure and plants his staff, only to drop to the side and flips a table to block the wave of fire seeing it just in time. Getting back to his feet he watches the new fireball being thrown and shakes his head, "A aspect, partially real and not real." The summoner walking over to Silmeria, just in case the box comes into question again. "My friends, it appears the Lucavi is becoming worried. Thank you for that information." Marduke glances back to Shamhazai. "Asking about Ainsley's plans, tsk tsk. Do we worry you that much to send all this for us?" Marduke's voice is calm and measured. Only the faintest touch of a frown crosses his lips.

Shemhazai glances at Marduke and shakes his head, "Oh Marduke, Marduke my dear sweet foolish worshipper of the false dragon.... you really do not know when to shut up do you?" he moves, hands a whirl and the scythe slides through the air and slams into Marduke's stomach... the blade slipping right through him and out the other side. He then nimbly steps aside as the summoner crumples to the floor, quite unconcious, bright blood pooling out from where the magical scythe of Hades went in. "There... that should slow you all down... either healing him or holding his funeral and..." he smiles his winsome little smile over at Ainsley, "I wouldn't want him to be able to work out what my little pets are doing outside.... now I've been, I've seen and I really should be going unless you have anything to say to me?" he asks Azar with a cocky grin, standing over Marduke, hands resting lightly on the handle of the scythe buried inside the summoners guts.

Azar jumps as the lights go out, and like the others, she too follows the person in the flashes of lightning. Her blades are already coming out of their sheathes as the sitzpinkler mentions something about doing their hair. "Oh I'll do your hair, pretty boy, in a nice noose we can toss over the nearest treebranch, and watch the jig ye dance while waiting for whatever spirit comes to claim your lifeforce." The next few flashes see her swing twice at the man, and promptly hit the floor as fire rages overhead. She scrambles out of the way then, looking around as if expecting more sudden fiery aggression. And then watching as Shemhazai goes around the room once more. "Sure. Bring it."

The Knight smiles at Azar and shakes his head, "Oh no... as I said I'm not really here and simply I came to have a look. Turn around, go home.... forget about this....." he twists the scythe blade gently and then with another flash of lightning is gone from the room. The door is shut and normal rain and lightning is flashing and flickering outside the ship as it rides the storm. Marduke however is currently quite bleeding out on the floor with Silmeria's scythe stuck in him.. frost starting to spread along the blade as the Hades created reaper of souls starts to do its thing....

The lizard girl is only just getting back up to her feet from a last-minute dive to avoid getting roasted herself, far too startled and focused on survival to realize that Shemhazai TOUCHED HER. And called her a 'chosen bride'. These will sink in later. For now, Ainsley has scrambled over to the now-prone, bleeding Marduke, kneeling near him and holding out her hands. She begins to cast Cure upon him in a wash of white and green light, sparkles shimmering off of both of them in the process. She looks at Silmeria significantly, hoping the woman can take the scythe out quickly.

Lee arches an eyebrow as Savourn pats his cheek and warns him against laying hands on Ainsley inappropriately... And it's that turn of phrase that makes Lee blink, then smirk, and though he doesn't *say* it out loud, his expression is just about as clear as it can be in saying 'Way Too Late'. It amuses him enough, in fact, that the 'chosen bride' bit doesn't bait him into an angry retort. The sudden almost-violence a moment later, and the brief wrestling match over the box, has Lee tense, no less so when Savourn ends up armed with Silmeria's scythe, and he grimaces when said scythe ends up in Marduke's gut just a moment later... He stays where he is, at least until Shemhazzai disappears, only then taking a few steps towards Marduke, just enough to get a look without getting in the way; if it were a minor wound, there'd be a chance he could help in some way, but this is beyond him, so he keeps out of the way of those who *do* have the skill and/or ability to render aid. Plus, just as a matter of prudence and respect, it seems he doesn't want to really handle Silmeria's scythe, either. So, all he can do at the moment is stand and watch with concern as Ainsley takes care of treating the summoner.

"Marduke!" Tucking the box away where it had been snatched from, Silmeria hurries to the Summoner's side. "Oh how *dare* that bitch," she mutters, eyes crackling with fury as she takes gentle, careful hold of the blade of the scythe, tucking her neck under the handle to provide a balance point. "This.... is going to hurt, Marduke. I'm sorry." And with that, she starts to ease the blade of the weapon out of the Summoner, murmuring what could be a prayer under her breath.

The scythe slides out with a soft wet slurp.... it isn't pleasent and then it chimes softly as it comes free, the frost breaking away.....

Marduke doesn't see the attack coming at all, nor does he get a chance to even glance down to his stomach to see what happened. His eyes roll up in the back of his head from the pain. The summoner falls down to the ground in a heap, his breathing shallow and growing shallower very quickly. He shifts slightly as Ainsley using her cure spell to stabalize him, his breathing starting to become more regular. Marduke's eyes open suddenly as he lets out a ear pitched scream of pain and his hands go to his gut and wrap around it. The pain he is in to blinding and powerful to focus on anything else. As the Scyth starts to get pulled out something in the back of the Summoners mind snaps, and years of mental training come forward.
His screaming starts to become less until he can focus his eyes, glancing off to the roof of the airship. After the scyth is pulled out completely he wraps his hands around his gut, as new blood starts to come gushing out from the open wound. "I will... not die here..." He gasps out. Closing his eyes he takes in a deep breath and starts to chant, his mental fortitude helping him ignore the pain. His hands start to glow a bright white as he weaves the magical energies, finnaly calling out, "Curaga!" The white energies of his hands blazing brightly and weaving threads directly into his gut and healing him.

Marduke's spell is able to bring the summoner the rest of the way back from the edge of death, aided somewhat by Silmeria's prayers and lack of desire to despatch him to the grey forest of timeless endings.

Azar is as surprised by the turn of events as everyone else, and while she does look concerned at the state of the summoner, she keeps a respectful distance to allow Ainsley and Silmeria to deal with the problem. Once the danger appears to be past, the summoner lending his own magics to threading his wounds closed, she begins to pace the room. "So that was informative. I don't think she can do that often, or for long, did anyone count the time? If ever that time gets longer, then we know she is closer."

Bing Bing Bing Boooon... "This is Captain Farquan speaking, it seems whatever anomaly was in the storm has passed. We should be able to resume our journey shortly. Thank you for your patience you may all return to your regular activities...."

-----

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Onward to [[Part_the_North_(3)]]

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Part the North (3)

2014-06-09T18:50:14Z

Silvante: Created page with ' The AMS Dao II is hanging in mid air, engines idling. Outside the storm, the hideous storm filled with strange beasts has passd. The stars are out and the captain has given the …'

The AMS Dao II is hanging in mid air, engines idling. Outside the storm, the hideous storm filled with strange beasts has passd. The stars are out and the captain has given the all clear but inside the public lounge things are far from calm. Marduke has barely just survived being sliced in half by the Scythe of Arugal, now safely back in the Handmaiden's hands. Of course Videl is currently wearing well.... a cushion held demurely in front of him and most of the furnishings in the room are crispy or ples of smouldering ash after several people got fire happy on the projected illusion of Shemhazai. It is that quiet moment after the storm... the stars are out, everyone is alive and the Whisperer has let them all know she is watching and whispering.....

"Right," Silmeria says, casting a glance around the room and returning the scythe to its resting place between moments. "So. Now the stakes are known." Closing her eyes for a moment, she mutters something to the effect of 'punch the bitch in the teeth' as she kneels beside Marduke, slipping an arm under his shoulders. "You called this madness, Master Videl. From here on, I suppose, we leave madness behind and skip into complete lunacy. If you'd like to stay aboard the Dao when we land, and seek passage back, I'm certain we'd all understand. Up you get, Summoner... let's find you your cabin, hm?"

Marduke is a bit pale right now and still looking uneasy. He has not moved from the pool of his own blood as he lays there, a hand over his stomach. After a few moments rest he opens his eyes and say quietly, "Water, I am going to need water." He allows Silmeria to hoist him up, "Yea rest, but work to be done. Not that easy... check the ship. Has the storm passed, has she left?" The summoner still trying to get his bearins, "There is more to this, check everything."

"No no, complete lunacy was giving up your fire!" The dimunitive figure shouts behind his cushion, oddly pointed ears wiggling from behind the garment with the words. The very tips gleamed slightly in the dim light. "Madness was freeing a lucavi! Insanity was trusting a lucavi!" Videl waves his ash stricken hand in the air. "From here on, we are prepared. From here on, we are prepared for the most important thing...!" He pauses, lowering his hand. "Now we are ready for Science. And more fireballs. Fire from all sides! Perfect!"

Lee, in the absence of Shemhazai, huffs and grumbles, though stays close to Ainsley, at-the-ready to play go-fer and fetch anything she might need or want while the scholar and everyone else administer aid to Marduke. Silmeria's mumble doesn't escape him, and he lets slip a dry chuckle, pointing to his head, then to Silmeria, and back a couple times, "Eh-heh? Ah? Right? Great minds, an' all that." At mention of water being required, he begins a hunt of the room for any such that might not have been destroyed, "Science an' fireballs? All good an' well, but I'd settle fer some good ol'fashioned, satisfyin' hooligan violence, m'self, if th'bitch'd jus' sit still an' let 'erself be hit, but nooOOOoooo~, she's gotta play 'ard t'get an' be a smarmy, insufferable prig..." He pauses, glancing to Marduke, "Eh, uhm... Once we get checkin' "everythin'", an' all that, what is it we'll be lookin' fer, eh'zactly?"

Ainsley has come down from her fury in the absence of a Lucavi to direct it at, and is instead seeming very tired and aged about twenty years as a result. As a lizard woman who is already graying around the feathered crown, this results in an exaggerated frown for the rest of the night. This frown is turned toward Videl as he exclaims odd things to the room as a whole. "First: Freeing the Lucavi was the result of being incredibly hungover, dizzy, tired, and pliable to her whispers. Second: I have never trusted a Lucavi. I don't trust Spirits very much, either, for putting dangerous things in the reach of people who can fumble with them and create apocalyptic errors. Third: If I shoot a fireball, and it fails, the answer to the situation is not 'more fire.' I will throw you into the frozen ocean, or off the bloody airship, if I nearly get hit by you being overzealous again." Her hardened features softened, as she realizes her own error. "... Also, sorry about the hat. I can make a new one for you, if you like? There should be sufficient materials available on the ship /somewhere/." She looks over to Lee, and her brows perk. "Well, considering the airship's lack of a deck, and thus outside visibility, I would say... probably the beasts that we saw in the storm a few moments ago. They may be piggybacking on the vessel." She puffs a sigh, and turns to look for the Captain of the ship so she can inform him of the possibility of clinging beasties.

Kiyo just stood there for a time after the absence of that Shemhazai character... but after about half a minute, he does finally put away the Pistol and grumble some. "THAT'S the thing we're trying to seal up, Kupo? Why didn't you tell me he was a creepy psycho who could teleport everywhere?!" He shivers. "I feel dirty for him having even TOUCHED me!" He says he feels dirty, and yet... he's covered in black soot... what a concept. He sighs and looks outside. "Well... storm seems to be gone... we're almost to our destination, Kupo... I suppose it's about time to get the ship moving again..." He shivers again. "... never be able to get that slime off of me..." He mumbled to himself... there was no slime on his body... must have been a metaphor. With that, he would head back down to the Engine room to help the other Moogles down there to get the ship started up once more.

As the party help Marduke up and as Kiyo moves toward the door it opens and Captain Farquan sticks his head inside and looks around. He tips his head back at the sight of Videl and his pillow... the singed furniture and then removes his hat. "I can see I will be adding refurbishing this room to your bill." he looks around and then walks in further, "So my next question is... after that storm of insane madness... and the... whatever those things were... where are we?"

"Feel free, Captain," Silmeria answers with a sigh, "and if someone could help Summoner Marduke to his cabin and make sure there's water for him?" Turning to face the rest of the room, the priestess clasps her hands behind her back. "That was an illusion, Master Kiyo," she says, pursing her lips. "And our quarry subscribes very well to 'the best lie has a grain of truth within.' If it helps, I suppose, it was only her will that touched you." She seems about to go on, but pauses, mouth half-open, she turns to face the Captain. "...You *don't know where we are?*"

Marduke frowns a moment, "Where are we? Was that the play?" He finds himself a table to lean against, refusing to leave just yet. Closing his eyes he takes a deep breath and shakes his head slowly, "The lost could be the illusion as well. The stars are out, can you place your location off those captain? Ainsley I am sure could help with that. As for what to look for Lee, I have no clue. Just something, I don't trust her just leaving, relocating or not. Water, anybody water?"

"That is why you are never hungover when you drink for science." Videl points out, before continuing to answer to Ainsley, "And a hat is only /appropriate/ after-" He abruptly stops, and then his cushion turns towards the captain, much of his oddly partly gleaming body shrouded in darkness. "Hat! Hat! Relinguish the hat now or prepare to be fired! I don't care about the costs you care to name in your feeble panic, I must have the hat!"

Kiyo takes a step back as the Captain enters the bridge... he smiles. For once, something wasn't his fault in the fire department... Marduke seemed to be out of sorts by the attack that had hit him. All he seemed to be asking for was water... he didn't have any water, but he had something almost as good... maybe... he grabs his Toolbox and roots through it a bit before pulling out a sealed thermos. He opens it up, ignoring the ramblings of the Black Mage, and pours a brown-ish substance into the cup of said thermos. He'd then offer it to Marduke. "Here. Drink this, Kupo. It's not water, but you'll feel a good deal better afterwards."

Lee combs gloved fingers through his hair, puffing out a breath and nodding to Ainsley about beasties on the hull, "Aye, s'pose I could give a 'and by takin' a quick step outside t'ave a look-see, since th'sun is down..." And then, even as Ainsley starts to leave to find the Captain, there the Captain is, and his remark about "where are we?" has him confused, even with Silmeria's own request for clarification, he can't help but add, "Fer th'record, are y'speakin' figuratively, metaphorically, or... Are we actually *displaced* somewhere?" He cocks his head slightly, and looks to Marduke, while Kiyo roots in his toolbox and produces coffee for the summoner, "Aye, Ainsley could, or m'self; since I can only really fl-er, travel at night, done a good deal o'star navigation m'self in years past. I could give it a go, if we've been moved whole-cloth from where we were."

Captain Farquan walks further into the room, "We have checked and double checked....." he trails off and stares across the room at Videl, "My hat master mage is for the moogle, I do not think it would fit you at all." he puts it firmly back atop his head, plume flowing back behind him and seems quite, quite affronted by the suggestion. One simply does not demand a Moogle's hat! "As I was saying, we have checked, the instruments all read madness and the sky... well this is no illusion. I suggest you all retire to your cabins, refresh yourselves and get dressed and join me on the upper deck. We can go out on the bridge deck and you can see." with that he turns and strides out of the lounge in somewhat of a huff!

"...Well lovely," Silmeria says after a moment, staring at the Captain's retreating back, then rubbing at the bridge of her nose. "Thank you ever so much, you horrible, traitorous, *lazy* th--" Bringing herself up short, she waves a hand in the vague direction of Lee and Ainsley. "Well, I suppose now we have our obstacle. Master Videl, let's find you some clothes, and Summoner Marduke, I'll make sure there's water for you when you're done with your coffee. So. Let's take a breather, then see what in *Hades' name* our enemy has done to us, shall we?" Her smile is a brittle, frustrated thing, as she bobs a shallow curtsy to the room, then sweeps toward her chambers.

Marduke takes the cup from Kiyo and drowns it, to almost spit it all back up, "Coffee? Ugh." Yet he drinks more of it, desperate for liquids, even one he highly dislikes. A glance over to Videl and a frowns, hoping the construct does not decide to take a crazy action towards the captain. Slowly he closes his eyes as he finishes off the coffee more slowly, "Instruments going crazy, nothing making sense? A massive purple cloud of fiends and suddenly we are missing... Could we... no impossible." Eyes glancing to Silmeria, "I have a thought, and I really hope it is not in her power to cast us off into the spirit realms. Somebody mind grabbing me my staff, I am going to go get changed real quick." Setting the cup down, "Thank you for the drink Kiyo."

Videl attempts to heat up his fingers enough to give the Captain a zap - but he disappears before he manages to do it. "Ach, conkytonkers!" He mutters, continuing to hold onto the cushion for modesty. Or perhaps just preference. "That is all fine and just, but if you all could simply disappear so that I can appropriately equip myself to deal with the heart of this matter, " He waves impatiently towards Silmeria and the rest of the assembled party. "That would be expedient."

Lee seems to have the same reaction to the Captain's explanation as Silmeria, though silently, looking to the Handmaiden, "Remind me t'buy you a bottle o'scotch after this, Silmeria..." And with a nod to everyone, and a smile and pat to Ainsley's shoulder, even as Videl starts waving people off, "I've no need t'refresh, so I'll head along t'tha Bridge after th'Captain, an' see everyone there." And out the door he goes.

Kiyo nods to Marduke with a smile. "Yup, coffee. The sweet nectar of Blacksmiths." He'd take the cup once Marduke was finished with it, screwing it back to the top of the thermos and stowing it away. "You're quite welcome, Kupo!" He looks at himself a bit... he seemed to have everything on him... seemed as good a time as any... "I think I'll just head up to the upper deck to meet with the Captain, Kupo. I already have everything of mine I'll need." And with that, he'd begin to make his way up to the Upper Deck to see just what was going on.

Twenty minutes later, refreshed, changed, full of water and thankfully a hat procured by the deft work of the scholar Ainsley and the wicker-work from a chair in the morning lounge. The captain and his crew of moogles are gathered around a series of instruments and the large open hatchway onto the usually inaccessible top deck. "Ah everyone come on out." he leads the way through the doorway and stops and stares around. "So... you are the well travelled masters and all that... where are we?" he gestures.... above are the stars... maginificent, beautiful, burning bright things whilst below is a silent, shadowed world of blue/white ice and snow and it stretches out in all directions as sub artic winds blow all around.

"We-e-ell," Silmeria begins, slowly approaching the edge of the deck to peer down at the world below them, then up at the stars... "I haven't the faintest *idea* where we might be. Marduke, Ainsley? Lee? Perhaps any of you have a better idea?"

Marduke makes his way out onto the deck. The summoner still looks pale, but at least his clothers are no longer covered in blood or torn. He also has a cookie he is nibbling on, water and food. He glances around at the sky and the ground. He starts to step near the edge, then stops as he feels his own balance uneasy. He kneels down where he is and closes his eyes, slowly shaking his head, "Nope no spirit realm, at least none that are known. Not Blizzna been there and this place doens't feel like it. Reminds me of the Kodiac Peaks if anything, there was a massive plateu. We are most liekly transported somewhere in the material world. Ainsley, I suspect someplace far north. Any ideas?" Then takes another bite of his cookie.

Videl is also in the deck, freshly clad in at one word, garish clothing. Wide flat shoulderpaldrons stretch out either side of him, with purple, red and naturally, blue patterned clothing hanging off them. The new wicker hat looks definitely illplaced on him as hobbles along with his oddly shaped boots. "It is not the realm of fire." He grunts with obvious distaste, his arms hidden under the large flap hanging from one shoulder down his front and back.

Lee follows everyone out to the deck, looking up at the stars, eyes searching... and searching... and searching... After a long while, he looks down at the deck, scratching his head, then looks up again, as if the sky might have changed when he looked away. He even turns in a slow circle, looking at the stars... Eventually, he huffs, gauntleted hands on his hips, muttering to himself, "That can't be right... There's no pole star. An' I can't find any o'tha usual constellations..." At a loss, he looks to Silmeria, then Marduke, then the Captain, then at the stars again, as if he thinks looking longer would suddenly make everything recognizable.

The lizard girl is VERY GOOD at tailoring, and other arts and crafts sort of activities, if given some sufficient materials to improvise. She probably managed a cloth-bound wicker hat for Videl that'll suit him just fine. But what Ainsley is doing when she sees the flight instruments might be a smidgen unnerving. She taps one of the glass protective casings, and turns to look at another reading. She rubs the greying purple-blue feathers on her head, and then turns to look at the night sky. then find a place out on the deck, so she can turn in a full circle, getting a proper look at the stars as a whole. She would return shortly, frowning thinly, but her brows raised in surprise. "We're at the southern pole," she tells the party. "Shemhazai is terrified. We're winning, and she's resorting to drastic measures to stop us." She spares a meaningful look to Marduke, as if meaning the scythe violence was part of that desperation. "Regardless... we need to find the nearest safe airport, because otherwise we are going to be freezing our tails and poms off." She stares at Marduke for a beat. "You can probably commune with Shiva here very easily, if you have any sort of good relationship with her at all. She may be able to grant us a boon to help us on our way, if you explain how we ended up in this frigid wasteland." She thoughtfully thumbs the trinket on her necklace that Mog gave to her, back when he and Andromeda spoke to her. She still has that favor she can ask, but she wants to make sure she keeps her trump cards until she absolutely needs them.

Kiyo was just completely lost at all the magical talk... not his cup of coffee, as it were. He looked around at the area somewhat... the cold here didn't seem to bother him. Probably because of the soot covering his body... but, no. Now he was actually starting to get hit by a few rogue icy winds that actually cause him to shiver slightly. "Okay... the sooner we can find our heading, the sooner we can get back to where we need to be, Kupo..." He shivers. "If I'm not needed at all, I'll be in the Engine Room... much warmer there..." He'd then start making his way back towards the Engine Room, unless he were stopped by someone or... something...

The engine room is indeed warm and Kiyo is permitted to head off down there. The room is quite a mess, wires and cabling tumbled all around! Someone ripped out nearly all the control linkages and the whole thing is a mess..... it'll take hours to get running again. Meanwhile up on the deck things are cold, very cold and worse the Dao is starting to settle out of the air... dropping down inch by inch in a slow spin toward landing. The crew go frantic but the first office can't seem to do anything about it as news comes in from the engine room that things have been sabotaged.... The airship slowly settles and lands on the ice. Overhead the stars shine brilliantly and the icy wind howls around the ship and the bridge.. Captain Farquan stares and shivers, pulling his coat around himself tighter. "Ok.... well if we are dead south then every direction is north... I just don't know which direction is Rozzaria and which direction is the unknown....."

Marduke stands on the deck, the entire time frowning. He finishes off the cookie and finds himself a place to sit while the airship falls down to the ground. He doesn't bother getting up for a few minutes after the ship settles in, nor does he bother switching out to warmer clothing. Slowly he stands up and sighs softly and nods, "Indeed, I shall call upon Queen Shiva." A glance to Silmeria, "I would advise not calling her Lady." A touch of a smirk, trying to add some humor. he walks over to the edge of the deck, still a bit wobbly from the blood lose. He starts to chant slowly, taking the summoning slower then he normally would. Four trails of icy orbs circle around him, adding a new trail of frost by his feet. Holding up his staff, "Queen of the Ice, I call upon thee." The orbs flying up to the sky, Marduke waiting by, clearly a bit uncertain of what is about to happen.

For a moment as Marduke prays the lights flicker and pulse in the air above.... they shine and shimmer and then fade out with no response forthcoming... perhaps Marduke can try again but for now his prayer seems to have not reached her. Maybe the deck of the ship impedes his thoughts and prayer to the Queen, or maybe she is distracted elsewhere....
In a page-pose to you, Marduke will try again of course. though I think I shall head off the ship, into the ice around us, surrounding myself in her domain for a little extra boost.

Videl tilts his head between Ainsley, Silmeria and Marduke, before he suddenly lifts up his small hands from between the massive cloth he is wrapped in. "That's it, I'm done." The mage construct starts to stomp away, heading into the ship. "Pistol moogle, come help me set the fire to the ship when we are ready to Science!" Videl quips as he waves his hands.

Lee blinks and looks down again, to Ainsley once more as she identifies where the ship has ended up, looking up at the stars one more time, "Huh... Who'da thunk it..." The assessment of how big a threat the group and it's goals are, though, makes him frown, "Sumfin' about that dun add up, though, Silm... If we were a big enough threat, nevermind Shem crushin' hard on m'Ainsley, th'safest bet'd be just t'destroy us an' be done wif it. So, either she *can't*, or she *won't*, an' tha only real reason she wouldn't would be either that we aren't *that* big a threat in her mind, fer whatever reason. Overconfidence, underestimatin' us, not wantin' t'toast Ains, whatever." He scratches his head as he makes his way back into the bridge and leaving Marduke alone for the moment, even as the ship settles to the snowy ice below, "Ah, mebbe I'm overthinkin' it..." He nods to Silmeria, "I've no objection t'takin a trek out an' takin' a flight, if'n y'feel it's needed. Dark enough down 'ere that I'd 'ave little trouble, but dunno how far I'd need ta go, or how long I'd be out." He blinks, holding up a hand after Videl, eyebrows raised, "Oy! 'Ere now, let's not be destroyin' any more o'tha good Captain's ship if'n we don't gotta, yeah? That room'll cost us enuff as it is!"

Ainsley watches as Marduke's attempt to contact Shiva... fails. The lizard woman frowns at the sight for a few beats. She looks out over the ice, and back to Marduke. "It might be easier if you find a ladder, and stand on the ice, while you do that." She points down at the ice. "If you're going to try it again, that is. This entire airship is made of metal, and powered by heat and magical stones." She smiles at him, though, as it's only a suggestion, and she pats his arm once. "I'm going to help Kiyo. Or try to, at least. There must be something I can do to complement his skills." She nods to the rest of the party, and motions for Lee to follow her, if he so desires. "Spirits, and Lucavi, may be similar in some ways. Spirits are rarely so direct as to just smite someone. A mortal is 'beneath' them, as is the natural order of things." She shrugs her shoulders. "Usually, at least. A Lucavi is not going to /admit/ that we are a threat, that would be far too honest. I do not relish the idea that we are winning just because a demon has a crush on me."

Kiyo gives the pyromaniacal Black Mage a VERY confused look, mixed in with shock. "Are you INSANE, KUPO?! No way in all of the Kupo hells are you setting fire to this ship! I intend to be going back to the Emberstrand at some point, and it'd be VERY difficult to do so with the ship ablaze!" He starts mumbling and grumbling. "Stupid... fire-crazy... Kupo-kicking..."

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Part the North (1)

2014-06-09T18:45:02Z

Silvante:

It's been a week since Thompson's prophechy and the price each member of the party paid revealed to them the location of two of the shards of Shemhazai's prison. Now Ainsley has returned from her research trip and a decision needs to be made over where to go and how to get there. So once again Ainsley's parlour is host to these companions so their plans can be put into action!

"However Captain Farquan of the AMS Dao II is back in town! You shou;d remember him. He has flown Ainsley places before and is reliable and for hire." to Azar.

Azar grins at the return of everyone, and waits expectantly for folks to settle in. "So, there are no regular routes to the far frozen north. However, a certain Captain Farquan is on town, and available for hire. Should we place a request for his services?"
Videl is busying himself with the current situation by studying an ancient looking book closely. And all the different ways he can lit it on fire, the thick leather not yielding mcuh to the black mage construct's desires. Who has green eyes now, oddly enough.

Kiyo would be thinking about just what he'd gotten himself into... he knew absolutely nothing about what was fully going on... all he knew was that he was doing this not for the monetary findings... as he'd said before... but because being alone in this city was more than he could bare. And having companions to talk with would help him in the long run to adjust to life in the Emberstrand. He was once again back in this location of where he had met everyone prior. However, there was one more here than there was before. This was apparently the infamous Ainsley, who he remembered hearing that was going out and gathering information about these Shards they were to collect. Once again, he'd be settled into a chair, looking a bit high off the ground from his short stature. He'd think a bit about this 'Captain Farquan' fellow. "What sort of transportation does this good Captain deal in, Kupo? Sea? Air? Land?"

Lee enters, carrying a tray loaded with teapot, cups, tea-related condiments, plate of biscuits... Just in time to catch Azar's question, "Farquan? That name, sounds familiar..." He trails off, while depositing the tray in a central table, evidently unable to place the name after a moment's thought, after which he shrugs the matter out of his mind, "Tea an' biscuits, fer those wot want 'em; help yerselves." Moving to a chair and settling in, he rests his elbows on the arm rests, steepling his fingers, "I'm bettin' air, m'self; that'd be fastest an' most direct, an' probably a pretty common thing t'find goin' that direction."
This time, Ainsley is, indeed, here. She sits in her cozy little seat, with a cup of tea in one hand and her legs crossed. Her scholarly robes are on, and her eyes gaze at the party passively as she slurps at her tea. Siiiip. In recent days, she has started to show signs of age. She's probably in her mid-thirties, and her feathers are starting to grey here and there.
A very recent change. She doesn't seem unhealthy, however... far from it. She smiles passively. She knows the party should go after those two pieces first, but wanted to see what everyone else had in mind. Once people have spoken up, she says, "If he is our only option, or our easiest and cheapest option, how he gets us there is only a matter of personal comfort and thus... irrelevant, at least to me." She raises her brows and shrugs her shoulders. She sets her tea down. Downright regal in her behaviors. Kind of weird for people that know he to see it. "Place the request, please," she says, motioning to Azar, "Unless you have any better alternatives. We do not have a lot of luxury for shopping."

"Nor time," Silmeria notes, knitting needles clacking faintly as she looks up, brow furrowing at Videl's apparent attempt to set a book alight in the middle of a house. "But knowing Azar, I'm fairly certain the good Captain heads an airship, and the speed will be a welcome thing." Pausing, she lifts up her project to check its progress; a black yarn scarf, with what appear to be cat-ear-bearing skulls picked out in pink along one edge. "We *should* have sufficient supplies laid in for the weather, but with only so much room in our packs, it's probable we'll run into difficulty somewhere along the line."

Marduke has taken himself a seat in the back, his staff rested across his shoulder and had already gotten himself a glass of tea. His eyes move over each in turn and shrugs his shoulders, yet offers no comments at this time on transportation. He has a travel bag sitting next to him and his belt seems to have a few extra pouches. For those who know him, this is Marduke's general traveling assortment, the man ready to go.

It doesn't take long for Azar to set up a meeting with Captain Farquan, the Moogle captain is there within the hour. He's as tall as ever! As in the moogle in dressed tall and his presence is as usual quite firmly in place. In a frock coat, be-plumed hat and snazily turned out boots he is quite the Airship Captain. He looks around the room, nodding to those he knows and those he doesn't. "Well this is a fine gathering you are to be having here Miss Silmeria," he takes a pocket watch out of his jacket pocket and reads the time then snaps it close. "So Azar says you are looking to hire the Dao, I'm always willing to take a charter. Especially if the Lady Silmeria is involved but well the northern ice wastes? That's a hefty way to go so I'd need to hear a hefty amount of gil or other such price to make it worthwhile."

Videl's experiments have progressed towards attempting to bury the book in sulfur, by the time the Captain comes around. He lifts his head and looks around the room for a time being, then lifts up his hand. "Videl has a prize." He stares blankly with his green eyes.

Kiyo sighs in relief. "Kupo! I was fearful we'd be travelling by sea... last time I travelled by sea, it was not a very pleasant sight, Kupo..." He shuddered a bit in the memory. He'd shake his head as if clearing cobwebs. "I have my essentials, basically... except..." He'd look at his paw and grip at the air... he felt a bit naked without his gun... he'd look to Silmeria with a half smile. "If that offer for borrowing a Pistol is still on the table, Kupo..." He'd then witness another Moogle entering the locale. So this was Captain Farquan... he didn't know it was another Moogle... and a very proud-looking one, at that... he was in awe of the way the Captain stood tall, even with the height challenge. He'd shrug a bit at the Captain's declaration of price... "I've got nothing left to give, Kupo... sorry..."

Lee joins Videl as the mage speaks, giving him a smile and patiently fishing the book from the sulfur pile, "Don't think tryin' to combust th'local literature's quite necessary just now, Ser Mage." Dusting off the book, and thus spreading a hint of the smell of sulfur about the room, he asks, "Think y'could give us a quote fer a price, Captain? A 'hefty amount of gil' isn't too terribly specific a number." He reshelves the book, giving Videl another smile and nod, before making his way to retake his seat near Ainsley, "Oh, help yerself to tea an' biscuits, if y'like, Captain, more'n enough to go about."

Silmeria ducks her head, chuckling quietly. "I know it's rather far out of the way, Captain," the priestess says, setting her knitting aside and unbuckling the white-leather gunbelt at her hip. Passing the entire works over to the uncertain engineer, she tilts her head, eyebrows rising. "But I agree with Lee; what would you be asking?"

Ainsley spends some time frowning at Videl thoughtfully, though she doesn't openly protest at the Black Mage, considering the eccentricities of the peculiar artificial race. She spends more time with a small notebook of some kind, scribbling something into it, when she waits for the Captain to show up. When he does, and he speaks of the trip and what it will cost, she tears off the page she was writing on and considers it. Then she gets up out of her seat, and walks over to him. She reaches to grab one of his hands, veeeery carefully, and places the piece of paper there. "This is all the money I have saved up for this, but..." She pauses for a beat, making sure she has his attention. "I can find someone to help tune the float stones on your ship. The money as an advance payment, and the tune-up can be done when we are not so pressed for our task. When we return, I will devote all of my attention to it." She releases his hand. "Does that sound workable?" She smiles at him warmly, her hands clasping in front of her.

Marduke waits quietly and patiently for the captain to arrive. As the moogle enters Marduke offers a raise of his eyebrows as he assesses the captain, a touch of a smile crossing his face. As the moogle mentions a price, he shifts in his seat to start standing up, only to stop as Ainsley goes offer and makes her offer. Instead he stands up to get himself some more tea, still staying quiet.

Captain Farquan hefts the bag of gil from Ainsley then glances into the scholars eyes. "That be quite the offer miss Ainsley. Your reputation speaks for you as do those of some of your other companions." he hefts the bag and considers it, "It be a long trip though" he looks inside, "This much gil will cover the food and lodgings of maybe three of you... tuning up my float stone and machines before we leave however... aye that'd cover you all the way. But the AMS Dao II be just out of shakedown. Newly built n blessed by Mog n the High Priest o Levithan. If'n you can see to findin me those engineers before we be leaving you got a deal girly."

Captain Farquan takes the bankers draft from Ainsley then glances into the scholars eyes. "That be quite the offer miss Ainsley. Your reputation speaks for you as do those of some of your other companions." reads the note again and considers, "It be a long trip though" he looks inside, "This much gil will cover the food and lodgings of maybe three of you... tuning up my float stone and machines before we leave however... aye that'd cover you all the way. But the AMS Dao II be just out of shakedown. Newly built n blessed by Mog n the High Priest o Levithan. If'n you can see to findin me those engineers before we be leaving you got a deal girly."

Azar hmms and looks to Ainsley when the Captain mentions getting the engineers in early. "If that covers the costs, assuming she can get the engineers in now, then can we start packing and getting our gear stowed aboard Captain? And while we might not all be practised crew, we can also lend our blood, sweat and tears to the operation of the ship. That might be worth a bit, yes?"

You say, "Ayhe lass, working your way be an option but with the likes o miss Silmeria on board their helping to defend the ship be more useful then adding you to the muster.""

Videl's hand held up diverts him from the fact his book is being removed from him. He turns around and with narrowed eyes, barks, "I was studying that, creant!" With a huff, he gets off his chair and shifts his way over the Captain. "This group is smarter than some raggedy group of gear crankers, we have ways to make that stone explode! ... with power, of course. " He adjusts his hat on his head, before he moves over Kiyo and attempts t push the moogle forward. "Tell him about that mythical piece of equipment you were forced to relinguish."

Kiyo accepts the gunbelt from Silmeria and looks a bit at it... then he'd attempt to fasten the gunbelt around his waist... however, it was a bit too big, even by fastening it around his waist as much as possible... he thought a bit about how he was going to set this on himself... and brilliance struck him, as he instead fastened it around his shoulder, the gunbelt being fastened from his left shoulder and looping around his chest to his right hip, then back up his back. He grinned at his own brilliance. He'd then hear the banter between the Captain and Ainsley, slightly and timidly raising a paw up. "Umm... I-I could take a look at it, Kupo..." He gulped as he would continue speaking. "I'm not as well known as Miss Ainsley here... in fact, this is only my first week here in the city, Kupo... but if you were to trust in me, I..." He takes a deep breath and attempts to keep himself straightened and upright, trying to inspire as much confidence in himself as he was trying to portray that he had. "I would not disappoint in my abilities, Kupo!" He looked the Captain dead in the eye as he spoke. He'd then deadpan as the Construct spoke of his gun... He'd nervously chuckle, rubbing a paw behind his head. "A VERY early work, I assure you..."

The captain nods his head toward Kiyo, "Tha be sounding mighty swell. We are lacking in free mog engineers right now. Tha High Priestess she be using most of em to repair the steam engines under tha Temple o Mog. Running water for the slumbs be more important then us airship pilots in 'er book and I can't rightly fault tha lass." he looks Kiyo up and down and turns back to Ainsley and holds out ahand, "You be having yerself a deal Scholar."

Lee chuckles good-naturedly in response to Videl's scolding, "Of course, Ser Mage, my apologies." His head cocks at the notion of working part of the passage costs, and the Captain's response to the suggestion, "I've no qualm with takin' a turn as a Fusilier or Ship's Marine... Wouldn't be th'first time, truth be told." He holds up a finger after Kiyo finishes, with a slight grin, "Ah, an' Engineer th'First, looks like! We're ahead o'tha game already, Ains!"

Ainsley takes the Captain's hand and smiles brightly at him. "Good! Good," she says, enthusiastic. She looks over at Kiyo brightly, because he is offering to help out. It doesn't necessarily have to be god-like engineers. Any real engineering help could cut a tune-up time down significantly. She then walks over to Kiyo, and pats him on the shoulder, lightly,
"You'll be a vital part of the team, for many more tasks, if you continue with that attitude." She grins at him. She is very pleased by his confidence, and his skills are unique. She likes engineers, too, so there's that. She lets out a sigh, and then wanders over to pour herself a cup of tea or two. "I will try to scrounge up a few more engineers, too, that would be interested in helping. I may have to end up in the debt of a few people, but that's just how the social dance works, mmh?" She seems pleased by the idea. Then she climbs onto Lee's lap. Flop. And she sips her second cup o' tea.

Marduke pours hismelf another glass of tea as the negotiions happen. Glancing back as Kiyo is marked as the needed engineer, only to smile over to the moogle. He turns to walk back over to his seat and sits down. Sipping a glass of tea, he watches everybody, but currently does not feel the need to add to anything.

Silmeria turns a sunny smile Kiyo's way, bobbing her head in agreement with the scholar's estimation, and starts to gather up her knitting. "Well! Since we seem to have it all worked out, best we get ready, then. Captain, when would you prefer to leave? Master Marduke and I seem to be ready to go immediately, and I'm sure it won't take long for the rest of us to prepare."

You say, "Ah Miss Ainsley you be a star, but only Mog engineers mind. Tis bad luck to let others nah blessed by Lord Mog tinker with a mog ships engines!" he nods his head. "Well then I do say we get you all down to the ship" And true to his word he sees about making arrangements for any luggage or equipment to be collected and transported and down at the aerodome you get your first view of the Dao II. It is big, a metal hull sleek and fully contained with five decks and a pilot house up top. Proper Rozzarian mark engines and clearly quite new from the way the hull sparkles in the sunshine. It's a real sleek cutter too, designed for speed and cargo capacity and as you are all led up the gang plank the interior is plush! Rich carpets, oak panelled walls and that is just the embarkation lounge inside the passenger hatch. "Be welcome aboard the AMS Dao II!" Captain Farquan said as he patted the wall. "Lets get your gear stowed, your cabins are just up this way and then young Mog you and
I will take a walk down to the engine room" "
Marduke pages, "Oh as a note, I am bringing the rainbow drop with me. Because it may be amusing, or you never know when that crazy wild magic effect may prove useful :)" to you.
Azar is prepared to leave post haste as well, carrying one pack filled with the essentials: clothing, warmer clothing and survival gear. Any who might need a hand getting their gear /to/ the ship will find her lending a hand. "Well, a splendid ship captain, sleek and with all the comforts too. Thank you for having us and taking the contract." Once her gear is stored, she'll see what the rest of the group is up to before she begins to inspect the ship, at a slow and introspective pace.

Videl turns his head towards Kiyo, then points up a finger. "A myth in the beginning, legend by end, good man!" He offers, before walking away. He too had most of his belongings with him - save for his chocobo, that required a little bit of hunting to find. "So! Shards. Do we have a plan to retrieve a shard yet? And does the plan involve explosions?" Honest, important questions.

Kiyo blushes a bit at all the praise he was receiving. "I-it's not THAT big of a deal... I mean, you're in need of someone to do the job, and I offered, Kupo. Any self-respecting Moogle would jump at the chance to help another if they needed it..." He'd look at Silmeria and pat himself a bit. He had a pair of boots on, a toolbox on his hip, and the gunbelt around his shoulder carrying Silmeria's pistol. "I'm ready to go myself, Kupo. I say the sooner we get this trip underway, the better." Then soon as he'd said that, they were off! Once his eyes met the ship, there'd be a very long, low whistle escaping from the young Mog's lips. "An impressive ship, Captain! The Dao II looks amazing!" He'd then look to the Captain and nod in response to him talking about going to the Engine Room. "Aye, Kupo!" He'd then follow the Captain, very much interested in the mechanics of this vessel.

Lee doesn't really react to his lap being climbed onto, as if the occurrence isn't at all unusual; indeed, his free arm automatically wraps around Ainsley's waist to safely secure her there, while he smiles. "I'd only need a few moments to gather m'things, myself. Hell, half my travel things stay packed most o'tha time, anyway." And then the Captain is ushering and transporting luggage and such-like, though Lee doesn't have much: A travel pack with a hard-board back that's actually bigger than the pack itself, for some reason, a couple or three large wineskins, and a shoulder-bag that looks like it contains the cold-weather/winter items he's bringing along, which don't need to be worn yet. At sight of the ship, he gives a short whistle, following Kiyo's sentiments with his own, "Aye, impressive, Cap'n, duly so."
Following along to the accomodations, he offers Ainsley a hand where necessary, or appropriate, or, seemingly, just at random a time or two. To Videl, he gives a manic grin, "Plan? There ain't no plan!" He waves off his own words almost immediately, "Actually, I'm jus' kiddin' there. Plans're fer better minds than mine, but given who's along on this... Explosions? Yeah, there might be a few, though whether they're part of a *plan* is another matter entirely."

The lizard girl tries to find some Moogle Engineers, but is unlikely to find more than Kiyo on short notice. Eventually she'd find herself on the ship, with her luggage and everything ready and packed up. She is unlikely to offer much more input at this point... Ainsley has gotten her business handled, and they're going to go to the frozen far north one way or another. She spares a significant glance to Lee when she notices the shape of his pack, and laughs knowingly, but doesn't really say why. "I will be in the cabin, when you two are done," she says, smiling to the captain and Kiyo.

Silmeria's luggage is similarly light; not knowing where their travels will take them once they've made the north, her bulging hiker's pack simply has some warm underclothes jammed into it, a long, fleece-lined coat draped over it all, and a thicker bedroll tied onto her pack's frame. Apparently weaponless, she trails behind the party as they're shown onto the Dao II, murmuring greetings to the crew that happen to pass by, and generally stays out of the way while being a notable presence in the passages.

Marduke just shakes his head slowly as the terms are finalized. Walking over and grabbing his bag he follows the group out to the ship and looks it over. A faint hmm escapes him as he looks over the plushness and luxury of the insides. He does not take long to unload his gear into his room, mostly just dropping his bag and a set of winter clothing. The summoner soon making his way to the deck, finding himself a nice spot to sit so he can watch the landscape below for when they get moving.

The Quarters are on the passenger deck which is deck B, the second deck down. There is a large dinning room, observation lounge at the front of the ship. A small library, a music room, a quiet contemplation lounge and a shrine to Mog and Ark. Then there are the bedrooms, Luxurious even the smallest room is well turned out and beautifully furnished. This ship has been designed with love, care and style! There is however no open promenade deck, a short explore will reveal that the only deck space is outside the Pilot House on the uppermost deck and that is for maintenance crews only and the passengers are quite firmly locked out of the Pilot House anyway. Seems the Dao is all internal. The engine room when Kiyo is led down there is sleek and beautiful and quite modern. The float stone is in the centre of the chamber with varous turbines, engines, generators, panels and switches and buttons and levers and other engineering stuff. He introduces Kiyo to his chief engineer and leaves the two to get down to business! It is quite some work that needs doing. Everything is new and shiny but nothing is quite settled in yet and there are many a tweak that is required to get the system turning over just so. Whilst everyone else is settling down and getting comfortable Kiyo is getting some hands on experience with those beautiful engines! It's hard work but the Dao's engineering crew is good they just need Kiyo's extra helping hand and flashes of brilliant insight! They aren't used to such brand new engines but a fresh set of eyes, a different way of thinking are just what they needed, especially when it comes to helping them with the water based coolant system. Kiyo is able to unpick this rather unconventional design where the steam is cycled back into the storgae system through a series of collectors and condensors! It is the height of Rozzarian engineering with some interesting tweaks courtesy of the Priests of Leviathan. After a lazy six hours of relaxing on board everyone else is jolted lightly as the Dao rises up into the air and it becomes apparent why no one is alloweds outside! The ship zips along at a speed that is twice that of the older, wooden and gas-bag style airships favoured by the usual desert city state traders! The ship rises higher into the air and turns toward the North! It will still be a long journey but with Kiyo's help the ship is speeding along and their journey has begun!

-----

Onward to [[Part_the_North_(2)]]

Back to [[Rebuilding a Cage]]

Back to [[RP Logs]]

Part the North (1)

2014-06-09T18:44:50Z

Silvante:

It's been a week since Thompson's prophechy and the price each member of the party paid revealed to them the location of two of the shards of Shemhazai's prison. Now Ainsley has returned from her research trip and a decision needs to be made over where to go and how to get there. So once again Ainsley's parlour is host to these companions so their plans can be put into action!

"However Captain Farquan of the AMS Dao II is back in town! You shou;d remember him. He has flown Ainsley places before and is reliable and for hire." to Azar.

Azar grins at the return of everyone, and waits expectantly for folks to settle in. "So, there are no regular routes to the far frozen north. However, a certain Captain Farquan is on town, and available for hire. Should we place a request for his services?"
Videl is busying himself with the current situation by studying an ancient looking book closely. And all the different ways he can lit it on fire, the thick leather not yielding mcuh to the black mage construct's desires. Who has green eyes now, oddly enough.

Kiyo would be thinking about just what he'd gotten himself into... he knew absolutely nothing about what was fully going on... all he knew was that he was doing this not for the monetary findings... as he'd said before... but because being alone in this city was more than he could bare. And having companions to talk with would help him in the long run to adjust to life in the Emberstrand. He was once again back in this location of where he had met everyone prior. However, there was one more here than there was before. This was apparently the infamous Ainsley, who he remembered hearing that was going out and gathering information about these Shards they were to collect. Once again, he'd be settled into a chair, looking a bit high off the ground from his short stature. He'd think a bit about this 'Captain Farquan' fellow. "What sort of transportation does this good Captain deal in, Kupo? Sea? Air? Land?"

Lee enters, carrying a tray loaded with teapot, cups, tea-related condiments, plate of biscuits... Just in time to catch Azar's question, "Farquan? That name, sounds familiar..." He trails off, while depositing the tray in a central table, evidently unable to place the name after a moment's thought, after which he shrugs the matter out of his mind, "Tea an' biscuits, fer those wot want 'em; help yerselves." Moving to a chair and settling in, he rests his elbows on the arm rests, steepling his fingers, "I'm bettin' air, m'self; that'd be fastest an' most direct, an' probably a pretty common thing t'find goin' that direction."
This time, Ainsley is, indeed, here. She sits in her cozy little seat, with a cup of tea in one hand and her legs crossed. Her scholarly robes are on, and her eyes gaze at the party passively as she slurps at her tea. Siiiip. In recent days, she has started to show signs of age. She's probably in her mid-thirties, and her feathers are starting to grey here and there.
A very recent change. She doesn't seem unhealthy, however... far from it. She smiles passively. She knows the party should go after those two pieces first, but wanted to see what everyone else had in mind. Once people have spoken up, she says, "If he is our only option, or our easiest and cheapest option, how he gets us there is only a matter of personal comfort and thus... irrelevant, at least to me." She raises her brows and shrugs her shoulders. She sets her tea down. Downright regal in her behaviors. Kind of weird for people that know he to see it. "Place the request, please," she says, motioning to Azar, "Unless you have any better alternatives. We do not have a lot of luxury for shopping."

"Nor time," Silmeria notes, knitting needles clacking faintly as she looks up, brow furrowing at Videl's apparent attempt to set a book alight in the middle of a house. "But knowing Azar, I'm fairly certain the good Captain heads an airship, and the speed will be a welcome thing." Pausing, she lifts up her project to check its progress; a black yarn scarf, with what appear to be cat-ear-bearing skulls picked out in pink along one edge. "We *should* have sufficient supplies laid in for the weather, but with only so much room in our packs, it's probable we'll run into difficulty somewhere along the line."

Marduke has taken himself a seat in the back, his staff rested across his shoulder and had already gotten himself a glass of tea. His eyes move over each in turn and shrugs his shoulders, yet offers no comments at this time on transportation. He has a travel bag sitting next to him and his belt seems to have a few extra pouches. For those who know him, this is Marduke's general traveling assortment, the man ready to go.

It doesn't take long for Azar to set up a meeting with Captain Farquan, the Moogle captain is there within the hour. He's as tall as ever! As in the moogle in dressed tall and his presence is as usual quite firmly in place. In a frock coat, be-plumed hat and snazily turned out boots he is quite the Airship Captain. He looks around the room, nodding to those he knows and those he doesn't. "Well this is a fine gathering you are to be having here Miss Silmeria," he takes a pocket watch out of his jacket pocket and reads the time then snaps it close. "So Azar says you are looking to hire the Dao, I'm always willing to take a charter. Especially if the Lady Silmeria is involved but well the northern ice wastes? That's a hefty way to go so I'd need to hear a hefty amount of gil or other such price to make it worthwhile."

Videl's experiments have progressed towards attempting to bury the book in sulfur, by the time the Captain comes around. He lifts his head and looks around the room for a time being, then lifts up his hand. "Videl has a prize." He stares blankly with his green eyes.

Kiyo sighs in relief. "Kupo! I was fearful we'd be travelling by sea... last time I travelled by sea, it was not a very pleasant sight, Kupo..." He shuddered a bit in the memory. He'd shake his head as if clearing cobwebs. "I have my essentials, basically... except..." He'd look at his paw and grip at the air... he felt a bit naked without his gun... he'd look to Silmeria with a half smile. "If that offer for borrowing a Pistol is still on the table, Kupo..." He'd then witness another Moogle entering the locale. So this was Captain Farquan... he didn't know it was another Moogle... and a very proud-looking one, at that... he was in awe of the way the Captain stood tall, even with the height challenge. He'd shrug a bit at the Captain's declaration of price... "I've got nothing left to give, Kupo... sorry..."

Lee joins Videl as the mage speaks, giving him a smile and patiently fishing the book from the sulfur pile, "Don't think tryin' to combust th'local literature's quite necessary just now, Ser Mage." Dusting off the book, and thus spreading a hint of the smell of sulfur about the room, he asks, "Think y'could give us a quote fer a price, Captain? A 'hefty amount of gil' isn't too terribly specific a number." He reshelves the book, giving Videl another smile and nod, before making his way to retake his seat near Ainsley, "Oh, help yerself to tea an' biscuits, if y'like, Captain, more'n enough to go about."

Silmeria ducks her head, chuckling quietly. "I know it's rather far out of the way, Captain," the priestess says, setting her knitting aside and unbuckling the white-leather gunbelt at her hip. Passing the entire works over to the uncertain engineer, she tilts her head, eyebrows rising. "But I agree with Lee; what would you be asking?"

Ainsley spends some time frowning at Videl thoughtfully, though she doesn't openly protest at the Black Mage, considering the eccentricities of the peculiar artificial race. She spends more time with a small notebook of some kind, scribbling something into it, when she waits for the Captain to show up. When he does, and he speaks of the trip and what it will cost, she tears off the page she was writing on and considers it. Then she gets up out of her seat, and walks over to him. She reaches to grab one of his hands, veeeery carefully, and places the piece of paper there. "This is all the money I have saved up for this, but..." She pauses for a beat, making sure she has his attention. "I can find someone to help tune the float stones on your ship. The money as an advance payment, and the tune-up can be done when we are not so pressed for our task. When we return, I will devote all of my attention to it." She releases his hand. "Does that sound workable?" She smiles at him warmly, her hands clasping in front of her.

Marduke waits quietly and patiently for the captain to arrive. As the moogle enters Marduke offers a raise of his eyebrows as he assesses the captain, a touch of a smile crossing his face. As the moogle mentions a price, he shifts in his seat to start standing up, only to stop as Ainsley goes offer and makes her offer. Instead he stands up to get himself some more tea, still staying quiet.

Captain Farquan hefts the bag of gil from Ainsley then glances into the scholars eyes. "That be quite the offer miss Ainsley. Your reputation speaks for you as do those of some of your other companions." he hefts the bag and considers it, "It be a long trip though" he looks inside, "This much gil will cover the food and lodgings of maybe three of you... tuning up my float stone and machines before we leave however... aye that'd cover you all the way. But the AMS Dao II be just out of shakedown. Newly built n blessed by Mog n the High Priest o Levithan. If'n you can see to findin me those engineers before we be leaving you got a deal girly."

Captain Farquan takes the bankers draft from Ainsley then glances into the scholars eyes. "That be quite the offer miss Ainsley. Your reputation speaks for you as do those of some of your other companions." reads the note again and considers, "It be a long trip though" he looks inside, "This much gil will cover the food and lodgings of maybe three of you... tuning up my float stone and machines before we leave however... aye that'd cover you all the way. But the AMS Dao II be just out of shakedown. Newly built n blessed by Mog n the High Priest o Levithan. If'n you can see to findin me those engineers before we be leaving you got a deal girly."

Azar hmms and looks to Ainsley when the Captain mentions getting the engineers in early. "If that covers the costs, assuming she can get the engineers in now, then can we start packing and getting our gear stowed aboard Captain? And while we might not all be practised crew, we can also lend our blood, sweat and tears to the operation of the ship. That might be worth a bit, yes?"

You say, "Ayhe lass, working your way be an option but with the likes o miss Silmeria on board their helping to defend the ship be more useful then adding you to the muster.""

Videl's hand held up diverts him from the fact his book is being removed from him. He turns around and with narrowed eyes, barks, "I was studying that, creant!" With a huff, he gets off his chair and shifts his way over the Captain. "This group is smarter than some raggedy group of gear crankers, we have ways to make that stone explode! ... with power, of course. " He adjusts his hat on his head, before he moves over Kiyo and attempts t push the moogle forward. "Tell him about that mythical piece of equipment you were forced to relinguish."

Kiyo accepts the gunbelt from Silmeria and looks a bit at it... then he'd attempt to fasten the gunbelt around his waist... however, it was a bit too big, even by fastening it around his waist as much as possible... he thought a bit about how he was going to set this on himself... and brilliance struck him, as he instead fastened it around his shoulder, the gunbelt being fastened from his left shoulder and looping around his chest to his right hip, then back up his back. He grinned at his own brilliance. He'd then hear the banter between the Captain and Ainsley, slightly and timidly raising a paw up. "Umm... I-I could take a look at it, Kupo..." He gulped as he would continue speaking. "I'm not as well known as Miss Ainsley here... in fact, this is only my first week here in the city, Kupo... but if you were to trust in me, I..." He takes a deep breath and attempts to keep himself straightened and upright, trying to inspire as much confidence in himself as he was trying to portray that he had. "I would not disappoint in my abilities, Kupo!" He looked the Captain dead in the eye as he spoke. He'd then deadpan as the Construct spoke of his gun... He'd nervously chuckle, rubbing a paw behind his head. "A VERY early work, I assure you..."

The captain nods his head toward Kiyo, "Tha be sounding mighty swell. We are lacking in free mog engineers right now. Tha High Priestess she be using most of em to repair the steam engines under tha Temple o Mog. Running water for the slumbs be more important then us airship pilots in 'er book and I can't rightly fault tha lass." he looks Kiyo up and down and turns back to Ainsley and holds out ahand, "You be having yerself a deal Scholar."

Lee chuckles good-naturedly in response to Videl's scolding, "Of course, Ser Mage, my apologies." His head cocks at the notion of working part of the passage costs, and the Captain's response to the suggestion, "I've no qualm with takin' a turn as a Fusilier or Ship's Marine... Wouldn't be th'first time, truth be told." He holds up a finger after Kiyo finishes, with a slight grin, "Ah, an' Engineer th'First, looks like! We're ahead o'tha game already, Ains!"

Ainsley takes the Captain's hand and smiles brightly at him. "Good! Good," she says, enthusiastic. She looks over at Kiyo brightly, because he is offering to help out. It doesn't necessarily have to be god-like engineers. Any real engineering help could cut a tune-up time down significantly. She then walks over to Kiyo, and pats him on the shoulder, lightly,
"You'll be a vital part of the team, for many more tasks, if you continue with that attitude." She grins at him. She is very pleased by his confidence, and his skills are unique. She likes engineers, too, so there's that. She lets out a sigh, and then wanders over to pour herself a cup of tea or two. "I will try to scrounge up a few more engineers, too, that would be interested in helping. I may have to end up in the debt of a few people, but that's just how the social dance works, mmh?" She seems pleased by the idea. Then she climbs onto Lee's lap. Flop. And she sips her second cup o' tea.

Marduke pours hismelf another glass of tea as the negotiions happen. Glancing back as Kiyo is marked as the needed engineer, only to smile over to the moogle. He turns to walk back over to his seat and sits down. Sipping a glass of tea, he watches everybody, but currently does not feel the need to add to anything.

Silmeria turns a sunny smile Kiyo's way, bobbing her head in agreement with the scholar's estimation, and starts to gather up her knitting. "Well! Since we seem to have it all worked out, best we get ready, then. Captain, when would you prefer to leave? Master Marduke and I seem to be ready to go immediately, and I'm sure it won't take long for the rest of us to prepare."

You say, "Ah Miss Ainsley you be a star, but only Mog engineers mind. Tis bad luck to let others nah blessed by Lord Mog tinker with a mog ships engines!" he nods his head. "Well then I do say we get you all down to the ship" And true to his word he sees about making arrangements for any luggage or equipment to be collected and transported and down at the aerodome you get your first view of the Dao II. It is big, a metal hull sleek and fully contained with five decks and a pilot house up top. Proper Rozzarian mark engines and clearly quite new from the way the hull sparkles in the sunshine. It's a real sleek cutter too, designed for speed and cargo capacity and as you are all led up the gang plank the interior is plush! Rich carpets, oak panelled walls and that is just the embarkation lounge inside the passenger hatch. "Be welcome aboard the AMS Dao II!" Captain Farquan said as he patted the wall. "Lets get your gear stowed, your cabins are just up this way and then young Mog you and
I will take a walk down to the engine room" "
Marduke pages, "Oh as a note, I am bringing the rainbow drop with me. Because it may be amusing, or you never know when that crazy wild magic effect may prove useful :)" to you.
Azar is prepared to leave post haste as well, carrying one pack filled with the essentials: clothing, warmer clothing and survival gear. Any who might need a hand getting their gear /to/ the ship will find her lending a hand. "Well, a splendid ship captain, sleek and with all the comforts too. Thank you for having us and taking the contract." Once her gear is stored, she'll see what the rest of the group is up to before she begins to inspect the ship, at a slow and introspective pace.

Videl turns his head towards Kiyo, then points up a finger. "A myth in the beginning, legend by end, good man!" He offers, before walking away. He too had most of his belongings with him - save for his chocobo, that required a little bit of hunting to find. "So! Shards. Do we have a plan to retrieve a shard yet? And does the plan involve explosions?" Honest, important questions.

Kiyo blushes a bit at all the praise he was receiving. "I-it's not THAT big of a deal... I mean, you're in need of someone to do the job, and I offered, Kupo. Any self-respecting Moogle would jump at the chance to help another if they needed it..." He'd look at Silmeria and pat himself a bit. He had a pair of boots on, a toolbox on his hip, and the gunbelt around his shoulder carrying Silmeria's pistol. "I'm ready to go myself, Kupo. I say the sooner we get this trip underway, the better." Then soon as he'd said that, they were off! Once his eyes met the ship, there'd be a very long, low whistle escaping from the young Mog's lips. "An impressive ship, Captain! The Dao II looks amazing!" He'd then look to the Captain and nod in response to him talking about going to the Engine Room. "Aye, Kupo!" He'd then follow the Captain, very much interested in the mechanics of this vessel.

Lee doesn't really react to his lap being climbed onto, as if the occurrence isn't at all unusual; indeed, his free arm automatically wraps around Ainsley's waist to safely secure her there, while he smiles. "I'd only need a few moments to gather m'things, myself. Hell, half my travel things stay packed most o'tha time, anyway." And then the Captain is ushering and transporting luggage and such-like, though Lee doesn't have much: A travel pack with a hard-board back that's actually bigger than the pack itself, for some reason, a couple or three large wineskins, and a shoulder-bag that looks like it contains the cold-weather/winter items he's bringing along, which don't need to be worn yet. At sight of the ship, he gives a short whistle, following Kiyo's sentiments with his own, "Aye, impressive, Cap'n, duly so."
Following along to the accomodations, he offers Ainsley a hand where necessary, or appropriate, or, seemingly, just at random a time or two. To Videl, he gives a manic grin, "Plan? There ain't no plan!" He waves off his own words almost immediately, "Actually, I'm jus' kiddin' there. Plans're fer better minds than mine, but given who's along on this... Explosions? Yeah, there might be a few, though whether they're part of a *plan* is another matter entirely."

The lizard girl tries to find some Moogle Engineers, but is unlikely to find more than Kiyo on short notice. Eventually she'd find herself on the ship, with her luggage and everything ready and packed up. She is unlikely to offer much more input at this point... Ainsley has gotten her business handled, and they're going to go to the frozen far north one way or another. She spares a significant glance to Lee when she notices the shape of his pack, and laughs knowingly, but doesn't really say why. "I will be in the cabin, when you two are done," she says, smiling to the captain and Kiyo.

Silmeria's luggage is similarly light; not knowing where their travels will take them once they've made the north, her bulging hiker's pack simply has some warm underclothes jammed into it, a long, fleece-lined coat draped over it all, and a thicker bedroll tied onto her pack's frame. Apparently weaponless, she trails behind the party as they're shown onto the Dao II, murmuring greetings to the crew that happen to pass by, and generally stays out of the way while being a notable presence in the passages.

Marduke just shakes his head slowly as the terms are finalized. Walking over and grabbing his bag he follows the group out to the ship and looks it over. A faint hmm escapes him as he looks over the plushness and luxury of the insides. He does not take long to unload his gear into his room, mostly just dropping his bag and a set of winter clothing. The summoner soon making his way to the deck, finding himself a nice spot to sit so he can watch the landscape below for when they get moving.

The Quarters are on the passenger deck which is deck B, the second deck down. There is a large dinning room, observation lounge at the front of the ship. A small library, a music room, a quiet contemplation lounge and a shrine to Mog and Ark. Then there are the bedrooms, Luxurious even the smallest room is well turned out and beautifully furnished. This ship has been designed with love, care and style! There is however no open promenade deck, a short explore will reveal that the only deck space is outside the Pilot House on the uppermost deck and that is for maintenance crews only and the passengers are quite firmly locked out of the Pilot House anyway. Seems the Dao is all internal. The engine room when Kiyo is led down there is sleek and beautiful and quite modern. The float stone is in the centre of the chamber with varous turbines, engines, generators, panels and switches and buttons and levers and other engineering stuff. He introduces Kiyo to his chief engineer and leaves the two to get down to business! It is quite some work that needs doing. Everything is new and shiny but nothing is quite settled in yet and there are many a tweak that is required to get the system turning over just so. Whilst everyone else is settling down and getting comfortable Kiyo is getting some hands on experience with those beautiful engines! It's hard work but the Dao's engineering crew is good they just need Kiyo's extra helping hand and flashes of brilliant insight! They aren't used to such brand new engines but a fresh set of eyes, a different way of thinking are just what they needed, especially when it comes to helping them with the water based coolant system. Kiyo is able to unpick this rather unconventional design where the steam is cycled back into the storgae system through a series of collectors and condensors! It is the height of Rozzarian engineering with some interesting tweaks courtesy of the Priests of Leviathan. After a lazy six hours of relaxing on board everyone else is jolted lightly as the Dao rises up into the air and it becomes apparent why no one is alloweds outside! The ship zips along at a speed that is twice that of the older, wooden and gas-bag style airships favoured by the usual desert city state traders! The ship rises higher into the air and turns toward the North! It will still be a long journey but with Kiyo's help the ship is speeding along and their journey has begun!

-----

Onward to [[Part_the_North_(2)]

Back to [[Rebuilding a Cage]]

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Part the North (2)

2014-06-09T18:44:23Z

Silvante: Created page with 'It has been three days since the party boarded the AMS Dao II and the sleek Moogle run airship has been a beautiful ride. Smooth, flawless and though they are not allowed outside…'

Rebuilding a Cage

2014-06-09T18:27:16Z

Silvante:

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 1</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the Prophecy|Prophecy]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the North (1)|Part the North (1)]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the North (2)|Part the North (2)]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the North (3)|Part the North (3)]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the North (4)|Part the North (4)]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the North (5)|Part the North (4)]]</u></div>

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Back to [[RP Logs]]

Part the North (1)

2014-03-31T18:16:26Z

Silvante: Created page with ' It's been a week since Thompson's prophechy and the price each member of the party paid revealed to them the location of two of the shards of Shemhazai's prison. Now Ainsley has…'

Part the Prophecy

2014-03-24T20:37:32Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Ainsley's call to arms has reached out to all those she thought may be of assistance during the next stage of her quest. As things stand the world is in turmoil, chaos and whisp…'

Ainsley's call to arms has reached out to all those she thought may be of assistance during the next stage of her quest. As things stand the world is in turmoil, chaos and whispers flitter from port to port and trouble stirs. So for many this is the first gathering of quite an ecclictic group of people at the residence of Ainsley and her beau Lee. Ainsley sadly is absent, investigating some leads amongst her people the Grey Scholars that she dared not take the others too. So it has fallen to Lee and Silmeria to explain to the others what their Quest is and how they hope to proceed! As things stand all are gathered, chairs have been provided in the small, dignified room and now the party wait for Silmeria to speak for what lies before them is no simple quest for riches or long lost treasure but a quest that none should walk into blind.

At the front of the room, a slight, tanned blond woman in an elegantly simple black dress stands, hands clasped in front of her. "Lee, Azar," she begins, bobbing her head at the man in black and the red-haired warrior in turn, "thank you for being here. Sirs," she continues, turning to Kiyo and Videl with a bright, sunny smile, "we've not met before, but now's as good a time as any to remedy that. My name is Silmeria, lay-priestess of the Temple of Hades here in Emberstrand, and I am more than thankful to see you here. I've a feeling we're going to need every last hand willing to join, before long."

Azar sits patiently, nodding to the newer people as everyone is introduced. "Happy to help, though I am sad to see Ainsley isn't here. I trust she'll catch us up, yes?" This is addressed mostly to Simeria and Lee.

Lee chuckles at Silmeria's greeting, giving the priestess a bob of his head as he heads to stand to one side of her at the front, "Aye, well, welcome t'you, an' all old and new, t'our home." He gestures to the low table amongst the chairs, "There's tea an' biscuits, 'elp yerselves if y'like..." He clears his through before continuing, introducing himself to the unacquainted as well, "An' I'm Lee, close companion, as it were, t'Aden Ainsley." He nods to Azar, "Aye, she'll catch us up 'afore we leave; she's takin' care o'some research wi'... her *family*..." That said with a slight, almost visible, shudder.

In one of the chairs sat a blacker-looking Moogle, but the black of him looks like it could just be soot from an active forge. He gives a serious nod. "Kiyojuac, Apprentice Smithy. While I have not been in the Emberstrand for very long, I never resist the call for help, Kupo!" He sat there patiently, awaiting the full reason that they were all there.

The sound of bells and crystals chiming, a familiar sound to some, can be heard approaching the door. The door is opened and Marduke shows himself in. He glances around to each in turn and offer a simple nod. Without a word he makes his way over to the table, and pours himself a glass of tea. then moves over to take a seat and sits down, laying his staff down along his sholder.

Videl's yellow eyes burn up brightly under the shade of his yellow straw hat. "Yes, yes, it is very important we, get to the core - " He holds up his hand, pausing Silmeria before she has a chance to interrupt him, "Or as I say, /materia/ of this contentious issue of chaotic mechanics of Firaga. Why does it make such pretty colors, why does the heat burn one's heatbrows but barely graze the earth? So many questions! I personally believe that everything is either on fire or not fire at the same time, and ti merely depends on the cultural notions of what is the best looking fire, but I understand that can be a contentious notion for a layman." He tilts his head, the flopped end of his hand flopping over the other side. "Who's Ainsley?"

Silmeria inclines her head, beaming at Marduke as the Summoner makes his way to the table. "Master Marduke, glad you could make it." She opens her mouth to continue, but pauses, blinking at Videl. "I... sorry, what? Um, no... no, we've called you all here for a, um... more *immediate* concern. One of the Lucavi has broken free of her prison. The Whisperer, specifically, and I fear that should we not locate the remaining shards of her prison soon, well..." Lifting a shoulder, the priestess shifts on her feet. "I'm sure you can imagine what's likely to happen, when a corrupted Spirit with a penchant for lies, betrayal, and the ruin of kingdoms is given free rein."

Azar peers at Videl, and then nods to Marduke. Turning back to look at Silmeria. "The Whisperer seems to have hidden herself well. I take it the there has been a recent breakthrough? You have my sword no matter the news."

Lee blinks crimson eyes at Videl, his impromptu lecture going quickly, almost immediately in fact, over the short man's head. It takes a moment for the wheels in his head to catch up, and for the eloquent and sophisticated response of "Wha?" A quick shake of his head to clear out the techno-babble, and he nods with Silmeria, continuing for the new additions to the crew, "Um, right, yeah... So, findin' th'pieces o'her prison, or at least leads on where t'find some of 'em, is what we've all been about, mostly, fer th'past little while now, ever since she broke free. Embarassingly, wi' *our* help, through some rather deep an' convoluted trickery an', o'course, lies. I'm sure y'can imagine why this is o'such importance t'us."
Kiyo nods to the news. He didn't know what this... Lucavi was. He'd never seen one before. But it sounded bad. And bad was not good. "You have my hammer and gun. Something like this seems very bad to let stay on the loose, Kupo." He'd then look to the construct, as he'd seen a couple of those. But... none as odd as this one. His Emerald-green eyes take a look at everyone around him, attempting to gauge what they could do and what kind of weaponry he could potentially craft for them all...

Marduke takes a sip of his tea. His expression looking thoughtful as he leans forward a bit, "The danger is deeper then that as I recall Silmeria. The aims to release something far worse, regardless. Stopping must be done." Leaning back as he closes his eyes to listen.

Videl stares blankly for a time being, his eyes growing in light and dimming down... before he suddenly claps his hands. "Ah, Firaja, or..." He leans closer, "Or Firagaga?" His eyes shrink slightly and then after a while, he suddenly reaffirms his position in this current space and time. "Wait, Whisperer? Wait, wait, hold on, just a moment." He holds his hands out, as if trying to calm everyone done. "You are not that crazy group that let the Whisperer loose? And you are planning to recapture her? Isn't this the biannual convention on applications of Fire on Chaos and Ga-Mechanics? Even that sounds less insane than what you people are planning." He digs into his robe, rummages around and pulls up a torn looking piece of paper. "Really, what are these directions people give Videl? It is almost as if they don't believe there's such a thing..." He mutters by himself, his backpack rocking along his back as he pulls back from the front.

"Master Videl," Silmeria says slowly, as though trying to convince herself that the Black Mage is, in fact, honestly confused, and not slightly insane himself, "I'm afraid that we are, and we are. We are not insane, simply trying to clean up our mess, and return one of the Damned Thirteen to her rightful place in the world; mewed up in silence for all time, hopefully never to sucker another pack of well-meaning adventurers into setting her loose again. *That said,* we're already halfway there." Stooping to an overstuffed hiking pack resting against the wall next to her, she rummages about, drawing out a small, ebonywood box, hefting it up into view. "Six of the twelve shards we need, we have. But... I'm afraid that here is where our leads have petered out. I've suspicions as to where the rest are... But they need to be confirmed."

Azar hmms and nods to Silmeria. "So we've been lucky so far then. Is there any instruction or clues as to what we need to do once the shards have been collected?"

Lee says, "An' further leads is also what Ainsley's off puttin' up wi' her mother's judgemental superiority an' bitchiness tryin' t'find, but there's no promise she'll ferret out more'n one or possibly two, any at all. That, plus Silm's suspicions..." He crosses his arms, leaning lightly on an unoccupied chair, looking to Silmeria, following Azar's question with a nod and his own, "An' wot'chu got in mind fer this confirmation, Silm?""

Kiyo would just shake his head at the construct, sighing heavily. This one probably fell off the short delivery bus somewhere... but that was neither here nor there at the moment. For now, he had his scrutinizations, and had determined that by the looks of this group, 2 of them could use a Smith's work if they were to ever want for better gear down the road. Ahh, how the plotting mind of the Moogle turned merchant turns. But this was more than just a business opportunity. If this creature was as dangerous as everyone here made it sound like, it had to be stopped. He had to ask the obvious question at that point... "And I suppose we're the ones to confirm these suspicions you have, Kupo?"

Marduke glances over to Videl as he considers the construct for a moment. Then smiles thoughtfully, "That convention I beileve is not actually in this city. I think you were supposed to take a left at Kandala." Hmming a moment, "Sounds like a interesting convention though." He drops his focus on Videl and looks back over to Silmeria, "I have been in the dark on most of this, thought it is good to hear that at least 6 have been found. confirmations will only happen when we go, so when do we depart?"

"Hold on, hold on. I am still on the part where we're agreeing that you are insane." Videl calls out, "Release a Lucavi, try to -" His thought suddenly collapses, as he snaps his head towards Marduke. "Back at Kandala? A /LEFT/?" He raises his hands in silent cry of anguish. Perhaps he gambled and lost. The flustered, rather angry looking construct then waves his finger at Silmeria, hat tipping this way and that. "Alright, alright, but this insanity shall end with me and Apocalypse. That is /only/ appropriate."

"If your magic is equal to the task," Silmeria says cheerfully, inclining her head as though she had made a friendly statement and not a blatant challenge, "then I'm sure there'll be no shortage of things to inflict it on, in the coming days. Master Kiyo, confirming the suspicion is but one thing we'll need to do; after that, collecting the remaining shards of the prison. After that," she says, nodding to Azar, "we take them all to the Temple of the Void, where the prison can be reforged and but back into use. Lee... we need to talk to someone whose sight isn't limited by the world." Drawing in a deep breath, she lets it out in a quiet sigh. "We need to speak to Thompson. I only fear that there will be a price to be paid for his talents."

Azar tilts her head to one side, and wonders aloud. "So, obvious question then is... whom is this Thompson fellow. And... what kind of price does he ask?" She crosses her legs and leans forward slightly. "It sounds like he's not looking for gil or trinkets, yes?"

Lee stays quiet as Silmeria explains and answers Marduke, Kiyo, and Videl, then aahs slowly and nods at mention of Thompson's name, "Been a while since I've seen that lad, it 'as. Will be nice ta speak t'him again." He gives a small chuckle, "Yeah, well, we're no stranger to prices, Silm. Whatever it is, we'll manage." He turns to Azar, "Thompson is a fella that works at th' University, Azar, an' somethin' of a Seer an' Oracle o'sorts. An' it's not him that'll set th'price, most likely, but that which give 'im his sight, given how things tend t'work when we're involved." He pushes himself back up to free-standing again, meandering his way around his room and towards the door, humming under his breath...

Kiyo perks up at the mention of price. "Umm... the offer spoke nothing of reward for such services rendered, Kupo. Mayhaps that was to be spoken of here?" He had no idea who this Thompson was... but he sounded like someone he didn't want coming in and stealing his monetary Thunder, so to speak. But then spoken of again, it seemed he may not need fear of his Gil... but he still didn't like the sound of this guy coming along if he required a heavy price... even if it did not mean Gil or trinkets, it could mean something else really bad. And bad things meant bad business... but the explanation of the guy being an Oracle definitely explained more, and helped put his mind a bit at ease... even though he had no idea what an Oracle could really do, and what sort of payment would be required... "Alright. So as..." He points to the fancily-dressed Hume. "... he asked, when do we get this Kupo mission underway?"

Marduke glances back to Videl, "Insane or sane, the decpetioon was greater then the awareness of all invovled. Her escape was her own work centuries in the making." Then the talk of Thompson catches his attention, "His price is generally fair, and he does on occasion accept coin. I know he did for me when he identified the rainbow drop. Though he did not find it interesting enough to waive the fee." A touch of a smirk on his face at that, "I doubt he will charge you anything unreasonable." A glance to Lee and a raise of his eyebrows, "He is about to show up isn't he?" Marduke glances over to Kiyo and raises his eyebrows, "I honestly do not know, Silmeria or Lee would be the ones to ask. I am here to help where I can, to fix things."

Videl hmhs, pushing out his hands out of his sleeves. "Such tea-sprouting nonsense pales to proper magicks, I say." He mutters, before raising his finger towards Silmeria. "Did you know there are several Ga-spots identifiable during the initial build-up before the blast? Some scholars in certain circles take this to mean it is the will of an Animus, the embodied spirit of the magick. Almost as if it were waiting... looking," He spreads his hand. "To be cast." He then lowers his hand. "Either way, it sounds less insane than listening prophecies to catch a lucavi." He hrmhps, walking up to Marduke. "Left of Kandala, you say?"

"There is always a price for the sight beyond the veil." a new voice says, come from one of the chairs on the far side of the table. A tall, ebony skinned gentleman in an open vest and a turban stands up slowly and turns to regard everyone in the room. How long has he been there, sitting quietly and listening, waiting and now his silver gaze is turned upon all present here and for a brief moment as his eyes touch each of yours the world seems to retreat. A shadowy haze of grey as all but his eyes fades out and a sense of untouched oddity flows into your souls... he is seeing beyond you and into you. Nothing is hidden from the eyes of this stranger as he looks at you, for a moment you can know all there is to know... the line of your life stretching out ahead and behind and then his gaze moves on and the clarity of before fades as the world returns to brightness. "I am here where I am meant to be at this time. How may I aid you and those you have called into this web Handmaiden of Hades?"

"Then if you've no wish to aid us," Silmeria says mildly, her smile at Videl cooling only a touch, "I wish you well and good fortune upon your hunt for the Ga-spot. I'm sure it'll be a long, arduous, and frustrating search, unless you enlist a partner or three. Professor Thompson, right on time of course! Thank you very much, for likely already being here and possibly knowing exactly what it is we're looking for. In case you've only arrived, then we'll need to know where the remaining shards of the Whisperer's Nethicite prison are, and if her cultists hold them. As for reward, master Kiyo..." Here the priestess pauses, chewing on her lower lip. "I'd ask what price you'd care to name, to be honest. If nothing else, I can ensure that my Temple orders its metalwork from your forge for howevermuch time you'd think fair?"

Azar looks to the newcomer with some curiosity, and offers a nod of her head to him. At Silmeria's offer to Kiyo, the red-head looks to him with a smile. "I would happily commission two blades from you, master Moogle, as part of a reward for your efforts. So you can count me among your future customers." Azar looks to Silmeria then, "I can help you bankroll the expedition, if you should need it, at least, if those going along will take gil as a reward."

Lee chuckles as he takes position by the door, leaning back against the wall beside it, arms crossed again, a half-grin playing over his lips, "Well, dunno if he is or not, Marduke, but knowing who an' what 'e is? Wouldn't put it past 'im ta pop up unannounced, since we started talkin' about 'im an' all." And there Thompson is, bypassing the door altogether somehow! "An' there 'e is, see?" Pushing from the wall, he heads back around the room towards his original spot near Silmeria, patting once of Videl's pauldrons lightly with his gauntleted hand, smiling to the Construct, "Aye, Good Ser-Mage, if you've pressin' matters t'attend, we'll not force y'ta stay, eh? Still, th'more th'merrier, sez I, so any hand y'could lend'd be much appreciated." Thompson's penetrating gaze doesn't seem to bother Lee much; he's been subject to it before, after all, and there's not much new for the seer to see in him; indeed, the line of Lee's life is likely more visible to Thompson without the seer even trying regardless, "Thompson, good t'see ya again, lad. Tea, biscuits?" Doing his best to be a good host, even if he's not well-versed in hosting.

Kiyo jumps quite a bit at the new voice just appearing out of nowhere, actually falling out of the chair he sat in and flopping to the floor with a loud 'THUD!' With the thud came a bit of billowy black soot rising off of his fur and hanging in the air above him for a bit until it just pulls right back into his fur. He coughs slightly at that. "I wasn't startled... nope... not in the slightest... just... I sneezed, Kupo..." With his reputation on the line, he made for the chair once more, taking a few seconds to get into it fully due to his short stature. After having settled himself back in his seat, he'd give a smile. "Oh, I wouldn't dare dream of subjecting your Temple to my shoddy workmanship just yet..." As an example, he pulls from his belt a gun that looks quite... well, not right would be the best term. It looked as if it had been made with clay pieces along with the metal parts, and shaped by a Hume child. "as you can see, Kupo... however, I would not be so upset as to accept an equal share of acquired monetary findings, Kupo. That, and maybe some spare scrap metal for which I could use to more greatly practice my craft, Kupo!"

Marduke watches Thompson make his entrance and offers the man a smile. He has been subject of Thompson's gaze a few times before and the summoner doesn't even blink this time. Though a shiver can be seen running along Marduke for a moment. He then glances to Videl as he considers a moment, "I recall hearing something about a magic confrence in Nalbinia, which if you were coming from the west would require making a left at Kandala. You can still north from here along the man roads or get a airship, though the trip is at least a day. As for this, if you are interested in helping should take a seat. Good talent is always welcome." A glance to Kiyo and a chuckle, "Interesting." before sipping his tea and looking back up front.

Videl seems momentarily lost as Thompson stares at him, but then Marduke's mention of 'good talent' snaps him out of it. "Ah, yes! Of course, how else?" He replies, before seating himself at one of the tables, his backpack noisily chiming out.

Thompson moves to take a cup of tea and leans back in his chair, the silver light in his eyes dim and he glances from one to the other, "I am sorry to startle you master smith... the children of Mog are always my friends... but as to your request." he glances at Silmeria, "I can reveal to you the next one but only if appropriate sacrifice is offered... the spirits must adhere to the rules. Lady Andromeda can offer her assistance but only if each of you here offer her something in return." he sips his tea, thoughtfully lost in it for a moment, "From each of you I must receive something of worth and value.... something you would not normally travel without to be kept in my trust until you return from where you go"

Silmeria blinks, as Videl drops back into his chair without a moment's more struggle, nonplussed... then shakes her head, giving Thompson a long, measuring look as he outlines the specifics of his price. Sighing, she nods once, stooping to unfasten a heavy, ebony-handled Gunblade from the bottom of her pack. "You remember Iluren, Professor," she says, holding the weapon across her arms, as she offers it to the seer. "You know her worth to me, and how she's repaid my care in kind. I trust you'll keep her well, until we return."
Azar swallows noisily and slowly stands, drawing the longest of her blades from her belt. "Yosh's sword, which he used to carve the longest winning streak any gladiator has ever done in Archades. My father's blade. Keep it well." She flicks the sword over in the air, catching it by the blade and offering it handle first to the Seer.
Lee takes up a biscuit himself before reaching his original spot near Silmeria, taking a bite and chewing while the conversation continues, listening to each turn peaceably. His chewing slows as Thompson details the price, though, and a frown creases his brow, the short man stepping over to an empty chair and lowering himself slowly into it, deep in thought, seemingly no longer aware of the room and it's occupants as his thoughts turn inward, even as Silmeria and Azar hand over their offerings to Thompson's price...

Kiyo winces as he hears this from the newcomer... that price... pretty heavy, indeed... he'd sigh... he really didn't have much choice... he'd give the gun in his hands a squeeze... before getting up of the chair and offering it to the Oracle. "It doesn't have any name at all... but this is the first thing I've ever crafted, and I've held on to it since leaving my Clan near the Salikawood. I've always carried it around, both as a protective measure, and as a reminder that I can only get better... please take great care of it..." He seemed to have a tear streaking down his face, as some of the soot on it clears from the liquid rolling down it.

Marduke stands up slowly as he taps his staff into the ground. A sip of his tea as he watches Silmeria and Azar offer up their items. Then a nod to the moogle as he gives up his first cratfed item. Then the summoner watches Thompson for a long moment, before he slowly nods and starts to walk over. A hand reaching to his belt as he pulls a small stone statue out of a bag. The statue is that of a dragon, one of the many depictions of Bahamut. He looks over the statue for a long moment, then holds it out to Thompson. He stays silent the whole time, offering no explination of the statues meaning or history.

Videl raises his hands. "You can't be serious -" He starts, then gestures wildly. "It is not as if I can leave myself with you! How would that even work?" The yellow straw hat bops. "G'n'r damn it." He grunts as he lowers back down onto the chair, looking from one person to another. "Fine. I'll figure it out later." He waves dismissively with his hand.
Videl pages, "He's talking about leaving his body as something of equal worth, and something he'd not travel without. :]" to you.

Thompson touches Iluren, then Yosh's sword, the gun and finally the statue of Bahumat... he runs his fingers along each then glances at Lee... his eyes glow for a moment before turning to Videl.... He then raises his hands, the items so far drift into the air and rotate.... slowly starting to shine with a strange silver light. "You have all given something you would rather not leave behind...." he glances at Videl and Lee again. "Except two... the price is intrinsic to all who would walk this route... her terms are fair and exact... once payment is accepted I shall speak the words of the Lady of Stars."

Silmeria rests a comforting hand on the back of the Moogle's head, smiling gently. "Don't worry," the priestess murmurs. "Thompson is a good and dear friend, and I trust him to care for your gun as he would my blade. Until then, you can borrow mine if you'd like." Looking back up, she watches the items revolve in the air, glancing to Lee and Videl, a honey-colored eyebrow rising.

Azar settles back into her seat, watching the floating items with curiosity. "I have scarcely left my house without that blade upon my belt. I am loathe to go anywhere without it, and I am happy that it is accepted for this bargain."

Lee silently ponders, with only minimal attention paid to everyone else in the room, and the things they offer... Another moment more, and, with an intense look to Thompson, he stands again, making his way to the door and leaving the room, all without a word. He's gone for a few long, and perhaps tense, minutes; surely he hasn't walked out on this quest, given it's importance to Ainsley, someone so close to him? But he returns, putting that idea to rest, the door opening and the black-cloaked man staggering back into the room, taking long draws from a large wineskin, a few drops of red escaping the corner of his mouth around the winskin's stem as he takes draw after long draw from it, all the while taking unsteady steps in Thompson's direction. The front of his shirt is bloody, as if from a wound bleeding beneath, and his free hand, it's gauntlet removed, clutches a fist-sized faceted gem in bloody fingers, a black flickering deep within the crystal seeming to suck up the light around it, or perhaps casting midnight darkness in place of light... He stops before Thompson, lowering the wineskin from his lips finally, short of breath, and holds the heart-shaped crystal out to Thompson, saying simply, in a rough and exhausted voice, "My flame..." Which might mean something to some, or be completely confusing to others, but the look he levels at Thompson shows he expects the Seer to know *exactly* what the meaning is, regardless of how impossible it might seem for Lee to be offering what he is.

Kiyo sniffles a bit at Silmeria's offer, wiping his eyes a bit of the tears before looking up to her with a smile. "I would appreciate that, thank you Kupo!" He knew in his own heart that it wouldn't be the same as his own... but it would be enough, at least to keep him safe. He'd have his inspiration back when this was all said and done with... he'd then see the other Hume male re-enter the place, and the Moogle's features would very much betray his feelings, that of shock, worry and fear. Just what had this man done in the few minutes he was gone?!

Marduke nods once as he walks back to his seat and sits down. His staff is again put across his shoulder with a chim of bells. The summoner turns to watch Lee, his face going stone and offering no display of emotions. As Lee offers what it is, Marduke nods to himself and reaches for his tea and takes a sip. Then glancing to Videl he offers, "What do you hope to gain or gain in life, if you are never asked to sacrifice or risk anything? So casual are you in figuring it out later, when later may never come. If you offer nothing, then you gain nothing, and you are not in the place you are meant to be right now. Think on that." Then turns back to watch the floating objects, the dragon statue in particular.

Videl does take his time, muttering underneath his breath about impossibilities, and insanities. Though when Lee leaves like that, he stares after him in curiosity, before he suddenly steps back all bloodied like that. "Insanity." He breathes, as he sees what is being offered. At Marduke's words, he simply shakes head and steps up and makes his way over towards Thompson. "If it goes full insanity, you have to go fully insane. Not half-way, not in between, but completely." He still gives a flippant, annoyed huff and wave of his hand. "Have it. Take it. By the flames if you do hurt that flame." He puffs.

Thompson takes the jewel with reverence, holding it gently in his hands... "Clarity is earnt with such sacfice..." he sets the stone in the air, at the centre of the gently orbiting series of objects. He then looks toward Videl... takes a deep breath and breathes out.... Videl's body seems to explode.... his clothing crumpling to the ground, a cascade of whirling silver dust blowing through the air and whirling around each and every person before weaving into a grid about the gently shining objects.... The web solidifies, spreads and twists, threads and lines connecting each object, turning and growining more complex, indepth and then the centre seems to sink in upon itself, twist and turn and open upwards..... spinning and whirling and then there is a vision... a long expanse of sea flowing down beneath, the waves undulating, the sun sparkling, "In the sea of endless ice, beyond Archades bounds..." the vision changes, the sea is ending at a massive cliff of white ice. "Two points to the east, ten hours to the north lies the endless white of the artic realm. Seek the Bluestone gorge..." across the land the vision flitters, to a break where ice shelf meets rocky mountains... a startling blue crevasse of rock... .then past it.... a circular indentation of old stones. "Find the chamber of the old artificers, deep beneath the crust. Where mist deposited it long ago the Cult of the Whisperer has made a home..." The seers hands come up and the vision twists, sweeping down into the circle of rocks, past the shattered outside of an ancient bronzer and crystal dome and lingering above an opening in the rock.... "Down beneath, in ruined splendour, they twist the Mist and form a nest... inside lie two shards of Sapphire... surrounded by forgeries and fakes and those who have sworn to the Knights of Restoration...." The vision lingers above the top of the shaft but does not enter. "The mist flows thickly deep beneath, what was once a place of creation now holds dark poison and despair... be resolute, be brave.... and when you return...." the vision clears and a beautiful lady stares out into the room, the Oracles voice fades and she speaks, her black hair blowing. "When you return my children... further aid can I give you then. Your sacrifices were great, more so then I have ever imagined.... my power to aid you is true and strong and so I give you this boon of strength, wisdome and courage.... when all is silent in the Chamber of Fakes... raise your voices in song that is true and I shall lift the veil from your eyes so truth may be seen." And then the vision collapses, the beautiful lady is gone, the surrendered items are missing and where the black mage's clothes once rested there is now a dark figure shrouded under robes and straw hat once more and yet this time there seem to be two shining points of green light instead of yellow eyes beneath that hat... but they have their answer and their destination, the far icy north.....

"And so it begins," Silmeria says, voice soft, bowing her head deeply in thanks as the vision fades. "We'll wish to pack warm as we can, and light if possible. Thank you, Master Thompson, and our thanks to your Lady in kind."

Azar tries to absorb all that the man says, and lets out a huff of breath. "North? Not a fun place to be stumbling about looking for things. Hah." She offers a nod to Thompson and then looks to Silmeria. "Aye, packing warmly and figuring out the best way to travel..."

Lee watches the vision keenly, to embed what details he can in his memory, to relay to Ainsley as best he can the next time he sees her, then, once it ends, shuffles his way back to the chair he sat in minutes ago, taking another deep draw from the wineskin as he flops tiredly into it, "Needs be what must be, Azar... We'll find a way. All we truly need now, 'sides warm furs, is Ainsley's return." He ponders a moment, then gives a faint half-grin, "Been a good while since I've been up northwards th'snow line. Beautiful country up there, y'know? Cold, an' dry, an' deceptively dangerous most times, but there's a serenity t'it, y'know? A silence..."

Kiyo bows to Thompson as he looks at Silmeria. "So... I guess this means your fear was true, Kupo... this Cult of Whisperers is in posession of two of the shards." He takes a deep, steadying breath, trying hard to squeeze something in his hands that didn't exist. He'd take a breath. "I don't have much in the way of cold weather clothing... and I don't have many personal belongings anyway... so I am, at present, ready to disembark, Kupo." He'd then look at the Hume curiously. "If you enjoy being blown away by icy winds, Kupo..."

Marduke suddenly has a notepad and quill in his hand. Writing everything down in short hand
quickly. He glances up to see the beautiful lady and lets out a sigh, "Grandpa was right, she is very pretty." Then glances over his notes filling in more details before he forgets. Leaning back he reaches for his tea, only to find the glass empty. Standing up and moving over to get more tea he glances to the others, "Regardless of how we leave the spies will know when we do. By Airship we can start in a different direction, maybe drop a few misleading pieces of info ourselves to buy us a little time and distraction. Regardless, we should leave soon. My moogle friend, we can get you clothing if needed." A glance to Videl and a nod, "A powerful scarfice that was."

Videl takes a moment to stretch out his stiff limbs. It seems, quite eerily so, as if someone was trying to wriggle into a fresh set of clothing, stretching the tight fabric out; except it was a body, not clothing. "Better take care of him." He tells Thompson with a wave of his hand, before he turns around, picks up his backpack and stiffly wobbles in spot. "Tea-sprouting nonsense..." He mutters on his way out, his eyes glinting wholly differently now.

Thompson bows to all and stands, "I have given you what I can and shown you what I saw... you all sacrificed beyond what would normally be called and for that reason I was able to see further and deeper... beware and good luck to you all and until you return...." He pauses by the door, "One final thing.... Ainsley returns with the location of one more and when you return I can use thr three to locate the two that remain.... good luck and safe travels." he nods rto Silmeria and the others and heads out of the room.

-----

Back to [[Rebuilding a Cage]]

Back to [[RP Logs]]

Rebuilding a Cage

2014-03-24T20:37:02Z

Silvante: Created page with '<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 1</span></u></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Part the P…'

RP Logs

2014-03-24T20:35:46Z

Silvante:

<big>'''RP Logs'''</big>

This is where players may post logs of events that have happened on the game for other players to enjoy in an Out-of-Character fashion. Information from these pages may not be used in an In-Character fashion unless your Player Character was specifically involved in the events that have taken place.

*October 28, 2009: Pirates loot the passenger schooner, [[MAS Fenrir, Part I]].

*October 28, 2009: A young hero tries to save the day, [[MAS Fenrir, Part II]].

*January 27, 2011: A mercenary learns the lesson of a [[Fair Trade]].

*March 12, 2011: A simple journey begets a [[Quest for Redemption]]

*May 27, 2011: There's a hint of [[Big Trouble in Little Emberstrand]].

*June & July, 2011: A party of adventurers gets hired to retrieve an object from an ancient temple. [[Call of Nyslyeiagh]]

*Fall, 2011: An Aegyl who's lost his wings starts a quest to get them back. [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest]]

*Fall, 2011: After "Big Trouble in Little Emberstrand", The Cursed seeks release, and must find [[The Twins]].

*October 2011: Scholar Ainsley embarks on a quest to aid the University of Emberstrand at: [[A Riddle Crypt]]

*December 2011: The seer Thompson hires a group of specialists to help him stop something he saw in a vision: [[A Vision of Evil]]

*February 2012: A small group of people get attacked by assassins: [[Uninvited Guests]]

*February 2012: Mount Bur-Omisace - A trip to the Holy City: [[Holy City]]

*April 2012: A young noblewoman hears whispers from [[A Silvered Tongue]]

*June 2012: A quest to locate Diabolos' lost temple! [[To Free a Soul]]

*Fall 2012: A group of travelers pulled into a nightmare Realm to face an ancient curse. [[The Nightmare Manuscript]]

*Winter 2013: Is it a dream, or is it real? Only a certain noble knows. [[What Dreams May Come]]

*Winter 2013: War is coming, all too soon for a band of sky pirates. [[The Lion Prophecy]]

*Spring 2013: An Archadian transplanted noble shows Emberstrand how feasting is done. [[Plumfrost Feast]]

*Spring 2013: The [[Whisper War]]

*Spring 2013: [[DOWNFALL!]]

*Autumn 2013 [[Waterway Hunt]] Ainsley and her companions embark on a search for the first shard of Shemhazai's Prison

*Autumn 2013 [[A Serial Killer]] The City Guard join forces with a pair of unlikely companions to hunt down a serial killer.

*Winter 2014 [[The Artifact of Atomos]] The hunt for the legendary artifact of Atomos.

*Spring 2014 [[Rebuilding a Cage]] Ainsley, Silmeria, Lee and their gang set off to rebuild Shemhazai's Prison

----------------------------
Return to [[Main Page]]

Murder 1

2014-01-19T16:23:27Z

Silvante:

Emberstrand, sometime well after midnight, the city is not quiet at all. It should be and to the untrained eye it looks peaceful enough. Fog up off the river curling around roof level. Alley ways shrouded in darkness, hazy light and the odd stray animal. It's a city under dark, under the threat of invasion, a city that is holding its collective breath to wait and see what the next disaster shall be. For the guard though there is still crime and under the hours of darkness when the good folk of the city (those that exist) are sleeping the criminal element take to the streets. From burglars and assassins to more freelance thinkers of equality and Kharma and tonight is no difference as deep in the warren of streets, alleys, towers domes and winding streets of South Hill Animus is on the prowl and his evening has so far been anything but peaceful with the guard close on his heels. They are getting better at tracking him, closing in on his location and causing havoc.

Though the rooftops usually provide the best way to traverse the city at speed and with stealth, the vigilante known as Animus has actually found himself at street level for a change... The shadowy figure slipping through the slum's many dark, cramped alleyways, the gloom surrounding him, almost absorbed into him, melding the edges of his form with the shadows as he makes his way towards the intended meeting with the Esper of Hades even while trying to avoid the authorities snapping at his heels. Only the quiet footsteps on the mud below his feet and the whispering rustle of his coat announcing his presence as he passes through the night, the twin pin pricks of crimson light within the eternal shadows below the wide brim of his hat silently sweeping this way and that, checking his corners, taking note of likely ambush points... The vigilante expecting handcuffs to be waiting for him at every turn...

The golem wanders through the maze of alleyways in pursuit of the shadowy man with the red light of his optic lens lighting the way in front of him very much like a train in a tunnel, much to the surprise of a few strays. The mud below muffles his otherwise loud footsteps, making Buckler as stealthy as he really could ever be, his presence only betrayed by the quiet hiss or grinding of metal plates rolling off of each other, which with the echo of the brick walls might make it hard to detect where he's coming from... Not too far ahead of Animus the bricks on the wall opposite a side alley are lit up with a red spotlight that slowly sweeps back and forth with shadows of garbage cans shrinking as the golem nears the opening, only to fade off as if the construct were heading elsewhere... At least for brief moment until the golem's head appears around the corner of the alley with that lens on his face spinning rapidly as he spots the wanted man standing not far away.

Handcuffs, the vigilante could not be more correct. The scent of Animus has become all too familiar to Ezekial and because of that his commanders have tasked him with bringing in the man. And he's begun to learn his habits as well. Tonight once they had picked up the trail Zeke had sent his new deputy, Buckler, to follow it and had taken to sidestreets, moving faster in an effort to get ahead of him while occasionally giving brief signs to the golem to correct his course, when needed, before he slipped ahead and, upon catching Buckler's head peeking out, stepped out while flashing a focused mage light lantern (flashlight) right where Animus' face should be while holding a set of manacles in his other hand, "we keep playing this game. Give up Animus and come peacefully."

The alley way ends at a dead wall, a tall many storied building, one of the more affluent residences in this part of South Hill. Of course it'd take moments to scale the building but with the two members of the City Guard so close at hand it might be a bit tricky to scale the wall effrotlessly. The meeting point with Lady Silmeria is about two streets away on the other side of that house but for now well Animus is in a corner and its fight or well... surrender really.

Animus, being already fully in fight or flight mode due to having been pursued all night, only pauses ever so briefly as the two guards suddenly round the corner infront of him like that... The combined light from Zeke's lantern and Buckler's eye hitting him, yet seeming to almost bend away around him, as if that obviously supernatural costume of his simply refuses to fully abandon the protective darkness it calls home even in the face of the laws of physics... The man watching them in that split second pause as his mind weighs his options... To escape, only to be pursued once more, or to fight, cause some damage- a cracked rib, a bloody nose, even a shattered eye glass- and make it just that much harder for them to give chase... And his trained mind not taking long at all to decide at that. The man suddenly moving forward at speed then, shoulders bunching up almost like a boxer would, as he runs straight for the lycan and the giant golem... And springing forward to jab right towards the smaller, more fleshy of the two then.

Buckler keeps his focus on Animus as hears Zeke stepping up alongside himself, allowing him the chance to round the corner of the alley in full to block the esper with the dull scrape of bronze grinding against bricks. For that brief moment he feels that the shadoy man will surrender, seeing as how he is trapped, but just like before Animus decides to go on the attack and this time the golem isn't going to waste time with grappling. The golem's elbow joint unlocks with a hiss of hydraulics and he throws his weight into a haymaker to stop Animus before Zeke can be struck, twisting at the waist and snapping forward with bronze knuckles aimed at the esper's face with a proper, yielding crunch like one would expect from a vehicular collision.

There is one benefit to being smaller and more fleshy in nature and that is your more agile. Of course you also get hurt more than merely denting, as occured during the previous fight between these three, a bit of metal. Ezekial quickly side steps the strike and then is given the choice of which hand to free. The one holding the light or the one with the manacles. He decides on the former and tosses the magelight away. This doesn't turn out well as the light hits the brick wall and shatters causing a bright flash that can be seen even a few streets away, but has the problem of blinding Zeke at least, causing the man to let out a sudden curse before he looks towards where he thinks Buckler and Animus are... damn spots.

The Flare of lights from the Mage light flicker upwards, a stream of little sparks that cascade into the air of the dark night sky! The fog swirls around the trio, the two guards and the Esper. They are in close, their attention is on one another and so they do not see the figure on the balcony ahead. For a moment they pause, looking down at the scene below before sliding into the house below which they fight. Several streets away however, at the pre-determined meeting point the night sky, the fog to the south is disturbed by the sudden flare of light for Silmeria it is a signal that not all is quiet in this city.

That metal fist hits with a solid thwack right below that wide brimmed hat, letting the golem feel that there is indeed flesh and bone of somesort beyond that spot of perpetual shadow, as the vigilante is knocked back with a grunt, harshly punched into one of the alley's walls, his back slamming into the bricks hard enough to cause a faint puff of dust to come off them... But even though a punch like that would break the jaw, or even kill a normal man, it doesn't seem the vigilante is done fighting just yet. The man shaking his head groggily, in pain, even as he pushes himself right back off that wall, and this time goes for what he considers the biggest threat. Using his momentum to send a straight kick right towards the golem, launching himself past the blinded lycan.

Buckler finds Animus to be full of surprises! It was a mystery to him if there was in fact anything under that hat, so it is pleasing to see the esper go flying into the wall after the blow lands. Moreso, it is quite a shock that Animus is on his feet so quickly and that lapse in his focus costs him once more as the kick not only connects but sends him stumbling backwards nearly off of his own feet. Branded with a fresh dent on his torso, the golem looks up at Animus with that optic lens spinning much more rapidly as the construct lumbers towards the esper with an arm brought over his shoulder to swing in a hammerfist towards Animus, not swinging his arm to the side so he can avoid hitting his blind partner!

Ezekial doesn't notice the person above though he does notice he's not being hit currently. That's good as it gives him a few more moments to blink the spots away. Though the afterimages still linger he soon finds himself able to at least see and he leans in to attempt to grab onto Animus, seeking to grapple the man long enough to get the manacles on, grunting out as he does, "why don't.. you ... just give in?!"

Fidget... fidget... fidget... Waiting, when one's Purpose cries out to be fulfilled can be a minor torture all its own. Typically placid and calm, now Silmeria shifts from foot to foot at the appointed spot, head craning one way, then another, waiting for her appointed meeting with rapidly diminishing patience. Just as she looks down the lane, the flash of the Guard's lamp is seen, drawing a surprised gasp. The first step she takes toward the light is hesitant, awaiting the insistent tug behind the back of her mind that would tell her this has nothing to do with her, and would in fact take her out of her way... and she looses a soft, startled gasp when the sensation entirely fails to happen. Her pace quickens, and as she approaches the scuffle her skin begins to bleach, hair and eyes darkening to black as charcoal-colored wings unfurl behind her as she puts on the speed toward the altercation. ~(Animus!)~ she calls, the otherworldly echo of her voice laden with the subconscious weight of a disappointed big sister, ~(What are you *doing?* We have no *time* for this!)~ Hurling herself blind into the alleyway, she manages to miss both Guards in her headlong rush to interpose herself, and falters. ~(...Oh. Well.......shit.)~

Well that is an interesting turn of events! The guards seemed to be getting the best of Animus! Must be the fog or the giant golem! Bringing a golem to a fight is after all just plain un fair and cheating! But then Silmeria is there, in all her otherworldy splendour! It is impossible to miss who and what she is as she appears out of the fog shrouded night to sort of wind up between the guards and Animus though not before the esper has had to twist himself out of their valiant and rather magnifiecent well timed two pronged attack!

Animus watches as the Golem comes right back at him, that giant fist rising to swing down and crush his head... And meanwhile spotting the Lycan coming at him as well from the corners of his eyes, taking in both threats simultaneously... And reacting without much thought then. The vigilante spinning right towards Zeke, whipping that long, flowing coat up, whirling it with a swoosh infront of the lunging guardsman to interrupt that attempted handcuffing, even as he shoves himself back at the same time... The metal arm descending right infront of him with a rush of air. The man meanwhile aware of a voice calling out to him, and soon spotting a new figure joining the fray... But his adrenaline filled, combat oriented brain not allowing him to disengage just yet, however splendid the newcomer may be. The man instead springing right back forward, reaching out to attempt and grab the Golem's still extended arm to leverage the giant metal construct.

Buckler feels the muddy ground crumble under his fist as the esper manages to avoid the blow with ease, but when he shifts to lift his arm out of the fresh pothole he finds that Animus as grabbed that arm. The gears inside the golem click and groan with several loud clanks as they skip, sounding not too different from the chain of a rollercoaster as it carries a full train of people, such is the strain put on the limb before the construct looks back up at the esper and brings his head down to give Animus a headbutt.

Ezekial dances back as the swirly cloak swishes before his face and the girl rushes past. He stares for a moment at Animus and then at Silmeria. It does take him a couple moments and then he growls out, giving her a quick once over, "Silmeria! ... Priestess, don't get in the way, he's a criminal and we're taking him in." With Buckler held in the grapple Zeke starts to approach closer with the cuffs still in hand as he looks for an opening to pounce around the golem and cuff the cloaked figure. "These games are getting really old, Animus."

~(No,)~ Silmeria says, voice strained as she slips in between Animus and Buckler, ~(He is *not.* *Trust* me on this... We know our own, when the call comes. But there *is* a criminal out there, and if we don't cease this and *do* something about it, people will *die.*)~ Snatching an ebony-handled scythe from the space between worlds, she slams the butt end to the cobbles, to the sound of a chisel meeting granite. ~(He is a *nuisance* to the Guard, not a criminal. I can, and *will* vouch for him. Whatever it takes to get moving.)~ Impatient, certainly. Peevish, even, a little; whatever is happening must have the Priestess very much on edge, at the moment.

And Silmeria's scythe is impressive, it glitters, it gleams with cold frost in the air and a tendril of fog weaving through the air is sliced in two by it. You can see the edges of the mist part and slide to either side of it at about the same time a voice is raised in terror over head! The scream echoes off the close walls, bouncing this way and that, and then it is joined by a women's voice raised in anguish and horror. It comes from above, that balcony over head and for a moment all the night sounds of the city are ended as that voice tails off into sobs and quiet cries for help and yet the fog seems to hold onto it, to let it linger, that first, deep booming scream, the scream of someone dying.

Animus watches the Golem's big, bronze head start to rear back with the obvious intent to come right back down at his own... Leaving the vigilante with just two options to choose from in that split second of decision making. Disengage right away, jumping back and giving both the Golem and the Lycan the room to move at him again, or do what could be considered the stupid thing, and meet that headbutt head on? ... And the man almost right away deciding on the latter then. His own head snapping up to meet the golem with a resounding CLANG of metal on thick bone, grunting as he puts his full power into the hit... And only then jumping away as he feels the Golem's noggin actually yield against his onslaught. Putting distance between him and the hopefully stunned construct even as his own brain throbs painfully as a result... Yet gritting his teeth, pushing right through it, as he watches Silmeria try and talk some sense into the two guardsmen... And the vigilante finally speaking up himself then, his deep voice echoing inhumanly, sounding almost hollow as he growls, "Come at me more, and I will--" Only to find himself interrupted by the blood curdling scream... His head snapping in the direction of that balcony overhead, crimson eyes flaring up.

Buckler is starting to really wonder what is going on when the dual headbutt ends so poorly for him, as the impact of Animus' head against his own makes the red light of his lens flicker as the inner workings of his head skip a few paces. The golem staggers back a short distance once released, dropping to his knee as the glass of his lens crinkles with a fine spiderweb of cracks, though it doesn't outright shatter quite so easily... It does provide a moment of clarity however, and the construct looks between Zeke and Silmeria with a slowing spin of his eye as he asks, "You would vouch for him?" As Buckler rises back up to his full height he balls his hands up into fists and leers at Animus for a moment, before the sudden sounds from above likewise draw his attention upwards to that balcony.

Ezekial looks at Silmeria, about to respond to her while Buckler and Animus face off against one another and then the scream comes. Still open-mouthed the man looks from her to the balcony he had been ignoring only moments before. The manacles are dropped then and the man rushes for the building, looking for a way up before he lets out a low growl and starts to climb up without another word. It's quickly evident that what he just heard has taken precedence for the guardsman.

Ezekial gets maybe seven feet before he finds a rose thorn, a flinch and a misstep and the guardsman drops half way back down before he can get a grip and just hang for a moment and scramble to grab the vines and start his climb again. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]
~(It's too late,)~ Silmeria whispers as the scream echoes over the rooftops of the affluent district, the Esper of Death taking hold of Animus' arm. ~(Hurry. *Hurry.* The Guard can only help with this. Only we must hurry, Animus, if we're ever to have a hope of ending this quickly.)~

Lights are starting to come on in the houses to either side of the victim's home. Lights up near the roof flicker into existance too and a child's voice calls out "Mommy! Mommy what is it!" Followed by a scream, foot-steps above.... then another scream, glass smashing.... A piercing whistle begins..... there is a momentary feeling of something rushing closer and then the fog seems to flatten. A great gust of wind hits it and the mist breaks apart, swirling around the house were death just visitied and for a split something something sleek and silver and mechanical flashes on the edge of sight, swerving around the house and missing it...... and a light comes on in the bedroom were death just came.. a sickly, purple light that does not belong.

Animus watches as Ezekial turns to climb up towards that balcony, the man silently glad for the reprieve of being the target himself, even though what lies ahead will likely be much worse to deal with... And looking over at Silmeria then as she urges him on like that, he simply nods, even as one of his gloved, armored hands dip into that combat, and come back out with one of his large revolvers... The weapon aimed up then, at a spot above the balcony, before he simply fires the lower barrel... Quickly launching a grappling hook to imbed itself into the building, and pull himself up by the taut wire so he can land right on the balcony. Planning to unhook that wire from the gun and drop it down to the others once he makes it, even as he finds himself distracted by that strange flash of movement...

Buckler loses his focus on Animus entirely as he moves over to stand beneath the balcony, reaching up with his long arms to grab hold of the structure and haul himself upwards slowly so he doesn't strain the balcony. The screams have his eye spinning despite the damage it has, though it seems to hold up well, using the red light from his lens to peer around inside of the building to try and locate the source of both the screams and that odd violet glow.

Ezekial lets out a low breathed hiss as he stabs his hand and slides back down, getting a few more thorns for his trouble. He starts to climb again only to look over as Animus uses the strange gun to get up and then Buckler just pulls himself up. He lets out a sigh then and continues to climb upwards, steeling himself against the wounds on his hands in an effort to reach the top and that strange light.

Silmeria's wings flutter in the strange wind, her black eyes locking on the house... and a moment later she's swarming up the wire, her heavy boots thudding on the spine of the rooftops the moment she can scrabble to her feet. ~(No, no, no,)~ she mutters under her breath. ~(Not again, please Father, not again...)~

The balcony is a bit crowded with a golem, two esper's, and then eventually, clambering up last the lycan and for a very brief moment a gentleman in a blue suit and nice hat and holding a stop watch is also present. He looks confused, glances at Silmeria and Animus and then seems to fade away. Inside the screaming is resuming and it is clear to see what is occuring. There are two figures over by the door, a young girl clinging to a woman in a night-gown, both of them backing away from the bed into the hallway were servants are trying to grab them and pull them away as the strange entity rising up over the corpse lying in the bed turns towards them. It's hard to see who has died but the figure above the bed is... huge.... a strange spirit, their body glowing a ghostly purple, two spears of dark ebony embedded in their chest... ragged, tattered clothing blowing in a wind none can feel as those intangible hands begin to draw the darkebony blades out of his chest

Animus doesn't wait to see if everyone manages to make their way up in time... The vigilante instead turning to rush straight into the apartment beyond the balcony, his strange gaze first setting on the would-be victims... Before snapping right towards that ghostly entity. Those eyes flaring up again then even as he suddenly slips what seems to be a sword handle from his sleeve, into his hand... No blade visibly present on it, until he flicks it, and suddenly extends a ghostly sword from it, thin and straight edged, glowing and shimmering a faint white. And growling back in that echoing voice towards both Silmeria and the guards as he does so, "Get in here!" Ready to face off against that otherworldly foe.

Buckler leans over the side of the balcony to offer Ezekial a hand up when he notices the lycan's difficulty with the thorny vines, as he tends to forget about those sorts of things. Once Zeke is standing up, the golem offers his partner a nod of his head and turns to offer Silmeria a hand as well, if needed, before turning to follow Animus inside. The spirit standing over those on the bed is quite beyond his experience, but the golem doesn't hesitate to adopt a basic brawling stance with his fists raised up, shifting away from the glowing blade Animus has produced to flank the spirit.

Ezekial rubs his hands on his pants and winces before he looks towards the room. Rushing in after Animus and Buckler he surveys the room and then moves past the male esper and the other guardsman, imposing himself between the thing on the bed and the screaming people near the door. To the servants he shouts out quickly, "get them out of here. GO!" He draws his gun then and aims it at the purple spirit... thing.

Silmeria accepts the offer of aid to get her over the last few feet, black eyes growing wide at the sight of the phantom materializing over the body on the bed. Briefly, she wonders at the fifth person on the balcony, but fresh screams divert her attention back to the threat. Nodding to the Guardsmen as they take up their positions, she unholsters her gun, leveling it at the spectral nightmare. ~(Be at peace, troubled spirit,)~ she says, as much plea as statement. ~(Seek my Father's throne, else we be obliged to cast you there ourselves.)~

The Ghostly presence finish drawing out the ebony blades impaled through its chest, it spins them, holding one in each spectral hand and laughs! It's laugh is no earhty sound, it vibrates the bones and makes the teeth of all present shake as it's voice rolls out across the room. "Chaos..." it whispers in a voice of nails screeching down a black board, raises it's swords in the engarde position and grins madly at those who have assembled to fight this etherial foe!

Animus stands at the ready, feet spread apart, crouched slightly low, that unnatural, shadowy coat slowly flowing and roiling around him on its own, strange volition even as those glowing, crimson eyes sit narrowed within the eternal darkness below his wide-brimmed hat... The vigilante taking a moment to study the monstrosity before him as it extends those blades, judging his ghostly foe, looking for an opening... But not waiting too long then before he simply attempts to force one if needed; the man not one to wait for any enemy to deliver the first strike. Animus suddenly jumping forward then, moving quick, attempting to keep himself fluid, as he brings that strang, ethereal sword of his to bear, slashing right towards the undead creature even as he expects those behind him to back him up.

Animu's dagger slashes out, catching the etherial creature on the arm. It hisses and screams as it is struck and whips it's other arm around to strike back at the esper in retaliation. The blade slices through part of the esper's coat as he moves and dodges, it was close... very close and those blades scream as they slice thorugh the air. A deep, dark unnatural shriek.....

Buckler keeps his fists up as he waits to see what this phantom creature will do, studying it with rapid movements of his eye spinning from one direction to the other. When it decides to raise its blades however, the golem starts to power himself up to speed and he lashes out shortly after Animus does, twisting at the waist and taking a solid step towards the spirit with his right foot, bringing his right fist forward to swing out in a straight hook at the presence's face. The golem takes care to avoid swinging overly wide so he can avoid hitting anyone near him on accident, as well as to keep from bringing down a wall on top of people.

The Golem is fast, his fist slams out into the strange ghostly creature, ducking past it's guard and his heavy metal fist swishes through its body as if it was not there. It's head turns, snapping around and it laughs right in the golem's face as strane energy crackles up the mechanical mans arm and then wreathes his body in a crackling purple field of light. Small bolts of lighting leap from place to place and then the golem is plucked up off the ground and hurled through a wall..... the wall however does not win as Buckler lands in a cloud of dust, rubble and broken furniture in the next room.

Ezekial has his gun aimed at the black figure, but there's a brief moment of pause and the guardsman sends a quick glance instead towards those who've accompanied him. Animus and Buckler are each given brief looks and then as he looks towards Silmeria the man turns his gun on her while one hand lifts and runs down the barrel. While making th emotion he speaks low words and runes start to light up along the blade as the essence of the next 'shot' is changed and then suddenly he fires. What emerges is light that spreads, becoming like a net to surround the esper woman and stops less than a foot out before wrapping around her entirely, creating a protective shield [Protect -> +25% pdef for 4 rounds].
Silmeria pages, "Quick question, regarding Buckler." to you.

~(Very well, then,)~ Silmeria says, sadness touching her voice as the battle begins. Turning briefly as Ezekial rushes her, then shoots her -- with a spell, and a rather helpful one at that -- her surprise turns into a beaming smile and a nod, as motes of pale, softly-shining light gather at the end of her gun. Turning her head back to level her eyes at the cackling specter, she tips up a chin. ~(Find peace, then, in violence.)~ When she squeezes the trigger, the peal of some unseen silver bell can be heard, as a bolt of light streaks toward their enemy. [Ruin Bullet]

The burst of bright manna streaks out toward the ghost and it turns and spins it's swords, catching the manner blast between them. It roars in triumph, a shriek that ascends the scales until the windows explode before it unleases the bolt of charged manner back toward Silmeria. It hits with the expected results.

Animus doesn't pause even as the Golem is hurled away from the ghost like that, right next to the vigilante. The man sadly having no time to check on the poor hunk of bronze just yet, even as he hears the sound of something heavy crashing through a wall behind him... Too busy fighting that ghost himself, and sliding in then to attempt and stick the monstrosity with the long, slender blade of his ethereal sword, hoping a direct stab like that will do some damage... And at the same time hoping the Esper of Hades, and even the two guardsmen, might have something up their sleeve as well.

Animus sword lashes out, aimed at the creature, it's a good thrust but it blocks, it's swords coming down and swatting his sword away so it hits nothing but air. The esper of Kharma then has to dodge out of the way as the ghost tries to return the favour. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Buckler is certainly confused when his punch simply passes right through the spector without even really disturbing it, staring at the ghost as that eye stops whirling with a loud click to focus in on the laughing face. There's no real reaction from the golem as he is grabbed by the invisible force and thrown through a wall across the room, largely as he lacks a means to show expression, but no sound comes from the room for a moment except for a few stubborn pieces of glass falling. A loud thud sounds as his fist comes down to help push himself up to his feet with the red glow from his eye shining through the dust like headlights in the fog, increasing as he steps out through the hole he made in the wall and charges the ghostly figure to attempt and bring his fist down in a hammer strike.

It's a good attack, Buckler's bull rush charge brings it through the ghosts defences but again his fist hammers down and sweeps through the spectral figure as if it was not there. This is unusual to say the least, normally such spectral figures can still be harmed by mundane means and yet Buckler's sterling efforts which would have felled a better man has had no positive effect on the creatre. The purple static once more dances across the golems body, sparkling and fitzing but this time just fades out, something is very seriously wrong here.

Ezekial turns attention to the shot Silmeria fired and then he glances towards Animus as he attempts to strike and then to Buckler as the golem races back in again. In the brief seconds given by their struggle the guardsman rushes in and uses his free hand to wrap around the waist of the corpse with a muttered, "sorry about this," before he tries to pull it away from the confrontation before the body gets too badly mutilated and he looks towards the others as he tries to pull it away, "what /is/ this thing?!"

Ezekial is able to pull the body off the bed with ease, there is a lot of blood, already starting to coagulate covering the chest and stomach of the man. He is middle aged, was quite handsome but the spectre doesn't seem to care one way or the other. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]
You page, "From what you have seen so far. It is the spirit of the dead man. Twisted somehow at the moment of death, filled with immense rage and anger and it is not as has been seen by Buckler's failure to harm it a normal ghost as you might encounter elsewhere. Whatever magic twisted it and flooded it with rage and despair and all that also has granted it some sort of magical protection somehow. It looks like a regular ghost and yet has those strange swords and can't be touched by mundane means. it pulled the swords out of it's chest and as Zeke has moved the coirpse you can see the guy was stabbed twice, in the chest, his heart was essentially severed from the rest of his body with two strikes to either side... the wounds correspond to where the ghost pulled the swords/spear/javelin things from." to Silmeria.
You page, "The death is "identical" to the deaths that you were wanting to talk to Animus about but there was no angry Death ghost on the last three murders. This being the fourth." to Silmeria.

Silmeria staggers back, as the shimmering bolt of energy strikes her dead-on in the chest, pausing a moment to shake her head and clear her eyes of the burst of light detonating directly in front of her. Pausing, she frowns, looking from body to ghost, eyebrows drawing down. ~(Animus, Guard Buckler... This spirit is *so* full of rage, and it wields its murder weapons against us. Take them away, and see if that will give it a measure of peace.)~

Animus grunts as he watches the freshly re-emerged Buckler's giant metal fist go right through the ghost even as he just barely ducks below the monstrosity's blade himself, leaving a gash across the crown of that wide-brimmed hat... Only to come back up again, and heeding Silmeria's shouted advice, brings his own sword up in an upward arc aimed at one of the undead's wrists, intending to have that ethereal sword perhaps sever it and take at least one of the cursed weapons out of play.

Animus strike is true, his blade passes into that spectral wrist and the blade whirls out of its grip, spins through the air and then shatters as it strikes the bed sted. The creature screams and lunges at Animus and it is a good lunge, a perfect run you through the heart and spear it in half lunge but thankfully for Animus' heart he is able to deflect that blow with ease, parrying it easily. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Buckler stares at the small crater he's left in the floor at the specter's feet for a moment as he tries to process this information and adapt to the situation with the purple static dancing over his bronze body more or less ignored as he does not go flying this time. That gives him a precious moment to check in on Ezekial to see how his fellow guardsman is doing, making sure that his fellow guard is holding up better than he himself is or at least has some sort of plan. Silmeria's voice gets his attention however and he snaps his head back nearly all the way around to look to her with slow spin of his eye in thought, only to snap his head back into proper placement and reach out for the ghost's blades. Seeing how Animus has removed one such threat, the golem aims to grab hold of and break the remaining weapon before it can be used to strike out at anyone else.

Buckler's grasp is good, but not quite good enough. For a moment he almost has the remaining weapon, his hand is about to close around the haft of the weapon when the spectre twitches it out of the way. It's a good move, deftly whirling the blade in a half circle out from under the golem's palm and over to slide along the topside of his arm to plunge into his bronze body at the shoulder joint. The blade shears through the metal like a hot knife through butter, causing quite some damage. Thankfully he's a golem however and made of bronze and he has two arms and the blade is now stuck in his body. This makes it a lot easier for the bronze guard to reach over, grip that blade in his good hand and squeeze. The blade shatters, collapsing into black dust and little chips of darkness and the Spectre throws its head back and SCREAMS!

Ezekial's head snaps towards Silmaria as he sets the body down and then he flicks a quick glance to Animus and Buckler once more. Another look towards the spectre and then his own gun and then he frowns for a moment before he echo's Silmeria's earlier sentiment, "now that your no longer chained here.." He lifts his blade and white runes start to glimmer down the barrel as he takes aim for the spectre's chest, "go in peace!" The trigger is pulled and a white flash comes as the mana enhanced bullet is fired from the gun. [Ruin Bullet]

The White Bolt of Mana lunges out through the air toward the spectre, it strikes it in the chest, blowing a hole in its strange ectoplasmic body and it screams, turns to face the lycan guard and its face all but melts as it unhinges his jaw... it is not a pleasent visage to be staring at as the writhing white energy of Ezekial's attack slides up through its body and lashes back out of its mouth to strike at the man. The lycan has the good graces to duck so it sails over his head but still this is no regular spirit.

Now that it can be properly hurt, Silmeria raises the arm holding the haft of the ebony-handled scythe against her shoulder. Nodding once, in grim accptance of her task, she hurtles herself forward and past the specter, seeking to catch its torso with the curve of her blade, then cleave it away. ~(Good work... now, all is over but the reaping, friends.)~

The beautiful scythe blade whirls through the air..... it connects with the torso of the spectre and it screams... purple light floods throughout its body and then it explodes... bursting into a thousand little shreds of ectoplasmic darkness and purple that fade away...... leaving the room dark except for the light spilling in from the hall and silent....

Animus is given pause as the ghost suddenly explodes like that before him, his undead slaying blade raised up for a final strike of his own that is left unfinished... The vigilante slowly lowering it then as he looks around, setting his strange gaze on each person backing him up in this... And speaking up in that unnatural, hollow, echoing voice then, "... This was just the start of it, I'm afraid."

The golem's efforts to the destroy the weapon seem lost at first as the blade slips from his grasp, only to travel up his arm and sink into the metal of his body with disturbing ease, showering sparks from the wound left in its wake until it loses momentum and lodges itself in his shoulder. Buckler's eye comes to a dead stop for a brief moment as he realizes this and his other arm comes down to shatter the weapon before it can be removed which probably wouldn't feel great if he were organic. It is also largely beyond him when the ghost spews back the shot from his fellow guard, making the golem look towards Zeke to see if his partner was going to be struck by the returning bullet. Luckily this is not the case however, allowing him the chance to focus on attacking the ghost... only to have it explode in front of him in a swirl of darkness that leaves the room darker in its wake, save for the glow of his eye and the sparks crackling from his shoulder. "Is anyone injured?" he asks, sweeping his gaze over each of the others.

Ezekial lowers the weapon as it expldoes and fades. The man lowers his eyes for a few moments and then he sheaths the blade before walking over to inspect the wounds that Buckler's taken, "you are. We'll have to get you to an engineer I think." Hesitating then he looks towards Silmeria and Animus for a moment before he lifts a hand, "putting Animus' wanted status asside for the moment. Just /what/ was that and what do you mean it's just the start?"

"Only a little," SIlmeria says, rubbing absently at her chest, letting go of the scythe and allowing it to fall back into the space between realms. Glancing at Animus, the winged Esper shakes her head slowly. ~(There have been deaths, Guardsmen. All bearing those same wounds, precisely... but none till now've left behind a shade. Thus... Animus and I find ourselves working along the same path. I, to care for the dead left behind, and he, to carry out his Lord's work and end the threat of the killer. If specters like this are what we will find along the killer's trail...)~ Trailing off, she turns her dark eyes toward animus, a black eyebrow rising. ~(The Guard would do a great deal to aid us, you know. And *they* have a stake in bringing a lawbreaker to justice.)~

Animus takes a moment to 'sheath' his own weapon as calm descends on the room once more, that long, ethereal blade slammed into its dagger sized sheath by some magic... Only for the vigilante to look back up at Silmeria and both guardsman as she Esper of Hades explains the situation, and makes that suggestion... The shadowy man silent for a few moments even as he narrows those glowing, crimson eyes at both Ezekial and Buckler... And answers then, "If they will help, I will not stop them. But I will not go quietly if they insist on continuing their original pursuit, should our mission come to a close." His tone rather matter of fact.

Buckler glances towards Zeke as the man comes over to inspect his wound, to which the golem simply reaches up and bends the paneling to fold over the slash and muffle the sparks. "Only a scratch," he offers down at the lycan with a lingering stare with a slight nod, then turns his attention over towards the Espers with a slow spin of his eye, considering such things with the servos and gears behind that cracked glass lens moving faintly. Ultimately the call is not his to make however, so once more he looks down towards Ezekial curiously to see what his superior has to think of it.

Ezekial snorts at Buckler and he gives a little shake of his head, "scratch.." However his attention is more on both Silmeria and Animus both. He looks quietly at them, considering things before he gives a single nod, "very well.. we will help you. Bringing down a murderer is more important at this point in time." As for if they will continue to pursue Animus when all is over the man doesn't say.

~(Then we must hurry,)~ Silmeria says, charcoal-colored wings fluttering a bit, betraying her distress. ~(The killer grows in strength with each death, and the city isn't small in the least.)~

Animus just nods some at both guardsmen in turn, accepting Ezekial's statement, and not bringing up what happens afterwards anymore either... The man just turning towards Silmeria then, and seeming to consider her a moment, before he asks, "Can you sense any disturbances? Any more deaths that are not right, like this one?" The man motioning at the nearby corpse then that was recently moved by the Lycan, "I don't know what powers Lord Hades has deemed fit to bestow on you, but we need leads."

Buckler nods along with Ezekial's reasoning as he watches the other two for a time, casually glancing down towards the corpse that Animus motions towards. He keeps his thoughts to himself as he makes a study of the man's corpse, offering not a peep or even basic emotion as he does so, turning back towards the others after a time to see what is said.

Ezekial looks to Silmeria when the question is asked of her and then to the corpse. He attempts to put it in a better position before straightening and sighing as he walks to the door. A glance is cast behind him to the discussion, waiting for the answer before he can go and deal with the grieving and upset family.

Silence, for a time, as SIlmeria stares at the corpse, then the air above the bed, pale hands slowly clenching. ~(There are no more deaths, right now... But it's... horrible. *Horrible.* His soul was twisted so terribly, the Doomtrain could not find him. And rather than submit himself to judgment, the shade tore its own essence to shreds.)~ Her wings flap once, setting back crooken, and she draws in a dep breath. ~(Guardsmen. Speak to the wife, ask her what happened. If any would be able to describe the crime, it would be she.)~

So their first battle is at an end, an enigma uncovered, a death, a soul now destroyed beyond any hope of redemption and darkness in the night.... to proceed many questions must be answered and those answers lie within the mind of a freshly minted widow.

--------

Back to [[A Serial Killer]]

Murder 1

2013-11-24T21:20:21Z

Silvante:

Murder 1

2013-11-24T21:19:58Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Emberstrand, sometime well after midnight, the city is not quiet at all. It should be and to the untrained eye it looks peaceful enough. Fog up off the river curling around roof…'

A Serial Killer

2013-11-24T21:14:55Z

RP Logs

2013-11-24T21:12:51Z

Silvante:

<big>'''RP Logs'''</big>

This is where players may post logs of events that have happened on the game for other players to enjoy in an Out-of-Character fashion. Information from these pages may not be used in an In-Character fashion unless your Player Character was specifically involved in the events that have taken place.

*October 28, 2009: Pirates loot the passenger schooner, [[MAS Fenrir, Part I]].

*October 28, 2009: A young hero tries to save the day, [[MAS Fenrir, Part II]].

*January 27, 2011: A mercenary learns the lesson of a [[Fair Trade]].

*March 12, 2011: A simple journey begets a [[Quest for Redemption]]

*May 27, 2011: There's a hint of [[Big Trouble in Little Emberstrand]].

*June & July, 2011: A party of adventurers gets hired to retrieve an object from an ancient temple. [[Call of Nyslyeiagh]]

*Fall, 2011: An Aegyl who's lost his wings starts a quest to get them back. [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest]]

*Fall, 2011: After "Big Trouble in Little Emberstrand", The Cursed seeks release, and must find [[The Twins]].

*October 2011: Scholar Ainsley embarks on a quest to aid the University of Emberstrand at: [[A Riddle Crypt]]

*December 2011: The seer Thompson hires a group of specialists to help him stop something he saw in a vision: [[A Vision of Evil]]

*February 2012: A small group of people get attacked by assassins: [[Uninvited Guests]]

*February 2012: Mount Bur-Omisace - A trip to the Holy City: [[Holy City]]

*April 2012: A young noblewoman hears whispers from [[A Silvered Tongue]]

*June 2012: A quest to locate Diabolos' lost temple! [[To Free a Soul]]

*Fall 2012: A group of travelers pulled into a nightmare Realm to face an ancient curse. [[The Nightmare Manuscript]]

*Winter 2013: Is it a dream, or is it real? Only a certain noble knows. [[What Dreams May Come]]

*Winter 2013: War is coming, all too soon for a band of sky pirates. [[The Lion Prophecy]]

*Spring 2013: An Archadian transplanted noble shows Emberstrand how feasting is done. [[Plumfrost Feast]]

*Spring 2013: The [[Whisper War]]

*Spring 2013: [[DOWNFALL!]]

*Autumn 2013 [[Waterway Hunt]] Ainsley and her companions embark on a search for the first shard of Shemhazai's Prison

*Autumn 2013 [[A Serial Killer]] The City Guard join forces with a pair of unlikely companions to hunt down a serial killer.
----------------------------
Return to [[Main Page]]

Waterway Hunt

2013-10-10T17:09:58Z

Silvante: Created page with ' It was a long journey from Emberstrand to the Ruins of Rabanastre, the crumbling ancient capital city a beacon on the edge of the Giza Plains. It's once beautiful upper city, ta…'

It was a long journey from Emberstrand to the Ruins of Rabanastre, the crumbling ancient capital city a beacon on the edge of the Giza Plains. It's once beautiful upper city, tall towers and domes crumbled and destroyed. Except for the restored splendor of the old Royal Palace were now the imps who have made the city their home have errected their temple. A new feature for those visiting, the canals that once were filled with oozing mist are now full of sparkling, clear water, the royal gardens are open, an extension of the Temple grounds that the Earth, Water and Air imps have moved into repopulate and landscape. For Ainsley and her group of intrepid adventurers the sunny vistas and welcoming halls of the Temple to Lord Rael are not for them. For them it has been a 5 hour jaunt through the mist shourded under-city, fighting off a variety of annoying fiends to reach this place, the mighty, stone portal to the Garamsythe Waterways. Somewhere inside Graff Delzhig, the Moogle Thief has taken refuge and with him according to the information Ainsley has procured a shard of dark Nethicite... and all the treasure Graff has stolen and of course the 1000gil bounty for his defeat or capture.

Kupor is a moogle with white-tan fur, long ears in the Ivalice style of moogles. He wears a simple cheap brown tunic and green breeches. He wears nothing on his feet. Draped around his form is a thin red cloak that moves easily, hiding the movement of his arms when tucked in. His long sword is strapped to his back, just poking out from the cloak. Atop his head is a flat conical hat made of thick straw reeds. His pompom pokes out from it.
Carrying nothing. (Currency: 1 pennies)

There is not a lot of amazement out of Ainsley as they travel. She isn't /grim/, she's just quiet, reserved, almost business-like. The fights with the fiends along the way involved the use of absurd amounts of fire magic, at least one or two completely reduced to ash by the stoic reptile. Everything about her suggests she is not in it for money, but for a mission. And when they reach the threshold to the Waterways... she glances at the border, frowns, and begins forward, motioning for the group to continue wordlessly.

Silmeria hefts her blued-steel Gunblade, resting it across her shoulder as they come upon the portalto the waterways. Holstering the pistol carried in her other hand, she tucks away a lock of hair, glancing at Ainsley, then back at the trio accompanying them. "Have a care," she says quietly, brushing a fleck of ash from her sleeve. "If the old stories are anything to go by, the thief's Nethicite will make magics... difficult... to bring to bear against him. Kupor, Zhgir... are you all right?'

Zhgir, for his own part, has been focusing much of this five hour period on important tasks, such as observing the integrity of the group, and eyeing Kupor's pom. One which he was currently eyeing with such intensity that it made him look frozen. "Zhgir? Oh, Zhgir's fine. Shush now, he must focus." He says with a dismissive wave of hand, and then returns his attention on Kupor. And resists. Like he has been resisting, for the longest of time. His mandibles twitch. The arachnid cloaked in burnt brown may have had too much time on this trip.
In truth, Kupor and Ainsley are not terribly well acquianted. They have a passing knowledge of each other. Kupor knows that Ainsley is a scholar who teaches the poor. She has proved herself with words to be kindly enough. When asked to accompany her into a dangerous situation, to recover an artifact of rather evil origins, he volunteered. He did not need to hear of treasure, or bounty.
-
The swordsmoogle is actually a rather accomplished Hunter. It's just that he only hunts small jobs and lives in poverty, as he believes he must in his own stringent code.
-
The fight with Fiends is a rare time to see Kupor. Many in the city have not seen Kupor fight with his sword. Precision, skill, and fervor to destroy monsters come together to make him a rather tiny lethal ball of death. He takes no visceral pleasure in it, but a satisifaction he is helping the world at large by ridding them of life. The moogle bears a few scars, as he is most often in the front, but he deals with them well, "I am well, thank you," he adds with a nod, pom bouncing once, but in such a well to not obscure his vision.
-
"If he is wise, kupo, there will be many ambushes. If he has grown paranoid," Kupor is wellversed in tales of ancient evil from his childhood of hero obsession, not all true, and many feature evil objects that twist the mind, "There may be only him. And a great deal of traps. It would be wise to be on our guard."
-
He is pointedly trying to ignore Zhgir.

The short man in the black hooded cloak, known by the name of Lee, sticks close to Ainsley for most of the journey, like a masked shadow, though a somewhat talkative and irreverently jovial one, which kinda ruins whatever "brooding shadow" image he might have had, to the point that it's unlikely that it was something he was aiming for. And his part in the fights involved a lot of up-close in-the-face martial-arts'ing and drunken-looking weaving/dodging, with the occasional rare burst of strange midnight-black fire of his own, in support of Ainsley's more traditional blazing fire, when needed. In the end, though, regardless of why Ainsley is here, it seems Lee is here for Ainsley above all else, in support of her chosen endeavor, as the lizard scholar motions the group to continue, and nodding his cowled head to Silmeria's words of warning with a chuckle, speaking with his familiar (to Silmeria and Ainsley, at least) semi-smooth cockney-ish accent, "That'd cause a fair bit o' problem, if'n it's true, Silm, no doubt." Then, after Kupor's reply, all the while eyeing Zhgir's impressive focus from time to time, "Likewise wi'tha traps an' paranoia, should those be th'case as well."

As the party move into the entranceway of the Waterway it becomes blatantly clear to Ainsley that the entire entranceway is trapped and trapped well. However as the Lizard Scholar turns to warn people there is a click as Silmeria steps on a button, a rattling noise set off by a stone Lee brushes against and one rather worryingly flagstone that sinks down beneath Zhgir. Ainsley however spins like a true adventurer, shouting out a series of instructions to everyone as the traps go off threatening to squish, fry, boil and impale the party. A dive forward under the swinging log laden with spikes, a dart forward a timed jump across the pit that opens up, a ducking weave around a eries of whirling chains laden with spikes, a slide across a patch of flagstones over to the opposite side of the waterway to avoid the spikes that jab down from the ceiling. It's a hectic dash down a good hundred yards of trap springing corridor but even with Ainsley's quickly shouted responses it isn't an injury free dash and by the time they reach a safe spot at a junction of tunnels everyone except Silmeria is sporting wounds of some sort and Kupor has been struck by a series of poisoned darts that left him paralysed and having to be rescued by a quick thinking spider-guy!

As the party stops and gets their breath a voice cackles form down a side passage, a capering figurwe well out of reach "MINE! This is MINE! LEAVE NOW!" and then they are gone... the small shape vanishing and cackling as they run.

When they get to the end of the tunnel, Ainsley presses a hand to a shallow wound on her arm, blood soaking into her sleeve. She frowns at the sight, and turns to begin providing a cure spell to the party wherever will help the most, largely disregarding the damage on her arm until it is the only thing left to worry about. The crazy person? He gets but a glance, a dangerous gaze that shows that she wants nothing more than to light him aflame for the taunting... but she refrains from doing so when he flees. Then she turns to progress... slowly this time, with more care. She frowns softly. "He is like a storybook antagonist," she remarks aloud, evidently sharing the genre-savvy knowledge that Kupor has. "Leave it to an insane moogle thief to get excessive with his lair defenses."

"...Does he *realize* we couldn't turn back now if we wanted?" Silmeria muses, absently batting at her skirts, heaving a deep sigh as she turns to Zhgir, and his poisoned burden. "Oh, you poor thing... And... I don't think *any* of us know a proper healing spell..." Biting her lip, the priestess looks over her shoulder at the passage the thief had taken, then heaves a deep sigh. "Well. THere's no help for it, I suppose. Zhgir, would you like one of us to take Kupor for you?"

Zhgir brushes his front - the leather still smoking - as well as gingerly touching his side with muffled hisses. Then to Silmeria, Zhgir lifts his head and for a moment, looks utterly befuddled. Then he shakes his head firmly. "Nono, Zhgir is happy with him right where he is!" He replies with a wide grin - and then jostles the moogle hoisted across his back and held there by his two extra arms. "He has wings, and a sword! Sword with wings! Queen of dead must be crazy if Zhgir would give that away!" Then over his shoulder, "Zhgir can use your sword for you, yes? Leave a bit of string for you to tug at? Or maybe just shout out Kupo when I should swing?"

A funny thing, swordsman are meant to battle things they can see or know are there, and not horrible horrible traps. However, Kupor, thankfully, is not like most common men. He moves with each trap, and actively attempts to move with each one, to little avail. At the log, his attempt to grab one of the spikes and leap over is not quite successful. The movement through the chains is less than optimal. The flagstones, at least, his height and speed prove an advantage as he slides through on his side.
-
When the final trap springs, Kupor turns with the rush of air and the sound of springs and brings his hand up, catching one of the darts. Then realizing his mistake and his failed reflexes, he twists himself, allowing the darts to fall into the meat of his shoulder, arm, and back, neatly pinning his cloak to his body. His speedy gait becomes a ragged stagger.
-
He is pulled from the hallway, thankfully(?) by Zhgir. "No." "No." "N-no." The last falters with a burst of paralysis. There is a pause. Zhgir did offer to carry him without complaint. He feels he should offer some solace.
-
He gives Zhgir his hat. Then addresses Silmeria, hoping to save himself from further Zhgirism.
-
"I will be-" He shudders and convulses briefly as a fit of the paralysis takes him, then lifts up his hand. "It will pass, kupo." He is trying, again, to ignore that he is being held by Zhgir. He is getting good at ignoring life's curveballs "If," shudder, "it is true, then he will ... have trapped a great beast from the sewer to use in his defense against us, or a being of evil summoned, kupo ... by the object itself." Kupor was /really/ into the hero story thing.

Lee pauses a few steps past Ainsley to catch his breath after the Mad Dash Of Traps, bearing a few cuts of his own that bleed just a bit. Instead of partaking of Ainsley's cure spell, though, he instead fishes a small wineskin from under his cloak, taking a few sips from it before stashing it away again, following along a couple steps behind Ainsley, "Jus' means we'll 'ave ta chase 'im like one, then, luv; I dare say, of all th'villains we *could* chase, could do fair worse'n one from a caper novel." Grinning back over his shoulder at Silmeria from under his mask, he holds up one gauntleted hand, finger raised, "Ah! Well he... Um..." He trails off in thought, then shrugs, lowering his hand again, "Insert appropriately witty comment here, eh?" He withholds comment about Kupor's current state, though he can't help but chuckle a little as Zhgir claims him as some strange combination of weapon and Stuffed-Animal-Backpack, but on the subject of fixing what ails the moogle, Lee can only shrug in helpless agreement with Silmeria, for the moment, "Wot little I could do'd only be good on m'self."

Which is about when the big green cloud of gas plompfs through a vent in the ceiling and envelopes everyone.... it hangs around for a moment then slowly passes revealing the adorable sleepy bundles of Ainsley, Silmeria and Lee.... Kupor and Zhgir are still up and Kupor is starting to get movement back in his limbs a his constitution pushes off the paralyses.....

"What--" Slump. Ainsley is certainly not expecting to get sprayed with sleep gas. She falls over in a heap, and thanks to her small size, succeeds in avoiding blooding herself any further. But she is still drooling, snoring, and slumped in an awkward and unflattering way.
It happens too fast for Silmeria to even get a word out. Still turned to Kupor with gentle worry on her face... then the cloud descends. And when it passes, she's simply curled up on the floor, head pillowed on her arms, as though simply laying down for a nap.

Lee flinches at the puff of gas, head turning, and seeing Ainsley and Silmeria both collapse to unconsciousness, his eyes going wide, "Oh bloody ffff~" Just enough time for it to register, and that's as far as he gets before joining the two ladies in Suddenly Unexpected Slumber, dropping like a sack of potatoes to the floor. And he purrs, strangely enough, in his sleep; who knew?!

Zhgir coughs into his cloak as he waves away the omnious looking cloud, looking around in alarm. When nothing else happens and they are presented with three of their compatriots in comatose state, he turns towards Kupor, "Zhgir is beginning to think you are his zh'gard." He points out with a brief grin on his face, before the purring distracts him. A cat? Here? Distraught, he starts to look around the room they are in, eyeing the passages. "Zhgir doesn't have enough shoulders to carry them all..." He waves a hand at Kupor. "Perhaps leave them for the moment and see if someone will come for them, yes?"

The moogle leaps off from Zhgir's back. He looks confused at the 'zh'gard' comment, but decides it is better not to ask. He straightens up deliberately and focuses himself. "We will neither carry them or leave them behind. Do as I do, kupo."
-
The moogle has studied under many masters. As such, he is well versed in the effects of Sleep in the world. Kupor staggers over to Lee first. Should there be a problem, he assumes Lee and himself will be best able to keep it distracted while the others are woken.
-
Thinking back to his master, Kupor puts his hands in front of him, taking a deep breath. He places both hands together deliberately and begins to rub them together with some speed. He continues on until they ache, then lifts his hands apart and in front of him.
-
Then he smacks Lee across the face, precisely and once.

As Kupor's hand slaps into Lee's cheek a voice echoes from over head, "Awww you are awake!" a voice grumbles from over head, "That just spoils the fun!" up above is a moogle, a rather large crossbow aimed at Zhgir's chest, "What do you think you are doing not falling asleep so rude how am I meant to rob you all now!" He is dressed in leather armour, a long black cloak and a frown mars his face as he glares down at everyone. "I mean you sneak into my hide out, set off all my VERY expensive traps and then don't have the courtesy to fall unconcious! I mean seriously kupo-po! That is so rude!" Of course Lee is starting to slowly come round but well it's hard to wake up, groggy headed and confused with a horribly odd taste of Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Brussel Sprouts on his tongue....

Zhgir stares curiously after Kupor as he makes his way over Lee, and does all that difficult looking routine that must have taken years to perfect. Then Zhgir winces. Silmeria and Ainsley. Another wince. "Zhgir believes he should-" He was about to walk away, before being confronted with a crossbow aimed at his chest. Raising his head, he tilts his head at the shouting moogle, his mouth hanging slightly open. Idly thumbing a satchel by his side, flipping the flap open, he continues to listen with the dead gaze of his - until he tosses a bundle at the moogle. "I'm Zhgir!" He says with a bright grin on his face, "And I come bearing gifts!" For a moment, nothing happens. Then moths. Moths, flying everywhere in panic towards their newfound freedom. [Annoy]

"KUPO!" the crossbow wielding moogle shouts and ducks back, running along the beam as moths come up and around from everywhere and then ZHING! Crossbow bolt SLAMS into the stone next to Zhgir, showering him in stone chips as the moogle vansies therough an opening over head that leads off from the beam....

Kupor turns towards the moogle, moving quietly. He will [Cover] Zhgir should the crossbow fly, but for the moment he lets the thief talk rather than interrupt. He gazes steadily at the moogle, trying to look for signs of madness. Talk like this could simply be overdramatic thief talk.
-
Then, knowing full well talking will be pointless while Zhgir is free to act, Kupor simply waits. Zhgir acts as expected. Well, at least he doesn't make any horrible threats, he just... Kupor lifts his eyebrows appreciatively. Moths. That is strange, yet resourceful. He nods to Zhgir, then Lee. "Wake the others up, kupo, if you would." Kupor takes a bundle of rope from under his cloak. "I will secure our route."
-
Taking two firms steps, Kupor leaps from the ground to a nearby wall. He twists just as he hits it, kicking back off of it up towards the beam. Then, just as he begins to slow, he kicks off the air itself and lands onto the beam. He makes quick work with the rope to secure it.

Kupor... is just brilliant! Sadly only Zhgir was really with it enough to watch the show... which is a shame! It was a superb act of Moogle Athletics! Rope is secured for the others and the moogler can see that the path the mog thief took is rather small, the others will have to crawl to follow but the moogle should be able to walk through it.

Lee is smacked! And he blinks his crimson eyes groggily at Kupor, his pupils contracting briefly to cat-like slits before returning to normal as he mutters and mumbles incoherently at the moogle, one gauntleted hand waving ineffectually in Kupor's direction. The monologuing from above, a direction he has relatively easy view of given his position, draws his attention, and more, slightly louder, incoherent muttering of a generally displeased and complaint-filled nature. And then the after-taste fully registers, and his face scrunches up in marked displeasure, and more incoherent muttering, this time in a tone of disgust.
Distracted as he is by the pairing of nasty Brussel Sprouts with tasty seasonal spices that he misses all the to-do with moths and missed crossbow shots, instead working his way unsteadily, and slowly, to his feet. He is aware enough by the time Kupor starts his gymnastics, however, that he stumbles a step or two to Ainsley, though whether at Kupor's instruction or not is hard to tell, sinking to his knees beside the scholar and lifting her sleeping form to a more upright sitting position, giving her cheek soft pats as he murmurs softly in her ear, to bring her to wakefulness as smoothly as he's able, rather than abruptly or shockingly.

From awake, to asleep, to awake again results in a very groggy lizard reaching out to grasp at Lee when she hears his voice, and pulls herself up in a sort of embrace, mumbling complaints. "What, love...?" And then she realizes where they are, and that she is being openly affectionate without realizing it in a very inappropriate context. She gathers herself up to a stand and grumpily pats dust off of her clothing, and ... notices the crossbow bolt. "Well. It's good we have such a varied group," she remarks, then wanders over to help with Silmeria, placing hands on her shoulders and giving a little shake. "C'mon. We have a Moogle to slap and a Nethicite piece to retrieve."

"...No tears," Silmeria murmurs, curling up tighter as her shoulders are shaken, clearly quite out of it, "j'st dreams... Shhhshshshsh...."

Silmeria is still sadly asleep, but I am sure the Handmaiden of Hade will wake up soon but every moment spent waking up the party gives the thief more time to escape deeper into the network of tunnels he has claimed as his home! And in the distance... far down one of the tunnels a heavy "CLANG" sound echoes off the walls followed by an ominous roaring sound.... something is coming.....

----

Back to [[RP Logs]]

RP Logs

2013-10-10T17:09:14Z

Silvante:

<big>'''RP Logs'''</big>

This is where players may post logs of events that have happened on the game for other players to enjoy in an Out-of-Character fashion. Information from these pages may not be used in an In-Character fashion unless your Player Character was specifically involved in the events that have taken place.

*October 28, 2009: Pirates loot the passenger schooner, [[MAS Fenrir, Part I]].

*October 28, 2009: A young hero tries to save the day, [[MAS Fenrir, Part II]].

*January 27, 2011: A mercenary learns the lesson of a [[Fair Trade]].

*March 12, 2011: A simple journey begets a [[Quest for Redemption]]

*May 27, 2011: There's a hint of [[Big Trouble in Little Emberstrand]].

*June & July, 2011: A party of adventurers gets hired to retrieve an object from an ancient temple. [[Call of Nyslyeiagh]]

*Fall, 2011: An Aegyl who's lost his wings starts a quest to get them back. [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest]]

*Fall, 2011: After "Big Trouble in Little Emberstrand", The Cursed seeks release, and must find [[The Twins]].

*October 2011: Scholar Ainsley embarks on a quest to aid the University of Emberstrand at: [[A Riddle Crypt]]

*December 2011: The seer Thompson hires a group of specialists to help him stop something he saw in a vision: [[A Vision of Evil]]

*February 2012: A small group of people get attacked by assassins: [[Uninvited Guests]]

*February 2012: Mount Bur-Omisace - A trip to the Holy City: [[Holy City]]

*April 2012: A young noblewoman hears whispers from [[A Silvered Tongue]]

*June 2012: A quest to locate Diabolos' lost temple! [[To Free a Soul]]

*Fall 2012: A group of travelers pulled into a nightmare Realm to face an ancient curse. [[The Nightmare Manuscript]]

*Winter 2013: Is it a dream, or is it real? Only a certain noble knows. [[What Dreams May Come]]

*Winter 2013: War is coming, all too soon for a band of sky pirates. [[The Lion Prophecy]]

*Spring 2013: An Archadian transplanted noble shows Emberstrand how feasting is done. [[Plumfrost Feast]]

*Spring 2013: The [[Whisper War]]

*Spring 2013: [[DOWNFALL!]]

*Autumn 2013 [[Waterway Hunt]] Ainsley and her companions embark on a search for the first shard of Shemhazai's Prison
----------------------------
Return to [[Main Page]]

Chapter 42

2013-07-21T17:01:45Z

Silvante:

The party are in the final leg of their journey aboard the Lunar Whale! The mighty Starship and Spirit is currently holding station in deep space. The views from most of the windows show the glittering expanse of stars and the ship has informed everyone that they shall be ready to depart after tea and story time! Vazkor however has also been receiving some private instructions from the Lunar Whale with regards to how to fly the ship so is a bit distracted but for most everyone else the ship is about to start the tale of "What the Aegyl did"

Vazkor stands at the crystal, away from the rest of the party, the man sporting a look of concentration as he can be seen nodding every so often, and quietly posing the odd question, as he receives his instructions... Rolling his shoulders a bit then, and clasping his hands together to lightly crack his knuckles, he soon wanders back towards the other, looking at each as he speaks up, "Hm, so it seems I'll be doing the main manuevering of this fine vessel, but I will also require some aid from each of you." The man pausing then as he looks around, and then points at various consoles spread around the bridge, before adding, "I will need each of you to pick a crew position. Weapons, Shields, Scanners and Power... I will leave it up to yourselves to decide which one you might best be suited for." The man smiling a bit afterwards.

Raziel stands from the seat which he had taken and he sips from the cup while looking off in a random direction. Clearly the man's mind is elsewhere. Pausing for a moment he looks at Vazkor then around the able of those gathered for a moment before nodding quietly, "I'll see to the power then." Tilting his head o the side he sets down the empty cup, "where do you need me at?"

Talen looks over at Penny and Thaylorn, "Well, I'll hop on weapons then if you two do not mind?" The Viera wanders around the different consoles, peering at each one, trying to work things out from what he sees on screen. "Well, this one has a button marked PewPew. So hmm." Talen sits at that console and spins around in the chair.

Penny blinks at Vazkor over the rim of her tea cup while sipping, then following the responses around, blinking again at Taln and giving an uncertain shrug, "I, uh, really dunno? I've got no experience with ships or anything, so I'm not sure what I'd be best for." That said, she takes another sip of her tea, her shortened tail flicking a bit a she waits patiently for the Lunar Whale to begin the story.

Thaylorn had ended up taking a seat at the table with others "I really don't know either, but shields I might be able to handle?" The Burmecian ponders as he too, sips at his tea a little "I can't promise I'm doing to have any idea of what I'm doing, though." He shrugs slightly and turns his gaze back towards Vazkor.

The Lunar Whale levitates the tea pot and refills the cups, "The controls are quite clear I shall explain them all to you. I fear we shall have need to fight our way through to our final destination. Please wait a moment though, we are not yet ready to depart and I have much to say. Of the event long ago when the Aegyl performed a great ritual... it co-erced me down from the heavens and forced me to fly at their command. The destination... the temple of Starlit... the bonds of Fate were shattered and the Stellazio stolen."

The glowing blue field sets down the tea-pot and flickers, becoming a blue eyeball that hangs in mid-air and turns to regard Raziel. "The explosion caused by the disruption of the Court of Heavens shattered the bounds of destiny. Many people died, others were severed from the path fore-told for them, all possibilities were lost to them and they became as shells who could not progress. A great war raged, the Aegyl fell, many fell and the Stellazio were scattered and the destinies of Terra were forever skewed... it was the catalyst that started the great breaking. For in that shattering explosion of destiny did the Green Light rebell and the war of Eons begin. Terra was shattered, the world as we knew it remade... reforged, the peoples scattered for with the Stellazio absent from the heavens the anchor points of the Jails were broken and Ultemecia and those who stand by her side broke free to wage their war once more agianst the king."

Vazkor nods at both Talen and Raziel as they choose their positions, before looking towards Penny and Thaylorn and offering them both a smile, "Ah, do not worry, I'm quite sure none of us have any experience with a ship of this advanced magnitude." The man grinning some afterwards before he adds, "Shields are all yours, Thaylorn. I guess that means you'll be our eyes and ears, Miss Penny." The man pointing out each console then, including the one Raziel will be needed at, flashing another grin at the Aegyl, before he settles down some again as the Lunar Whale begins its story, soon looking at that floating eyeball, and raising his brows some at the mention of a great, ancient war and the planet reforged... Glancing at Raziel again then to see how he might take all this.

For his part Raziel has no reaction to this other than his eyes growing darker. There's a little flinch of his hand, but then he stills and he looks at the eye which is studying him. "You too have a /very/ just reason for disliking the race which I was born to. It is... impossible to formulate a responce to all of this." Those who are intimately familiar with the man may sense that there is much that goes unexpressed and unspoken." He turns away then and silently walks over to stand at the console where he's been directed. Once there the man states bluntly without looking back, "Everything, Lemures, the Sun Cryst, the Mist due to the Aegyl." There's a little shake of the head then and the man goes silent."

The Lunary Whale laughs softly, "Not everything Raziel, those... were the actions of modern history. BY modern Humes and their squabbles. You cannot take blame for recent history, this... this was long ago and is forgotten by most."

Talen peers over at Raziel and shakes his head slowly. "That is all in the past. Water under the bridge, and nothing to be done about it. We're all here now to see if we can't right what was broken, yes?" He looks around at the others and then back to Raziel. "We're nearly there, yeah?"

Penny bows her head in thanks as her cup is topped off, cocking her head at Vazkor and nodding as he gives her the only unclaimed post, Scanners, "Ah, um, okay Mr. Vazkor." Then there's a giant disembodied eye, and she shudders at the strange creepiness of such a thing, distracting herself with her tea again as the story begins, her ears perked and listening to the ship's tale while she tries not to focus too much on the idea of phantom eyeballs.

Thaylorn just sits and listens for a moment as he watches the eye form and tell of the past of the Aegyl before he merely offers Raziel a look for a moment before moving over to the own panel he was directed to. "I hope that this is going to end well, Vazkor." He reponds with a smirk in the Captain's direction.

The Lunar Whale's voice is soft and gentle, "The Aegyl made a mistake and have more then paid... they make them now as do all mortals for the journey of life is fraut with danger. But today... today at least the Stellazio can be retrieved. After that only the Pieces hall be left and he who comes after... but that is a task for the future... for today. We are ready to leave please all take your seats.... Captain.. if you would care to step up to the podium."

---------------------------<Paste from Silvante>---------------------------
Vazkor:
To steer the ship it will be Willpower+Alertness to adjust speed is is Attunement+Endurance just so you know.

Power to the Engines is currently at 40%
Maine Engines (Always On - Speed variable with regard to power)
Fine Manouvering Thrusters: 30%
Hyper Boost - Offline: 60%

----------

Raziel:
Power Console shows:
To control the power it is Insight+Knowledge to see where it is all going and to make adjustments.
Current Power distribution is:
Weapons 20%,
Shields 30%,
Scanners 10%,
Engines 40%,

----------

Penny:
Scanners:
To read scanners it is: Insight+alertness
Scanners are Online:
Short Range (10%)
Medium Range (30%)
Long Range (50%)
Jamming Field (60%)

-----------

Thaylorn:
Shields: Intelligence+Fortitude
Minimal: (20%)
Standard: (30%)
Reinforced (50%)
Reverse Polarity (60%))

-----

Talen:
Weapons: Dexterity+Ritual
Point Defence (10%)
Main Laser: (20%)
Missile Launchers (40%)
Hyper-Cannon (60%)
------------------------<Paste to [OOC]: TP Room 1>------------------------

Vazkor looks after Raziel for a few moments as the ship finishes its story, and the Aegyl wanders off... But he doesn't offer any comment on the subject yet. He just nods at the others, and gently smiles as he states, "Well, let's get this show on the road, as the popular phrase would be." The swashbuckler turning then to walk back up towards that crystal, and taking a deep breath as he steps up on the dais... Shifting his feet apart a bit and rolling his shoulders again, trying to relax and prepare for the effort ahead.

And they are off, there is a slight juddering sensation as Vazkor touches that crystal.... and the star field outside begins to move....

Penny is currently 20 minutes idle and may not get back to you soon.
You page, "You can see several routes plotted in on the console by the Whale. Each one has different hazards. One has a strange "Gas" symbol, one of them has a rocky symbol. One of them has a little bird symbol and the fourt one has a symbol you have never seen before." to Penny.

Raziel shakes his head a little bit, "sins of the fathers and mothers and all that.. may be ancient history, but we're fixing it now." He doesn't state why they're fixing it now though he does toss a quick look at Vazkor and Thaylorn both. The man's gold wings twitch but then he sets his attention to the new task which he has been given. As the ship begins to move the mans attention goes to the console and he reaches out to 'test' it and give the engines a smidgen more power.

The change in power works flawlessly, the ship hums and Vazkor finds he can start pushing the Lunar Whale toward greater speed as they really start to get going!

Talen hmms, "Well, there isn't much call for major weaponry anyways, is there. Keep me posted if there's anything that needs shooting." The Viera busies himself by constantly reading over the viewscreens he has, and peering out the windows at the stars floating by.

Penny finishes her tea as the Lunar Whale concludes the story, setting the cup down as she hops out of her seat and heads for her assigned position, taking a breath as she puzzles over the controls and displays, starting, cautiously at first, to fiddle and experiment... Giving the display a closer look, she cocks her head a little, and looks up, "Um, Lu-, er, M-, ah... Mister Whale?" She seems uncertain what to call the Spirit/Ship, but after settling on that, she continues, pointing to a symbol on her screen that she doesn't know, "What's this little thing mean? And, um... I... I don't think I can see very far, either."

The current navigational symbol means Radiation Fields... my scanners are currently set to minimum. At our current speed we have five minutes before you must make a decision as to which route to take. If you wish to study the routes in more detail you will require more power.

Penny ahs and blinks, not really sure what 'radiation' is, but seeming to assume it to be something unsavory. She looks up again, "I guess I should ask...?" And then looks to Raziel, "May I please have more for, um, Scanners, Mister Raziel?"

"What the heck is polarity." Thaylorn states, frowning as he looks down at the controls before him. "And since we're not fighting things...We probably don't need shields right now? I dunno." The Burmecian looks more confused than anything as he looks on before sighing and turning about to look towards Vazkor and the path they might be taking.

"Polarity is the current magnetic state of the shield. Somethings are attracted to them in this state, others are repelled. Once power has been transferred to the shield console you will have to decide how to distribute it and increae the power level of the output function."

Vazkor, with both hands on the crystal and a look of concentration, steadily increases speed as more power is diverted to the engines, testing the ship's capabilities a bit, getting more of a feel of it... But also trying to pay attention to the needs of the others, he soon lets it drop back once more, to allow Raziel to divert power to the scanners so Penny may tell him what direction to steer the ship in.

Raziel looks up as Penny's told what sort of a delay they have, he looks to Penny then before nodding in responce, "right.. of course.. lowering shields to minimum and boosting the scanners." And since the attempt to increase the engine speed worked a moment before he does similiar with the shields and scanners.. dropping the amount of the sheilds to 10% and increasing hte scanners upto 30%.

And it works, power is transferred, more options coming alive on Penny' screen as the shields flicker and dim....

Talen hmms, and alternates between looking at his screens, and looking at everyone elses, curious to see how it all fits together. "What happened to your previous crew, Lunar Whale?", he asks. "I mean, did they all just leave after some battle, and never came back?"

"A pertinent question young summoner, I have no crew. I have not had one since Cecil Harvey and his companions. Once I was called to the Lost City to take my place as an airship of great historical note there was no need for a crew. But at times like this when companions journey aboard me toward the fullfillment of quest and destiny I invite them to be the crew. For to do everything myself would be to deprive them of the right to succeed on their own."

Penny turns her attention back to her display, and smiles as she gets more power and more choices light up. She studies her options for a second, then selects the one to extend her sensor range before selecting the first course, with the gas symbol, to try and get more detail about it, followed in turn by the other three, while speaking, to let Vazkor know what she's doing, figuring that's important for a Captain to know, "Seems there's four paths to choose from, Mister Vazkor. There's one with gas, one with... rocks, I guess, another with, uh, birds? And the last with that 'radiation' thing Lunar Whale mentioned. I'm trying to find out more."

You page, "Ok! Results from each path are as follows: The 1st one, Some sort of Gas Streams whirling around two planets that appear to be made up of different types of gas! It is very pretty and you can see currents you could ride through to the other side. The rock path appears to be a HUGE field of tumbling rocks all scattering about lost in the void o space! It looks dangerous, the paths are constatly being blocked and filled with tumbling rocks of all sorts! It'd be a real driving challenge! Path three is BIRDIES! You can see sort of flappy winged things zipping this way and that through the void all tiny compared to the Lunar Whale's HUGENESS! And the Radiation Path! Well.. there is this HUGE BURNING BALL OF PLASMA! And you'd be riding the waves and currents of its red hot spaarkly madness! It looks very dangerous but is the fastest route." to Penny.

Penny furrows her brow as she examines the results her scanning has produced, hmmming a bit, "Mister Vazkor, looks like... The path with rocks is a big field of tumbling stones, no consistently safe path through so far as I can see. The one with gas looks like it has some currents of some sort the ship could ride. The bird one has, uh... I don't know what they are, some kind of big swam or something of little winged creatures. And that last one... Seems the shortest route, but also looks like the most dangerous: there's a big, giant ball of burning stuff pumping out waves of energy; I guess that might be like sailing through a bad storm or something, by the look of it."

"Rocks don't sound too bad." Thaylorn chimes in from his station as Penny talks about the different routes they could end up taking. As Penny explains more he merely shakes his head, rocks don't sound like a good idea "Instead of rocks, maybe we could go through something fully focusing on shields, and engines to go through a path as quickly as possible?"

Vazkor has his eyes closed as he interfaces with the ship through that crystal... But as Penny gives those options, he briefly opens them to look at her, and then everyone else... The man visibly pondering as the choice is left to him, and after a few moments giving a bit of a shrug, "I must say the gas route sounds the least ominous... Though I doubt any of them are without its risks. We shall see what happens, hm?" And with that, he picks said gas route, concentrating on the crystal once more and steering the ship.

Raziel looks at Penny, then Vazkor and he ponders for a moment before murmuring, "Gas makes me think of poison spells... I'm going to increase the shields at a cost to some of the engines then, just incase. If afterwards it seems alright I'll revert it." The man starts to make the adjustments, nudging a little more (5%) power into the shields at the cost of the engines.

Talen has the cushy job it seems, for now. "Is there any tea left?" he asks of the Lunar Whale. "And is it possible to have teacup holders on the consoles?"
Raziel pages, "is talking to staff about incorporating this or something like it for airships as a whole" to you.

"I am afraid the consoles do not have teacup holders Master Talen... Master Raziel... current power transfer to shields will have no operational effect. Time to encounter Gas currents is T-Minus 3 minutes..." The forward screen is filled with a mafnificent sight! The Lunar Whale identifies them as Varan and Telna, the double gas giants of the system, locked together in a deadly dance. Varan is a world covered in blue and yellow bands, swirling clouds that race from northpole to south pole as the planet rotates on its axis from north to south. Telna however is a darker planet, red and brown clouds, larger then Varan and with a huge storm system covering one side of the planet. It also appears to be out of shape, the cloud layer punctured at some point in the past sending it careening into Varan's orbit. This closeness and the unusual behavior of Telna fills the space between the two gas-giants with streamers of gas hundreds of kilometres thick. A glittering band of gas drawn from each planet due to their proximity. It truly is a breath-taking sight and the party can see that they will have to somehow ride those whirling currents of gas to the other side....

Penny nods, adjusting the sensors to focus back on the Gas course once more, to keep an eye on the path ahead, smiling as she seems to feel she's getting the hang of this fancy console thing.

As Penny works the scanners several entry points are flagged up on the main view screen for Vazkor, options with which he could enter the swirling tumult of storm energy!

"Well then, how's this going to turn out..." Thaylorn mutters softly as he takes in the views that are presented towards the group, the thought that they're far off from where they were before finally penetrating his mind. As his controls start to flash at him some, his attention quickly turns in their direction, a concerned look crossing his face for a moment before he calls out "I need more power on shields, else we're not going to survive closer due to the energies there. Reinforced, if possible!"

As Thaylorn speaks the Lunar Whale seems to buck and shake! The shields, as minimal as they are flouresc with colour and sparkle and then collapse as lots of nice red lights start to flash across Thaylorn's shields. Various warnings about Hull Temperature start to throw up over RAziel's screen and Vazkor skillfully manages to turn the ship and pull back. It is a slow process though as the Lunar Whale is a BIG girl. Seems there are swirling energy fields on the outside of those interecting gas streams which were about to bombard the ship but for now you are safe.

Vazkor continues to concentrate on steering the ship, not letting the near 'disaster' distract him much, or even paying much attention to the view, wonderous as it might be... He just speaks up, his voice calm and a bit low, as he gently eases the Lunar Whale into those gas currents, "Feel free to boost the shields however much you need, Raziel, using engine power... I will be taking us slow for now."

Raziel gnaws on his lip, his attention flicking between the, rather impressive, display before them and back down again. As the alert is given though the man murmurs, "answers that question. No half measures." The man makes the adjustments again, nodding to Thaylorn quickly, "reinforced? How much is.. hell. Half power to shields then!" Raziel starts boosting the shields upto half power and in turn lowers the engine's down, "Right, we'll have to go in slower and steadily, but that will likely be for the best." His eyes go to Talen then and he notes while nodding ahead, "You might find yourself called upon soon, summoner."

Talen nods and readies himself, "Not sure what we'll need to shoot, but I am ready to go." He fiddles with a few of the screens. "I am sure I can aim at something now. Just a complete lack of targets. Which is fine, in my books, this journey is going to be rough enough without enemies."

Penny clutches at her console to keep her feet as the ship lurches and alarms start going off, the mouse squeaking a bit in dismay, completely not used to such things. As things steady out from Vazkor steering th ship, she starts working the sensors to see if there's any additional information she can glean from them about the gas streams and the surrounding area, muttering to herself, "Of course it couldn't be *safe*... Safer than the others, maybe, I guess, but not totally *safe*, should'a known..."

Thaylorn nearly ends up on his face as the ship starts to shake, but luckily manages to grip onto the nearby shield station to avoid falling over "I'm going to need more than half, I need 60% for that shielding function!" Thaylorn states simply back towards Raziel as he allocates a percentage of the power to shields. "Else we're going to be shaking like that the whole way through most likely." )

Pennies Scans bring up a route through the clouds, it is a swirling mass of incandescent yellow and purple gas that seems to be riding a slip stream between the roaring gravity wells of the two planets. There is also a little tag line fed over to Talen's console informing him that the gas is flammable and that if he thinks he can pull it off. Firing the Point Defence Cannons at the right moment could create a pressure wave that could carry the ship. That however would be a risky mnove, it is also relayed to Vazkor too so the captain is aware of the option, otherwise it will mean a 3 hour flight through the gas currents with constant course corrections. And that's only if they are able to maintain the shield strength required.... however as Thaylorn has only brought the shield up to Standard, the yellow field engulfing the ship will mean they are going to be bounced around quite a lot which will make firing the Point Defence lasers at the right angle and steering the ship incredibly difficult. The choice however... is theirs!

Current Power distribution:

Raziel:
Power Console shows:
To control the power it is Insight+Knowledge to see where it is all going and to make adjustments.
Current Power distribution is:
Weapons 10%,
Shields 50%,
Scanners 30%,
Engines 10%,

---------

Penny:
Scanners:
To read scanners it is: Insight+alertness
Scanners are Online:
Short Range (10%)
Medium Range (30%)
Long Range (50%)
Jamming Field (60%)

-----------

Thaylorn:
Shields: Intelligence+Fortitude
Minimal: (20%)
Standard: (30%)
Reinforced (50%)
Reverse Polarity (60%))

-----

Talen:
Weapons: Dexterity+Ritual
Point Defence (10%)
Main Laser: (20%)
Missile Launchers (40%)
Hyper-Cannon (60%)

Vazkor somehow manages to mostly keep his footing on that raised dais he stands on, the man still facing that large crystal and using his connection to it to steer the ship... As that option is given however, he soon glances over at both Raziel and Talen, regarding both a moment before he speaks up, "Talen, do you think you can make the shot if Raziel manages to balance out our shields?" The man raising his brows at them questioningly.

Raziel looks at Vazkor then at Talen and then back again before he glances at Thaylorn, "I'll raise your power to sixty percent.. that should enable you to keep the shields fully functional the problem is.." He looks down at his power display before nodding Vazkor towards Penny, "I'll have to drop the scanners down to minimal so I can give some power to the weapons." He hovers his hand, prepared to start making the adjustments while waiting for Vazkor's go ahead.

Vazkor seems to ponder some at Raziel's response, taking a moment to look at each individual 'crewmember'... But then he just nods, firmly, and speaks up, "Do it, long enough to balance us out and so Talen can take the shots. Be prepared to boost scanners again right after, however. I suggest taking the energy from weapons then." And the man grimacing a little bit right afterwards, as he adds, "Hold onto something, I suspect this might be rough."

Raziel nods to Vazkor and he starts adjusting the powergrid, lowering the scanners so that there is still short range capability (10%) and then shifting the newly freed energy into weapons (20%) and shields (60%) while the engines are allowed to maintain their minimal power.. after all if they're going to be riding the energy wave. Once done the aegyl braces himself.

The screens flick and shift as coloumns of data track this way and that... Thaylorns controls and Talens light up even as Penny's go dark.. the ship is ready for insertion into the wake of energy betweem the two tumbling plasma streams!

Talen looks over at Vazkor and nods, I think it should be alright." He hmms and peers at the screens before him. "Oh I don't know about this. I have no idea what I should shoot at... hmmm. Maybe that...? No, too fast. Aha, that one for sure!" He closes his eyes and presses one of the buttons on his console.

The main screen shows a stream of light seeming to flow out of the underside of the Lunar Whale! it strikes a pocket of gas just ahead which erupts with a beautiful explosion of swirling light and flaring images! The vessel rocks slightly and the shields flouresce as the back lash of energy strikes them. The vessel is second away from diving into the malestrom of energy particles!"

Penny clutches the console to help keep her feet, while her poleaxe slides to the floor at the room's rear wall from the rough ride. Footing re-affirmed, she nods at mention of dropping Scanner power for at least a short bit, and keeps her hold on the console in preparation for more turbulance as her console reacts to the shift in energy allocation. She blinks over the top of her console as Talen fires, and, such a beautiful explosion! But she quickly brings her attention back to the present, bracing for some half-way-expected impact.

As Penny pays attention to the screen she is able to feed the details needed to Vazkor's console and the crystal... a path lining up for the ship toward the perfect place to enter the slipstream of exploding gasses!.

Thaylorn manages to stay still even with the ship moving about as it is by clinging to the shields panel, and as Raziel mentions raising the shields he lets out a happy little cheer-sounding thing. "Good, I didn't want to be shaken to death." With Talen firing though, he retains his grip and makes sure the shields aren't going to be failing for any reason as they head towards the malestrom.

As Thayrlorn starts to feed the extra power into the shields there is a crackle of blue light that seems to sweep across the ship! The entire vessels shakes, the shields fail and behind Thaylorn a cirecular disc on the floor between the rat and the crystal where Vazkor is driving POPS out... a four foot tower of blue light that glows faintly. It's emergences from the floor is accompanied by the shields collapsing and the ship bucking like crazy as it strikes the energy stream without any shields! What is worse 60% of the power reserves have just drained away..... they are gone and there are flashing icons on Raziel's screen. Thayrlorn is flung from his console to roll across the floor and fetches up in a tangle with Raziel as the whole bridge seems to just drop! Penny hangs on for deer life, the mouse shaken somewhat but not thrown away and Talen is the same, clinging to his station for dear life as he all but lifts off the floor and there is Vazkor. Well.. he's just smooth! The current Captain just sways gently with the ship as he tries to steer the vessel without any shields through an explosion of magnificent stellar proportions! Kier is also still on his feet the young Hume so far has been able to just watch all his friends manipulating the controls but now the Lunar Whale speaks, "Master Kier... if you would be so kind as to push that breaker back in! Or else we cannot access that part of the power system.... the emergency system has tripped!"

What keeps Kier from falling over is actually the very same 'breaker' crystal that came out of the deck. Holding onto it a moment, he looks at the four foot tall pillar, and then shrugs once before he places his hands on top. While not being the strongest of people, he has the height for good leverage, and as he grits his teeth, the crystal begins to slide back in place. Once he's able to bend, he grunts once and thrusts down, locking the breaker back in place. Panting a bit, he takes a moment to turn the locking lever, a now-familiar sight thanks to all the other levers like it on things like doors and such, which causes the power to re-engage.
As the power rengages it all flows back to Raziel's console.... a new line flicking into life on the currently un-manned power station. The Lunar Whale however is continuing forward, picking up speed as the slip stream catches it... Vazkor is going to have his work cut out for him driving this thing through those raging, exploding currents with no shields and limited view of what is ahead! But at least he has Penny's entrance path to follow...
Pasting to: [OOC]: TP Room 1

Current Power distribution is:
Unused: 60%
Weapons 20%,
Shields 0%,
Scanners 10%,
Engines 10%,

Vazkor just sort of wobbles in place as all that drama happens, managing to keep his balance like that, perhaps thanks to his years of martial training... And casting a briefly glance around then, he asks, "Everyone alright?" Even as his gaze ends up on Kier, watching the man shove that crystal back into the floor... And nodding his thanks to him then. And with that, as the ship threatens to slip into danger, he promptly focuses on his own crystal again... His expression one of sheer concentration as he starts to steer the ship into the path previously selected by Penny... And then, as it dives into the slipstream, almost deftly managing to pilot the vessel around a sudden, large explosion of gas. The swashbuckler gritting his teeth as he states loudly, "I need shields again! And scanners! Flying blind."

Raziel is tossed to the side and as Thaylorn joins him the aegyl feels the air knocked out of him. For a moment then he holds still before the power is thrust back on. then quickly disentangling himself the aegyl half crawls, half runs back to his console, catching himself from running past by gripping the side and the other hand comes up quickly to redistribute the currently unused energy right back into the shields before they break apart.

The shield console goers from red and purple warning lights back to green! It is ready and waiting for the activation sequence to start... problem is with all that energy in the shields Penny is limited to short range only!

Talen holds on for dear life, "Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh." It's a slightly girlish scream, but at least he manages to remain seated. Once things calm down, he looks around, and then to Vazkor, "Should I shoot another one then? Or was that good enough? Oooh, I have main laser capability now... awww, no, it's gone again."

Penny hangs on for dear life as the shields go down and things get crazy, and Thaylorn and Raziel go tumbling! Managing to keep her feet as Kier pushes the power linkage/breaker back into place, she looks back and forth between her screens and the view outside, watching the explosion from two perspectives, "Blind is right, I can't see sh-AH!" She's cut off as Vazkor steers the ship into the previously labeled entry point, jostled a bit by the turbulence of the flight past that point, "Sorry, Mister Vazkor, I got nothing for ya just now except snow, crazy lines, and the explosion!"

Dazed, and moderatly confused about what just happened, Thaylorn manages to get untangled from Raziel mostly due to the Aegyl's doing. Once clear, he makes his way back towards his station as quickly as he's able, stumbling slightly from having gone tumbling like he did. Luckily the Burmecian manages to get back to the shield controls, and this time, manages to activate the correctly. This is well shown as the shields power back up into existance, keeping the ship safe from the immediate danger of the gasses!

A bubble of energy engulfs the Lunar Whale, it glows blue and sparkles, waves of energy rolling across it as the ship crashes through a wave, still picking up speed and rams full tilt into another expanding explosion! This one just rolls over the shields and the ship barely trembles.... it is still looking hary and dangerous out there!

From his spot, Kier stares at the screen for a long moment, his eyes flicking back and forth, and then tilts his head almost like a cat watching a moth flutter about under a lamplight. "Here." Is all he says as he walks up next to Penny, and then takes his finger to run it along one of the screens, finger dipping and whirling like he's painting. What comes up is... a course? He's actually winding the ship through a couple safe eddies, as he says, "Fish swim the river by finding the points in the course where the current is lessened by rock and eddies, how the actual flow of the water can be sluiced through, and used to their advantage. Sometimes... they require a little help to get the speed to lean over falls. All to find their home again." As he speaks, everything he's doing becomes translated to Vazkor's screens, and then he steps back.

Vazkor seems about to ask for scanners again, opening his mouth... Only to raise his brow as the course is suddenly laid out before him, and he glances Kier's way as the hunter talks about water and fish or the like... Nodding at Kier then though, he focuses himself back on his own crystal, and starts steering the ship... The man grunting as he overshoots at first, but quickly manages to slip back around and find the correct entry point, guiding the ship into the path Kier laid out. His steering impeccable from then on, even though he has some trouble with the speed, "Let's get through this."

Raziel grits his teeth for a moment, having missed the order from Vazkor for more scanners. His head comes up and he looks at the display then at Penny and Kier before he looks at Vazkor, "I can give them the power from the weapons, but if I do we'll still be ten percent short. I'll have to lighten up the shields too. Things might get a bit rougher." Thats all the warning which is given before Raziel starts to adjust things again, dropping the weapons back to 10%, the shields to 50% and the scanners back up to 30% so that the two have more than just short range.

As Vazkor weaves a path through the dangerous pathways of gas he rides the currents Kier has picked out and then without warning the ship is leaping free of the gas clouds into clear void! The stars gleam all around and behind them the whirl the spinning gas clouds of the two giant planets as they spin in toward one another! Vazkor and his crew are through the first obstacle and out into a patch of safety.... The Lunar Whale then speaks up, "Well done, everyone... you work well as a crew but now I fear it grows more difficult, there are three barriers between us and the Stellazio and we have cleared but the first one.... now you must pick your path once more."

Raziel grits his teeth for a moment, having missed the order from Vazkor for more scanners. His head comes up and he looks at the display then at Penny and Kier before he looks at Vazkor, "I can give them the power from the weapons, but if I do we'll still be ten percent short. I'll have to lighten up the shields too if they find that they need it." He doesn't make any changes though until they make it through the dangerzone, and then afterwards the man begins to adjust things, lowering the weapons (10) and shields (30) a little to increase the scanner (40) distance and the engines (20).

Current Power distribution is:
Unused: 0%
Weapons 10%,
Shields 20%,
Scanners 50%,
Engines 20%,

----------

Penny:
Scanners:
To read scanners it is: Insight+alertness
Scanners are Online:
Short Range (10%)
Medium Range (30%)
Long Range (50%)
Jamming Field (60%)

-----------

Thaylorn:
Shields: Intelligence+Fortitude
Minimal: (20%)
Standard: (30%)
Reinforced (50%)
Reverse Polarity (60%))

-----

Talen:
Weapons: Dexterity+Ritual
Point Defence (10%)
Main Laser: (20%)
Missile Launchers (40%)
Hyper-Cannon (60%)

The power adjustments go ahead flawlessly and the consoles adjust their available options clearly...

The Viera is still concentrating on his screens, but he peers over at Penny's. "See anything interesting, Penny? Something that might need some shooting, perhaps?" Looking back at his, he does a little targetting practice, aiming the point defense at things near by, locking on, and then moving to the next. "Only one barrier and two more to go? Well, if the worse thing is being bounced around, it shouldn't be all that bad, yes?"

Penny relaxes her grip on her console as the shields rematerialize and the ride smooths out considerably, heaving a sigh of relief. She blinks up at Kier as he joins her at the console, cocking her head, ears perked, as he traces a course on her screen through the static and crazy lines that she can make no sense at all out of herself, "Huh! Whadda ya know!" Looking back up at Kier, she smiles, "Thanks, Mister Kier!" And then, the ship is clear of the gas and turbulence, and in open space, and the mouse sighs again in relief! Looking up to where she imagines, at the very least, where the Lunar Whale's voice is coming from, she turns back to her scanners as Raziel allocates enough power for Long Range, scanning out as far as she can for the courses available to them, giggling a bit at Talen's question, "Shooting? Hm, let me see..." Her eyebrows lift a bit, and she hrms, then does her best to send the scanner results to Vazkor, "Looks like there's two paths available, sir. The bird-things from before still looks like an option, and then there's this... metal thing? I don't know what it is, but the second available course passes it. Beyond those, there's a big swirly-glowy thing, but I have no idea what it is, except that it *might* be our destination, maybe, I think..."

"Well then, that's one spot done, huh." Thaylorn remarks from his station as he looks out to see the calm stars about them. He pauses for a few moments as he waits for the results of the scans, and when the results are revealed he offers up "Metal thing, is it big?" He questions towards those at the scanner station before offering a nod towards Talen "Hopefully something that isn't so reliant upon the shields."

Kier walks back over towards Vazkor, "I have an idea. One that should appeal." And he then moves around behind to look at the Rozarrian's screens, "Put all of the magic of the ship into the offensive systems. Use the largest weapon at full might to fire towards our goal, but not at it directly. Then... put on all speed, put on all protections, and we follow the shaft. Like digging a mineshaft. If we can fly fast enough, we can chase our own path of destruction with little time for anything to react?"

Vazkor lets out a breath as the ship sails into 'calmer waters', the man taking a moment to look at the star-lit space around them... Before he rumbles towards everyone, "Good job." And falls quiet again as Penny speaks, listening to her and nodding some... "So, mysterious metal objects or strange birds... Which sounds safest, to any of you?" The man obviously asking opinions, and promptly raising his brow as Kier comes to him with that idea... A bit of a grin slowly curling his lips then as he remarks, "I'm sure that would make Talen happy, for one... But we might have to get a bit closer still, figure out what's what, until we do anything somewhat drastic like that. What does everyone else think?" The man asking for opinions again.

Raziel considers quietly before he looks at Vazkor, "before we avoided what seemed like a danger by approaching what looked to be safer. Perhaps the same will be true, of course perhaps it will be entirely reversed." He looks out the display for a moment and then chews his lip for a few brief moments before shrugging a little, "if I were to guess I would say that that which seems the safest is likely something nasty. I would lean towards the bird things."

Talen hmms, "While I would like to fire off the hyper-cannon, I could not suggest it in good conscience until we know what is out there first. We do not wish to obliterate something good in this ... universe, do we? So let us first power the scanners to maximum, and let Penny take a good, long look. Maybe then we can better see our path. We are safe, here, for now, yes? Let us first see before we run and gun."

Penny continues to fiddle with the sensors, an ear twitching towards Talen, "They already are at maximum, Mister Talen; the next level up is something called "jamming", whatever that is. Sounds like something that you put on toast, to me, though I'm sure that's not what it really is." She pauses, as a thought occurs to her, and looks up, "Mister Whale, sir, what *is* "jamming", anyway?"

"That's a rather unique idea, but I doubt it'd be the best way to go through these barriers, spirits and all." Thaylorn offers in general response to blowing a hole through things to their destination "Some toast would be nice about now..." The Burmecian chimes in softly as he looks towards the others "But otherwise, I think that those bird things would probably move around lots, and be hard to hit? If they're like regular birds."

At Penny's question the Lunar Whale answers, "Jamming refers to the distortion of electronic chaff... signals that are pumped out into the void to create confusion and disrupt the guidance systems of others. As Penny fiddles with the controls she is able to bring up a clearer picture of the big metal object. It is some sort of construct, clearly man-made... all curving donuts of metal and lights and spires with flashy lights and a long spire sprouting out of the bottom, "Space Station identity confirmed... Maximum Scan... station belongs to the Lost City.... any further information. Unknown." As Thaylorn speaks there is a soft swirling sound and a pedestal oozes up out of the floor next to him, with a plat of toast along with spreads, jams, preserves, butter and knives. "Toast... as request Master Thaylorn... Captain we at our current speed it will take us three hours to reach the divergence point where we must decide which route to take... please continue to discuss and choice your course of action soon.

---------------------------<Paste from Silvante>---------------------------
Current Power distribution is:
Unused: 0%
Weapons 10%,
Shields 20%,
Scanners 50%,
Engines 20%,

----------

Penny:
Scanners:
To read scanners it is: Insight+alertness
Scanners are Online:
Short Range (10%)
Medium Range (30%)
Long Range (50%)
Jamming Field (60%)

-----------

Thaylorn:
Shields: Intelligence+Fortitude
Minimal: (20%)
Standard: (30%)
Reinforced (50%)
Reverse Polarity (60%))

-----

Talen:
Weapons: Dexterity+Ritual
Point Defence (10%)
Main Laser: (20%)
Missile Launchers (40%)
Hyper-Cannon (60%)

Penny ahhs and nods at the definition of "Jamming", giggling, "That's pretty neat! Thank you for explaining, Mister Whale." A moment later, she cocks her head a little as the results of the scan on the station are announced, "Lost City? What's that...?" She looks to Vazkor and the others curiously, in case they know."

Thaylorn eyes the toast as it raises from the ship's floor before quickly swiping it and turning his attention back in Penny's direction "I've not heard of anything like that, maybe it can be explained more?" He questions towards the ship as he spreads some of the spreads on the toast.

Arching a brow at the offering of food by the Whale, Kier says, "Perhaps some food for everyone would be for the best. Great Vessel, can you prepare a meal against..." And then he motions towards the wall by the door to the hallway, "That wall? Fruits, vegetables... some meats. Things we can sample from as we talk?"

Raziel takes in the information and ponders for a moment before looking at Talen, "your the summoner, this would be in your knowledge perhaps?" He pauses then and looks at Thaylorn and his toast and then Kier before he murmurs quietly a simple, "huh." EM slides out of his bag and moves up his arm to his shoulder where she perches and eyes Talen's toast while measuring the chance of making the leap to it. The man looks towards Vazkor then before he states simply, "of course it it up to you in the finality."

Talen's stomach growls loudly at Kier's suggestion, and the Viera looks to the wall Kier points at. Hoping for a feast. He looks to Raziel and nods, and then over to Penny. "It will be something Penny might be honoured by. The Lost City is one of the states of Alexandra, it is across the silver stream, a place of lost technology, and technology to come. This airship also calls the lost city... Home. If the Stelazzio are here... I know not the magnitude of the journey we will have to endure."

Vazkor rubs his jaw- the man starting to grow a beard by now, not having had chance to shave much- and ponders both options presented to them, glancing across his viewscreens... Looking at the others then, he offers no comment on Kier's request for food, instead dealing with the matter at hand as he remarks, "We're being given a choice of direction, so I doubt this Lost City is our final destination... Instead it seems it would be another obstacle somehow... And while I might supposedly be the Captain of this vessel, for now, I'm not the leader of the group, so I won't make the sole decision. So let's make it easy. Show of hands, who wants to take the path with the 'birds'?" The man pausing then as he looks at whoever raises their hand, and then adds, "And the city?" Waiting for any hands to go up then as well.

The Lunar Whale happily obliges Kier, a veritable feast is oozes out of the walls, long silvery tables laden with fresh meat dishes, saldas, fruit, drinks, yogurts... the whole shebang lined up along one wall for the party! Fruits and vegetables and meat dishes that are unrecognizable but all of which smell delicious! "I can now resolve an image of the Space Station... please observe.. it is not a city merely a structure built in the void between stars and worlds. It's origin is the Lost City but as the Captain says it is likely to be an obstacle to stop us reaching the coins. As for the birds I cannot currently show you more, perhaps Mistress Penny can procure a clearer reading?"

Penny blinks, her face lighting up as Talen explains, which brings to mind everything the small Templar herself knows from the teachings she's received at the Cathedral over the years. Her exuberance is quickly dampened, though, and her smile shifting to a thoughtful frown, murmuring, "But if that's where Mister Whale makes port, why was he floating out so far away from there?" So caught up in her thoughts is she, and then distracted moments later by the Lunar Whale's suggestion of trying to get a better scan of the 'birds', beginning to fiddle with the sensors to try and do exactly that, that she actually doesn't vote at either of Vazkor's calls for hands.

As Penny fiddles with the Scanners she hones in on the area of space that contains the "Birds" what she actually reveals is an area of space filled with swarms of sleek, metallic profiled things... they have lines of lights along their sides that glow and they spin and dive and twirl and swirl all around each other. At first they look harmless enough... until Penny is able to bring up the scale.. these things are big... about person big and there are thousands of them swarning about!

"So it's something we need to blow up, then?" He realizes what he says though and quickly adds a "Nevermind, probably the absolute most wrong thing to do." to his statement. Thaylorn pauses for a moment, and when Vazkor mentions birds, he lifts one of his hands up to show what he prefers to try to tackle. "I'd rather not go up against something form the Lost City, honostly."

First preparing a plate of cheeses, fruits, and some select veggies, Kier makes his way over to Penny, along with a glass of whatever was offered to drink, sniffing at it once before he settles those by her console, "The Station may be the best course... if we go towards the creatures, they may view the Great Vessel as either a threat, or worse... something to feast upon. We would need more and skilled defenders to hold those off." Next to the tables once more where mostly meats and some cheeses, which he then takes to Vazkor, with something that smells lighter but more alcoholic, "If it is a City, then perhaps like any City it requires a tax to enter and leave the territory it owns? Like any good civilization, blackmail is a way of life."

Raziel looks at the creatures for a moment and his eyes narrow. After a brief moment he glances at the food and then back to the screen again. "I still say those creatures. We may be swarmed, but if need be we do have weapon systems and shields. That city, who knows what would await us there or what weapons it might possess. Even if it be the Lost City, who knows what protections such a place might bring to the table." And then the man steps over to grab a piece of meet and offer it upto his pet before he grabs a piece of fruit for himself and dips that into the yogurt before returning to his station.

Talen pauses and peers at the others. "This ship calls the lost city it's home. Does your home attack you when you return, Lunar Whale?" He looks up at the ship's ceiling. Looking back to the others, "Both paths are uncertain, but the metal birds are probably more dangerous than the lost city, even with shields and weapons. I vote we go for the City itself."

The Ship speaks up again, sounding patient and if explaining things to children, "It is not "The Lost City" my dears, it is "from" the lost city. A space station, a construct of the stars and machine. You mortals do so fixate on the wrong details at times. It is from there not the city itself and genuinely they are used to guard important trade routes between the stars."

Vazkor looks at everyone as they give their opinions, well everyone except Penny... And then nods some at the various arguments presented to him, even as he accepts the food and drink brought to him by Kier, inclining his head to the man in thanks. Taking a sip of that alcoholic beverage then, he listens as the ship corrects Talen... Before letting out a slow breath, and rubbing his chin again as he thinks, "Well, votes seem to be evenly split, unless Miss Penny would still like to give hers... Personally, I don't like the look of either choices, but to me, a structure specially built to guard these pathways would likely be specialized in taking out ships... We could take the chance it recognizes us as an ally as we near, but we might not be able to escape before some large cannon blows us in half." The man pausing then as he shrugs, before adding, "I vote the 'birds'. We might be able to push through them with sheer velocity."

The Captain has spoken, the Lunar Whale continues to flyh through the starry void... the birds are held on one screen, the station on another.... the decision is nearly made which will it be. Which path will these gallant heroes take!

Penny blinks and looks up as the Lunar Whale clarifies, blushing faintly, "Oh! I'm very sorry, Mister Whale, I misunderstood what you first said about the station I guess." She hm?s at Vazkor, only now noticing the food that was left beside her console, blinking, then smiling her thanks to Kier briefly before turning her attention back to Vazkor, "Vote?" She looks at the screens, then oh!s again, "Right, vote! Um..." She cocks her head, "I'm, uh, really not sure... Though I suppose I'd favor passing the station, if only slightly so. Like, maybe we could sail by at full speed or something, as fast as we could go, give them less chance to act if they happen to take exception to our passing-by?" She shrugs, "But that might work for either path, I dunno. Just... People make me less uncertain than flying whatever-those-are-things."

"Ultimately... Vazkor is leading our tribe in this. Should his choice be the swarm, then the swarm we will brave." Kier replies succintly as he prepares Talen a plate of the sweetest things he can sample from the buffet being offered up, along with something sweet and light to drink along with it. Those are brought over to the Viera and left at easy reach, "We have all voiced our opinions... but we still have time before any commitment is needed. Perhaps if anyone wishes to sleep briefly, I am sure we can slow the Great Vessel for a time."
Thaylorn pages, "Hey Silv, I'm going to have to step away for the time being, something just came up RL side, I'm sorry." to you.

As the votes split right down the middle Raziel shakes his head a little and he bites into the melon he grabbed while looking at the power console. The man closes his eyes then before he looks at Vazkor, "enough of this. We need to make a decision now. Your the captain. You choose. We are split, your voice is the deciding over. So please. Let's move. We need no food nor rest right now. We need to go lest we are caught by those who would stop us." He looks at Kier and then shrugs slightly, "my apologies, but we must move with haste and if we take the wrong course and encounter trouble we must deal with it.. but this waiting does us no good."

Talen takes up a handful of strawberries and is happily munching on them. He pauses and looks to the others, nodding. "Thank you Kier. And Raziel is right. It is good of you, Vazkor, to ask for our opinions. However, no matter which way we go, danger lurks. Harm will come, and we must do what we can to fend it off. Decide, Captain, what path we take."

Vazkor shrugs at everyone then, and idly remarks, "Let's ask Lady Luck. She seems to like me." Before he dips a hand into one of his belt pouches, and comes out with an old, worn down coin that Raziel might recognize as the man's Lucky Gil... And without further ado, he deftly flicks it up high, letting it twirl up into the air as he quickly adds, "Heads (1) is the station, tails (2) is the swarm." And then he smoothly catches the coin, slapping it down on the back of his hand...

Vazkor removes his hand and peers at the result... The man letting out a slow breath, before he braces himself in his position by the crystal, and starts to concentrate on steering, slowly angling the ship towards the station... Looking at everyone meanwhile, and simply stating, "Heads."

A decision has been made! Vazkor steps up to the crystal that steers the Lunar Whale and everything is in readiness now! All they need is the power from Raziel to get things going. But just as they are getting ready to finally get underway the Lunar Whale requests of the Burmecian Thaylorn can help them with something and he has to vacate the Shield console and leave the bridge leaving the shield station open for Kier as they start their run on the station! At their current speed it will still take two hours to reach it the Whale reminds Vazkor as he places his hands on the controls!

Raziel watches the coin spin and then he exhales when the coin is slapped down again. "Let's hope that she does," the man merely states before he turns away and watches Thaylorn run off. With the decision made the man starts to adjust the settings then, dropping the scanners to medium range and increasing the power to the enginers by another twenty percent. "Then lets move and as we get in closer we will see what comes.

The power changes go through and the Lunar Whale thrums with energy as she prepares to get going and tear off through the universe once more under the parties control!

Vazkor slips that coin safely away again, and turns his back on the others once more, facing that crystal and placing both hands on it as the man takes a deep breath, and then takes full advantage of Raziel's boost to the engines... The man starting to speed up the vessel and heading straight for the station, "Here we go."

The Lunar Whale starts to speed up slowly, picking up the pace not quite as quickly as might have been hoped but Vazkor is certainly adding speed to the affair as it starts to zip thorugh the void!

Kier takes up a plate of something for himself, and then instead of moving to the shielding station, he walks over to where Penny is, and touches her shoulder with his free hand as he says, "I believe that that station would be more appropriate for you..." His eyes going to the Defense station, before adding, "For one such as yourself, defense would be a natural inclination, yes?" And while he waits to take her place as the eyes of the vessel, he chews on a few bites off his own plate, some meats rolled around cheese and a bit of veggie. "Do not forget your meal." He adds, grinning around his own ever so slightly.

Talen enjoys the food placed before him, and keeps an eye on his station. He nods at Kier's assessment. "She has been doing an excellent job at being our eyes. I think she would do well at the weapon station as well. But I think the shields will see more excitement in future."

Penny starts adjusting the sensors as Raziel redistributes power, then blinks and looks up as Kier taps her shoulder, looking to the Shields console, then to Kier, smiling and nodding, "Ok, Mister Kier." She starts off to the other console, until Kier reminds her of her food, spinning about and quickly stepping back over to take it before hurrying off again to the other console, looking it over and trying to familiarize herself with it quickly, using the experience from the Sensors console as a bit of a guide.

*BAM!* The entire ship shakes as Penny reaches the next station. Only a few seconds have passed for thoe moving around the bridge perhaps but Vazkor has been plying on the speed slowly but surely and in those moment when no-one was looking where they were going the ship has hit something. Everything shakes like mad and for of the circular crystal towers around the control crytal shoot out of the floor spilling steam and smoke and small crackles of energy as the ship lurches. Power lines are flatlining on all the consoles and an alarm up by the Engine Control crystal is whining away steadily as the ship careens off course and Talen goes flying across the bridge to slam into the buffet table that falls over, spilling drinks and food and sauces all over the young viera. Thankfully no one else is really bothered, grabbing hold of various secure objects and consols as the ship lurches and careens out of control.

---------------------------<Paste from Silvante>---------------------------
Current Power distribution is:
Unused: 60%
Weapons 0%,
Shields 0%,
Scanners 0%,
Engines 40%,

Raziel's eyes widen and then he grips the edge of his console for a few moments, holding on tight before he scowls. The man opens his mouth, but then realizes that the circuit breaker is out and suddenly the aegyl is leaping over to it and starting to try and force it back down while growling below his breath, "good lesson. Keep your eyes on the road.. or what have you." He growls and alternately tugs and pushes down.

It is a bit of a battle but Raziel manages to slide the coloumn of crystal back into the floor and turn the locking handle but it takes time, a good two or three minutes...

Vazkor would help with those breakers that popped out, the man likely strong enough to shove each right back in... But he's kind of in the middle of trying to get the ship back under control, gritting his teeth as he concentrates on the control crystal, attempting to steer the ship back onto a straight path. Meanwhile commanding, "Get those things pushed back down, and put all remaining power into shields! We're exposed."

Whatever h it the Lunar Whale has certainly knocked it off course! But Vazkor is able to bring it back into alignment just as the speed ticker clocks over into the Green Target area and the Lunar Whale speaks, "Arrival at Space Station Interdiction Zone in Three minutes... Power Allocated to Engines is now at maximum tolerances. No external data available..."

Kier pushes up from his console and immediately moves to the next one to press it back down into place, saying over towards Vazkor, "As you say." Like he did before, he reaches up for the top, and then presses in and down so that he can get it into a position to shove back into place without any harm to the crystal.

Kier's crytal stagger and goes really slowly, it is sliding in but it i a real challenge and as Raziel locks his the man is still working at it, having to pause and rest half way only to have to hang on as it tries to slide back up! He's going to have to keep trying to get this in!

Talen lays there for a time, groaning lightly as things soak into and stain his clothing. "It was a meal fit for a king. Then they flung the Viera into it. Did anyone get the the number of that airship that we hit?" Slowly, and with obvious effort, Talen gets up. He's cut in several places, minor things, but glass still hurts, stuff that he begins to pick out. "Aaaooow.", he grumbles, as food falls away to the floor.

Penny squeaks as the ship suddenly rocks and bucks, dropping her plate in favor of latching onto the shields console in order to keep her feet, and smiling sheepishly at Raziel's comment, "Eh-heh, s-sorry..." Seeing the four towers exposed, she checks her console's readouts, and her ears droop as she finds what she suspected she'd find: Her console unpowered. At Vazkor's orders, she readies herself for when power is restored, not even bothering to go for one of the towers, not being particularly possessed of much in the way of raw strength due to her small frame. Glancing towards Talen as he picks himself up, she motions urgently, pleadingly almost, to the raised towers the others are working on, while keeping hold of her console with her free hand, "Mister Talen, *please*, I need power for the shields Mister Vazkor needs!!"

BAMF! BAM! CLANG! CLATTER! CRASH! More things are hitting the hull of the Lunar Whale, the ship is careening from side to side but Vazkor is a rock! The man stands at the controls of the Lunar Whale keeping them firmly on course, refusing to budge guiding the vessel and the crew under his protection forwards until the rattling, crashing sound stops and they are through into clear space! Or well maybe clear space it is hard to tell as there is still no power to the senors and they are fast running out of time. However one of the four towers of crystal is now dark and cracked, it' lights no longer glowing. Kier however has been able to use the momentum of the shaking to push his crystal coloumn back into place which leaves only one of them out and in need of replacing! Though both Kier and Penny are a bit battered now thanks to the shaking they received.

----

Go back to [[Chapter 41|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 41]]

Go on to [[Chapter 43|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 43]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

AChapter 21

2013-07-19T22:00:44Z

Silvante: Created page with ' The party are in the deepest depths of... well nowhere, thje place between places the good for nothing dead end that used to lead somewhere and is now blocked by the ancient wil…'

The party are in the deepest depths of... well nowhere, thje place between places the good for nothing dead end that used to lead somewhere and is now blocked by the ancient will of Carbuncle and he who is the King of Kharma but the item the party is after lies buried somewhere beneath the rock fall ahead....

"So," Silmeria says, turning to Azar. "It seems we've a bit of time on our hands... I am sorry, Azar. It's not so much smarmy looks as... well. Some battles must be fought in secret, and there simply hasn't been *time* to bring you up to speed properly. I'd hope to do that on the ship... but..." Shaking her head, she moves to sit down next to the redheaded warrior. "What do you know of the Lucavi, Red?"

Ainsley looks toward Azar, and then to Silmeria, and then to the seemingly insurmountable wreckage before them. She steps up to it and rests her hand upon the rubble, eyes lidded. Her mouth falls into a frown. "The Torque probably keeps this passage closed," she muses aloud, and then shakes her head, letting out a heavy sigh. Then she just sits down there and pulls her knees up to her chest, trying to think of a solution, while watching the others.
"Not much, I am afraid, Blue. Just that they were demons." She turns to one side and spits, rather unladylike. "They were powerful, yet their leader was defeated, and they have conspired since to bring their leader back." She looks to the others and then back to Silmeria, "If you fight these demons, how are you keeping it a secret?"

Lee joins Ainsley at the face of the collapse, cocking his head at her mention of the purpose of the Torque, "If'n it does, luv, then us haulin' off wit it likely might stir some trouble, but no way 'round that given th'circumstances. Jus' have'ta deal wit wot comes... Or, mayhap someone else'll." He stays at the blockage as Ainsley joins Azar, looking for loose pieces, big or small, that he can perhaps shift or remove, for lack of anything better to do, calling back as he fiddles with rocks and stones, "Not s'much that we're fightin' them, Azar; s'a bit more conv'luted'n that." He offers no further comment, leaving he storytelling to Silmeria and whoever else pitches in.

Marduke walks up with Ainsley to the wall considering it thoughtfully, "We are on a path between points near or out in nowwhere, at least that is my guess. The spirit realms already have a certain level of abstraction to them. Perhaps there is a way to restory the memory of what this passage was before it was destroyed?" A glance to Ainsley, "Entropy, decay, break down. The philosopical opposite in many cases of creation, building, dynamism." Tapping his chin, "I mean we could just attempt to channel our will to create a new passage, but frankly outside of that, I got nothing." He glances back to Silmeria and Azar, "Red, Blue, sorry to interupt, any ideas here? Time still is not on our side."

"Perhaps appeal to a will greater than our own?" Silmeria points out to the Summoner, raising a finger to point upward. "That theory does seem sound, after all..." Smiling at Marduke, she turns back to Azar, nodding. "Lee does have the right of it. You see... some time ago, Ainsley was accompanying some scholars out on a dig. She found something... something fairly terrible, for her personally, and the world in general eventually; a crack in the prison of the Whisperer. The Lucavi whose Purpose I now carry. Now, Ainsley *is* that crack... and she may be the key to the Whisperer's freedom."

"And the whole point of this quest is to seal the crack, and get the damn woman out of my head," Ainsley tells Azar, with no shortage of frustration in her voice. She stands up and feebly kicks at a piece of rubble. And then she shouts at the rubble, "You hear that, Shemhazai!? Go get bent!" She throws up her hands. "How in Ifrit's fiery chesthairs are we going to get to the Torque?" she complains.

Azar tilts her head to one side, trying to fathom the tale she is hearing. She looks from Silmeria to Ainsley and back again. "If she's the crack, then she can get us in, yes? And if she's the crack, she's also a way out, correct? And if you... that's some purpose by the way. If you're the purpose, perhaps you can use Ainsley to get us to and fro?" The red-head just shrugs, "I have no idea what I am saying, or if I even understand what you're trying to say." Azar looks to Marduke, "Yep, my idea is that we need to start digging, if a magical means is not feasible."

Lee nods along to Silmeria and Ainsley, "In short, wot we're all..." And then, he trails off, blinking, as the comment about Ifrit's chest hair registers, the pale young man slowly turning his eyes to the frustrated scholar, "My... Colorful." He shakes his head, "Anyway... Wot we're about is, point in fact, savin' th'soul o'my dear an' beloved, adorable, an' oft fiery li'l scholar." He cocks his head, looking back at Azar, "Well, that *may* be so, but "in" isn't where we're tryin' ta go, exactly. Not aimin' t'ave tea wi'tha Shem-hazard, after all, just get at wotever's buried under this 'ere ruddy cave-in. Tryin' ta seal th'crack, not use it. Usin' it, ie her, s'wot Pretty-Boy an' his ilk wanna do, much t'tha detriment o'my Ains."

"We pray." Marduke offers glancing to Silmeria, and then to Ainsley, "She is right, it isn't a bad idea. I know the spirits are not taking a direct hand in this, but they have taken a indirect hand in things. Appeal to a higher will, and we may get the answer we need, or the passage may open. Maybe a clue we have missed." Longshoots, the summoner clearly does not like this at all. "Azar, digging would take months. Months down here. I can barley see more then a foot in front of me. People go insane in these kind of conditions. Now while I potentially make myself look like a idiot." Grinning towards the party. Then turns and kneels down, seems he is going to attempt appealing to a higher will! Making a joke about it trying to keep some humor in their more then desperate situation.

( Marduke settles down and prays.... after a few moments the air around the summoner tuyrns frosty and crystalline... streaked with dark smears of oily darkness and dust.... and then the light goes out... ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Marduke has his eyes closed, but even he notices when the light goes out. He speaks up soon after, not in a panic. his voice actually carries a touch of hope to it. "Keep calm, I have gained insight. We have a possibility, kneel with me. All of us pray, pray to Titan. The lord of Earth, for help in moving this rock. The memory we seek is near." A slight shifting of his position as he goes about doing just that.

"Well that's the thing," SIlmeria ponts out, "we don't *want* to have easy access to the Whisperer's prison. We *certainly* don't want the Whisperer to get her hands on Ainsley, either. Thus, what I'd thought would be a journey of relatively mundane danger has been... well, made shatteringly dangerous." She seems about to go on, at length, but is drawn up short by Marduke's first attempt... And his revelation is met with a beaming grin, as though Marduke were a talented student figuring out a difficult problem. "...I'll go on, later," she says to Azar. "For now, though... we need to beseech upon the Lord of Earth and Stone, to help us clear our path." And with that, she slides onto the ground, settling herself comfortably, eyes closed.

Ainsley looks to Marduke with some bewilderment as the strange crystalline manifestation occurs... and then walks over to sit nearby, picking a spot that helps complete a circle. She doesn't say much more, but her smile shows her trust and appreciation with the solution that Marduke has potentially provided for the group. "Oh." She pauses. "Should we all hold hands?" she asks, uncertain what the exact procedure for this is.

Azar hmms and nods to the others, and then Silmeria, settling upon the ground. She leans back against a rock, crosses her legs, and shuts her eyes. The red-head reaches out and takes Silmeria and Ainsley's hands. "Can't hurt.", she says quietly, "Would make me feel a little better too."

Lee cocks his head at Marduke, and heh's softly at the comment made to keep the mood light. Then, the air gets strange and crystaline, getting a curious look from the man, and it looks like he wants to comment, but he doesn't, instead holding his piece and joining the others, kneeling down and taking Ainsley's other hand, though whether that's for the praying, or just because, isn't immediately apparent, and his free hand is, at least, available. Still, settled down, he closes his eyes and does his best to do something he's apparently not done a whole lot of in the past, given his look of uncertainty: Pray.

Marduke shakes his head, "Just focus your thoughts on asking Lord Titan for help. I will channel the appeal, as can Silmeria." He offers opening his eyes glancing around. A touch of a smile, "We may also owe Titan a favor or service as well for his help." Making sure they are aware of the possibility, before closing his eyes again, being his appeal to Titan.

Marduke speaks carefully, "Greater Spirit of Earth, Lord Titan. We request of you come to our aid. Move the earth of this ancient fallen path before us, so we may gain access to the item we seek. The Torque of Entropy. No further do we need to go, only to what it is that we seek to save our comrade among us. Request of me what you will, a service I will owe should you request it upon such of my person." Never ask the spirits for something free, Summoner 101.

The Esper seems to leave it to Marduke to do the talking, simply bowing her head, as a humble servant should, and lending her will to push the Summoner's will on its path. As the Spirit's presence suffuses the ruined chamber, she squeezes the hands of those on either side of her, encouraging and hopeful.

The lizard scholar has her hands taken, so that the whole ritual can begin... and then closes her eyes to concentrate to some degree. She frowns, as she hasn't done anything like this before and is uncertain how skilled she could possibly be. Ainsley keeps quiet as Marduke speaks, though she does peek at him with one eye.

Azar grins at Ainsley for a moment, the red-head also having one eye open and peering around. She squeezes both hands she holds, remaining silent, her prayer between herself and Titan.
Lee has nothing to add to Marduke's plea, either, eyes closed, and head bowed, whatever will he is adding to back Marduke's call done silently, and earnestly as well. The feeling of the pressence of the Spirit in the tunnel is a sensation he's not used to, leaving him to hunch and roll his shoulders briefly as he shakes off the goosebumps.

Marduke feels the pressence of Titan, and keeps his position waiting for the response. A glance to each of those around him helping him, then back to keeping his focus. He has nothing else to add to his plea already given.

There is a moment of quiet and then a faint rumbling.... before their eyes and in the faint light cast by their lantern the party can see the rocks and shale being pushed back! Flattened, heated, crushed.... as the minutes pass a small tunnel open in the rock fall... pushing backwards, opening.. widening and then it stops and the spiritual presence departs. The brightest thing down the new tunnel of crushed shale and coal that now gleams and shimmers in crystalline diamond splendour is a glowing sphere of emerald crystal nestled inside a circular object that seems to suck in the light.....

Silmeria is currently 13 minutes idle and may not get back to you soon.
You page, "As titan departs you get an odd sense of... puzzlement from his spirit. As if there wa something unasked, a question outside of the rules that he could not voice." to Silmeria.

As the path clears, the smile on Silmeria's face grows wide. "You've puzzled the Lord Titan greatly," she says, slowly letting go of the hands to either side of her, "but well done, Summoner Marduke. Well done indeed."

When the tunnel is cleared, Ainsley releases the hands of her fellow adventurers, and turns to start walking toward the object that is, presumably, exactly what they had come to get. She has this great big smile on her face thanks to seeing the shining object... and since the circular object is sucking in light, she's pretty sure it's exactly what she was looking for! "Bless you, Marduke, for knowing how to talk to spirits."

Azar stands one the ceremony is complete, and she peers at the object in the freshly made tunnel. "So uhm, lets take it and leave before Sir Face-I'd-Like-To-Smash returns."

Lee keeps his eyes closed until the sound of shifting stone and such stops, his eyes opening again as Silmeria speaks. He nods in agreement, "Na'bad, na'bad a-tall, sez I..." He stands, helping Ainsley up to her feet as well when she's ready, eyeing the objects at the end of the newly-made tunnel, brows furrowed in thought, "Hmm..." He looks to Silmeria, "Silm, kin I 'ave tha compass back? Gonna give it a check real quick."

Marduke looks to Silmeria, his smile not quiet so joyful, "I sensed that to. Very confused. I am more worried why. Though I suspect as the rules were obyed, I to am indepted not. I may find out why there was confusion." A glance towards the object, "Indeed, the sooner the better. We make a mad dash now for the Temple of Diablos do we not? I hope you guys have figured out how to find it?" His is suddenly tense, keeping a eye out should the pretty squad show up.

"I believe," Silmeria says, digging the compass out of a pocket, and handing it off to Lee, "that the 'why' of this request was unclear. He did have trust in us, however, else he'd not have answered. And if Lee's compass tells true, I do agree with Azar."

Lee's comnpass GLOWS brightly as Silmeria hands it over... it is pointing a pale green line straight to the glowing green gem in the middle of the dark torque. It appears Carbuncle' memory is here! And as Ainsley gets closer she might well feel jubilant inside! The torque is here, the last item they need from the list given to them by the High Priestess of Shiva in her Temple under the guidance of Lord Hades himelf!

Aaand then Ainsley /runs/ to the objects to acquire them, laughing triumphantly, tail swishing behind her, that weird light coat she has flowing out like a cape. She'd even stagger to a stop before reaching to pick up the objects. "They're both together! Isn't that strange?" she remarks to the others, "Though I guess if his memory needed to be retrieved, he wouldn't remember where it actually was, huh?"

Azar hmms and taps her foot, "Time's a ticking, isn't it?" She looks to Silmeria, "So what are all these ... memory things about then?"

Lee takes the compass, and blinks as it lights up like a proverbial christmas tree, looking from it to the objects and back, the arrow pointing firmly at the objects, "True as true ever was... Seems it's a package deal, an' both tha things we're after lie in th'same place. An', by th'look of it, they'd have t'ave been from tha very start... Why would Carbuncle bury a memory along wi'tha Torque?" He follows after Ainsley, keeping himself near her just for safety's sake as she collects the objects, nodding in agreement with Ainsley and looking to Silmeria, "'Xactly my thoughts, Ains. Dun that seem a mite bit odd t'you, too, Silmeria?" He looks over Ainsley's shoulder at the objects, "My worry, luv, is a bit deeper... Can only wonder what this mem'ry really is, an' if it were truly lost at all, or if'n it were *sealed* down 'ere intentionally fer some reason." He gives Ainsley's sleeve a tug, "Azar's right, though, we'll 'ave ta worry on it later; tha less time we fritter away 'ere, tha better, so let's git yer cute scholarly behind an' those baubles well an' out o'here, eh?"

Marduke taps his staff into the ground as he thinks a moment. "Safest place to put a dangerous memory is it not? The torque itself is sealed in the memory, a way of protecting it. We were entrusted with this, but for now. The faster we move the better. We are not in a favorable spot here. Silmeria, I do not suppose there would be a back door or a exit they might not expect us to take?"

As Lee reaches out to take hold of the Memory from Ainsley there is a strange shudder in the ground.... a soft chime of energy flows all around them and the memory crystal glows brightly the moment the man's fingers touch the crystal. It flashes and then unfolds! The party are stood in a long corridor formed by huge lavender bushes. The scent is heavy in the air mingling with the ozone scent of powerful magic! A short distance from the party several figures are fighting, Lord Carbuncle, Lady Undine and the King of Kharma Tonberry King himself. They are fighting a tall, regally beautiful figure with a long cascade of silver hair that is held back by a crown of those lavender blooms. Undine thrusts with the trident that is her hall-mark, pushing the figure backwards just as Carbuncle slap a dark circular object onto the ground and Tonberry King drives his dagger into the ground. Everything turns dark! The starlight over head is cut off as a curving tunnel of stone erupts through the lavender bushes shredding them..... it seals over head with a thump and starts to shake and tremble and collapse! Undine unleashes a wave of force and the tall, hauntingly beautiful figure is blasted backwards as the Lady of Healing rides the wave of her magic in retreat.... Tonberry King is already running ahead of her and as Carbuncle is picked up he lets out a shriek as the figure that can only be Shemhazzi lashes out with a tendril of darkness. It ceases the spirit of memory.... Tonberry turns, slcing.... a beautiful green gem falls down... bouncing.... landing inside the torque before all becomes dark and the ceiling of the new tunnel collapses with a roar! As the dust settles the party's vision and eyes clear... starlight shines down from above.... the scent of lavender is heavy in the air and fire-flies are starting to bob and dance around the long tunnel of fragrant flowers.... the collapsed tunnel of coal and shale is gone.

"What in the..." Silmeria turns, frowning all about them, eyes unfocusing. "This... where are we? Father?" Stepping away from the group, she turns her head skyward. "Father, I can feel you, where *are* we?"

The memory bathes them all in light, and the immediate reaction Ainsley has is to squint, and then /frown/ when the images play out before them. The figure -- a face she can place to Shemhazai -- gets a leer of unmatched fury and hatred because she instinctively knows who it is without even having to piece together the context. It's probably the hair. When the scene concludes, and the dust clears... She peers about, cluelessly rubbing the back of her head. "I would guess we're in the same tunnel as before, Silmeria, but... with the effects of the Torque reversed." She warily glances down the tunnel. "Which means... the door is open?" She then hurriedly suggests, "Maybe we should leave."

Lee's eyes widen at the sudden shift in scenery and the replay of past events; even Lee recognizes what he sees as something that *was* and not something that *is*. And when it's over, and the stone tunnel gone, replaced by bushes and fireflies and a vast, starry sky, he blinks and shakes his head, looking around, "Um... Oops?" He clears his throat, slipping the memory gem into a pocket, "I fink I'm in agreement wi' Ainsley on this: Rapid vacation o'tha premises sounds a right marvelous idea. I only 'ope I, er we ain't accidentally let tha whisperin' bitch out. That'd be all kinds o'pains in tha ass, it would."

Marduke watches the scene with a frown. Then nods his head slowly as he glances to the others, "The memory, to seal the Lucavi away. Using the power of the torque to maintain it. If I am piecing things together right. I am starting to suspect the items are not meant to free Ainsley, but a means to properly seal him away." A glance to Silmeria as he watches her and glances around thoughtfully and shakes his head, "I suggest we prepare for a fight, spirits be with us." A sense of dread in his voice.

Someone starts clapping... a tall bright figure with long flowing white hair dressed in beautiful silver armour... as he approaches Savourn has a huge smile on his face. "Oh my darling you have no idea how happy you have made me," he coos in Ainsley's direction. "Such wondrous things you have done..." as he walk forward he seems to get taller... body tretching, armour fading.... replacing with a diaphonous robe of flowing silver and black just like the figure in the memory was wearing. The features shift, no longer so rugged and manly but feminine and soft with cruel dark eyes. The hair stays the same, the beautiful, flowing, silvery locks but a plaited crown of lavender weaves itself around her brows. "I'd stay and explain what has happened my dears but well Silmeria's daddy will come running soon enough...." she laughs, tilting her head to look at Marduke, "Oh Marduke sweety, you are wrong I am afraid, the Memory was Carbuncle's I tore it from him with the last ounce of my strength. And as he couldn't remember what he had done he had no reason to question your quest! No one did except maybe Tonberry King and you ran away from him!" She laughs as she walks closer, growing taller and smiling, "You have no idea how hard it was to implant that false idea into the High Priestess of Shiva's mind, to avoid Death's gaze.... but thank you my darlings, With Ainsley as my conduit I could whisper whisper whisper! Oh how your hatred for Savourn and his crew made me giggle! Did you never stop to wonder why you only ever saw them when you were alone and far from others?" She glances up at the starry sky, "Now if you will excue me..." she runs... dissolving into a whirling mist of steam and cloud then bursting apart into a flock of bats that zip up over the bushes to either side and away into the starlit sky beyond..... The quest is complete, they have the final pieces of the puzzle but it would seem.... the party need some advice.... Please Insert Disc 2.....

The Esper of Hades stands, poleaxed, as Savourn reveals himself to be Shemhazai Herself. So stunned is she, that she can manage little more than a halfhearted swipe at one of the bats as they wing their way past. And now, standing amidst the field of lavender and sweetness... The Daughter of Death begins to simmer in real, unalloyed rage.

All of that glee slowly melts away, the scholar staring as Shemhazai's form is revealed in its whole. Her eyes widen. The Whisperer speaks, and the lizard is frozen as she details everything she had done to manipulate the quest. It's only when the woman has faded away that she drops the Torque at her feet, very softly, and stare at where the woman had been. Her gaze wavers, as she realizes she had been toyed with the whole way. A puppet, at best. And then she just starts crying, putting her hands over her face, sobbing into her fingers and dripping tears onto the Torque. She collapses onto her bottom and shakes and sobs and curses weakly, unable to even get up the strength to be properly angry.

Lee growls as Savourn appears, stepping once again in front of Ainsley protectively... The growl diminishes steadily as Savourn changes, though, leaving Lee just as flabbergasted as Silmeria, slack-jawed as the Lucavi herself explains just how tidily she manipulated the grand strokes of the entire journey. He doesn't even react to the bats, just blinking after one of the flocking groups before reaching up to pull his hat off, other hand combing through his hair as he lets out a small, bemused "Huh." He begins to build a simmering anger as well, at first, but Ainsley's crying brings him sharply back to the present, the man simply dropping his hat as he turns to the scholar, kneeling and wrapping his arms around her, stroking her feathers and murmuring softly to her under his breath, trying to lend what comfort her can to her.

"What..." Marduke whispers as he watches everything going on. Stunned like the rest, but he manages to keep his rage under control. Instead he closes his eyes and just lets everything around him flow, and listens. A tear streaming down his eye as he sighs softly and leans heavily into his staff. Then starts to push back up to a standing position as he opens his eyes slowly, "Something... something..." then snaps up suddenly as he pushes to walk over to Silmeria, "Lies within lies. Not all that was said was the truth." Clenching his hands around his staff, "Has to be a reason, reasons for these items, reasons they allowed it." His steeled gaze looking over the party, "I am not done with this yet."

It is done... Shemhazzi is out.... loose upon the world and no doubt winging her way through the void between realms for safety as they stand their stupified on the Lavender path. It won't be long before people notice, the whipering darkness in the world is loose and as the party stand there and react a bell begins to toll.. a bell that shakes the deep dark realm of the Abyss and the Void.... a bell that will shortly bring runnin the gaolers who have been so neatly side-stepped by well meaning mortals.

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 20|Ainsley Quest Chapter 20]]

Go on to [[AChapter 22|Ainsley Quest Chapter 22]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

AChapter 20

2013-07-15T19:07:03Z

Silvante:

Thr Party have reached the Necropolis, the towering city of Sephulcher, Mausoleums and tombs... gravestones, bells and the quiet rest of the dead. It is quite pleasent here beneath the morning sunshine, the tall towering city of graves is well kept. With trees and shaded walks, benches and streets that curve this way and that. It isn't all told a very bad place to be, serene and rather beautiful. Except for the massive door the party are stood in front of. The gigantic portal is open revealing a large Octaganol entrance chamber with many paths radiating away from it... That.. that is rather gloomy like and foreboding.

"All right," Silmeria says as the party reaches the portal, "before we go in... THere are things that *must* be understood." Drawing in a deep breath, she steps before the portal, turning to face the party. "This is the Path of Shale, my friends... THis is the path your soul will take, once you've finally passed on, and it is also our way into the Catacombs of the Tonberry King. Make little sound, do *nothing* to agitate the dead if you can at all help it... And once we've left the Path, *do not seek out the lanterns.* The TOnberry King exists to punish *all* for their wickedness... And I'd really rather avoid upsetting His servitors with our presence."

Azar has been enjoying the sunshine and peace offered by the monolithic city, but this giant door has Azar wary. She listens carefully while Silmeria speaks, and holds up a hand when the blonde woman finishes. "Er. It sounds awfully like we're uhm.. going somewhere else. Like, a different dimension. And uhm.. why do we have to take this particular path?"

Marduke walks along with the part to the door. Eyes glancing up the door and then into the pathways within. "I... have no clue where or which way to go." Glancing to Silmeria. "Have not studied these spirits to carefully." Nodding to her words listening carefully and making mental notes. Glancing to the others and then back to the path, staying quiet now.
Ainsley is already clamming up, having no input to provide to this leg of the adventure. She was not comfortable being here in the first place, and she's even less comfortable when Silmeria gives her warnings. The lizard girl nods a couple of times, and clings to Lee's side that much closer.

Lee walks with the group through the peaceful city, seeming impressed enough by the vistas and architecture, though hardly an afficianado of such things. The sunlight isn't his favorite part, naturally, but that's just something he deals with, hence his propensity for large hats and such, and he makes excellent use of the shade as he finds it. He stops in front of the door with everyone else, tilting his hat back as much as the presence of sunlight will safely allow to get a look at it in it's entirety as he stands close by Ainsley's side, even draping an arm comfortingly around the scholar's shoulders as she sidles closer still to his side in her discomfort. His attention focusing on Silmeria as she says a few words of explanation, he takes them in and nods, "So, bit offa preview trip, then... 'Ope that dun complicate wot-all we needs ta do, both fer Ainsley an' ta cover m'debt ta Carbuncle." He doesn't elaborate, instead looking down at Ainsley, "Dun fret, luv, I'll watch out f'ya."

"Complications... well, we'll just have to deal with them as they come up," Silmeria sighs. "Just... do be careful of disturbing the spirits... I've only *just* made up for disrupting this path once, mh?" Shaking her head, she turns to Azar. "It does, because it is. We're traveling into the realm of the SPirits... The realm of one SPirit in particular, who redresses *any* harm one has visited upon another. Lady Mateus may be the SPirit of Law... but King TOnberry is the spirit of *Justice.* Remember that, my friends, and all should be relatively smooth. Mind we don't lose our way." ANd with that, she turns, drawing in a deep breath and stepping across, into the portal.

Azar trembles just a little to hear Silmeria tell it, and there is fear in her eyes, mixed with determination. "What if we don't know we've wronged someone?" The breath she draws before entering is deep and forced, as if her throat were constricted. "Is he just going to strike us down?"

Marduke sets his staff to the side of the door before they enter. Carefully removing the bells off it, very hard to walk quietly with such things on. Clasping them up so they no longer jingle and putting them in a pouch. He glances to Silmeria and nods his understanding. Then picking back up his now quiet staff he turns to start into the path. "We shall deal with that when it happens, best to tread carefully." Glancing back, then turning forward again.

"Oh no," Ainsley murmurs when Silmeria talks about King Tonberry redressing /any/ harm done to another. She has lit quite a few people on fire during her adventures, after all! She shakes her head once or twice, and then steels her heart, stepping along to follow Silmeria. "You'll be fine," she assures Azar, despite her contradictory feelings.

Lee can't bring himself to chuckle, though it looks like he wants to, and can't seem to come up with any additional quips either, or perhaps just restrains himself from uttering them out of respect for the mood, entering in-step with Ainsley, only adding, "I'm guessin' th'iea is ta be in an' gone afore 'E knows we been there."

Silmeria picks a path and starts walking down it, the walls are dotterd with plaques and signs, stone grave-markers, inscriptions, the odd stained glas window. The corridor is tall and arched and made from dressed flagstone and then a turn.. a stair... and the corridor is red brick with iron grills guarding embrasures with large coffins in them. Then another turn.. another passage... and it is Wood... with small niches filled with Candles and a name... but the Lady Esper seems to know which way to go... ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

The Esper seems comfortable in this place, rows upon rows of corridord and memorials, gesturing the party to follow in her path. At the moment, despite the heavy pall her words cast before, she seems confident that the way is known, if not entirely clear.

Azar sticks very close to Silmeria, a hand nervously squeezing at the hilt of one of her blades. She does take the time to look around though, with the vague notion of being to find her way back. "How many times have you been through here, Blue?", she whispers to the woman ahead of her.

Marduke walks along quietly. Holding his staff so he doesn't tap it into the ground, fighting his normal walking habits the whole way. he follows fater Silmeria having confidence she knows where she is going, at least appears to have that. Eyes glancing along the decorations and designs as they go. Showing appricaition for it all, despite the morbid nature. A sharp glance over to Azar and shakes his head holding a finger up to his lips.

Ainsley reaches over and /swats/ at Azar, glaring at her. She also does a shush motion, putting her finger to her lips. After this she returns to Lee's side... and quietly observes their surroundings. The fact that it's so varied fascinates her... but she still seems uneasy, as her tail curls up and around Lee's wrist.

Lee spends some time looking at the scenery with mild interest as he follows after Silmeria, and almost chuckles as Ainsley swats at Azar before glancing down at where he finds a tail around his wrist, giving Ainsley a smile as he takes hold of her tail in return. Something else draws his attention after a moment, though, and he fishes the compass Carbuncle had given him from his pocket once more, the object now glowing softly, casting amber light, in his hand as he checks it's face to see what direction it's pointing...

Just as Lee reaches into a pocket and removes the compass they reach a crossroad, to the right the path enters a shaggy natural looking cave. Straght ahead is the direction Silmeria is taking where as as soon as the Compass is out a large amber arrow points left with a shower of sparks. It is hard to miss but very peculiar... the left hand path is just a door that is currently shut made from Lapis Lazuli...

"Once," Silmeria answers in a hushed whisper, after the rest of the party is done 'voicing' their displeasure. "...Technically twice, I suppose. But my last trip was... well. Eventful." As the compass is brought out, the Esper frowns at the direction it points, looking from door to corridor. "...That's not right..."

Azar nods, keeping quiet.. until something swats at her. She yelps, covering her mouth, and turning to glare at Ainsley. She frowns and looks back to Silmeria, "The door is new?", she whispers. "Or is it usually open?"

Marduke comes to a stop at the path, not following after Silmeria. Instead he glances over to Lee, the compass and then peers at the door. he has no clue what it is, but does not ask. At least for now. Instead he starts for the door. "Right or not right." His voice soft, "I suspect we should go this way." Reaching to open the door. "Lee what is that compas?"

Lee looks from compass to door, then shoots a glance at Silmeria and Marduke, a hint of a grin tugging at his lips as he whispers, "Right, s'not right; technic'ly, is' left, if'n y'must nitpick." Having not missed the opportunity to joke a little, he looks to the door again, eyes scanning for a handle or latch or way to open it, or hinges to see if he can tell which *way* it's supposed to open, even as Marduke reaches for it, while absently answering Marduke, "S'a li'l sumfin' I were loaned ta 'elp me find sumfin' I was asked ta retrieve as payment fer a favor." Not the clearest answer, perhaps. "A side-task, as it were, though important fer me pers'nally, an' not tha main reason fer us comin' in 'ere." He leans down to whisper a bit more quietly in Ainsley's ear, "Wot'chu think, luv?"

As Soon as Marduke touches the door-handle there is a soft chime and the doorway melts in two.. revealing a tight set of spiral stairs made from some sort of glowing blue crystal... There is no hand-rail and there is just a black void all around the stairs. But the choicew now lies before the party, take the stairs or carry on.

"Oh," Silmeria whispers, blinking. "That. Well... I suppose if we remember our way, it shouldn't be too much of an issue, and you *did* promise..." Taking one last look around, to commit the room to memory, she gestures toward the now-open door. "Let's be off, then."

Azar swallows, looking from Marduke to Silmeria and back. She takes a deep breath and follows after the blonde woman. "Is everything alright then, Blue?"
<OOC> Azar says, "Sorry for short poses, Mother Nature is trying to kill me. Aka lightning. :3"
Marduke watches the doorway melt at his touch. Glancing to his fingers he then peers back to Lee, offering only a nod to what he has said. Leaving it at that, as he starts down onto the stairs, not sure quiet sure how he got in front but will stay that way until they come to a turn. "Let us know if the compass gives us a new direction Lee."

The detour puts something of an uneasy look on Ainsley's face, but she doesn't offer any verbal protest. She just clings to Lee's clothing some, and tries to get a better look at the compass by standing on her tippy-toes. She looks at the door warily, frowning.

Lee helps Ainsley by lowering the compass so she can get a good look, while looking around at everyone else and nodding, whispering, "Like as not, if we don' do it now, there's no promise we'll be able t'come back and get it done later..." Giving Ainsley's tail a small squeeze where he has hold of it, he starts after Marduke, nodding, "O'course, good summ'ner, o'course."

The party start down the spiral of blue crystal stairs... they are odd... they glow with this blue light and yet the edges seem to have this black line running along them which makes it hard to see... most peculiar but so very sparkly! As they descend the stairs the spiral grows wider and they seem to hang suspended in the air all around them and out in the darkness very faintly glimmering lines of light can just about be seen....

"As much as it gets, Red," Silmeria whispers, smiling some. "As Lee said... This is something of a side errand, for Lord Carbuncle. Just in case we're edging into his domain... Just... try not to touch anything that we don't need to get. Lord Carbuncle has *very* strict rules about taking what you're not given."

Azar stays in the dead center of the stairs, not budging an inch towards the edges. "Do you do this on a regular basis, travelling into other realms? And uhm... I won't be taking anything at all, except breaths, we're allowed those yes, Blue?"

Marduke makes his way down slowly, and carefully. NOt wanting to overstep or miss a step since he is in front. In fact most of his focus in just on that, making sure he doesn't slip. He listens to everybody else and just nodes ones, "Indeed, nothing you could take is worth what you would lose. Remember that." His voice serious on that. "Lee its getting odd, the compas show anything?"

"Considering the purview that Carbuncle has," Ainsley mentions, speaking up for the first time in a long stretch, "It does not surprise me that punishments are harsh for trying to take something that is under his watch. Memories, was it? If they look like gemstones, though, I wonder the wisdom of trusting ordinary people not to touch anything. A test of willpower, I guess." And with that input done, she clams right up again, looking out into the gloom. Well, one more comment: "Walls seem to be thirty feet out. This is definitely someplace special..."

Lee continues down after Marduke, glancing from the compass to the apparent void of the space surrounding the stairs, a frown slowly growing on his pale face, nodding at Ainsley's observation, "Aye, good eyes, luv..." He even glances back at Silmeria and Azar, while his grip tightens anxiously on Ainsley's tail, "Marduke, stop. S'not gettin' odd, s'been odd from th'get-go. We don't find a way t'turn on th'lights, then we'll go on 'ere fer'ever, an'..." He looks back at Silmeria and Azar, or rather, past them, "there ain't no goin' back." He looks to the compass again, and recites, "'Tha Heart Below, Tha Key Above, tha Darkness Surrounds. Light th'Way using wot is remembered'r the stairs go ever on.'" Then, thoughtfully, "Wot is remembered..."

As Lee calls a stop the steps the party are on seem to shift and flow and meld forming a larger platform of the odd blue glowing crystal... there are more steps leading down and none leading p! Just the dark glimemring void....

"'What is remembered," Silmeria murmurs, brow furrowing as she stands on the platform, arms crossed over her belly. "Oh there was *so* much to remember about that... What *was* it? The concert?"

Azar slows and stops, looking behind to see that the stairs have vanished? "Hummm, we don't have to go back, yes?" She looks back and forth between the four obviously reminiscing, and she crouches down, crawling to the edge to peer over quietly.

As Azar crawls to the edge and peers down into the dark blue tinted darkness of the Abyss the rest of the party continue to try and work out what to do next when a faint chime seems to echo out of the Abyss from fair, fair below....

Marduke comes to a stop. Glancing up to Lee, and then peering around as the steps reform. Shaking his head slowly as he glances back to the others. "I see." Leaning into his staff, watching and waiting. There is little he can do to help at this point. A frown to Azar, "Umm I wouldn't do that miss. Spirit realms you generally want to avoid looking into the horizons. This one could be the Abyss, and that does things to the mind." Pausing a blink as he hears a faint chim, peering to the others and moving over to Azar.

Azar goes quite pale, even for someone who is as fairskinned as she. Her eyes widen, and move about, as if watching something below. Something moving closer. She screams then, cowering away from the edge of the stairs, to end up clinging to Silmeria's legs, weeping and hiding her eyes.

The scream startles Ainsley. She looks at Azar, and frowns lightly, but walks over to pat at her shoulder... "It's fine. You're okay," she says, trying to be soothing. And then she lets out a sigh, looking up to Silmeria... "Yes. The, uh... the play. I hope you remember your part." She then begins humming the opening notes to the introductory number for the play. "You too, Lee," she says, in a pause in the music.

Lee furrows his brow, wracking his brain as he tries to remember, glancing to Silmeria, "Th'play? Yeah, there was *sumfin'*, but... Dammit all, wot *was* it?" Unintentionally copying Silmeria's question as he thinks... Until Azar starts freaking out, that is, her trip to The Edge having gone unnoticed by him until now, even with Marduke's warning to her, so deep in thought over trying to remember something that seemed, frustratingly, just beyond his reach, but now giving Azar a concerned frown as Ainsley moves to comfort her a bit, "Oy, you all right there, gehl?" And then, at the answer Ainsley provides, which triggers the memory, the pale man groans, head falling back as he sends pleading eyes to the dark void overhead, as if to the heavens, "Y'mean I'mma have ta *sing*?! Oh bloody 'ell." But, what must be done is what must be done, and he takes a breath, closing his eyes to mentally rehearse his parts, and preparing. And it seems he's not exactly a stranger to performing, exactly, which makes sense given who and what his mother is, and he seems determined: if he's gonna do this, he's gonna do his level best to be just as camp as the fellow who played him on stage, it seems, for the sake of role-authenticity.

Silmeria stoops, gathering Azar up in a gentle embrace and holding carefully, as Lee begins his part of the overture. When her cue comes, her voice lifts; softly at first, for she is by no means a trained and talented dark-opera singer, but she can carry a tune serviceably enough to get her through the first few bars. While it's quite clear she would love to bring a little more peace to the mind of her red-headed friend, the best she can do for now is simply hold her, and sing of sexy death in black leather.

Marduke clearly has no clue what is really going on, or what is being done. Instead he stands there, glancing to Lee with that baffled look like Lee just went insane. He leans into his staff and looks to Ainsley and Silmeria and shakes his head slowly. "ok...." A concerned look offered to Azar last.

Azar reaches up a hand to cling to Silmeria's sleeve. First visions of something that doesn't exist, yet, or did and now does not... and then the group goes all Buffy-style in the middle of it all. She can only stare, looking to one side and then the other, with a look of confusion and curiosity on her face.

Nothing else to it. Ainsley begins to sing, and tries to do her best at it. She's not the best singer in the world, perhaps, but she's not terrible either. Her voice isn't really meant for singing, though, especially not verses meant for someone with a more normal voice. She always has that faint lizard-y quality to her voice. And she's blushing so deeply that her dark scales can't hide it. She resumes walking down the steps, in the hopes that her revelation was true.

Lee waits for his cue, and when it's time, he starts in with gusto! He's dashing! He's daring! He's a fairly serviceable middle-tenor! He serenades Ainsley in lyrical verse as best as he can remember it, following after her if needs-be as she resumes walking! And it seems he definitely feels like an idiot, spouting all the over-the-top heroic-romanticism he can recall having heard from his on-stage counterpart, if his expression (when not submerging himself as much as possible in the role) is any indication!

The song is rolling and jolly and rather filled with good feelings! This is a group of adventursome heros who shall be the bomb! Their voices carry! Their songs are magnificent and they are damn awesome! Ainsley and Marduke seem to come together, their voices in perfect harmony and pitch... the crystalline steps lengthen into a long road that glistens and glimmers through the void and a the song starts to reach an end the dark void opens up into a cold, stone cavern... the walls are damp, the gloom is high but there i a magnificent stone portal ahead of them flanked by gigantic statues of Tonberry's their lanterns providing light upon the joyfully singing quartet! There is no stopping until with a rousing rendition of the final chorus the party with Azar tugged along with them stepp off of the void and leave the crystalline path behind......

"...Well," Silmeria muses, clearing her throat after the last bars have faded, and the party is now in the Catacombs, "*that* was deeply embarrassing. And now you know, Azar, why I'd really prefer not to have to sit in front of any more musical theatre regarding our exploits..." Shaking her head, she draws in a deep breath. "...And now we are in the Catacombs. Mind your step, and if you see a lantern coming... do move quickly the other way."

Marduke comes to a stop in the singing. Having taken a moment trying to figure out what was going on. He does not seem embaressed, more amused actually. He glances to Ainsley, "May want to train that voice, you could be very good." He has had some clear performance training and then nods over to Silmeria. Going quiet as he continues to follow along.

Azar blinks and shakes her head to clear it. With an unladylike grunt, she stands and stretches. "I do not know exactly what happened there, and I shall spend many a year trying to figure out just what it was I saw, and witnessed." She gives Silmeria a squeeze on the shoulder, and a nod, "Oh, I think I will just stick by your side, and stay ahead of the lights, yes?" The red-head turns to look at the others and nods to them, "I think I can make it with my mind intact."

Ainsley frowns heavily at Marduke, and steps over to Lee, doing her best to hide her face in an attempt to hide her blushing, momentarily hugging and pressing her face against his clothing. She glances back over her shoulder, intrigued by the path they had taken. "Spirits are strange," she remarks, "Very strange. At least, though... at least it's light-hearted." She starts to smile. She can't stop blushing, rubbing at her face with both hands. "Marduke, I don't /want/ to sing in front of people, normally."

Lee takes a slow, calming breath once the recital is finished, then lets it out, pulling his hat off with one hand and aggressively scrubbing his hair with the other, "An' mum sometimes wondered why I deigned not t'follow 'er in tha "family business"... Not that I never dun' a bit o'street-music 'ere an' there fer a pocket o'coin, but that's worlds diff'rent." Putting his hat back on, he wraps an arm, and a section of his cloak, around Ainsley as she hugs against him and hides her face, ducking down to give her a brief kiss on the forehead while he fishes the compass back out once again with his other hand to check where it's pointing, mumbling to himself, "A'right, what direction..." While inspecting the compass' face, and looking around, he nods, "Aye, luv, right-strange they are, no doubt..." He glances at Marduke, then down at Ainsley, then back to Marduke, grinning and opening his mouth to say more before pausing and seeming to think better of it, but whatever thought he had has him chuckling and snickering a little, and he leans down to whisper in Ainsley's ear, unable to keep from sharing it with *her*, at least.

As the group approach the massive doors to the catacombs the gigantic, iron studded door swing open... revealing a very dark, dank... empty corridor ahead of them. Passing those doors is almost too much for most minds but not this group of heroic types! Soon enough they are walking deeper into the darkness, the light from the lanterns on thoe statues fading... it is growing dark and then with a BOOMF the doors slam shut and they are left only wth the lights they brought into the mausoleum and then... the tunnels seem to stretch on in the gloom ahead... the lanterns light never quite seeming to reach far enough.... how do they plan to find the Torque of Entropy and the lost memory of Carbuncle... the paths are many and myriad and laid out before them in the dark.

"The Catacombs touch all realms," Silmeria murmurs as the lights begin to fade, "and all know Justice." As if to punctuate her words, the grand doors *slam* shut behind them... and in the Esper's hand, the faintly blue-shining blade of her ebony-handled scythe, pulled from the nothingness it calls home. "Stay close," she whispers, "*do not separate.* Lee... does your compass know which ay we must go?"

Marduke starts as the doors slam close. He glances back and frowns a moment, then over to Silmeria. He does not voice his concerns as he shakes his head slowly and moves over closer and offers a sigh, "Indeed, a direction wuold be helpful."

Azar gives a bit of a jump, and yelps as the doors close. She claps a hand over her mouth. "Sorry... that was not expected at all." She stays very close to Silmeria, and the pale light she carries. The woman nervously grips the hilts of two of her blades, looking all around, hoping to stay ahead of any of the tonberries in service down here.

As the door slams shut behind her, Ainsley tenses... but she doesn't seem all that budged from her previous mood. Her eyes gaze about at the darkness, a gentle frown on her face. She squints into the dark, and considers methods she may have at hand for casting light. She could always make a torch of some kind, maybe? They've bound to have brought supplies that might work for a torch. She also tries to think of a way to determine which way they should go. Entropy, entropy... Decay. The decayed path, maybe? She sighs at the simplicity of her thinking.

Lee looks back over his shoulder as the door behind them closes, making sure he has a good hold on Ainsley's hand, or whatever else of her he can quickly reach, regardless of Silmeria's words of caution, before turning his attention back to the compass, frowning as the needle spins lazy circles, "Tch! Well, a direction I dun got, I'm afraid. Bloody thing's caught itself a case o' doldrums'r summat, can't make up it's mind..."

The catacombs are dank and dry now.. the floor underfoot is dirt, cold and dry and the walls compacted grave dirt... and the flickering light of the parties light sources seem to show you are all in a circular chamber... the shadows dancing and flickering with pathways and entrances into tunnels and stairs flickering in and out of sight as the shadows dance and move....
Silmeria pages, "Just to get back home, or I know where to go from here to our goal?" to you.
You page, "From here to the Deadwood, Hades' Throne that is the only path you can sense" to Silmeria.

"We-e-ell," Silmeria muses, looking from doorway to doorway, brow furrowing. "That way," she says, pointing to one corridor that looks nothing different from the others, "will lead us to Father's throne... Which is lovely, and it would be nice to be home for a bit again for me... But doesn't quite help us, at the moment."

Marduke reaches out and taps Silmeria on the shoulder. Shaking his head slowly, "no, all the paths are wrong Silmeria. We need the decaying path, or the most dangerous path. I can... sense them. None of these are right. We should continue further." Sighing softly as he looks around and shakes his head.

Azar hmms and rubs at her forehead, "I don't know how, but I have a feeling of warmth and light off to the left here. I think there's a path leading off, if you'd bring a light closer?"
As the others talk among each other, Ainsley looks back to check on the feeling she has, absent-mindedly grabbing at Lee's hand. She doesn't immediately move, but it's almost as if she can see something that direction. A frown shows on her face. "Stairs...?" she murmurs.

Lee frowns as the compass in his hand suddenly goes dark, the face now blank and unlit. His brow furrows, and he gives the compass a shake, a deep, rumbling growl escaping the pale, slender young man as he starts to become frustrated, "Wot th'bloody 'ell...?" He looks up to the direction indicated by Silmeria, then to Silmeria and Marduke, followed by Azar and the direction she indicates, then at the compass, grimacing, "I dun' wanna venture s'far ta say this thing's broken, 'cause that'd jus' be silly fer a thing Spirits gave us t'break, but, at th'very least, it dun' seem ta be workin' right, an' be damned if'n I know why..." He holds the compass out, "Anyone else wanna 'ave a go?" He pauses, cocking his head a bit at Ainsley, "Eh? What about stairs, luv?"

Darkness... all around, the shadows shift and flow... the path Azar has found shows stairs leading up, the path Silmeria has chosen is stone and dark and stretches off... there are indeed stairs behind Ainsley now and as for Marduke's paths they are all just dark arches leading into the gloom... it seems clear... the path the party need is not here but... how to decide which path to try?

"Here," Silmeria says, reaching out a hand for the compass. Lookng from Azar to Marduke to Ainsley, the Esper frowns deeply, nibbling on her lower lip. "Now will you stop..." She watches, as the compass' arrow spins, once, and points down a hallway. As the Esper looks up, her grateful sigh is cut off abruptly, eyes widening at a speck of light in the distance. "...Right," she whispers, urging the party into any direction they can all travel at once on, "time to move."

Marduke shakes his head slowly as he watches the compass be handed over. Another glance around and a frown, "This, losing a bit of my focus here." Sighing softly and turning to follow after Silmeria. Just going quiet and frowning the whole time.

Azar still looking down the path that beckons with shiny and food and warmth, she blinks a moment, and allows herself to be tugged along, somewhat reluctantly. Until of course there's that speck of light. Theeen she finds herself quite quickly.
You know how everyone is discussing things? Yeah Ainsley has other ideas. She turns and starts walking in the direction she was looking, releasing Lee's hand. Taking the first step, but slowly, looking confused. "Hey, this looks about right," she says, absent-mindedly, to the group in general.

And as Ainsley says that well.. as Silmeria is trying to hustle everyone away and the stairs are wide enough that is just the natural direction Silmeria starts to hustle Marduke and Azar in as she moves to get them away from that approaching point of light. It's a path out, it's wide enough and it is away from that light perfect direction!

Lee hands the compass over to Silmeria, glancing in the direction of the stairs Ainsley was talking about, then pausing as he looks away again, giving the stairs a second, harder look, eyes narrowed... Then, his crimson eyes widen, and his grip on Ainsley's hand tightens quite a bit... Or, he tries to, but Ainsley pulls free before he can, and he hisses, "Ains, no!" as she takes the first step, with Silmeria and the rest, at the behest of the compass, a step behind the scholar. He spends a fraction of a second, conflicted, before reaching out to Ainsley, taking the first step himself as well, while trying to grab the scholar's shoulder and stop her progress, or get in front of her to block the way, anything to try and stop the group, voice in a harsh and urgent whisper, "Not that way, dammit!!"

It is easy enough for Lee to get in front of the group and block the path.... he is after all quite a big chap! Of course the light is still bobbing closer down the passage way and all the other doors and archways seem to have vanished... there is just dry earth... brick walls... that light approaching and the stairs with Lee blocking them and that light i getting closer and closer....

Lee's sudden intrusion brings a very, very uncertain look to Silmeria's tanned features, and when a quick check about them shows the other passages have vanished, the Esper closes her eyes for a moment. "...I'm sorry, Lee," she says softly, her voice seeming to age ten or twenty years, "but we don't have another choice, now... Just... be ready For *anything.* All of you." And with that, she continues to urge them toward the stairs.

Marduke glances back to Ainsley and opens his mouth to say something. Then shudders and turns around to find himself still going in that direction. "Grab her and carry her if you have to." He whispers and looks over to Silmeria. Attempting to move towards the stairs, still uncertain if that is even the right direction to be going.

Azar swallows noisily, and her voice cracks ever so slightly. "We've lost the proper path, haven't we?", she says with a squeaky whisper. "What's going to be at the other end of this path? You don't know?" There's a definite tremble to her legs now.

Ainsley stops and gives a bewildered look at Lee, frowning at him for startling her.. She looks around to note the other paths have disappeared, and the only way /away/ from the approaching tonberry is down, so... she continues walking, patting at Lee's butt -- but only because she can't reach his shoulder, since she's short -- as she walks by. She glances at the others, momentarily distracted by the comments passed around.

Lee, upon noticing that all the other paths have vanished, hisses out what *has* to be a very colorful profanity, though it's in a language that's likely unrecognizeable to anyone present, except perhaps Ainsley, and for him to even utter in that tongue out loud, well, that's significant. Still, when it's clear that there's no longer any choice, and with a lantern approaching closer and closer to the rear, he waves off Silmeria's apology, resigning himself to the group's chosen course, "Nothin' for it now, Silmeria, but if this goes where I 'ave tha feelin' it does, then we're possibly in fer a pretty bad time..." He blinks as his rear is patted, and looks to Ainsley, catching up to her quickly and taking her hand again, "You stay by me *no matter wot*, though, y'hear Ains?" He nods in reply to Azar, "We may've, aye; though could jus' be irony supreme that tha path we *need* ta take leads us right inta th'middle o' Shemhazzai's cage itself. Which is where I think this leads..."

Thing are not looking good for our heroes, behind them a lantern is slowly bobbing closer, approaching down that single pathway slowly whilst below if Lee's instincts are right lies the cage of the Whisperer herself..... a pathway through the curving fabric of the Catacombs to one of the worst places imaginable. Not an easy choice to make, but certainly a conundrum to give everyone pause... to face the light or rik walking this dark and very ancient path..... but as Lee says... it is certainly going to be a decrepid and decaying path...... but for now... Tune in Next time! For more adventures with or heroes! Same CoI Place! Same CoI channel!

Down the stairs go! Sheer and steep... each step three feet high, less then half a foot wide and the darkness is all pervading! The stone wall in front of their faces, the curve of the steps are impossibly sheer.... the light from their lantern barely illuminates the path, it barely illuminates their feet and each other as down and down they go! The glow of Silmeria's scythe is dimmed.... the sound of their foot steps is non-existance, the rock, what they can see of it appears to be dark shyst, a sort of sheer slate that is made up of many long coloumn all fuzed together. This is not a good path, nor is it a safe path.... it feels different from the rest of the catacomb but they have come too far to turn back into the darkness now!

"....Um...." Silmeria says, tucking her scythe close to her body, "I, um.... I don't want to alarm anyone... further, that is... but.... I.... think we're in a large, large amount of trouble." Looking back to the rest of the party, then at the walls about them and the steps beneath them. "...I've never known a path from the Catacombs to be... well... *broken.*"
Lee splits his time between climbing down steps and giving Ainsley a hand doing the same, the path feeling more like a ladder than a staircase to him, and that's exactly how he's descending it: like a ladder. He nods, a frown just about ever-present since he realized where the path they ended up on is likely headed, before circumstances locked them to it, "That kinda makes sense, given th'context, I'd think, Silm..."

"Perhaps we are no longer in the catacombs. I dare suggest, we may have stepped onto a path into the void." Marduke offers his voice quiet, serious. "I suspect we may be coming..." Cutting himself off as Lee speaks with a shake of his head, a glance towards Ainsley. Then to the path ahead with a sigh, "All paths have their crossing points, as my grandfather would always say."

The lizard scholar moves with a neutral expression on her face, not offering much to their speech. She glances at Silmeria, the blank gaze offering no real insight into what she thinks. "We were in trouble since you all started helping me," she tells Silmeria, her voice hushed but not particularly urgent. She pauses briefly to glance off into the dark, letting out a sigh. "It's familiar," she says, barely above a whisper, "In a way I don't understand." She keeps going, relying on Lee to help her along. She smiles at him, softly.

Azar chuckles loudly in the gloom, doing her best to stay in the little light they have. "I knew we should have taken that left turn in Albuquerque." She shrugs at Silmeria, "We'll just have to do the best we can, yes?" She makes a face at Ainsley, a smile teasing at the corners of her mouth. "Wot, yer trying ta blames us fer all this? Oi!" The red-head's Archadian accent laid on thick and heavy as she crosses her arms in front of her chest.

The stairs end abruptly! very abruptly and in the dark is is impossible to see the end and so the party wind up staggering off the steps into a dark coal-dust layered corridor. It is dark, dim and gloomy and all but impossible to see anything..... the lantern lights barely reach half a foot.... wherever this path leads it is at an end.... or a beginning...

"Master Marduke," Silmeria whispers, voice hushed by the oppressive gloom of their surroundings, "King Tonberry *ensures* that the paths to the realms are clear, if confusing to any but Himself. For a place to fall into disrepair, He has to *want* it to remain igno--" As Ainsley speaks of the familiarity of the path, the Esper's eyes widen, an ashen tinge spreading beneath her tanned skin. "Oh, no..."

Lee's caught off-balance for a step when the descent abruptly stops, murmuring to Ainsley, "Level floor, Ains, watch yer step." He then gives Ainsley a smile of his own, and a quick kiss on the forehead, "Trouble? Nonsense... We're all 'ere with full knowin' o'tha risks." The lantern light so dim as it is, the faint glow of his crimson eyes pinpoints him even when he's not in the small circle of illumination, and those eyes turn towards Azar with a hint of amusement, "Well, most of us are, really..." The amusement is quickly quashed by the oppressive atmosphere, though, and Lee turns his eyes towards the dark path ahead, then to Silmeria, and one can almost hear his eyebrow arch, "Wot's dun occurred t'ya, Silm?"

Marduke offers quietly, "Or it could be so dangerous that nobody can come maintain it." The words from Ainsley hold no surprise from him, seeming to have already suspected as much. "Remember who picked this path my friend. Also for what we seek, both may rest hand in hand." Sighing softly as he continues along slowly, having trouble in the darkness of the place. The summoner is clearly bothered by this prospect, but it is to late to turn back. He glances back to Lee and says slowly, "We may be walking into the prison of the one possessing Ainsley."

"Pestering. Possession might be a strong word," Ainsley corrects Marduke, in a half-hearted tone. She makes sure there's no steep dropoff that she can't see before she gets comfortable with standing, and grabs for Lee's hand so that if they do run into surprises, she knows he's there. "Let's not linger." She tugs at Lee's hand, beginning to walk down the corridor with the rest. She glances over to Azar distractedly, but doesn't say anything. "You're all making assumptions. It might not be what you think it is," she says, her voice being gentle, almost trying to be soothing, though her scholarly attitude doesn't help with that.

"Heh, tough crowd. That or I shouldn't quit my day job to be a standup philosopher." She looks from Silmeria's shocked reaction to Marduke's somber one, and she then casts an eye at Ainsley. She rubs her chin and looks to Lee. "You're lucky I came along, I don't think your cheerful disposition is enough to hold this lot together. Chin up folks, if it is that bad, look at it as an opportunity to remove said pest, yes?"

It is dark, it is quiet.... it is strange, their voices seem to fall falt, the air seems to struggle to carry them and after less then thirty yards they come to a massive wall of tumbled, shattered blocks. They fill the passage, completley filling it and sitting on a rock, his hair gleaming in the darkness, his beautiful outfit perfectly pressed and arranged just so. Savourn lifts his head and gives the party his winning smile, "It is such a shame isn't it, that this pathway was blocked. Do you know who did it originally? It was Carbuncle, of all the spirits everywhere... Carbuncle, sweet, adorable carbuncle. He brought the whole thing down for over a mile... using the most deadly thing in existance for only he possessed the memory of where it was." The Knight of Restoration stands up, one hand resting lightly on his sword hilt, his beautiful blue eyes taking in each of Ainsley's companions. "I just thought you should know that my Lady, I've worked out what you are doing, where you are going but Lord Diabolos does not know every secret.... We who are seperate, the lady's servants disconnected from the wheel of life and death... we have our own secrets."

And horrified realization turns, for the span of a heartbeat, into towering fury, when Silmeria is accused of making assmptions. But before anything can be said, the anger is smoothed away... just in time for Savourn to make his entrance. The butt of her scythe thumps, noiselessly or otherwise, onto the cracked and broken floor. "Not disconnected," she notes, her voice that of quiet, steely displeasure. "Simply delayed, as your Viera friend could attest, were she not at my Lord's throne this very moment. You, Savourn... you and yours will do well to turn your backs and return to your lives. Unless you think the Betrayer, the poisoned blade of the Damned Thirteen *truly* intends to make good her honeyed promise?"

Savourn smiles at Silmeria and shakes his head, "My companion is if you where not blind to what was truly going on. Is not with your usurping lord. When we die we return to she who holds us in trust..." he grins at her, "She'll be back as will be my other companion. For the conduit is open and the Conduit is here... welcome My lady." he bows to Ainsley, this truly beautiful man giving her such a welcoming smile... how can a face that magnificent be so truly lost.

Lee chuckles a bit at Azar's critique, shrugging his shoulders, one hand in Ainsley's as the group proceeds. And then Savourn and the collapsed section of the path melt into view, and instantly, Lee is between Ainsley and the servant of Shemhazzai, as it to both shield her and hide her from Savourn's view, his crimson eyes narrowed, and a deep, rumbling growl emanating from him, loud enough to echo off the passage's walls and reverberate slightly through the floor. He says no words, but the shift in his demeanor seems to sum up his feelings for Savourn quite nicely as he concludes his reply to Silmeria with a greeting towards the scholar.

Marduke continues to walk along, "Assumptions perhaps, but Silmeria knows these best. I trust her word more then anything else, and if she is concerned so am..." cutting off as the knight of restoration comes into view. His eyes watch the man, no emotion showing on his face. Every motion, every movement taken in and studied. He makes no aggressive actions, but his stance, and the readiness of his free hand suggest he is ready to act if needed.

The lizard scholar had immediately been protected by Lee, when Savourn came into view. Ainsley's brow scrunches as she listens to the prettyboy's words, a frown growing on her face. She glares at the man silently, keeping her own face stony, for the most part. "Are you implying that you have what we need?" she asks, with significant incredulity. "Either way, I would prefer if you hugged one of King Tonberry's servants for me, and see what happens when a soul blacker than the Abyss gets skewered by a being of justice."

Azar says, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!", laughs Azar at the top of her lungs. "I told you he'd fall for this trap! All we have to do is distract him for a minute while Carbuncle up there closes this place off. Getting Toni to run around with that lantern, and pretending to run from it must have really fooled him." A mad grin creases her face crookedly. "Hey prettyboy", Azar says, running a hand over her armored breasts, "Even with these I'm twice the man you are.""

He gives Azar a look, "You really do now how to pick them my lady, I mean come on seriously?" he shakes his head then looks at Lee, "Thi is not the place for you and I to battle for the ladies hand. It will be mine as was meant to be but... well... the Torque of Entropy lies under all of this," he gestures at the rumble, "If you remove it... well I will see you very soon. If not... well... My lady will succumb to the whispers sooner or later." he bows his head, "Lady Silmeria, charming but not as charming as your actress self on the stage and Master Marduke far from home as always... still wondering what the Rainbow Drop does I am sure. Still I am sure you lovely people will work it out someday.... good luck." and then he's gone, the corridor dimming down as his brightness departs...

"....I think," Silmeria murmurs slowly, as though testing a newly-appeared bridge to see if it'll hold her weight. "...I think... yes... That I *hate* that man." She pauses, then turns to face Azar, genuine worry of her face. "...Red... are you all right? I mean, this is *very* irregular for just about anyone, but... That was a bit... ...worrying."

Lee doesn't answer Savourn's comment, but the fact that Lee hasn't already lunged for the bishounen adversary's throat indicates he might have some awareness of the truth to at least that much of what Savourn says. He keeps his attention focused fully on Savourn, though, until the made vanishes, rolling his shoulders and trying to calm himself some, glancing back at Ainsley and giving her hand a squeeze. Nodding, he agrees with Silmeria, "If y'think about it, Silmeria, "hate" really isn't strong enough a word, though it's a start, eh? Bloody tossah..." Following Silmeria's gaze to Azar, he remains silent, watching for a second and withholding his own commentary on her worrisome behavior before turning to look at the blockage ahead again, "So, Marduke... Got any friends o'tha spiritual persuasion wot could 'elp us shift this rubble t'get wot we needs?"

Marduke starts walking foward to the rubble eyes still looking over it thoughtfully. "Hate, makes one lose focus and act rashly. He goads us and wants us to hate him." His voice soft, thoughtful. "Far from home, true words." A touch of a smile, "Yet my path is one I walk with pride. He should know this." Shaking his head and getting back on focus, "I believe he is telling the truth, the torque is under all this. He does not appear to think we can get it." A glance to Lee, "Maybe, the Mist Dragon if there are enough cracks can go through. Yet two miles is well beyond my duration and range." tapping his chin as he leans into his staff again.

When Savourn disappears, Ainsley spits on the ground, throws up her hands and rattles out a loud Giruvegan curse. Her opinion of the man does not venture far from the others. She rubs at her cheek, and walks up to where he was, at the rubble, and then starts poking around, looking for clues as to how they're supposed to advance with this mission if the path is blocked off to them. "I am of the belief," she tells the others, "That he is not worth anything but hate. But I'm not going to let his smug 'I have already won' attitude get to me." She looks over her shoulder, her brow scrunching, regarding Azar. "You can't bluff out these people." She returns to her task shortly.

Azar chuckles and sighs, letting out a long breath. The red-head looks over at Silmeria with an eyebrow raised, "For someone who's in a deep dark hole, far from home, with no light source of her own left to her, wearing cured cow-hides for protecting and bearing essentially a beaten, sharpened metal stick for a weapon... I'd say I'm doing pretty good actually. Never felt more alive." She gestures at the spot where the Knight was, and peers over at Ainsley, "Sure, can't bluff them. The posturing of you lot had the same minimal effect, didn't it? You all did what he wanted you to do, didn't you? Least I tried something original." Azar looks around her and slowly sits down, cross-legged. "So, since we're between a rock and a hard place, would someone fill me in on exactly what in hell's going on, please? This is outside of my original expectations, and YOU lot seem to know a lot more about what's going on than I do. So spare me the worried looks and smarmy replies, eh?"

The blocked tunnel lurks, taunting the party, can they find some mean to shift all that fallen shale and coal and reach their coal. Can they defy the Knights of Restoration and will they finally fill Azar in on what trouble the poor girl has walked into!

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 19|Ainsley Quest Chapter 19]]

Go on to [[AChapter 21|Ainsley Quest Chapter 21]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

AChapter 20

2013-07-08T19:21:46Z

Silvante:

Thr Party have reached the Necropolis, the towering city of Sephulcher, Mausoleums and tombs... gravestones, bells and the quiet rest of the dead. It is quite pleasent here beneath the morning sunshine, the tall towering city of graves is well kept. With trees and shaded walks, benches and streets that curve this way and that. It isn't all told a very bad place to be, serene and rather beautiful. Except for the massive door the party are stood in front of. The gigantic portal is open revealing a large Octaganol entrance chamber with many paths radiating away from it... That.. that is rather gloomy like and foreboding.

"All right," Silmeria says as the party reaches the portal, "before we go in... THere are things that *must* be understood." Drawing in a deep breath, she steps before the portal, turning to face the party. "This is the Path of Shale, my friends... THis is the path your soul will take, once you've finally passed on, and it is also our way into the Catacombs of the Tonberry King. Make little sound, do *nothing* to agitate the dead if you can at all help it... And once we've left the Path, *do not seek out the lanterns.* The TOnberry King exists to punish *all* for their wickedness... And I'd really rather avoid upsetting His servitors with our presence."

Azar has been enjoying the sunshine and peace offered by the monolithic city, but this giant door has Azar wary. She listens carefully while Silmeria speaks, and holds up a hand when the blonde woman finishes. "Er. It sounds awfully like we're uhm.. going somewhere else. Like, a different dimension. And uhm.. why do we have to take this particular path?"

Marduke walks along with the part to the door. Eyes glancing up the door and then into the pathways within. "I... have no clue where or which way to go." Glancing to Silmeria. "Have not studied these spirits to carefully." Nodding to her words listening carefully and making mental notes. Glancing to the others and then back to the path, staying quiet now.
Ainsley is already clamming up, having no input to provide to this leg of the adventure. She was not comfortable being here in the first place, and she's even less comfortable when Silmeria gives her warnings. The lizard girl nods a couple of times, and clings to Lee's side that much closer.

Lee walks with the group through the peaceful city, seeming impressed enough by the vistas and architecture, though hardly an afficianado of such things. The sunlight isn't his favorite part, naturally, but that's just something he deals with, hence his propensity for large hats and such, and he makes excellent use of the shade as he finds it. He stops in front of the door with everyone else, tilting his hat back as much as the presence of sunlight will safely allow to get a look at it in it's entirety as he stands close by Ainsley's side, even draping an arm comfortingly around the scholar's shoulders as she sidles closer still to his side in her discomfort. His attention focusing on Silmeria as she says a few words of explanation, he takes them in and nods, "So, bit offa preview trip, then... 'Ope that dun complicate wot-all we needs ta do, both fer Ainsley an' ta cover m'debt ta Carbuncle." He doesn't elaborate, instead looking down at Ainsley, "Dun fret, luv, I'll watch out f'ya."

"Complications... well, we'll just have to deal with them as they come up," Silmeria sighs. "Just... do be careful of disturbing the spirits... I've only *just* made up for disrupting this path once, mh?" Shaking her head, she turns to Azar. "It does, because it is. We're traveling into the realm of the SPirits... The realm of one SPirit in particular, who redresses *any* harm one has visited upon another. Lady Mateus may be the SPirit of Law... but King TOnberry is the spirit of *Justice.* Remember that, my friends, and all should be relatively smooth. Mind we don't lose our way." ANd with that, she turns, drawing in a deep breath and stepping across, into the portal.

Azar trembles just a little to hear Silmeria tell it, and there is fear in her eyes, mixed with determination. "What if we don't know we've wronged someone?" The breath she draws before entering is deep and forced, as if her throat were constricted. "Is he just going to strike us down?"

Marduke sets his staff to the side of the door before they enter. Carefully removing the bells off it, very hard to walk quietly with such things on. Clasping them up so they no longer jingle and putting them in a pouch. He glances to Silmeria and nods his understanding. Then picking back up his now quiet staff he turns to start into the path. "We shall deal with that when it happens, best to tread carefully." Glancing back, then turning forward again.

"Oh no," Ainsley murmurs when Silmeria talks about King Tonberry redressing /any/ harm done to another. She has lit quite a few people on fire during her adventures, after all! She shakes her head once or twice, and then steels her heart, stepping along to follow Silmeria. "You'll be fine," she assures Azar, despite her contradictory feelings.

Lee can't bring himself to chuckle, though it looks like he wants to, and can't seem to come up with any additional quips either, or perhaps just restrains himself from uttering them out of respect for the mood, entering in-step with Ainsley, only adding, "I'm guessin' th'iea is ta be in an' gone afore 'E knows we been there."

Silmeria picks a path and starts walking down it, the walls are dotterd with plaques and signs, stone grave-markers, inscriptions, the odd stained glas window. The corridor is tall and arched and made from dressed flagstone and then a turn.. a stair... and the corridor is red brick with iron grills guarding embrasures with large coffins in them. Then another turn.. another passage... and it is Wood... with small niches filled with Candles and a name... but the Lady Esper seems to know which way to go... ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

The Esper seems comfortable in this place, rows upon rows of corridord and memorials, gesturing the party to follow in her path. At the moment, despite the heavy pall her words cast before, she seems confident that the way is known, if not entirely clear.

Azar sticks very close to Silmeria, a hand nervously squeezing at the hilt of one of her blades. She does take the time to look around though, with the vague notion of being to find her way back. "How many times have you been through here, Blue?", she whispers to the woman ahead of her.

Marduke walks along quietly. Holding his staff so he doesn't tap it into the ground, fighting his normal walking habits the whole way. he follows fater Silmeria having confidence she knows where she is going, at least appears to have that. Eyes glancing along the decorations and designs as they go. Showing appricaition for it all, despite the morbid nature. A sharp glance over to Azar and shakes his head holding a finger up to his lips.

Ainsley reaches over and /swats/ at Azar, glaring at her. She also does a shush motion, putting her finger to her lips. After this she returns to Lee's side... and quietly observes their surroundings. The fact that it's so varied fascinates her... but she still seems uneasy, as her tail curls up and around Lee's wrist.

Lee spends some time looking at the scenery with mild interest as he follows after Silmeria, and almost chuckles as Ainsley swats at Azar before glancing down at where he finds a tail around his wrist, giving Ainsley a smile as he takes hold of her tail in return. Something else draws his attention after a moment, though, and he fishes the compass Carbuncle had given him from his pocket once more, the object now glowing softly, casting amber light, in his hand as he checks it's face to see what direction it's pointing...

Just as Lee reaches into a pocket and removes the compass they reach a crossroad, to the right the path enters a shaggy natural looking cave. Straght ahead is the direction Silmeria is taking where as as soon as the Compass is out a large amber arrow points left with a shower of sparks. It is hard to miss but very peculiar... the left hand path is just a door that is currently shut made from Lapis Lazuli...

"Once," Silmeria answers in a hushed whisper, after the rest of the party is done 'voicing' their displeasure. "...Technically twice, I suppose. But my last trip was... well. Eventful." As the compass is brought out, the Esper frowns at the direction it points, looking from door to corridor. "...That's not right..."

Azar nods, keeping quiet.. until something swats at her. She yelps, covering her mouth, and turning to glare at Ainsley. She frowns and looks back to Silmeria, "The door is new?", she whispers. "Or is it usually open?"

Marduke comes to a stop at the path, not following after Silmeria. Instead he glances over to Lee, the compass and then peers at the door. he has no clue what it is, but does not ask. At least for now. Instead he starts for the door. "Right or not right." His voice soft, "I suspect we should go this way." Reaching to open the door. "Lee what is that compas?"

Lee looks from compass to door, then shoots a glance at Silmeria and Marduke, a hint of a grin tugging at his lips as he whispers, "Right, s'not right; technic'ly, is' left, if'n y'must nitpick." Having not missed the opportunity to joke a little, he looks to the door again, eyes scanning for a handle or latch or way to open it, or hinges to see if he can tell which *way* it's supposed to open, even as Marduke reaches for it, while absently answering Marduke, "S'a li'l sumfin' I were loaned ta 'elp me find sumfin' I was asked ta retrieve as payment fer a favor." Not the clearest answer, perhaps. "A side-task, as it were, though important fer me pers'nally, an' not tha main reason fer us comin' in 'ere." He leans down to whisper a bit more quietly in Ainsley's ear, "Wot'chu think, luv?"

As Soon as Marduke touches the door-handle there is a soft chime and the doorway melts in two.. revealing a tight set of spiral stairs made from some sort of glowing blue crystal... There is no hand-rail and there is just a black void all around the stairs. But the choicew now lies before the party, take the stairs or carry on.

"Oh," Silmeria whispers, blinking. "That. Well... I suppose if we remember our way, it shouldn't be too much of an issue, and you *did* promise..." Taking one last look around, to commit the room to memory, she gestures toward the now-open door. "Let's be off, then."

Azar swallows, looking from Marduke to Silmeria and back. She takes a deep breath and follows after the blonde woman. "Is everything alright then, Blue?"
<OOC> Azar says, "Sorry for short poses, Mother Nature is trying to kill me. Aka lightning. :3"
Marduke watches the doorway melt at his touch. Glancing to his fingers he then peers back to Lee, offering only a nod to what he has said. Leaving it at that, as he starts down onto the stairs, not sure quiet sure how he got in front but will stay that way until they come to a turn. "Let us know if the compass gives us a new direction Lee."

The detour puts something of an uneasy look on Ainsley's face, but she doesn't offer any verbal protest. She just clings to Lee's clothing some, and tries to get a better look at the compass by standing on her tippy-toes. She looks at the door warily, frowning.

Lee helps Ainsley by lowering the compass so she can get a good look, while looking around at everyone else and nodding, whispering, "Like as not, if we don' do it now, there's no promise we'll be able t'come back and get it done later..." Giving Ainsley's tail a small squeeze where he has hold of it, he starts after Marduke, nodding, "O'course, good summ'ner, o'course."

The party start down the spiral of blue crystal stairs... they are odd... they glow with this blue light and yet the edges seem to have this black line running along them which makes it hard to see... most peculiar but so very sparkly! As they descend the stairs the spiral grows wider and they seem to hang suspended in the air all around them and out in the darkness very faintly glimmering lines of light can just about be seen....

"As much as it gets, Red," Silmeria whispers, smiling some. "As Lee said... This is something of a side errand, for Lord Carbuncle. Just in case we're edging into his domain... Just... try not to touch anything that we don't need to get. Lord Carbuncle has *very* strict rules about taking what you're not given."

Azar stays in the dead center of the stairs, not budging an inch towards the edges. "Do you do this on a regular basis, travelling into other realms? And uhm... I won't be taking anything at all, except breaths, we're allowed those yes, Blue?"

Marduke makes his way down slowly, and carefully. NOt wanting to overstep or miss a step since he is in front. In fact most of his focus in just on that, making sure he doesn't slip. He listens to everybody else and just nodes ones, "Indeed, nothing you could take is worth what you would lose. Remember that." His voice serious on that. "Lee its getting odd, the compas show anything?"

"Considering the purview that Carbuncle has," Ainsley mentions, speaking up for the first time in a long stretch, "It does not surprise me that punishments are harsh for trying to take something that is under his watch. Memories, was it? If they look like gemstones, though, I wonder the wisdom of trusting ordinary people not to touch anything. A test of willpower, I guess." And with that input done, she clams right up again, looking out into the gloom. Well, one more comment: "Walls seem to be thirty feet out. This is definitely someplace special..."

Lee continues down after Marduke, glancing from the compass to the apparent void of the space surrounding the stairs, a frown slowly growing on his pale face, nodding at Ainsley's observation, "Aye, good eyes, luv..." He even glances back at Silmeria and Azar, while his grip tightens anxiously on Ainsley's tail, "Marduke, stop. S'not gettin' odd, s'been odd from th'get-go. We don't find a way t'turn on th'lights, then we'll go on 'ere fer'ever, an'..." He looks back at Silmeria and Azar, or rather, past them, "there ain't no goin' back." He looks to the compass again, and recites, "'Tha Heart Below, Tha Key Above, tha Darkness Surrounds. Light th'Way using wot is remembered'r the stairs go ever on.'" Then, thoughtfully, "Wot is remembered..."

As Lee calls a stop the steps the party are on seem to shift and flow and meld forming a larger platform of the odd blue glowing crystal... there are more steps leading down and none leading p! Just the dark glimemring void....

"'What is remembered," Silmeria murmurs, brow furrowing as she stands on the platform, arms crossed over her belly. "Oh there was *so* much to remember about that... What *was* it? The concert?"

Azar slows and stops, looking behind to see that the stairs have vanished? "Hummm, we don't have to go back, yes?" She looks back and forth between the four obviously reminiscing, and she crouches down, crawling to the edge to peer over quietly.

As Azar crawls to the edge and peers down into the dark blue tinted darkness of the Abyss the rest of the party continue to try and work out what to do next when a faint chime seems to echo out of the Abyss from fair, fair below....

Marduke comes to a stop. Glancing up to Lee, and then peering around as the steps reform. Shaking his head slowly as he glances back to the others. "I see." Leaning into his staff, watching and waiting. There is little he can do to help at this point. A frown to Azar, "Umm I wouldn't do that miss. Spirit realms you generally want to avoid looking into the horizons. This one could be the Abyss, and that does things to the mind." Pausing a blink as he hears a faint chim, peering to the others and moving over to Azar.

Azar goes quite pale, even for someone who is as fairskinned as she. Her eyes widen, and move about, as if watching something below. Something moving closer. She screams then, cowering away from the edge of the stairs, to end up clinging to Silmeria's legs, weeping and hiding her eyes.

The scream startles Ainsley. She looks at Azar, and frowns lightly, but walks over to pat at her shoulder... "It's fine. You're okay," she says, trying to be soothing. And then she lets out a sigh, looking up to Silmeria... "Yes. The, uh... the play. I hope you remember your part." She then begins humming the opening notes to the introductory number for the play. "You too, Lee," she says, in a pause in the music.

Lee furrows his brow, wracking his brain as he tries to remember, glancing to Silmeria, "Th'play? Yeah, there was *sumfin'*, but... Dammit all, wot *was* it?" Unintentionally copying Silmeria's question as he thinks... Until Azar starts freaking out, that is, her trip to The Edge having gone unnoticed by him until now, even with Marduke's warning to her, so deep in thought over trying to remember something that seemed, frustratingly, just beyond his reach, but now giving Azar a concerned frown as Ainsley moves to comfort her a bit, "Oy, you all right there, gehl?" And then, at the answer Ainsley provides, which triggers the memory, the pale man groans, head falling back as he sends pleading eyes to the dark void overhead, as if to the heavens, "Y'mean I'mma have ta *sing*?! Oh bloody 'ell." But, what must be done is what must be done, and he takes a breath, closing his eyes to mentally rehearse his parts, and preparing. And it seems he's not exactly a stranger to performing, exactly, which makes sense given who and what his mother is, and he seems determined: if he's gonna do this, he's gonna do his level best to be just as camp as the fellow who played him on stage, it seems, for the sake of role-authenticity.

Silmeria stoops, gathering Azar up in a gentle embrace and holding carefully, as Lee begins his part of the overture. When her cue comes, her voice lifts; softly at first, for she is by no means a trained and talented dark-opera singer, but she can carry a tune serviceably enough to get her through the first few bars. While it's quite clear she would love to bring a little more peace to the mind of her red-headed friend, the best she can do for now is simply hold her, and sing of sexy death in black leather.

Marduke clearly has no clue what is really going on, or what is being done. Instead he stands there, glancing to Lee with that baffled look like Lee just went insane. He leans into his staff and looks to Ainsley and Silmeria and shakes his head slowly. "ok...." A concerned look offered to Azar last.

Azar reaches up a hand to cling to Silmeria's sleeve. First visions of something that doesn't exist, yet, or did and now does not... and then the group goes all Buffy-style in the middle of it all. She can only stare, looking to one side and then the other, with a look of confusion and curiosity on her face.

Nothing else to it. Ainsley begins to sing, and tries to do her best at it. She's not the best singer in the world, perhaps, but she's not terrible either. Her voice isn't really meant for singing, though, especially not verses meant for someone with a more normal voice. She always has that faint lizard-y quality to her voice. And she's blushing so deeply that her dark scales can't hide it. She resumes walking down the steps, in the hopes that her revelation was true.

Lee waits for his cue, and when it's time, he starts in with gusto! He's dashing! He's daring! He's a fairly serviceable middle-tenor! He serenades Ainsley in lyrical verse as best as he can remember it, following after her if needs-be as she resumes walking! And it seems he definitely feels like an idiot, spouting all the over-the-top heroic-romanticism he can recall having heard from his on-stage counterpart, if his expression (when not submerging himself as much as possible in the role) is any indication!

The song is rolling and jolly and rather filled with good feelings! This is a group of adventursome heros who shall be the bomb! Their voices carry! Their songs are magnificent and they are damn awesome! Ainsley and Marduke seem to come together, their voices in perfect harmony and pitch... the crystalline steps lengthen into a long road that glistens and glimmers through the void and a the song starts to reach an end the dark void opens up into a cold, stone cavern... the walls are damp, the gloom is high but there i a magnificent stone portal ahead of them flanked by gigantic statues of Tonberry's their lanterns providing light upon the joyfully singing quartet! There is no stopping until with a rousing rendition of the final chorus the party with Azar tugged along with them stepp off of the void and leave the crystalline path behind......

"...Well," Silmeria muses, clearing her throat after the last bars have faded, and the party is now in the Catacombs, "*that* was deeply embarrassing. And now you know, Azar, why I'd really prefer not to have to sit in front of any more musical theatre regarding our exploits..." Shaking her head, she draws in a deep breath. "...And now we are in the Catacombs. Mind your step, and if you see a lantern coming... do move quickly the other way."

Marduke comes to a stop in the singing. Having taken a moment trying to figure out what was going on. He does not seem embaressed, more amused actually. He glances to Ainsley, "May want to train that voice, you could be very good." He has had some clear performance training and then nods over to Silmeria. Going quiet as he continues to follow along.

Azar blinks and shakes her head to clear it. With an unladylike grunt, she stands and stretches. "I do not know exactly what happened there, and I shall spend many a year trying to figure out just what it was I saw, and witnessed." She gives Silmeria a squeeze on the shoulder, and a nod, "Oh, I think I will just stick by your side, and stay ahead of the lights, yes?" The red-head turns to look at the others and nods to them, "I think I can make it with my mind intact."

Ainsley frowns heavily at Marduke, and steps over to Lee, doing her best to hide her face in an attempt to hide her blushing, momentarily hugging and pressing her face against his clothing. She glances back over her shoulder, intrigued by the path they had taken. "Spirits are strange," she remarks, "Very strange. At least, though... at least it's light-hearted." She starts to smile. She can't stop blushing, rubbing at her face with both hands. "Marduke, I don't /want/ to sing in front of people, normally."

Lee takes a slow, calming breath once the recital is finished, then lets it out, pulling his hat off with one hand and aggressively scrubbing his hair with the other, "An' mum sometimes wondered why I deigned not t'follow 'er in tha "family business"... Not that I never dun' a bit o'street-music 'ere an' there fer a pocket o'coin, but that's worlds diff'rent." Putting his hat back on, he wraps an arm, and a section of his cloak, around Ainsley as she hugs against him and hides her face, ducking down to give her a brief kiss on the forehead while he fishes the compass back out once again with his other hand to check where it's pointing, mumbling to himself, "A'right, what direction..." While inspecting the compass' face, and looking around, he nods, "Aye, luv, right-strange they are, no doubt..." He glances at Marduke, then down at Ainsley, then back to Marduke, grinning and opening his mouth to say more before pausing and seeming to think better of it, but whatever thought he had has him chuckling and snickering a little, and he leans down to whisper in Ainsley's ear, unable to keep from sharing it with *her*, at least.

As the group approach the massive doors to the catacombs the gigantic, iron studded door swing open... revealing a very dark, dank... empty corridor ahead of them. Passing those doors is almost too much for most minds but not this group of heroic types! Soon enough they are walking deeper into the darkness, the light from the lanterns on thoe statues fading... it is growing dark and then with a BOOMF the doors slam shut and they are left only wth the lights they brought into the mausoleum and then... the tunnels seem to stretch on in the gloom ahead... the lanterns light never quite seeming to reach far enough.... how do they plan to find the Torque of Entropy and the lost memory of Carbuncle... the paths are many and myriad and laid out before them in the dark.

"The Catacombs touch all realms," Silmeria murmurs as the lights begin to fade, "and all know Justice." As if to punctuate her words, the grand doors *slam* shut behind them... and in the Esper's hand, the faintly blue-shining blade of her ebony-handled scythe, pulled from the nothingness it calls home. "Stay close," she whispers, "*do not separate.* Lee... does your compass know which ay we must go?"

Marduke starts as the doors slam close. He glances back and frowns a moment, then over to Silmeria. He does not voice his concerns as he shakes his head slowly and moves over closer and offers a sigh, "Indeed, a direction wuold be helpful."

Azar gives a bit of a jump, and yelps as the doors close. She claps a hand over her mouth. "Sorry... that was not expected at all." She stays very close to Silmeria, and the pale light she carries. The woman nervously grips the hilts of two of her blades, looking all around, hoping to stay ahead of any of the tonberries in service down here.

As the door slams shut behind her, Ainsley tenses... but she doesn't seem all that budged from her previous mood. Her eyes gaze about at the darkness, a gentle frown on her face. She squints into the dark, and considers methods she may have at hand for casting light. She could always make a torch of some kind, maybe? They've bound to have brought supplies that might work for a torch. She also tries to think of a way to determine which way they should go. Entropy, entropy... Decay. The decayed path, maybe? She sighs at the simplicity of her thinking.

Lee looks back over his shoulder as the door behind them closes, making sure he has a good hold on Ainsley's hand, or whatever else of her he can quickly reach, regardless of Silmeria's words of caution, before turning his attention back to the compass, frowning as the needle spins lazy circles, "Tch! Well, a direction I dun got, I'm afraid. Bloody thing's caught itself a case o' doldrums'r summat, can't make up it's mind..."

The catacombs are dank and dry now.. the floor underfoot is dirt, cold and dry and the walls compacted grave dirt... and the flickering light of the parties light sources seem to show you are all in a circular chamber... the shadows dancing and flickering with pathways and entrances into tunnels and stairs flickering in and out of sight as the shadows dance and move....
Silmeria pages, "Just to get back home, or I know where to go from here to our goal?" to you.
You page, "From here to the Deadwood, Hades' Throne that is the only path you can sense" to Silmeria.

"We-e-ell," Silmeria muses, looking from doorway to doorway, brow furrowing. "That way," she says, pointing to one corridor that looks nothing different from the others, "will lead us to Father's throne... Which is lovely, and it would be nice to be home for a bit again for me... But doesn't quite help us, at the moment."

Marduke reaches out and taps Silmeria on the shoulder. Shaking his head slowly, "no, all the paths are wrong Silmeria. We need the decaying path, or the most dangerous path. I can... sense them. None of these are right. We should continue further." Sighing softly as he looks around and shakes his head.

Azar hmms and rubs at her forehead, "I don't know how, but I have a feeling of warmth and light off to the left here. I think there's a path leading off, if you'd bring a light closer?"
As the others talk among each other, Ainsley looks back to check on the feeling she has, absent-mindedly grabbing at Lee's hand. She doesn't immediately move, but it's almost as if she can see something that direction. A frown shows on her face. "Stairs...?" she murmurs.

Lee frowns as the compass in his hand suddenly goes dark, the face now blank and unlit. His brow furrows, and he gives the compass a shake, a deep, rumbling growl escaping the pale, slender young man as he starts to become frustrated, "Wot th'bloody 'ell...?" He looks up to the direction indicated by Silmeria, then to Silmeria and Marduke, followed by Azar and the direction she indicates, then at the compass, grimacing, "I dun' wanna venture s'far ta say this thing's broken, 'cause that'd jus' be silly fer a thing Spirits gave us t'break, but, at th'very least, it dun' seem ta be workin' right, an' be damned if'n I know why..." He holds the compass out, "Anyone else wanna 'ave a go?" He pauses, cocking his head a bit at Ainsley, "Eh? What about stairs, luv?"

Darkness... all around, the shadows shift and flow... the path Azar has found shows stairs leading up, the path Silmeria has chosen is stone and dark and stretches off... there are indeed stairs behind Ainsley now and as for Marduke's paths they are all just dark arches leading into the gloom... it seems clear... the path the party need is not here but... how to decide which path to try?

"Here," Silmeria says, reaching out a hand for the compass. Lookng from Azar to Marduke to Ainsley, the Esper frowns deeply, nibbling on her lower lip. "Now will you stop..." She watches, as the compass' arrow spins, once, and points down a hallway. As the Esper looks up, her grateful sigh is cut off abruptly, eyes widening at a speck of light in the distance. "...Right," she whispers, urging the party into any direction they can all travel at once on, "time to move."

Marduke shakes his head slowly as he watches the compass be handed over. Another glance around and a frown, "This, losing a bit of my focus here." Sighing softly and turning to follow after Silmeria. Just going quiet and frowning the whole time.

Azar still looking down the path that beckons with shiny and food and warmth, she blinks a moment, and allows herself to be tugged along, somewhat reluctantly. Until of course there's that speck of light. Theeen she finds herself quite quickly.
You know how everyone is discussing things? Yeah Ainsley has other ideas. She turns and starts walking in the direction she was looking, releasing Lee's hand. Taking the first step, but slowly, looking confused. "Hey, this looks about right," she says, absent-mindedly, to the group in general.

And as Ainsley says that well.. as Silmeria is trying to hustle everyone away and the stairs are wide enough that is just the natural direction Silmeria starts to hustle Marduke and Azar in as she moves to get them away from that approaching point of light. It's a path out, it's wide enough and it is away from that light perfect direction!

Lee hands the compass over to Silmeria, glancing in the direction of the stairs Ainsley was talking about, then pausing as he looks away again, giving the stairs a second, harder look, eyes narrowed... Then, his crimson eyes widen, and his grip on Ainsley's hand tightens quite a bit... Or, he tries to, but Ainsley pulls free before he can, and he hisses, "Ains, no!" as she takes the first step, with Silmeria and the rest, at the behest of the compass, a step behind the scholar. He spends a fraction of a second, conflicted, before reaching out to Ainsley, taking the first step himself as well, while trying to grab the scholar's shoulder and stop her progress, or get in front of her to block the way, anything to try and stop the group, voice in a harsh and urgent whisper, "Not that way, dammit!!"

It is easy enough for Lee to get in front of the group and block the path.... he is after all quite a big chap! Of course the light is still bobbing closer down the passage way and all the other doors and archways seem to have vanished... there is just dry earth... brick walls... that light approaching and the stairs with Lee blocking them and that light i getting closer and closer....

Lee's sudden intrusion brings a very, very uncertain look to Silmeria's tanned features, and when a quick check about them shows the other passages have vanished, the Esper closes her eyes for a moment. "...I'm sorry, Lee," she says softly, her voice seeming to age ten or twenty years, "but we don't have another choice, now... Just... be ready For *anything.* All of you." And with that, she continues to urge them toward the stairs.

Marduke glances back to Ainsley and opens his mouth to say something. Then shudders and turns around to find himself still going in that direction. "Grab her and carry her if you have to." He whispers and looks over to Silmeria. Attempting to move towards the stairs, still uncertain if that is even the right direction to be going.

Azar swallows noisily, and her voice cracks ever so slightly. "We've lost the proper path, haven't we?", she says with a squeaky whisper. "What's going to be at the other end of this path? You don't know?" There's a definite tremble to her legs now.

Ainsley stops and gives a bewildered look at Lee, frowning at him for startling her.. She looks around to note the other paths have disappeared, and the only way /away/ from the approaching tonberry is down, so... she continues walking, patting at Lee's butt -- but only because she can't reach his shoulder, since she's short -- as she walks by. She glances at the others, momentarily distracted by the comments passed around.

Lee, upon noticing that all the other paths have vanished, hisses out what *has* to be a very colorful profanity, though it's in a language that's likely unrecognizeable to anyone present, except perhaps Ainsley, and for him to even utter in that tongue out loud, well, that's significant. Still, when it's clear that there's no longer any choice, and with a lantern approaching closer and closer to the rear, he waves off Silmeria's apology, resigning himself to the group's chosen course, "Nothin' for it now, Silmeria, but if this goes where I 'ave tha feelin' it does, then we're possibly in fer a pretty bad time..." He blinks as his rear is patted, and looks to Ainsley, catching up to her quickly and taking her hand again, "You stay by me *no matter wot*, though, y'hear Ains?" He nods in reply to Azar, "We may've, aye; though could jus' be irony supreme that tha path we *need* ta take leads us right inta th'middle o' Shemhazzai's cage itself. Which is where I think this leads..."

Thing are not looking good for our heroes, behind them a lantern is slowly bobbing closer, approaching down that single pathway slowly whilst below if Lee's instincts are right lies the cage of the Whisperer herself..... a pathway through the curving fabric of the Catacombs to one of the worst places imaginable. Not an easy choice to make, but certainly a conundrum to give everyone pause... to face the light or rik walking this dark and very ancient path..... but as Lee says... it is certainly going to be a decrepid and decaying path...... but for now... Tune in Next time! For more adventures with or heroes! Same CoI Place! Same CoI channel!

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 19|Ainsley Quest Chapter 19]]

Go on to [[AChapter 21|Ainsley Quest Chapter 21]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

Spirit Cosmology

2013-07-08T13:46:53Z

Silvante:

This is a list of the spirits of Ivalice. Each entry names the spirit, tells you what skills are required to pact them, where their principle temple is located and what their home realm is called.

=A=
{| border="1"
!Spirit Name
!Description
!Requirements
!Home Temple
!Realm
|-
|[[Alexander]]
|City of Saints, Home of the Honoured Dead
|Spirit Connection - 24 Fortitude - 24, Vitality - 24
|Bur-Omisace
|[[Alexander_City|Alexander City]]
|-
|[[Andrammalech]]
|Goat Spirit, Patron Warrior of the Bangaa People
|Spirit Connection - 4, Must be Warrior / Will always see Bangaa
|Sprohm
|[[Pangaea]]
|-
|[[Andromeda]]
|Mistress of Fate, Lady of the Stars
|Spirit Connection - 20, Knowledge - 20, Arcana - 15
|Bur-Omisace
|[[Starscape]]
|-
|[[Ark]]
|Great Spirit of Air-Ships, Legendary Summons
|Unknown
|Bhujerba
|Unknown Quest via [[Lost City]]
|-
|}
=B & C=
{| border="1"
|B
|-
|[[Bahamut]]
|The Dragon King, Lord of the Spirits, Legendary Summons
|Unknown
|Kudik Peaks
|[[Dragon Mount]]
|-
|[[Bismarck]]
|Great Whale Spirit, Ancient Sage, Bringer of Floods
|Spirit Connection - 4, Knowledge - 6
|Kandhala
|[Eternal Ocean]]
|-
|'''C'''
|-
|[[Cait Sith]]
|The Gambling Cat
|Spirit Connection - 6, Subterfuge - 8
|Baguba Port
|[[Starscape]]
|-
|[[Catoblepas]]
|The ox of war, Earth Spirit of Conflict
|Spirit Connection - 6, Brawl/Melee - 6, Leadership - 4
|Ozmone Plain
|[[Pangaea]]
|-
|[[Carbuncle]]
|Lord of the Vault, Keeper of Memory, The Protector, Ruby Keeper
|Spirit Connection - 12, Animus - 12, Empathy - 8
|Ambervale
|[[Akashic Library]]
|-
|[[Cerberus]]
|Three-Headed Hell Hound of Hades, Guardian of the Dead
|Spirit Connection - 15, Abjuration - 15, Fortitude - 10
|Nubswood
|[[The Abyss]]
|-
|[[Crusaders//Knights of the Round]]
|The Great Paladin Spirits, Legendary Summons
|Unknown
|Aisenfield
|Unknown
|-
|}
=D=
{| border="1"
|-
|[[Demeter]]
|Lady of Plants, Friend of the Farmers, Nature Spirit
|Spirit Connection - 8, Crafting - 10
|Ambervale
|[[Pangaea]]
|-
|[[Diabolos]]
|Keeper of Secrets
|Spirit Connection - 24, Knowledge - 24, Ritual - 24
|Bur-Omisace
|[[The Void]]
|-
|}
=E & F=
{| border="1"
|-
|[[Exodus]]
|Patron Spirit of the Viera
|Spirit Connection - 15, Survival - 15, Endurance - 10 / Will refuse to see Viera until the Blessing of the Wood is restored.
|Ruins Golmore Jungle
|[[Pangaea]]
|-
|'''F'''
|-
|[[Famfrit]]
|Patron Spirit of Moogles, Spirit of Revolution & Technology
|Spirit Connection - 14, Crafting - 10, Knowledge - 12
|Baguba Port
|[[Lost City]]
|-
|[[Fenrir]]
|The Wild Wolf, Earth Spirit of the Hunt
|Spirit Connection - 12, Survival - 10, Agility - 12
|Giza Plain
|[[Pangaea]]
|-
|[[Frost]]
|The Ice Prince
|Spirit Connection - 8, Evocation - 8, Leadership - 8
|Starese Glacier
|[[Kailasa]]
|-
|}
=G, H & I=
{| border="1"
|'''G'''
|-
|[[Ghosts]]
|The Unquiet Dead
|Spirit Connection 10, Must Complete their Final Wish
|Nubswood
|[[The Abyss]]
|-
|[[Gilgamesh]]
|The Blade Master, The Smith
|Spirit Connection - 15, Crafting - 10, Brawl/Melee/Ranged - 15
|Cyril
|[[Valhalla]]
|-
|[[Guardian]]
|The Stalwart Protector
|Spirit Connection - 12, Endurance - 12, Agility - 12
|Bur Omisace
|[[Alexander_City|Alexander City]]
|-
|'''H'''
|-
|[[Hades]]
|Lord of the Dead
|Spirit Connection - 18, Vitality - 18, Resistance - 18
|Nubswood
|[[The Abyss]]
|-
|'''I'''
|-
|[[Ice]]
|Treasure Keeper
|Spirit Connection - 15, Must be able to find her
|Mount Bervenia
|[[Mount Bervenia]]
|-
|[[Ifrit]]
|Master of Fire, Lord of the Flames
|Spirit Connection 14, Athletics - 14, Endurance - 14
|Nam-Yensa Sandsea
|[[Obsidian Peaks]]
|-
|[[Imp]]
|The Mischief Maker
|Spirit Connection 3, Subterfuge - 3, Performing - 3
|Phon Coast
|[[Impossibility Palace]]
|-
|[[Ixion]]
|The Steed of Lightning
|Spirit Connection 10, Agility 10, Athleitcs 10
|Cerobi Steppes
|[[Tempest Steppes]]
|-
|}
=L & J=
{| border="1"
|-
|'''J'''
|-
|[[Jormungand]]
|The World Serpent, Legendary Summons
|Spirit Connection - 18, Endurance - 18, Abjuration - 18
|Kudik Peaks
|[[Dragon Mount]]
|-
|'''L'''
|-
|[[Lady Luck]]
|The Mistress of Chance!
|Special See Within
|Baguba Port
|[[Starscape]]
|-
|[[Lakshmi]]
|Spirit of Health and Restoration
|Spirit Connection - 6. Fortitude 6, Vitality - 6
|Kandhala
|[[Eternal Ocean]]
|-
|[[Leviathan]]
|Lord of Oceans
|Spirit Connection 18, Arcana - 18, Endurance - 18
|Isle of Winds
|[[Eternal Ocean]]
|-
|}
=M & O=
{| border="1"
|-
|[[Mateus]]
|The Law Keeper, Patron of Judges, Guardian of Humanity
|Spirit Connection - 12, Knowledge - 12, Profession - 12 / Will always meet with a Human
|Nalbina
|[[Alexander_City|Alexander City]]
|-
|[[Mephistopheles]]
|Dark Secret Keeper
|Spirit Connection - 10, Knowledge 10, Must be willing to pay blood price
|The Volcano Roda
|[[Akashic Library]]
|-
|[[Mist Dragon]]
|The Hidden Dragon, Lady Weather
|Spirit Connection - 16, Evocation - 16, Alertness - 16
|Kudik Peaks
|[[Dragon Mount]]
|-
|[[Mog]]
|Crazy Moogle with Sword, Patriarch of Moogle-kind, Father of the Race.
|Spirit Connection - 12, Performing - 10, Agility - 12 / Will always see Moogle
|Baguba Port
|[[Starscape]]
|-
|'''O'''
|-
|[[Odin]]
|Lord of War, Master of Battles, The Warrior
|Spirit Connection - 18, Athletics - 18, Melee/Ranged/Brawl - 18
|Cyril
|[[Valhalla]]
|-
|[[Odin's Valkyries]]
|The Spear Maidens, Battle-Maidens, Choosers of the Slain
|Spirit Connection - 14, Endurance - 14, Agility - 14
|Cyril
|[[Valhalla]]
|}
=P, Q & R=
{| border="1"
|-
|[[Phoenix]]
|Spirit of Rebirth, Reincarnation, The Ever Circle
|Spirit Connection - 18, Vitality - 18, Resistance - 18
|Bur Omisace
|[[Obsidian Peaks]]
|-
|[[Pandemona]]
|Emperor of the Wind, Master of the Skies
|Spirit Connection - 16, Empathy - 16, Leadership - 16
|Lutia
|[[Vaults of Heaven]]
|-
|'''Q'''
|-
|[[Quetzacoatl]]
|The Thunder Bird
|Spirit Connection - 14, Animus - 14, Survival - 14
|Cerobi Steppes
|[[Tempest Steppes]]
|-
|'''R'''
|-
|[[Ramuh]]
|The Great Sage, Lightning Master
|Spirit Connection - 18, Knowledge 24, Arcana - 20
|Cerobi Steppes
|[[Tempest Steppes]]
|-
|}

=S=
{| border="1"
|'''S'''
|-
|[[Salamander]]
|Fire Lizard
|Spirit Connection - 10, Athletics - 10, Vitality - 10
|Ogir-Yensa Sandsea
|[[Obsidian Peaks]]
|-
|[[Seraphim]]
|The Angel Host, The Saints, The Honoured Dead
|Spirit Connection 10, Fortitude - 10, Abjuration - 10
|Bur Omisace
|[[Alexander_City|Alexander City]]
|-
|[[Shiva]]
|The Ice Queen
|Spirit Connection - 14, Politics - 14, Knowledge - 14
|Starese Glacier
|[[Kailasa]]
|-
|[[Siren]]
|The Voice of Temptation, Songmistress
|Spirit Connection - 6, Performing 6, Resistance - 6
|Balfonheim
|[[Eternal Ocean]]
|-
|[[Sister Ray]]
|Memory Keeper, Technology Ward, Mistress of the Lost
|Spirit Connection - 20, Knowledge - 20, Alchemy - 20
|Baguba Port
|[[Lost City]]
|-
|[[Sylph]]
|Queen of the Fae
|Spirit Connection - 8, Empathy - 8, Arcana - 8
|Korringwood
|[[Vaults of Heaven]]
|-
|}
=T=
{| border="1"
|[[Taoryu]]
|The Balance Dragon
|Spirit Connection - 20, Alchemy - 20, Knowledge - 20
|Kupik Peaks
|[[Dragon Mount]]
|-
|[[The Doomship]]
|Ship of the Damned, Ghostship
|Spirit Connection - 12, Survival - 12, Ritual - 12
|Nubswood
|[[Eternal Ocean]]
|-
|[[The Doomtrain]]
|The Psychopomp, The Final Journey
|Spirit Connection - 15, Knowledge - 15, Fortitude -- 15
|Nubswood
|[[The Abyss]]
|-
|[[Titan]]
|Lord of Earth, The Wrestler
|Spirit Connection - 15, Athletics - 15, Vitality - 15
|Ozmonfield
|[[Pangaea]]
|-
|[[Tonberry King]]
|Kharma, Judgement Light, Truth Seeker
|Spirit Connection - 12, Knowledge - 12, Must survive the test of the Kharmic Dagger
|Nubswood
|[[The Abyss]]
|-
|}
=U & V=
{| border="1"
|-
|[[Undine]]
|The Healer, Spirit of Relaxation, Mistress of Minds
|Spirit Connection 12, Fortitude - 12, Empathy - 12
|Kandhala
|[[Eternal Ocean]]
|-
|'''V'''
|-
|[[Valefor]]
|Queen of the Skies, Mistress of Sound
|Spirit Connection - 12, Performing - 12, Empathy - 12
|Lutia
|[[Vaults of Heaven]]
|-
|[[Valigarmanda]]
|The Rainbow Dragon, Hope
|Spirit Connection - 22, Empathy - 22, Arcana - 22
|Kupik Peaks
|[[Dragon Mount]]
|-
|}

----

Back to [[Religion & Spirits]]

Back to [[Summoner Rules]]

Back to [[Spirit World]]

Root Spirit List [[Cosmology]]

Kailasa

2013-07-08T13:44:36Z

Silvante:

[[File:Chamonix-snow-field.jpg|right|thumb|500px]]

The realm of Kailasa is a land of ice, snow, arctic winds and ever-lasting cold no matter the season. It is the elemental-plain of ice where the spirits of cold reside. Not just frozen water in ice and snow but the very essence of cold itself live here spirits whose mere presence can reduce the temperature of whatever they come into contact with. It is a harsh realm and those who come here unprepared will suffer or perish from prolonged exposure to the icy temperatures, biting wind and harsh climate. It is here that Shiva the queen of Snow makes her home in the brilliant castle of ice and snow, winter is her domain and so her home reflects the ice that is such a part of her very being. Though outside may seem harsh and cold it is laced with a type of beauty and brilliance that can only be preserved eternally by the arctic conditions.

====Temples====
Kailasa, realm of ice, realm of snow and cold and winter. It touches the world most strongly during the months when Ivalice is blanketed in winter's cold. But even during the height of summer it has its place amongst snowy mountain tops and slowly creeping Glaciers. Winter's perfection forever captured in a single cube of ice used to chill a beverage or the shard of frost launched from a mages open palm to strike down a mist born monster. Legend says that those who can walk their minds eye through the ever shifting fractured light within ice can find the path to Kailasa, for everyone else the temples dedicated to the spirits of ice can lead to Kailasa.

'''Cathedral of Frost - Starese Glacier'''
* Standing tall atop the Starese Glacier is the Cathedral of Frost, a brilliant, hauntingly beautiful structure built from the living ice in dedication to Shiva, the Queen of Kailasa and Greater Spirit of Ice. It is reached via a treacherous path carved through the glacier that slowly wends its way through hidden slowly shifting caverns to the great plateau high amongst the mountain peaks where the cathedral rises seamlessly from the very fabric of the ancient Glacier that gave it life. It is never day at the top of the Glacier, strange magics keep it eternally night so all can see the splendour of the cathedral of ice by starlight. The plaza outside the cathedral is a brilliant garden of ice and snow sculpture. Formal gardens, topiary and frozen pools all illuminated by the dancing light of the ever present Aurora that crowns the cathedral roofs and adds its illumination to the stars!
** To enter the realm of Kailasa one needs to first survive the ardous journey through the snow and ice of the great Starese Glacier to reach the cathedral. Once there a suitable offering to Shiva needs to be made and the Seneschal of Frost, High Priest of Shiva in the mortal world needs to be petitioned for access to the Auroral Spire. If granted travellers may ascend the central spire of the cathedral and amidsts the ever shifting, never still lights of the grand aurora that crowns the rooftop of the cathedral pass over into Kailasa and Shiva's realm.

'''Ziggurat of the Silent Ice'''
* The Ziggurat stands in the icy shadows of Mt Bur-Omisace upon the sloping winding pathway of the Paramina Rift. It is off the main path pilgrims being forced to journey over a rugged mountainous slope to reach the plateau were the Ziggurat overlooks a sloping meadow of untouched snow, famous for being inaccessible and therefore untouched by man or animal. The Ziggrurat is made from large blocks of deep blue ice, stacked one atop the other in a stepped, sloping design, standing at least forty feet high. Entrance is via a wide staircase up to the top-most level were travellers can enter the altar room.
** To pass through the Ziggurat to the realm of Kailasa someone need only petition the priestess of Frost who resides her and if she is favourable to the summoner will grant access to the lower levels of the Ziggurat and passage through the frost to the realm of ice and snow. The only snag is that it is tradition for those who wish to petition Frost to be wearing their best clothing and cold weather clothes are rarely synomous with style and fashion so summoners can expect to be a bit chilly.

'''Rael's Respite'''
* Located in the ruins of the ancient city of Rabanastre is a nexus of spiritual energy beneath what was once the royal castle. It is here that the imps have laid claim to their portal to the spiritual guardian of their race. Co-Operating in the spirit of the mandate laid down by their lord the Elemental Servants of the spirits live and work here in Harmoy, time spent maintaining the temple to their lord does not count against the 60 years they are granted to live among the mortals of Terra. Most of the ancient hallways leading to the Hall of Dedication have been collapsed leaving just one passage inside. The ancient domed roof is intact and fanciful displays of the various imp powers are on display, surrounding and protecting the portal.
** The Imps are jealously protective of their portal but will trade with mortals who wish access for the portal can lead to many places but generally Kailasa or Infernus though it has been known to be opened to the Great Skies, Pangaea or the Deep Blue from time to time when the alignment is correct and if an imp of that domain is availiable to open it. What they demand from mortal summoners who want to use their portal varies however from person to person.

-----------

=====Snowplains=====

The first place one reaches upon entering Kailasa is the endless plains of snow and ice. Undulating hills and valleys bounded by tall cruel mountains to the north and east and a seemingly endless sea of pack ice to the south and west. This plain must be crossed by anyone seeking the homes of Shiva, Frost or Imp though the journey is never easy. Unlike on Terra one cannot bring chocobo or sledges so must rely on snow-shoes and their skills of navigation to reach the safety of their intended destination. Tents, warm clothing and fuel are all recomended there are no trees to cut down and burn and the only animals that walk this icy waste are Shiva's, killing them for food or sport will bring her out to curse the offenders. They will never attack unless provoked for in this realm they are safe.

The sky of Kailasa is either clear and dark studded with shining stars or occluded with heavy grey clouds that bring the snow and ice to lash travellers with frost and cold and bury them beneath ever shifting dunes of snow. It has been called the desert of ice before and it is not far from one. Instead of shifting sands it has swirling snow storms and drifts that hide many dangers for the unwary traveller beneath the surface.

To reach the Ice Castle a summoner needs to head toward the centre of the realm navigating toward the point where the Unmoving Star illuminates the caslte. The vault of stars above Kailasa move as they do on Terra, turning across the wheel of the heavens, constellations shifting and moving as the natural order demands. These stars are not the twinkling pin-pricks that appear on Terra however they are large brilliant spheres of light that bathe the land of snow in an eternal twilight. Brillaint aurora's illuminate the sky above the northern mountains twice a day but one star remains fixed, never moving from its place above Shiva's home.

To navigate toward the castle you need to make a roll of: '''Astronomy Roll to follow''' with a TN of 12.

The pack ice is easier to reach, one doesn't need to navigate by a specific start just work out what way is south or west and head that way until they reach the shore. The true dangers come when someone leaves the snowplains and begins to traverse the pack ice in search of Frost's home.

The final location that can be reached by traversing the Snowplains is the Impossibility Palace, to get there one has to travel north and locate the Icicle Pass through the mountains that border Shiva's range.

All journeys normally take about a day with one night spent outside but it could take longer depending on the weather which is up to the person running the scene.

=====Ice Castle=====
The Ice Castle of Shiva is a strange place, sat atop tall mountainous cliffs at the heart of the snowplains. At first glance the palace of the Queen is a confection of lacy white ice. Soaring towers, majestic domes and large halls shining out across the land. This castle however is just a part of the whole. The great expanse of the castle is a towering megalithic monument of black ice. A great fortress from were Shiva, Queen of Ice and mistress of Politics reigns. Entrance to the castle is open to all though one must pass the Frost-Guard on the gate and remove all outdoor clothes. After all to wear your big fur coats and mittens would be to insult the hospitality of the Queen.

It is here that Queen Shiva holds court and petitioners are normally welcomed by a member of her staff, given a tour of the grand castle and invited to stay the night and rest from their journey. The tour will be both a fascinating insight to the home of the Queen and a test of endurance to see if the summoner can withstand the biting cold. Once the tour concludes guests are shown to chambers that match their needs so normally something warmer and more enjoyable. Audience with Queen Shiva can happen the day after when the petitioner presents themselves to her court.

=====Pack-Ice=====
The Pack Ice is a region of frozen sea that stretches beyond the shore of the snowplains to the south and west. The surface of the ice is treacherous, uneven and dangerous to cross but it is the only known path to reach the ice-locked sailing ship that is the home of Frost, Prince of Ice and Queen Shiva's son.

Flying is not advised, the bitter ice laden winds that blow across the frozen sea will freeze anyone foolish enough to fly in less then an hour or so it is recorded. Unless of course you are immune to ice and snow and dreadfully cold temperatures then you can fly with ease should you wish. For anyone else walking is the advised path to reach the home of frost but traversing the treacherous ice-floes is no easy task. With the wind howling almost constantly, the risk of bad weather and the unstable nature of the ice that threatens to crack or yaw open into deadly crevasses. The deadly enviroment poses a moderate challenge but a summoner who has come prepared should be able to make the two day journey to reach the home of Frost.

A daily navigation check is required however to make sure travellers are following the correct path, heading toward the constellation known as the Bright Eyes for navigating by the bright brilliant stars is the only sure way to navigate the broken white peaks and valleys that make up the pack-ice.

=====Impossibility Palace=====
Beyond the northern peaks lies the Palace of the Imp, the Impossibility Palace were fire and ice blend together with earth and water to form a palace of brilliant beauty and craftsmanship. Locating Icicle Pass is easy one need only travel north and search the foothills for the winding path up into the snow. It is not an easy pass to traverse but beyond it lies the palace of the Imp.

To cross the path a check of: '''Stamina+Survival''' with a TN of 15.

If the pass is crossed successfully the traveller may approach the soaring palace were Rael, the Imp holds his court. More importantly the palace is a gathering place of all domains. Spirits from every realm gather here to discuss matters that cross the boundaries in a diplomatic manner.

-----------
====The Regions====

* [[Ice Castle]] Home and Court of Queen [[Shiva]]

* [[Pack-Ice]] Dwelling of [[Frost]], Prince of Ice

* [[Impossibility Palace]] A gathering of the courts, ruled by Rael the spirit [[Imp]]

There are certain rules to Kailasa that one would do well to follow if they do not wish to bring down upon them the ire of the Queen.
* It is expected all visitors make their presence known to the Court of the Queen, either in person or delivered well wishes to one of her servants if visiting the Prince of Ice or the home of Imp.
* It is rude to bring flame naked or controlled to the land of Ice and Snow. No Fire outside the Impossibility Palace

----
Back to [[Spirit World]]

Back to [[Spirit Cosmology]]

Back to [[Main Page]]

Event Calendar

2013-07-08T13:42:22Z

Silvante:

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="4" | Upcoming plots
|-
! width="150" | TP Name
! width="150" | TP Runner
! width="150" | Approx Days & Time
! width="150" | Open/Closed
|-
| The Island of Dr. Kupeau || Viktor || Unknown Day and Time || Open
|-
| Festival of Lights || All Judges || Unknown Day and Time || Open
|-
|Silvante One shot (Adventure in Emberstrand) || Silvante || Sunday 28th July: 8pm GMT || Open
|}

Key:
F - TP is currently full.
O - TP is still accepting additional characters.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | March 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || 1 || 2
|-
| 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9
|-
| 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16
|-
| 17 || 18 || 19|| 20 || 21 || 22 || 23
|-
| 24 - Stellazio TP @ 2pm CST (F) (Silvante) || 25 || 26 - Nightmare TP @ 7pm CST (F) (Nitro) || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
|-
| 31 || || || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | April 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6
|-
| 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13
|-
| 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
|-
| 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27
|-
| 28 || 29 || 30 || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | May 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4
|-
| 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11
|-
| 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18
|-
| 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25
|-
| 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30 || 31 ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | June 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || || 1
|-
| 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8
|-
| 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15
|-
| 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22
|-
| 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29
|-
| 30
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | July 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6
|-
| 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13
|-
| 14 || 15 - Ainsley Quest || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
|-
| 21 Stellazio Quest Final Encounter || 22 Ainsley Quest || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27
|-
| 28 Silvante One Shot (O) || 29 Ainsley Quest || 30 || 31 || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | August 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || 1 || 2 || 3
|-
| 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10
|-
| 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17
|-
| 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24
|-
| 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30 || 31
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | September 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7
|-
| 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14
|-
| 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21
|-
| 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28
|-
| 29 || 30 || || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | October 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5
|-
| 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12
|-
| 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19
|-
| 20 || 21 || 22 || 23|| 24|| 25|| 26
|-
| 27|| 28|| 29|| 30|| 31|| ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | November 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || 1|| 2
|-
| 3|| 4|| 5|| 6|| 7|| 8|| 9
|-
| 10|| 11|| 12|| 13|| 14|| 15|| 16
|-
| 17|| 18|| 19|| 20|| 21|| 22|| 23
|-
| 24|| 25|| 26|| 27|| 28|| 29|| 30
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | December 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| 1|| 2|| 3|| 4|| 5|| 6|| 7
|-
| 8|| 9|| 10|| 11|| 12|| 13|| 14
|-
| 15|| 16|| 17|| 18|| 19|| 20|| 21
|-
| 22|| 23|| 24|| 25|| 26|| 27|| 28
|-
| 29|| 30|| 31|| || || ||
|-
|}

----

Back to [[Main Page]]

Event Calendar

2013-07-08T13:42:09Z

Silvante:

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="4" | Upcoming plots
|-
! width="150" | TP Name
! width="150" | TP Runner
! width="150" | Approx Days & Time
! width="150" | Open/Closed
|-
| The Island of Dr. Kupeau || Viktor || Unknown Day and Time || Open
|-
| Festival of Lights || All Judges || Unknown Day and Time || Open
|-
|Silvante One shot (Adventure in Emberstrand) || Silvante || Sunday 28th: 8pm GMT || Open
|}

Key:
F - TP is currently full.
O - TP is still accepting additional characters.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | March 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || 1 || 2
|-
| 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9
|-
| 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16
|-
| 17 || 18 || 19|| 20 || 21 || 22 || 23
|-
| 24 - Stellazio TP @ 2pm CST (F) (Silvante) || 25 || 26 - Nightmare TP @ 7pm CST (F) (Nitro) || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
|-
| 31 || || || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | April 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6
|-
| 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13
|-
| 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
|-
| 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27
|-
| 28 || 29 || 30 || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | May 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4
|-
| 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11
|-
| 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18
|-
| 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25
|-
| 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30 || 31 ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | June 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || || 1
|-
| 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8
|-
| 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15
|-
| 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22
|-
| 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29
|-
| 30
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | July 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6
|-
| 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13
|-
| 14 || 15 - Ainsley Quest || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
|-
| 21 Stellazio Quest Final Encounter || 22 Ainsley Quest || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27
|-
| 28 Silvante One Shot (O) || 29 Ainsley Quest || 30 || 31 || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | August 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || 1 || 2 || 3
|-
| 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10
|-
| 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17
|-
| 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24
|-
| 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30 || 31
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | September 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7
|-
| 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14
|-
| 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21
|-
| 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28
|-
| 29 || 30 || || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | October 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5
|-
| 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12
|-
| 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19
|-
| 20 || 21 || 22 || 23|| 24|| 25|| 26
|-
| 27|| 28|| 29|| 30|| 31|| ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | November 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || 1|| 2
|-
| 3|| 4|| 5|| 6|| 7|| 8|| 9
|-
| 10|| 11|| 12|| 13|| 14|| 15|| 16
|-
| 17|| 18|| 19|| 20|| 21|| 22|| 23
|-
| 24|| 25|| 26|| 27|| 28|| 29|| 30
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | December 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| 1|| 2|| 3|| 4|| 5|| 6|| 7
|-
| 8|| 9|| 10|| 11|| 12|| 13|| 14
|-
| 15|| 16|| 17|| 18|| 19|| 20|| 21
|-
| 22|| 23|| 24|| 25|| 26|| 27|| 28
|-
| 29|| 30|| 31|| || || ||
|-
|}

----

Back to [[Main Page]]

Event Calendar

2013-07-08T13:40:40Z

Silvante:

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="4" | Upcoming plots
|-
! width="150" | TP Name
! width="150" | TP Runner
! width="150" | Approx Days & Time
! width="150" | Open/Closed
|-
| The Island of Dr. Kupeau || Viktor || Unknown Day and Time || Open
|-
| Festival of Lights || All Judges || Unknown Day and Time || Open
|}

Key:
F - TP is currently full.
O - TP is still accepting additional characters.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | March 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || 1 || 2
|-
| 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9
|-
| 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16
|-
| 17 || 18 || 19|| 20 || 21 || 22 || 23
|-
| 24 - Stellazio TP @ 2pm CST (F) (Silvante) || 25 || 26 - Nightmare TP @ 7pm CST (F) (Nitro) || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
|-
| 31 || || || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | April 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6
|-
| 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13
|-
| 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
|-
| 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27
|-
| 28 || 29 || 30 || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | May 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4
|-
| 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11
|-
| 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18
|-
| 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25
|-
| 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30 || 31 ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|-
! colspan="7" | June 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || || 1
|-
| 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8
|-
| 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15
|-
| 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22
|-
| 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29
|-
| 30
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | July 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6
|-
| 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13
|-
| 14 || 15 - Ainsley Quest || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
|-
| 21 Stellazio Quest Final Encounter || 22 Ainsley Quest || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27
|-
| 28 || 29 Ainsley Quest || 30 || 31 || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | August 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || 1 || 2 || 3
|-
| 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10
|-
| 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17
|-
| 18 || 19 || 20 || 21 || 22 || 23 || 24
|-
| 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30 || 31
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | September 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7
|-
| 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14
|-
| 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 || 21
|-
| 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28
|-
| 29 || 30 || || || || ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | October 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5
|-
| 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12
|-
| 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19
|-
| 20 || 21 || 22 || 23|| 24|| 25|| 26
|-
| 27|| 28|| 29|| 30|| 31|| ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | November 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| || || || || || 1|| 2
|-
| 3|| 4|| 5|| 6|| 7|| 8|| 9
|-
| 10|| 11|| 12|| 13|| 14|| 15|| 16
|-
| 17|| 18|| 19|| 20|| 21|| 22|| 23
|-
| 24|| 25|| 26|| 27|| 28|| 29|| 30
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Event Calendar'''
|-
! colspan="7" | December 2013
|-
! width="150" | Sunday
! width="150" | Monday
! width="150" | Tuesday
! width="150" | Wednesday
! width="150" | Thursday
! width="150" | Friday
! width="150" | Saturday
|-
| 1|| 2|| 3|| 4|| 5|| 6|| 7
|-
| 8|| 9|| 10|| 11|| 12|| 13|| 14
|-
| 15|| 16|| 17|| 18|| 19|| 20|| 21
|-
| 22|| 23|| 24|| 25|| 26|| 27|| 28
|-
| 29|| 30|| 31|| || || ||
|-
|}

----

Back to [[Main Page]]

Kal's Character Sheet

2013-07-07T18:31:47Z

Silvante:

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Character Sheet'''
! colspan="3" | Derived Stats
|-
! width="150" | HP 133/133
! width="150" | MP 34/34
! width="150" | XP 140/400
|-
| PATK 33 || RATK 40 || MATK 24
|-
| DEF 13 || || MDEF 19
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Stats'''
|-
| Strength 10 || Dexterity 12 || Stamina 10
|-
| Intelligence 12 || Insight 15 || Willpower 15
|-
| Attunement 12 || Acuity 12 || Resilience 14
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Skills'''
|-
| [[Agility]] 6 || [[Alchemy]] 5 || [[Alertness]] 12
|-
| [[Arcana]] 12 || [[Athletics]] 5 || [[Brawl]] 6
|-
| [[Empathy]] 5 || [[Fortitude]] 5 || [[Performing]] 5
|-
| [[Subterfuge]] 12 || [[Survival]] 6
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Job Levels'''
|-
| [[Mage]] 4 (240 XP) || [[Black Mage]] 0 (20 XP)
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Active Abilities'''
|-
| [[Blizzard]] 24 || [[Cure]] 24 || [[Fire]] 24
|-
| [[Protect]] 24 ||
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Reactive Abilities'''
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Support Abilities'''
|-
| [[Arcane Focus]] 24 || [[Raise-MP]] 24
|-
! colspan="3" | '''Ability Categories'''
|-
| [[Basic Magic|[Basic Magic]]] || [[Black Magic|[Black Magic]]] || [[Green Magic|[Green Magic]]]
|-
| [[White Magic|[White Magic]]]
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" border="1" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Equipment'''
|-
! width="150" | Equipped Item
! width="150" | To Hit Roll
! width="150" | Damage Roll
|}

----

Back to [[Kal]]'s page

Chapter 42

2013-07-07T17:39:08Z

Silvante:

Sin of the People

2013-07-07T17:30:19Z

Silvante:

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The 11 Zodiacs pondered. How best to catch Virgo's heart? Aries headed east.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Taurus had an idea. He would give Virgo a gift. Through the forest and over the mountain, he found a star</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Gemini thought by the river, 'I will sing her a song.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cancer headed to the cape where Virgo waited. The sun was setting into the ocean. Would he finally see her?</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Leo was waiting for the sun to set into the ocean. Then Cancer showed up, and they began to fight. Into the ocean they fell...</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Virgo... Is Lost to Ultimecia"</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Libra.. Is Lost to Ultimecia"</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Scorpio was very timid. He always looked at his shadow until one day he decided to look away. He walked up a hill."</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 1</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Prologue|Stelazzio Quest Prologue]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 1|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 1]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 2|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 2]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 3|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 3]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 4|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 4]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 5|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 5]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 6|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 6]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 7|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 7]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 8|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 8]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 2</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 9|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 9]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 10|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 10]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 11|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 11]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 12|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 12]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 13|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 13]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 14|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 14]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 15|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 15]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 16|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 16]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 17|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 17]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 18|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 18]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 3</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 19|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 19]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 20|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 20]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 21|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 21]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 22|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 22]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 23|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 23]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 24|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 24]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 25|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 25]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 26|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 26]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 27|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 27]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 28|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 28]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book - The Interlude</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 29|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 29]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 30|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 30]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 4</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 31|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 31]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 32|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 32]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 33|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 33]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 34|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 34]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 35|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 35]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 36|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 36]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 37|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 37]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 38|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 38]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 39|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 39]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 40|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 40]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 41|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 41]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 42|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 42]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 43|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 43]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 44|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 44]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book - The Interlude 2</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter BI2-1|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-1]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter BI2-2|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-2]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter BI2-3|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-3]]</u></div>

----

Back to [[RP Logs]]

AChapter 20

2013-07-01T19:12:08Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Thr Party have reached the Necropolis, the towering city of Sephulcher, Mausoleums and tombs... gravestones, bells and the quiet rest of the dead. It is quite pleasent here bene…'

Chapter 42

2013-06-30T16:49:36Z

Silvante:

Chapter 42

2013-06-30T16:48:47Z

Silvante: Created page with '---- Go back to Stelazzio Quest Chapter 41 Go on to Stelazzio Quest Chapter 43 Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest…'

----

Go back to [[Chapter 41|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 41]]

Go on to [[Chapter 43|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 43]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

Chapter 41

2013-06-30T16:48:19Z

Silvante: Created page with ' One by one the party have dropped away... snatched into the strange glass bottle that contains that beautiful replica of the Lunar Whale! Now for each individual there is a sens…'

One by one the party have dropped away... snatched into the strange glass bottle that contains that beautiful replica of the Lunar Whale! Now for each individual there is a sensation of rushing, of falling.. wind rushes around them... there is motion, lights whirling and flickering past on either side. A planet suddenly looms into view... a star field whirls to the left and then all around, a scattering of bright light illuminates a series of tumbling asteroids and then the vast bulk of the Lunar Whale is before them! Getting larger and larger.... it is dark.. beyond the starlight reflecting off the hull all the little windows are dead and dull and then! DARKNESS! It wraps about each person, their feet land witha thump on metal flooring that rings gently, a moment of disorientation... then well the darkness is complete and it takes but a moment to discover that they are alone.. shouting, calling... none of it produce any response in the darkness from the other party members... they are all... alone.

Vazkor remains wide eyed as he rushes through space, watching each sight zip past him with a thoughtless sense of both fear and wonder, not having the time to think even as his body is hurled right towards that ship... But then his feet suddenly hit solid ground, the man instinctively landing in a crouch, frozen like that for a brief moment as he feels the disorientation, and his eyes are unable to penetrate the darkness around him... But then he suddenly springs up, a hand quick to draw his Katana with the crackling of electricity, and standing guard like that as he tries to figure out where he might be, a quiet, Rozarrian curse escaping him involuntarily.

Penny squeals a bit as she flies among a scenery she can't quite fully understand, the mouse closing her eyes during the bit with the asteroids, clutching her poleaxe tightly the whole way! And then, it's over, and she lands on metal, immediately sinking to her knees and spending a moment to calm her breathing, muttering to herself, "It's over. It's over." After a moment, she opens her eyes only to see utter darkness, blinking and rubbing at her eyes. She clears her throat, calling softly, "Um... H-helloooo...?" With no response, she closes her eyes again, muttering under her breath and focusing, casting a small cantrip that causes the quartz orb mounted in the head of her poleaxe to glow softly, casting a bit of light before the mouse opens her eyes again to see what the light reveals.

As the Quartz on the tip of Penny's staff begins to glow it reveals a long empty metal corridor, there are strtange metallic doorways set in recesses along the wall and as the light glows brighter and it begins to reflect back off the metal a section of the roof seems to hinge back and something peers down at the Knight. It is avery large blue eye.....

Being plunged into pure darkness like this, Kier reaches into his pack, long practice helping him dig out the Fire Crystal and it's lamp-like housing. It takes a couple tries to get everything secured into place, and then he pours a little mana into the gem, causing to ignite light and soft fire as his free hand then reaches up to scritch under Dust's chin and nose. He doesn't say anything at the moment, just looking around...

As soon a that fire-crystal comes to light a strange voice echoes around the room Kier and Dust are in. it is a large room that for a moment reflects beautful white tiles in the lantern light and then something hits the lantern and it goes out witha glimpf noise and darkness return....

Raziel wings stay in tight to his person as he falls through the darkness, hsi eyes flicking left then right as the marvels flicker past. Throughout it all he remains silent, his teeth gritted as he awaits for some sort of impact. As the Lunar Whale grows larger before him his eyes widen and for a moment he tries to spread his wings and slow his descent only to retract that step as the darkness starts wrapping about him and he goes limp, waiting for the impact and hoping he can roll it off. Thanks to that it's actually not a graceful position he ends up in when his feet touch down. The aegyl staggers, his wings going askew before he starts to straighten up and he looks around and exhales. There's a shout, a general 'Hello?!' before he waits and upon receiving no answer the man exhales and whispers, "trapped.." Suddenly his hand goes to the pack he carries and he looks within to see if the evil mongoose, calling up a magelight to float over his head so that he can see, is alright while he's still taking stock of the situation.

As the light flickers into apperance above Raziel's hand there is a mechanical, grating sound... almost like a voice speaking badly... muffled and disjointed and as it finishes speaking a nozzel in the ceiling opens and before Raziel can react his mage light and his body are quite thoroughly doused in some sort of sticky white foam that extinguises the light and plunges the now very damp aegyl back into darkness....

With wide eyes, the male Viera hurtles through... time and space. His eyes bulge at the sight of the planet, and the nearby starfield, and just as realization begins to dawn upon him... BAMF. Darkness. Landing in a crouch, the Viera stays motionless, only the beating of his heart and ragged drawing of breath to give away his position. Deprived of sight, his ears work overtime, facing a direction and listening for a time before moving on. After several long minutes, Talen slowly stands, stretching and flexing different muscle groups as he does so. Whispering a quiet word of magic, a small flame poofs into existence in one of his hands, lifted and moved about to get a sense of the area he's in.

Talen like Raziel gets foamed! He has a moment to see gun-metal grey walls, strange doors and then a nozzle in the ceiling opens and the viera is completly coated, buried under a sudden wave of foam! The flame goes out and that mechanical voice echoes on the air as the poor lad is buried....

Vazkor continues to stand like that for a while, even as his attention is drawn to that sound... But as nothing else happens, he soon lets out a quiet sigh, and decides to start and move... Slowly stepping forward, using his ever so faintly glowing sword to try and see the floor infront of him, as he inches on... Slowly reaching out his other, free hand to feel for possible obstacles, or hopefully, a wall he can follow in some direction.

As Vazkor moves forward the faint light from his Katana catches soemthing smooth and white.. it reflects the light back to him ... glowing gently in the darkness. It's a rather large crystal, about 10 feet tall and held in place to the floor and ceiling by beautuflly worked metal clamps. There is a short platform in front of it, a dais almost that someone can stand on to reach the crystal and in the exact centre is a small bored hole... as if part of the crystal has been carefully extracted.

Penny looks around as the light from her poleaxe's quartz grows, before the hatch in the ceiling opens and a large eye looks down at her. When she notices it, she lets out a startled *eep!* and scrambles back away, startled, and quite a bit freaked out for a moment, by it. After a moment or two, when nothing else happens, she takes a slow, deep breath to calm her nerves a bit, climbing to her feet, still peering uncertainly at the eye above, uncomfortable with it... But it seems harmless... She guesses, anyway... After a moment more, she takes another look up and down the corridor, stepping to the nearest door to investigate it, and attempt to open it if there is an obvious means to do so.

The door remains firmly shut, none of the knights attempts to open it suceed, at least not from pushing or pulling. There aren't any door-handles for starters!

When the light is put out, Kier reaches up to touch the goop on his lantern, and then with a frown on his face he locks that onto his waist and then moves to stand up and looks around... at least as much as he can, and then looks up towards the ceiling. Moving slowly, with one hand out, he begins to work his way to the closest, and starts to walk along the edge where he can, looking for interruptions or changes in it. All the while he keeps Dust close, and then asks softly, "Did you see a light?" Just in case Dust was more perceptive than he was!

It takes a few minutes, Kier's explorations of the room just reveal smooth slick surfaces but then Dust meows from one side and a bit of searching turns up a square that depresses and then... low level light comes on. It is very faint, a soft greenish blue. It appears to be coming from the wall tiles themselves and with this faint light Kier can make out a large square block of machinery in the middle of the room...

Raziel's eyes close and his head bows for a moment as his hands quickly snap the sack closed so that IF the mongoose is in there and ok it isn't covered with the fire retardent. The man reaches up then and he starts to whipe his fade off while muttering, "no open flames. I get it." Theres a growl and he shakes his wings out before whiping off his hand as best he can and feeling inside the pack, "don't bite me.." However the other hand is reaching out into the darkness and he starts forward, trying to feel for walls and looking for anything that feels like a door.. or handle..

About three feet after moving forward Raziel's hand encounters a railing of some sort... well his hand misses it and then his stomach bumps into it. From the way the air changes in front of him there is some big open void on the other side of this railing.....

"..." The Viera lets out an exasperated noise, shaking off whatever the heck the liquid was. "Really, was that necessary? Ugh. Fine. If you're going to put out my fire, could you at least turn on the lights, please?" Bleeeeeh. Talen moves away from the spot he had been standing, heading towards where he is certain he saw doors. Slowly, with a hand out in front of him. "And maybe you could open the doors too, please?", he asks, sounding hopeful.

As Talen speaks there is a moment of horrible dissonance! The poor Viera's head seems to vibrate and for a moment his head echoes with every word he knows in every language and then a rather polite yet deep toned voice speaks into the corridor. "Lexicon updated.. welcome... please identify yourself...." and the soft blue/green lights start to illuminate Talen's corridor.

Vazkor blinks at the large crystal infront of him, pausing a moment to study it... But as his gaze falls on that small hole at the center of it, he doesn't need long to think. The man quickly climbing onto that dais, even as a hand slips into his pocket to retrieve that small chunk of crystal again, that he was given by the Spirits and he guessed must be a key... The man taking a deep breath then, and steeling himself even as he monentarily twirls the 'key' between his fingers... And then just reaches forward to press it in the 'keyhole', silently hoping something useful and non-lethal will happen...

As Vazkor slides that piece of crystal into the slot in front of him there is a moment of silence then a bright flash of light fills the entire crystal. and for a moment something slams through Vazkor! It's like being hit by a truck, and then... it passes and the man is stood exactly where he was, Katana in one hand but now the crystal is glowing with a soft radiance and all around the chamber panels and light features are coming to life and then a voice speaks in a deep, rolling baritone. "Greetings Captain... welcome aboard... I am the Lunar Whale... i detect seven life-forms on board as well as yourself. Are these part of your party my Captain?"

Vazkor winces at that shockwave passing through him! Only to blink afterwards as he finds himself standing exactly where he was, instead of having been hurled back, like it felt like should have happened... The man slowly relaxing his tensed muscles again afterwards as he looks around, watching his surroundings come to life... And looking up in surprise then as the voice speaks to him, startling him enough for him to raise that Katana a bit, "... Captain?" He mutters in confusion as what the voice is saying manages to get through to him after a few moments, before he carefully adds, "... Um, yes? They are with me." Doing a quick mental count of his companions, and figuring they would be the 'lifeforms' the voice mentions.

Indeed, you returned my Key, for this time you are my Captain... I shall inform your crew that you have taken command and begin to prepare my systems for our journey. I assume you are here for the Stellazio?" Meanwhile throughout the ship the pale light that some people have and the darkness that has consumed others is slowly over-powered by a brightening of white light a the ship begins to hum and throb with energy. Those who can sense magic can feel immense waves of the stuff suddenly coming to life and poor Raziel has a shock as the lights clank on beyond the railing he is standing by to show him a gigantic engine room! It is huge and the devices down there are beyond comprehension as they slowly start to come back to life and a voice speaks in its deep, dulcet tones to everyone. "Good day, your Captain has assumed Command, welcome aboard, I am the Lunar Whale."

Penny hmph's as the door yields no results, stepping away from it and looking up and down the corridor again, trying to decide which way to start walking. She even pulls out a coin, ready to flip for it, when lights start coming on, and the ship's voice startles her into dropping the coin, causing her to go scrambling after it! Catching the coin again, she looks up at the 'eye', pocketing the coin again and canceling the cantrip that lights the quartz orb of her poleaxe, speaking tentatively up at the eye, "Ummm... H-hello?"

Good Day... Dame Penny, welcome aboard, may I direct you to a destination? you are currently on J deck, central starboard section near the Bistro and Crew Quarters."

Kier looks up and around suddenly at the sound of the voice in the air, and the lights playing off of everything. Then his eyes go back towards the machine in the center of the room. Despite his better judgement, he draws his knife out and moves to approach the device... not poking at it directly, but then moves around it to examine it with as much of an eye as he can... but then just sighs, and moves to lean against a wall, waiting patiently...
Good-day Master Kier," the voice speaks softly, "I do apologise for the inconvinience cause, you are currently in Matter Fabrication chamber three, can I provide you with any item you may require by way of an appology for this journey putting you out so?"

Raziel blinks and backs up a step, his hand going to the railing as his eyes adjust. For a moment he stares down into the engine and then the mage sighs, "glad there was a railing." He steps back and doesn't look at himself, but does reach into the bag to pull out his mongoose companion to assure that she is alright through everything that's happened. While he does that though he also takes a couple glances around trying to find the exit before answering the voice from earlier, "A strange welcome.. but can you direct me to where the, uh, Captain is? And are all the rest of my companions alright?"

"I apologise for the welcome Lord Raziel, I was in deep Hibernation and have been so since the catastrophe that scattered the Stellazio. The Captain has reinitiated my power-up sequence and taken command. He is currently on the bridge, you are on Engineering Oversight platform Alpha. If you wish to travese to the bridge please use the teleportation pad behind you."

Talen hisses and holds his ears and head as the first the echos and then the loud voice assault his ears and senses. Giving his head a shake, he sighs. Then the voice speaks again, and his ears perk. "Lunar Whale, I am Talen. Who is Captain, then? And can you show me how to get to where the Captain is? I am assuming my companions have made it aboard as well?" He blinks as the lights brighten the area, and he looks around curiously.

"Welcome abord Summoner Talen, you are currently in the Port side research complex on B deck. Please proceed to the end of the corridor for ascension to the bridge." An arrow appears on the wall directing Talen onward toward a doorway....

Thaylorn's hands go up to cover his eyes as he's plunged into light...ness. That's nothing compared to the echoing voice that manifests itself, though, penetrating the quiet he had become use to. "Captain, what captain?" The Burmecian begins as he takes note of the hallway he has been standing in. "And where are the others?!" He calls back at the unseen voice.

"The Captain is the Captain, he is on the Bridge, you are Sir Thaylorn, Knight and Champion of the Eternal Ocean. You are currently aboard the Lunar Whale which is myself on the C deck forward section, primary Shield array and the fiesta deck. If you wish to travere to the bridge and join your companions I can direct you there or if you would care to make use of the Fiesta Deck I can reccomend a playlist of Burmecian music for entertainment."

Vazkor still seems confused for a bit... No one has called him 'Captain' in almost 5 years or something. But at the voice's question, he nods slowly, and answers, "Yes, we are here for the Stellazio..." Before he looks around a moment, and then adds, "Can I speak to my 'crew'? I assume you have a sort of announcement system?" The man studying the area he's in, which he figures might be the bridge.

"Certainly Captain, the PA system is now online, systems are at 27% and rising toward full operational status in one hour and forty seven minutes.. please speak" All acros the ship there is a genltle "Bing Bong" sound followed by silence, at least until Vazkor starts speaking.

Vazkor nods some, and then clears his throat a moment... Before letting his voice ring out, speaking loudly and clearly, his Rozarrian accent a dead giveaway as to his identity, "This is your Captain speaking... Apparently. If everyone could make their way to me, wherever that is, it'd be much appreciated. We have some things to figure out, it seems... Captain out." Shrugging then as he finishes, and right after starting to look for somewhere to sit...

At the offer of making something for him, Kier seems to balk a bit, and then looks at the machine a bit more before he then scratches under Dust's chin and then says, "My... partner has always wanted a device to allow him to store his clothes and weapons when he changes forms. He is a were-kin... changing from form to form. Can your... Matter... Fabrication... device make such a thing?"

"Working... working.... applying H-Space principals.... tapping into Mana-Reserves... working, template stage at 15%, requested item will be ready in fifty-seven minutes. I shall have it delivered when it is ready." One side of the wall hisses open, "Please proceed to the bridge and follow the yellow lines"

Kier looks down as the yellow lines come to life, and he looks back at the machine, and then says, "Thank you. It is nice to be in the presence of a polite host." And after that he begins to follow along towards where these odd glowing yellow lines lead!

"You are most welcome, I again appologise for the method of your arrival but I have been waiting here for a long time and had switched myself off... welcome aboard!" And throughout the ship people are taken by a variety of routes up toward the bridge. Elevators are utilised, strange glowing pads that when stepped upon transport you to another part of the ship until after about thirty minute everyone has finally gathered on the bridge. One thing is clear... this ship is huge and as they arrive on the bridge they can see what Vazkor has had the use of for the past half an hour, massive, wall mounted schematics of the entire vessel.. it is very, very big."

Raziel, having come from the massive engine room, was able to get some scope of the ship's size.. but once on the bridge he checks on Vazkor and the rest of the group before stopping before the schematic of the vessel and at the same time occasionally whiping off a little foam which he missed before. "Well then.. that was an unusual arrival, but I'm glad we're all safe and sound." He looks at Vazkor, "and you are the new captain of the Lunar Whale.." He smirks and shakes his head a little before lifting his voice, "uh Lunar Whale, if that's how you prefer to be addressed, how can we obtain the stellazio that you are protecting?"

Talen grins at Vazkor as the Viera steps onto the Bridge. "You're here only a few minutes and you've made yourself Captain, Vaz? Nicely done, nicely done. By the way, we're no where near the world we call home, just so you know, but I would hope you had guessed that already." The Viera moves over to stare at the schematics of the ship. "I certainly hope there are no other vessels of this size running about."

"This is quite the interesting place we've found ourselves in." Thaylorn murmurs as he finally makes his way to the bridge "They offered to play me Burmecian music, too, so hospitable at least." He chuckles softly as he takes in the bridge about him, eyes going wide in particular at the huge schematics that are there.

Captain Vazkor is only the captain until such time as I deposit you at home... please turn your attention toward the forward portal..." A large screen flickers into life just past the large crystal that fills the centre of the room. "The Stellazio are stored on a world-let. The Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius are waiting for you to receive them. My systems are currently coming back online and before we begin our journey the captain will need to take some time to grow acquanted with how I am piloted and... I should probably tell you all of the great... incident that set this all in motion. It is after all part of Lord Raziel's history and the redemption of his people is tied into it

Penny arrives on the bridge at a jog, then jogs in place for a moment, turning in a circle, before bouncing over to Talen, peering up at him, wide-eyes, "It knows my name. How does it know my name? *Why* does it know my name?! It's a ship. Spirits knowing my name, that I can understand, but it's a ship. Ships shouldn't know things. Ships don't *talk*. I don't understand, not at all." With that out of her system, she actually seems to calm down a good deal, no longer bouncing in place with nervous energy, and taking deep breaths. Even so, after a moment, she shudders a little, concluding with a final comment, "Creepy." Then, one final breath, and she's back to relative normal, and she looks around the bridge, "Ok, so, ummmm... What now?"

Captain Vazkor is only the captain until such time as I deposit you at home... please turn your attention toward the forward portal..." A large screen flickers into life just past the large crystal that fills the centre of the room. "The Stellazio are stored on a world-let. The Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius are waiting for you to receive them. My systems are currently coming back online and before we begin our journey the captain will need to take some time to grow acquanted with how I am piloted and..." it pauses as Penny jogs onto the Bridge and speaks, "Dame Penny, I am a Spirit, I may be a magnificent ship from a begone era of grace and civility but i still exist as a ship becaue I am infact a spirit. Now then I should probably tell you all of the great... incident that set this all in motion. It is after all part of Lord Raziel's history and the redemption of his people is tied into it."

Vazkor is sitting in a nice, comfortable chair when everyone finally shows up... The man first facing those schematics, but promptly swiveling around to face everyone, one leg crossed over the other, and his fingers steepled... And he grins then, pleasantly, as he states, "Ah, welcome. My ship, isn't she magnificent?" ... The man pausing a moment afterwards, before he chuckles and suddenly hops to his feet, adding, "Sorry, I couldn't resist." As he walks over towards them, and answers, "That crystal I got, apparently it was the key to our rather polite host." And shrugging then as he falls silent, letting the ship talk...

Penny blinks as the Lunar Whale answers her, and oh's softly, smiling sheepishly, "Ah, my apologies, then, um, Lunar Whale... I meant no disrespect." After that, she goes silent, holding her poleaxe upright (or as upright as ceiling clearance will safely allow) at her side, listening attentively to the ship, and to Vazkor.

Thankfully for Penny the ceiling is about 15 feet away and all curved and pretty looking as it turns opaque and allows the stars to shine on down upon them!

Next to come in, Kier is following a series of yellow lights that seem to be pointing him in the right direction. Instead of jogging, he walks with a sense of purpose, and looks completely out of place in the middle of this high tech marvel... dressed in his plain leathers and hunting gear. He stops and looks around, before saying, "The ship is not your own, Vazkor... you are merely the captain." Deflating the ego a bit as he then moves slowly around the bridge, adding, "I came from an interesting place... it makes things. It did not explain how, but it says it will be ready soon."

Raziel tilts his head and mouths the word 'world-let' silently to himself, looking pondering before he looks at Vazkor quietly. His eyes turn towards Penny as she's addressed and then back towards where the voice seems to come from (basically a random location) as the ship continues and the aegyl's eyes grow darker. He inhales for a moment, exhales and then looks to the side, away from the group while silently waiting to listen to the tale with one hand slid into the pack to quietly pet the mongoose still hiding out within.

Talen giggles at Penny as she rambles on, and places his hand on her shoulder. The ship answers before he does though, and he nods to her. "If you remember, echos and voices and what sounded like every word you knew in every language? That was the ship reading your mind. At least, that is what I experienced. I spoke to it, it recognized a sentient was speaking to it, and then... learned everything it could about me. And you. And the others." His ears perk as Kier walks in, and he chuckles, "What did you ask for it to make?" The Viera turns and looks over at Vazkor. "So uhm... lay in a course then, Captain, and we'll set sail across the starry seas, yeah?"

The ship chuckles warmly and chair start to morph and flow out of the floor,metal then leather and comfortable looking. Shortly following it are a table... then tablecloth.. tea-surface... all seeming to ooze out of the metal then food begins to appear and steam curls out of the tea-pot. "Please all be seated, this story may be long and I shall employ visuals. The captain shall have to wait until I am ready to fly so you may as well all be seated. Thankfully the Mass Fabricator is one of the first things to be restored to full functionality."

Vazkor glances over at the quiet Raziel a moment, and moves to stand near him... But then he can't help but roll his eyes upward a moment at Kier's comment, answering right after, "Yes, I know. But it's not every day one gets called Captain of the Lunar Whale... It was pertinent I enjoy it while it lasts." The man briefly smiling then, before he looks over at that table as it morphs out of the ground, his brow raising... Followed by a shrug as he starts to head over to sit down, only pausing to hold out a chair for Penny, her being a lady and all, and meanwhile commenting towards Talen, "It seems we will have to listen to its tale first, and then I have some learning to do..."

Penny blinks as furniture kinda flows up from the deck's floor, still uncertain about all the strangeness, like being technically *inside* a Spirit that happens to also be a very large vessel and such, but she doesn't let it bother her much since she got the initial WTF out of her system just moments ago. Leaning her poleaxe against the nearest wall, she heads for a chair, only to find one pulled out for her most politely by Vazkor, the armored mouse smiling and miming a curtsy to him before taking the offered seat.

In the face of courtesy, as usual, Kier doesn't sit. He does however pour cups of tea for everyone, and then takes the last for himself as he moves to lean against a wall, holding the little cup and saucer. Looking at his drink, he pauses a moment, and then looks up before looking at it a second time before saying, "Thank you for this blessed gift, great one. And Thank you for carrying us on this leg of the journey." Holding up his cup in salute before he takes a sip.

Raziel gives Vazkor a look and there's actually a slight smile there before he lets it fade. Exhaling then he nods and watches as table and chairs 'grow' from the floor. After a moment's study he murmurs off, "thank you," quietly and then he takes a seat in a backless chair. Once he settles in EM crawls out of the bag and up to his shoulder to give a brief nuzzle before she settles stretched out acrossed his shoulders. As Kier pours him the cup he looks at the man and then nods quietly before looking around the table, "I have heard this story, but not with as much detail as we are likely to be told. Before the Lunar Whale begins let me begin by saying this, "my people betrayed me when I was a child. No solace was given by anyone when I endured the abuses of the woman who should have treasured me. I owe nothing to them, but I make right what once they made wrong."

Talen nods to Vazkor with a chuckle. "Captain of the Lunar Whale, that sounds like it will go nicely on your resume. And so we are looking at redeeming the Aegyl here? If what we do here helps me find Exodus as well... then it'll be two races we save from the brink, yeah?" The Viera sits heavily and whistles, "Heady stuff." He nods to Kier as a drink is poured, and he offers up his glass in toast. Looking then to Raziel, he smiles lightly. "They may have betrayed you, but you are righting wrongs by doing this, and what you do here will affect everyone. You have gained much respect in my eyes."

Thaylorn eyes the table as it materializes out of the center of the room, doubt, would be the primary feature upon his face "Did that stuff just come out of nowhere?" He squints briefly and points to it for a moment as the others take seats. He's not such what a mass fabricator is, for sure. To be a sport though, he moves to settle into a seat at the table as well while falling quiet. He does tilt his head slightly at Raziel's statement, curious.
"Indeed, I extruded it from the floor Master Thaylorn, now then whilst I finish preparing for flight let us all partake of tea and I shall tell you a story... a story most ancient and long forgotten."

----

Go back to [[Chapter 40|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 41]]

Go on to [[Chapter 42|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 42]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

Chapter 40

2013-06-30T16:43:30Z

Silvante: Created page with ' With the departure of the spirits the party have been left alone on the shore of the lonely tor, the massive hill rises up out of this shallow part of the eternal ocean as a gen…'

With the departure of the spirits the party have been left alone on the shore of the lonely tor, the massive hill rises up out of this shallow part of the eternal ocean as a gentle slope. It is covered in long green grasses, soft heather, carpets of wildflowers and the odd blossom decked tree. At the top, a good two mile walk up gently sloping hillside i a silvery stone structure that sparkles under the seemingly endless sunshine of the oceans Eternal.

Vazkor looks around at everyone after the spirits left, the man seeming contemplative... And slipping a hand into a pouch then to retrieve that crystal he got, having previously stored it away. Holding it in his palm as he glances at it, and then remarks, "I think it's a key of sorts... But I guess we'll find out its exact nature soon enough." The man shrugging then as he looks up that tor, eyeing the structure, and adding towards everyone, "... Shall we?"
Securing the Griever onto his bow, Kier looks towards Talon and then the others, before motions for Penny to move towards the front as well, "This time..." Levelling a look at Talen, "Please do not get eaten." And with that he checks the bowstring, and his quiver before getting in step with Vazkor and preparing for the ascent.

Talen stretches and wipes his eyes dry. He nods at Vazkor, "Aye, we should get moving. I hope the key leads somewhere interesting... though, interesting in a good way, not oh-god-oh-god-we're-all-going-to_die intersting." The viera chuckles then, and starts up the Lonely Tor. Talen looks back at Kier when he speaks, a cheeky smile on his lips, "Eh, that's your style, not mine. But at that moment in time, I couldn't see any other way to retrieve the coin. If it's stupid, but it workds, then it's not stupid, yeah?"

Penny still looks slightly shell-shocked, in a way, from the glimpse of Alexander she was given, her poleaxe propped on her shoulder as her armor faintly sparkles. Vazkor speaking actually startles her back to the present, in fact, and she looks around quickly, then shakes her head to clear the cobwebs, as it were, "Yeah, uh... Yeah." She moves to where Kier motions her, ready to march. She gives Talen a look, eyebrow arched, while falling into step, "When is the later form of interesting *ever* preferred?"

"I believe we shall." Thaylorn offers in soft reply to Vazkor as his gaze goes up towards the top of the nearby hill. "At least Griever is no longer an issue, so I believe we should be safe enough, no?" The Burmecian asks with a glance back to Kier for a brief moment before he merely shakes his head and follows the others upwards towards that silvery structure. "Not ever I don't think." He adds to Penny's statement.

Raziel remains quiet for a few moments, his head bowed slightly while a thoughtful expression comes to his features. Slowly looking up though he looks over at Vazkor and nods, "I'm sure it will be of use, but I can look and see if I can figure it out as we journey." He glances to Penny as she passes and then Thaylorn before nodding a little, "I think he chooses to insert brevity into a serious situation. Let's move."

The path up the hill is winding, weaving backwards and forwards slowly as if it is in no real hurry and as they get closer to the top the magnificent field of white and silver crocuses can be seen spreading out in all directions around the island until they reach the plateau at the top. It is quite peaceful, the weather is clear and fantastically beautifully, the sun i warm and crowning the top of the island is a shrine to Bismarck, with Whale Motifs all over the place. It is an open sided shrine with four pillars holding up a magnificently carved roof. The floor is one big watery pool and in the centre standing on a plinth is a large glass bottle. From the shore it is difficult to see "What" is in the bottle but there is a sense of magic, of warding all about the pool and anyone with a dram of sense can detect that it is not a good idea to try and wade out there.

Vazkor waits for everyone to fall in line with him... Before he nods, and then starts moving towards the top of the Lonely Tor. The swordfighter following that winding path, not rushing or anything, conserving his energy for whatever event awaits at the peak... Though he soon ends up walking next to Raziel, and offers the Aegyl that crystal, remarking, "Here, you look it over for a bit then." Before going silent again... And only slowing down again when they eventually reach that structure and the water's edge. The man arching his brow as he looks down at the cool liquid, and then turns to Thaylorn mildly questioningly, "... You still able to sense this kind of thing?"

Quiet now, Kier takes up the dog leg of the group, falling in to cover the rear as the rest ascend, watching the path, and the walk behind him, but every so often looking at the charm that has sealed itself to his bow, as if half-expecting it to try and bite him. All it does is make the young man look amused about something once more.

Talen chuckles at Penny, and then Thaylorn. "Sometimes you don't have a choice but to face your own death, yes? That key unlocks something, and it is what lays beyond, that we do not know of. So I was simply stating, yes by way of brevity, that I wish for it to be a good interesting." He walks the rest of the way in silence, until they come to the shrine. "Hmm. Well..", Talen looks around, "Not quite what I was expecting actually."

Penny heh's and nods at Talen's clarification, marching the rest of the way up in silence. Upon reaching the top, she stops with everyone else, looking around at the shrine, it's architecture and design, and even the view this high point above the oceans, "I didn't know what to expect, myself, honestly... All this Spirit Realm stuff is pretty new to me, y'know? But..." She turns her gaze to everyone else, "We're here, so what now?"

Thaylorn merely follows the others up towards the path while giving Talen a small nod in response, enjoying the tranquility at least for a while as they approach the odd shrine and the wide pool held beneath it. "I sadly, at least for now seem to have lost a portion of my affinity for the water." He replies to Vazkor with a small smile "All I can feel is it's magical." A shrug is given briefly "There has to be some way to that in the middle though, maybe if we swim?" He shakes his head "It looks more like the water is guarding whatever is in there, so it's not to be taken lightly."

As the ascend to plateau Raziel looks at the key and his expression shifts slowing from inquisitive, to a growing annoyance at something before finally he thrusts it back at Vazkor, "I know I should know that, but I can't place it." He shakes his head and exhales before muttering, quietly, "don't loose it though, Vaz." The man catches the dark skinned fellow's eye before he walks on to the edge of the pool and looks from the water's edge to the middle. "I don't think wading in is a good idea. I can try to fly over, but chances are that'll be warded too. Still... no telling til I try." He reaches out a hand over the water and waits for a moment to see if anything happens.

As Raziel's hand moves between the first two pillars the air sparkles and the aegyl's hand presses against a flat surface on the other side of the pillar and words begin to form out of the air.....

Vazkor hmms and nods some at Thaylorn... Before he raises his brow some as the crystal key is offered back to him. The man taking it back, and shrugging at Raziel some as he answers, "... We'll find out soon enough, no doubt." And he keeps it tightly in hand as he turns to watch the Aegyl reach out... Only to blink at those words. Looking around a moment to see who might have spoken them, before he realizes they seem to come out of thin air... And glancing at everyone then, before he takes a deep breath, and politely asks, "Well, Lonely Tor, may we enter?" And waits expectantly, ears perked...

Silence... nothing answers Vazkor's request...

Kier says, "What." Kier quips as he moves to seat himself, and look out at the endless ocean, "Did you just expect to say friend, and enter?" Shaking his head once more as he moves to his pack, and pulls out a piece of jerky, sharing bits with Dust as he looks around for a moment, and then taps his sandalboots on the ground once, exhaling through his nose. Obviously not being a help, nor wanting to interfere."

Talen hmms and rubs his chin, "Half a moment!" The viera races around to the side ninety degrees clockwise, and stops... sticking his hand betwen the pillars at roughly the same height and space as the aegyl had. "Four sides... four pieces to the puzzle!"
It's a long run for the young Viera and as he pushes his hand between the next set of pillars that holding up the roof of the shrine words begin to form....

Penny just stands, watching the others, Raziel particularly when the Aegyl reaches out and has his hand stopped, ears flicking at the verse received in response. She giggles slightly at Kier's comment, "My, but wouldn't that just be too easy if it were the case?" Cocking her head, she blinks at Talen's attempt, and the identical response, "I dunno... If so, wouldn't the verse you got be different than what Mister Raziel got?"

"It's not as easy as that, I feel." Thaylorn offers in reply to Vazkor as he moves up to the pillars as well, to curiously peer at them "With all the whales, maybe we have to ask Bismarck for aid?" He presses a hand against one of the pillars before looking back towards Raziel but as Talen moves about he hmms thoughtfully, nodding as he gets the idea to around, but as the words are just repeated he pauses "Maybe that's not quite it. Lunar path, allow us entrance so that we may continue on our quest." He speaks out, getting a sudden idea.

The Burmecian seems almost suprised that his words warrented a reaction. "Well then." Thaylorn remarks as he hears the chime and soft voice speaking "Guess it's as simple as walking on those to the center?" Is offered softly as he moves to step on the first of the stones to trek to the center of the pool, if the barrier allows him past.

You page, "It was Bismarck, seems Thaylorn was right you just had to ask him" to Penny.
Raziel looks over at Kier as he sits down and then he smirks, "it looks like yes, you do just say friend and enter more or less." Looking at Thaylorn then the man stops and mutters to himself, 'that's going to take some getting used to,' before in a louder voice nodding, "a good impulse there Thaylorn." He nods to Talen and Penny in responce to their contemplations, but as the entry opens he starts to follow after the burmecian quietly.
The path Thaylorn threads from stepping stone to stepping stone is not an easy one... the stones are wet and slightly rounded making it a treacherous path to follow.

Vazkor frowns mildly as he watches Thaylorn... And then mutters as an aside towards Raziel, Kier, and anyone else in earshot, "... Semantics." Before he just shrugs and moves forward to cross those stepping stones... The man moving lightly, nimbly, but making it look easy as he continues forward, seeming to find the rounded, wet stones no hindrance in his forward progress at all... And even going so far as to glance up as poor Thaylorn manages to not be so lucky, and in a blink of an eye, his body a blur, suddenly skipping a couple of those stones entirely as he hops forward, and grasps the Burmecian by the shoulder. Plopping him right back onto that stone without much further ado, and just nodding at him.

By comparison, the fact that there's all this WATER here, even if it's still, is messing a bit with Kier's balance. He doesn't lose his balance, but he does end up closer to the edge than he'd like on more than one occasion as he closes in on the much more nimble Vazkor. The muttered word is returned with a single reply, "Spirits."

Talen hmms and steps forward cautiously onto the first stone. When he doesn't immediately sink into the water, he carries on, stepping lightly and carefully on each stone. "Slow and steady keeps you dry.", he says, "Though I wonder if Raziel will fly?"

Penny blinks as Thaylorn's request gets a response, ears perking as she recognizes the voice that answered and smiling. When it's her turn, she follows the path of stones, stepping from one to the next with care, but not much trouble. Having a big, long pole with which to balance is probably at least partially responsible, perhaps... "Don't know, I'd think flying for this would be more trouble than it's worth maybe, at least in this case."

Thaylorn's bare feet slip on one of the more smooth of the rocks, causing him to nearly go tumbling into the water below, luckily enough though Vazkor is quick and nimble enough to catch him. "Guess I'm just not used to this form again, yeah that's it!" He chimes out in his defense for slipping like that before continuing on the path.

Raziel's arms go out and he balances himself carefuly as he starts to follow after Thaylorn. As Vazkor sprints up and past though he looks up quickly and blinks for a brief moment before looking down once again and continuing up as he responds, "if I don't need to fly I typically don't.. this makes Vazkor happy because everytime I do I shave time off of my life, though I'm still puzzling out some of what I've been told about that since we've started this journey." He looks up and realizes he rambled on there for a moment before he pushes ontowards to the center and the protected item.

Despite Thaylorn's near mishap the party manage to make it out to the island.... it's a small square of white marble raised above the water with a silvery plinty of stone and atop it a large bottle. It is lying on its side and held in a small stand that appears to be part of the plinth. Inside the bottle is the model of a ship, small and quite delicate, it's a masterwork of exquisite detail and quite how it got in the bottle is hard to comprehend.

Vazkor grins a moment at Thaylorn... Then glances back at Raziel and shrugs, remarking as he does so, "... Let's hope all our questions will be answered by the end of this." And then just keeps moving in, nimbly crossing those stepping stones with long strides... Until he finally hits land again. Wiggling his boots a moment at the island soil, and waiting for the others to make their way onto it as well, even as he turns to regard that bottle... Peering at the model ship within, "... And another puzzle, no doubt much harder than the last one."

The Vieran trained hunter moves forwards to look at something with the bottle then, leaning in close as he seems to be intent on something there. He moves around on all sides of the boat. Blinking as if he hadn't actually seen what he'd seen. Reaching into his pockets, he fishes around until he finds a small tube, and then goes back to it again, "The Lunar Path..." Then he moves to another spot, "Focus... upon the Whale..." And then finally he settles back and glances towards the others, "And entry will be granted." Sighing once more, he holds out the small glass for Talen to use, "This sounds more like the things you deal with, not me. Go ahead." Stepping back to give others space, he waits...

"Hmmmmm.", the viera ponders, taking the glass and staring at the ship. "Focus upon the whale. If you look around, the place has many whale motifs... if it is not here... perhaps one in the water?" His ears straighten up tall, "Perhaps the bottle is meant to float?"

Penny oooh's at the ship-in-a-bottle once she reaches the little island at the center of the shrine, stepping up to it and leaning close to peer at the little ship within, not quite touching the bottle with her nose, but close enough that her breath mists the glass slightly, examining the ship's tiny details with keen interest, "I've seen a couple of these before! The Guard Commander at the Cathedral has some in his office, I even saw an unfinished one on his desk once! I didn't really get a chance for a close look, though, at the time. This is soooo neat..." She blinks and looks up at Talen and Kier, "Huh? Focus on what?" Focused Penny clearly is not, at the moment, at least not on anything outside that bottle.

As penny is looking into the Bottle she seems to see something, her face lightning up, her lips move but before the mouse can speak her form wavers, growing translucent and then with a POP she vanishes and the bottle catches a stray beam of light and glows....
You page, "You found the Whale, it's the Lunar Whale... the airship in the bottle i the Massive Ship of Legend! However seems you were so focussed on it you sorta completed the riddle before being able to speak!" to Penny.

"Should we even be messing with this? We were looking for coins, and this does appear to be some shrine to Bizmarck." Thaylorn remarks as he follows the others, eyes narrowing as the tiny ship in it's bottle comes into view, a curious inquisitive look showing on his face for a moment. "Then again, we'd have probably already been pushed back if we were not supposed to be here." He shrugs and lets the others inspect the small boat for the time being, but when Penny suddenly vanishes the Burmecian moves in close. "What in the world?!" He starts, glancing to the others for a moment before looking more closely at the boat in the bottle.

Raziel's thoughtful expression turns to one of shock as Penny suddenly, and quite literally, pops out of existance. He looks at her, or rather where she was, and then he moves in quickly and reaches out for the glass before stopping himself and he too tries to get a better look, responding to Thaylorn as he does, "because if I were to hide it.. what a good place... but, there is something on the ship, obviously." His eyes never waver as he looks over the ship and mutters, "please be there."

Raziel blinks and then his hand shoots out towards Vazkor, "The crystal, it's from the Lunar Whale! A key.. use it!" Of course how to use it, well that is completely lost as suddenly Raziel, like Penny before him vanishes with a POP.

And now two of the party are gone... Raziel's cryptic message echoing in their ears as the sunlight sparkles off the perfect crystal of the bottle... two down....

Vazkor blinks, and almost instantly, on instinct, takes a quick step forward, hand reaching out to reach for the disappearing Penny... Though only raising it halfway before he realizes there's not much point to finish the motion. Looking over at Thaylorn and Raziel then as the two approach the bottle, he starts to open a mouth to issue warning... Only to be interrupted by Raziel's statement about the key... And then the Aegyl's disappearance right after! The man reaching for Raziel as well, lunging, only to grasp at air, and letting out a frustrated little growl... Right before he starts to quickly retrieve that crystal, and look at it in his palm, as well as glancing up at the bottle... Seeming to ponder then, and soon checking to see if there might be a cork in the neck or not... Keeping the key ready to poke it in the bottle's neck if it proves to be empty.

Vazkor starts to turn around back to the others again, looking slightly wide eyed as he shouts, as quickly as he can, "The ship is the Whale!" Right before there's a POP, and the swordfighter is gone...

Talen hmms as two people disappear, and he gives Vazkor a level look. "Resist the temptation to smash it, we do not know if it will return the two. There is something they've seen, a whale symbol of some sort, if the saying on the ship is true." The viera sighs as Vazkor vanishes. "Hah, clever Spirits... the ship IS the whale... but ... how do you get onto it?"

The Burmecian decides that hey, maybe it's not a good idea to mess with the bottle that has apparently eaten two of his group members. With that in mind, Thaylorn steps a few steps back from the object. "The crystal, shove it into the bottle!" He offers towards Vazkor, taking a stab in the dark at how it might be used reflecting upon Raziel's final message. Then Vazkor is gone. "This doesn't make any sense..." He begins as he turns to examine the bottle and then it's almost like he realizes something and turns to Talen. But before he can say much of anything he fades, and vanishes like each other person in the group has so far.
And then there was one... Talen is alone before the bottle with its little ship inside... lost and alone.... everyone else has vanihed.....

Talen blinks and chuckles lightly, "Well, that explains how they got it inside, doesn't it. It's not the whale, it's the Lunar Whale." Blink. POP. "Eeeeh?"

And then there were none... with a soft bubbling sound the stepping stones retract and the Lonely Tor is once more very much alone... the party have left... to where.... well that is a story for another time...

----

Go back to [[Chapter 39|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 39]]

Go on to [[Chapter 41|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 41]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

AChapter 19

2013-06-24T19:08:06Z

Silvante: Created page with ' It has been four days since the Pearled Amethyst crashed out of the skies ina blaze of glory! The various nobles, servants crew and incredibly rich merchants and the like have s…'

It has been four days since the Pearled Amethyst crashed out of the skies ina blaze of glory! The various nobles, servants crew and incredibly rich merchants and the like have safely retired to the local town. Accusations are flying in every direction pinning the blame to this faction or that but the Grand Duke has thankfully been able to keep the party out of trouble and out of the jail by standing up for them and denouncing anyone who would call them terroists. Time is ticking on however and their lost clothing has been replaced by the duke, provisions have been supplied and he has made arrangements for the party to slip out of town with a Funeral Cortege heading for the Nubswood Necropolis and by a happy chance he has found an old friend walking the pilgrimage route who has been able to vouch for the party to the leader of the caravan. So that is how we find the party in a rather nice inn near the edge of town with the Grand Duke, Marduke and the leader of the caravan Sebastian.

A rather nice inn that Ainsley does not trust at all. In fact, she finds that it's very disconcerting to leave Lee's side for more than a second. She got shot on that ship, and even if she got healed up, it's one of the few times she's actually been seriously injured during an adventure. She's quietly waiting for the party to be able to progress... though she found some time to pester one of the friendlier nobles and get some tips on politics and similar skills, since the opportunity is hard to pass up.

Small talk with the cortege has been Silmeria's interest, now that they've had a chance to catch their breath; the identity of the deceased, stories that anyone would want to tell, a few words of comfort here and there... To anyone watching from outside, the Esper is truly in her element, projecting warm, gentle strength for the grieving to bouy themselves against. As a priestess, she would have been exceptional, though otherwise unremarkable, and while she does feel the urgency of their pursuers drawing ever closer... this is still what she does.

Lee, for his part, seems to find Ainsley's unwillingness to venture far from him as suiting him perfectly fine, the man apparently just as intent as the scholar on her remaining in his proximity, regardless of how likely, or unlikely, it is that she might see further harm. Could be said he's even pampered Ainsley, just a bit, as a result of her having been injured, in his own generally easy-going kind of way, and always nearby somewhere, ever-watchful...

The reasons why Marduke is walking along this pilgrimage path he has not shared. Yet the reasons do not seem to important as he has already offered to join them if they feel the need for his skills. The summoner otherwise keeps quiet and to himself, watching those around him. He glances to Sebastion while everybody is at the inn, "When should we be leaving?" Marduke shifts in his seat, and his staff offering a jingle of bells. Looking to the others, thoughtfully.

The red-haired woman's normally sunny disposition has dimmed since the airship crash, and she has kept quiet, keeping an eye on Silmeria. Even the good food, and good company, has not done much to improve her spirits. The nobles nearby cause her to frown from time to time, and any one new or suspicious in the Inn is given a good glare if they stray to near.
The Caravan master Sebastian looks at Marduk then across at the others, "We can leave now... the caravan is ready, the supplies are loader and the pilgrims are ready to depart. But..." he frowns at Ainsley and the others, "I am still worred about taking these people with me your grace, your protection will not extend far from the city."

The frown directed at Ainsley, coupled by the man's following words, gets a very serious look from her. "Either you take us or you don't, we don't have time for doubts," she softly, but impatiently, tells him, "I can promise you that any possible danger is coming for us and not for you, that we'll protect you if it intercepts us, and that the reason His Grace and the other nobility are even alive at all is because of the actions of this group. We should get going now, if we're all ready."

The last story told, Silmeria returns to the table, tilting her head at the look shared between scholar and caravan master. "Is everything all right? I'm sorry for the holdup, but... it looks like the funeral is ready, now."

Lee speaks up from behind Ainsley, tipping his brand new, but very similar to his old one, hat up a bit while idly rubbing one of Ainsley's shoulder with his other hand, "As Ainsley says, Master Sebastian, y'can rest assured, we'll do all in our power t'safeguard yer goods, supplies, an' tha pilgrims in yer care again' those'd that'd seek ta do any such 'arm in th'name o' strikin' at us, 'cause, if nuthin' else, it's fairly well demonstrated that we kin defend ourselves an' others against harm with some measure o'success, eh?" He turns a smile and nod to Silmeria as she joins the table, "We were jus' discussin' possible departure wi' Master Sebastian, 'ere."

Marduke pushes himself up to his feet slowly. Planting his staff into the ground and shakes his head, "You will find these people here some fierce warriors goodman Sebastion. We should be leaving, the longer we idle, the more dangerous it does become." Checking his belt to make sure all his stuff is there, and then turning to head for the door. "Thank you for your hospitality your grace." Turning to bow to the Duke, before heading out the door.

Azar smiles lightly as Silmeria returns, and she nods in general agreement with the others. "The sooner we get moving, the better, for everyone." Standing slowly, she looks over at the caravan master. "If you're ready to go, ser Sebastian, we are ready to accompany you."

Sebastian shoots a dagger laden look at Ainsley and pushes his seat back, "Yes.. .we are ready, I am as you know escorting my Mother to her final resting place. We will be glad to travel with you but I do ask you show a bit of respect... this is my caravan we may be ready to leave now but we shall leave when we are ready and move at the pace we are comfortable with. I know your errand is urgent but we have six stops to make upon the trail to Nubswood." he turns to Silmeria, "Lady Silmeria have you finished speaking with the family? It is.. a blessing to have you with us, we are most glad you and your friends are here."

"Mmh," Ainsley sounds out, mildly, to the man. "I am unaccustomed to death ceremonies. Giruvegan was far too cramped for them, you see," she explains to Sebastian, "Unless she was particularly stubborn, I doubt she would've minded some silly girl displaying some impatience when she's stressed by the threat of imminent death or worse." She quirks a corner of her mouth. "I would prefer not to end up having to swap stories with her until Hades figures out what to do with me, you know." She looks down at her hands, fiddling with the hem of one of her sleeves, and she simply waits.

"Funerals are for the bereaved, Ainsley," Silmeria says gently, resting a hand on the scholar's shoulder, "as much as for the deceased. I'm sure that if they want to show kindness enough to allow us to travel with them, it won't harm much to travel at their pace. And even so, all we'll need to do, is keep our eyes behind, as much as ahead." Turning to the caravan master, the priestess smiles, dipping her head. "Everything is ready, Master Sebastian. But please... I've no title that needs worrying about. Silmeria will serve, or simply Priestess if formality is truly needed. Now then... I'm going to join Master Marduke at the caravan, and make sure nothing last-minute comes up to delay you, all right?" Dipping a brief curtsy, she looks to the Grand Duke, bowing her head. "And thank *you,* Your Grace, for everything you've done for us since we've arrived. I'll make certain to remember you to the Temples."

Lee smiles, adding, "Aye, Master Sebastian, we certainly appreciate yer 'ospitality in allowin' us along." He gives Ainsley's shoulder a light squeeze and pat, leaning down slightly, "Gonna give a quick check, make sure we're not leavin' anythin' behind, luv, back in jus' a tick." That, and a bow of his head to the Grand Duke, and he strides off, and true to his work is back after just a moment, apparently satisfied that niether Ainsley nor himself forgot anything.
Marduke is standing right outside the door. Glancing around and keeping a eye on things. His staff planting beside him, but he is not leaning into it for once. Then glances back inside to the others and offers a touch of a smile, "I will be waiting out here."

Azar hmms and heads out the door herself, and is found by the caravan when the others are ready to take their leave of the Inn and town.

Soon enough everyone is mounted on a chocobo and gettign ready to depart! The caravan is a long train of chocobo, carriages and the herse. It starts to wind its way out of the town into the morning rain and as it departs the bells of the city begin to toll in a farewell to the lady Caroline. Soon enough the party are far out on the road, winding north-west toward the distant Nubswood, a journey of a week at least.

A journey that begins with Ainsley looking around at all of the travel companions that she doesn't already know and making sure that none of them are just /pretending/ to be a part of the funeral group. With that bit of paranoia out of the way, she finds a seat on the same chocobo as Lee and clings to his back through most of the trip.

As the bells begin to toll, Silmeria eases her bird back, falling into the procession next to Marduke. "It's a pleasant surprise to see you here, Master Marduke," she says quietly. "You were truly missed at Goug... though I expect you may have been perturbed at how the story of Rabanastre was.... spun... to suitably theatric proportions."

Lee, once Ainsley is settled comfortably behind him, guides his chocobo along at-pace with the
procession, one hand on the reins, the other rested lightly on one of her arms around his waist. Mention of the "musical theatrical adaptation" of the trip through Rabanastre causes him to groan a bit, "Oy, *please* dun' remind me o'that... Only savin' grace outta that memory's tha royalties. Honestly, dunno what mum was thinkin', pennin' th'music fer that, though th' music were prolly tha best part of et all."

Marduke is used to the long treks from his pilgramages and visiting various temples. He rides the chocobo with some experiance and is not bothered in the least by the rain. He glances to Silmeria as she talks to him and shakes his head slowly, "Which part, mine, or yours?" A touch of amusement on his face, "Though it does the job nicely. As for me, I had some business to take care of, more accuretly, I got pulled into business. By the time I got done, you guys were gone. Sorry."

Azar hehs, a smile tugging at her lips. "I think, for those of us who missed it, it would do you well to recount the tale of this play. Something to lighten the mood, given that we've nearly fallen out of the sky on a doomed airship, been shot or stabbed and so forth?" She nudges her chocobo forward, a little closer to Silmeria's.

Sebastian draws his chocobo in besides SIlmeria and smiles "Yes... do please tell us the story of your previous adventures. I have not had the oppurtunity to see this musical extravaganza but I heard all about it. It is quite popular with the youngster apparently." And that's how the days roll by, stories exchanged, adventures recounted. The people travelling with the caravan are all quite nice and beyond the wet weather and a couple of times when the carriage wheels get bogged down in the mud the journey to Nubswood is uneventful. On the morning of the eigth day they cross a causeway above the marsh and come to the large stone gate of the Necropolis. The massive city of towers, of stone mausoleums, tombs and other halls of the dead rear up above the lonely marsh and it greets the party with ringing bells!

The lizard scholar had taken to napping, having skillfully tied herself to Lee with some cloth to keep from falling off the chocobo during the trip. When the bells ring, she wakes up and peers around blearily... and then frowns, seeming very nervous about the environment she has woken up to. "I know we're supposed to be here, but..." She shakes her head. "I would've preferred if I never had a reason to visit." Ainsley is, understandably, uneasy about the place they're arriving at.

Silmeria, by contrast, has the face of one who has come home, after a long journey, to return to her parents. "Oh no," she says, with a soft chuckle, "it's really quite a lovely place to spend time. Peaceful, you see... The bells only ring to welcome honored visitors, but beyond that? If ever there was a place one needed to find quiet, there's no place better to find it than the Necropolis." Her smile falters, as realization strikes, but she shakes it off in a heartbeat and draws in a deep, bracing breath. "I'm glad we could see your Lady Caroline here easily, Master Sebastion... I expect we'll be parting ways, soon enough."

Lee becomes practiced at helping keep Ainsley from falling off while she sleeps during the journey, sometimes somehow getting her settled in front of him instead of behind from time to time without waking her, even. The Necropolis before them, finally, he hrms and cocks his head a bit, "Can't say's I've ever had cause ta visit 'ere, so I'll take yer word on it, Silmeria" he glances over his shoulder at Ainsley, giving her a wink, "Oh, I dunno... Kinda like th'baroque look t'it, m'self. An' it's not like th'dead'll be crawlin' up ta chase us about tha place, right?" He gives his own respectful bob of his head to Sebastion, as well, "Aye, sir, much obliged o'yer hospitality an' forbearance these past days, an' I'm glad they proved wholly uneventful."

Marduke gets off his chocobo and lands on the ground softly. He kneels down and traces his hands along the ground as the bells sound off, a smile to himself. "It is a old place Ainsley. Might see a few pyreflies around here to." Standing up and patting his chocobo for a moment. "I take it then we are seeking to be inside this place?" Glancing over to Ainsley. Then bows over to Sebastion, "Thank you goodman Sebastion for allowing us to travel with you. I do hope our" pausing for a moment, "larger then life tales, entertained you along the way."

Azar has slowly cheered over the course of the week, putting behind her the events of that one day. The tales of comedy and daring have played their part. The sight of the Necropolis doesn't shake her cheerfulness. "So this is home, Silmeria? Perhaps I will take you up on the offer of peace and quiet some time, it sounds like this would be the perfect place to write one's story and memoirs, yes?" She offers a nod then to Master Sebastion, "Thank you for letting us accompany you to your wife's final resting place. May she, and you, be at peace."
Master Sebastian smiles and bows, "I thank y ou all and ah here is the Moulder" an elderly man with white hair dressed in black clothing walks out and bows. "Welcome... welcome all and ah.. My lady do indeed be welcome. I trust your visit shall be less earth shattering then last time?" His words directed at Silmeria as more people dressed as undertakers come out of the Necropolis to lead people inside. Silmeria and her group however are taken just to one side of the courtyard so the Chief Moulder may speak to them.

With the party separated from the procession over there, Ainsley finds the ability to smile at Moulder, though she doesn't immediately speak up. Instead she chooses to defer to Silmeria on this, instead watching the man in black clothing with a smile on her face. A sleepy smile, mind, and one significantly softened by the nature of this place they're at. She's not ever going to appear more comfortable than this for their visit, supporting her earlier words about never wanting to visit the Necropolis, despite Silmeria's counterpoint.

"I.... yes, Moulder," Silmeria says, spots of color blooming high on her cheeks. "That *is* the aim, yes... ... .....Mostly, anyway..." Glancing about their alcove, just to ensure that Lady Coraline's party aren't about to hear, she clears her throat. "...We'll be seeking entrance to the Catacombs, Moulder. Ainsley, here, is seeking an artifact, with Father's blessing, left in the keeping of the Tonberry King." Falling silent, she glances about the party, drawing in a deep breath.

Lee dismounts after Ainsley, staying quiet as well as he goes about freeing the mount of his and Ainsley's belongings, taking his place beside Ainsley once that is done and giving a polite bow of his head to the Chief Moulder. While standing there, he fishes the compass he was given not so long ago from it's pouch on his belt, idly checking it, just out of curiosity, to see if there's any kind of reaction from it, since their destination seems relatively near. He looks up as Silmeria goes silent, looking from her to the Chief Moulder, and nodding, "Aye, rather important errand, t'be sure. Not that we wish t'impose or anyfin', sir."

Marduke raises his eyebrows, glancing over to Silmeria, "As earth shattering as last time? I seem to find myself in the company of people who are in middle of all sorts of stuff." Shaking his head slowly as he glances to the Moulder and offers him a nod, "Thank you for your hospitality." Letting Simlermia do the talking while he glances around the place getting a feel for it.

Azar chuckles, "Always another layer, another hidden surprise. It has been interesting so far, I must say." She stays while while Silmeria makes her request, and looks to Ainsley when her name is mentioned. The red-head nods to Silmeria when she looks back. "The Tonberry King... is buried here? Hmm."

The Moulder looks shocked at Azar, "Of course not, but the Catacombs will lead you to the Path of Shale," he points up a hill toward a very large and impressive set of doors set in the entry way of a building. "The catacombs, you are of course most welcome to enter them in the company of Lady SIlmeria, I wish you all good luck in your journey to the Abyss.... may you return and if you do not... then may you at least find peace swiftly."

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 18|Ainsley Quest Chapter 18]]

Go on to [[AChapter 20|Ainsley Quest Chapter 20]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

AChapter 18

2013-06-24T19:05:21Z

Silvante: Created page with ' The Pearled Amethyst is down at the bow and starting to shudder and drop out of the sky. Overhead several of the emergency escape derricks can be seen fleeing for safety as the …'

The Pearled Amethyst is down at the bow and starting to shudder and drop out of the sky. Overhead several of the emergency escape derricks can be seen fleeing for safety as the passengers not in attendance at Lady Silmeria's party leave the stricken ship. In the ballroom however things are in dire straights, the ship is foundering and several members of the Imperial Guard have formed a wall between the party and the exit. To complicate matters a tall viera lady wielding the staff of a summoner is facing off against Silmeria in full Esper form! Swirly time and Boss Battle music for it appears to be on!

There's not even a pause. Ainsley, quite agitated by the obstruction and the apparent revelation that these stupid cultists are involved, murmurs a spell, speaking the arcane words loudly and clearly... and aims her finger right at the guard that shot down the captain, aiming to get retribution for the man's treachery first. She makes sure not to stand at the fore of the group, though, while she does this.

Azar is moving to get into the face of one of the soldiers near the one who shot the captain. One blade she holds up in a position to strike, while the other is held in a defensive position. As soon as she is in striking distance, she will lash out.

Lee, meanwhile, flexes his hands, balling them into fists a couple times, the black flames flickering around his fingers surging a bit each time he does. There's no worry about Ainsley being out in front as she casts, Lee is a couple paces in front of her, grinning viciously at his own chosen target to the other side of the Captain's executioner, a grin that might even be a bit unnerving given the presence of very clear fang-age. He too advances, opposite Azar, almost stalking his target, though he's also listening to Ainsley's muttering, familiar with some of her spells, even if he can't cast them himself, and when he hears it conclude, he'll make sure to crouch so there's no chance of him being in the way of Ainsley's line of fire.

While the rest of the party chooses their initial targets carefully, the Daughter of Death sees only one true enemy. As the Viera Summoner makes her challenge, Silmeria's black eyes narrow faintly... And then the Esper crouches, charcoal wings flaring high, before sweeping downward, adding speed and ferocity to the lunge that carries her forward, the blue-steel edge of her Gunblade ringing as she brings it up in a single, brutal stroke. [Heavy Blow]

Silmeria is good with that blade of hers but the Viera is no slouch, she half turns to the side and Iluren whistles past her, maybe slicing off a few hairs which float gently in the air as she turns, brings her free arm up and JUDO chops Silmeria back a few paces with a expert strike to the chest. Azar's guard doesn't fair as well as the warrior lass' weapon slices into his arm and he yells in pain and staggers backwards, bringing his weapon up to bare. As for Ainsley's spell she incates it correctly but something in her mana flow must have been off as the Colonel brushes it aside and levels his gun at Lee. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

He /knocked her spell away/. Ainsley glowers, and doesn't bother murmuring the arcane words this time. She collects mana in both hands, and then snaps her hand in a sweeping motion to try to do a different form of casting, determined to hit the man and keep him from shooting her dear fiance.

It's a good spell and it streaks across the Ball room and the Colonel half turns to take the brunt of it on his cloak. It certainly caught his attention and the focus of his gun moves to Ainsley.

Azar grunts, bringing the sword back to the ready position, her feet constantly moving as she looks for another opening. Taking a risk, she lunges forward to press her advantage.

Clang! Azar's lunge is deflected by the guard she is fighting, he grins at her and his free hand socks her right in the nose before he dances back a few steps. Off to her left the ring of sword on sword echoes through the hall as a group of nobles attack the guards whilst off to the right a rather slender, black haired Countess starts to hurl lightning at another guard, seems not all of these nobles are pampered and useless.

Lee rises once Ainsley's initial spell passes him, advancing a step or two while taking up an odd, but apparently well-practiced stance, feet wide and hands before his chest, one palm facing up, the other, a few inches above it, facing down, dark energy starting to swirl on the edge of visibility between them. As Ainsley's second spell passes him, and the Colonel's aim shifts from him to Ainsley, his grin becomes a scowl, and he switches intended targets from one of the soldiers beside the Colonel to the Colonel himself, shifting to pull the energies he's gathered into one cupped palm before thrusting that palm towards the Colonel! It's not black fire that rushes from his hand as he lets out a fierce cry, but a reddish-black bolt of energy instead! [Negative Chi]

The Colonel snaps sideways as that reddish black bolt lances out toward him but he isn't fast enough and it hits him on the shoulder and he grits his teeth and grunts in pain as it does its work. "Ugh.... you shall..." his gun flares as he shoots the dragon in human form! The bullet digging into his shoulder.

The chop to the chest is weathered, the Esper regaining her footing in short order. Pelting back forward, the unnatural woman pirouettes between two steps, using the leverage granted by the movement to swing the blade of her ebony-handled scythe in a flashing diagonal arc, as though the Esper sought to cleave the Viera in two at the shoulder. [Heavy Blow]

It's a good slice and the Viera woman sways backwards, it rakes across her front and several buttons are sliced off and a red line oozes blood softly across her brow as the viera steps backwards, brings her summoning staff upright and points it at the Esper. She shouts a word in a language which makes peoples stomach turn and for a moment the Esper girl is surrounded by sigils. They try to latch onto her but with a crackle of her wings and the deep tolling of a bell the spell shatters as Silmeria all but shrugs it off. Which is when the Grand Duke runs left nad points his small wand at the Viera and a spray of ice beats her back further.

Realizing what the real threat is, here, and that Lee can handle his own target, Ainsley turns her attention to the viera that Silmeria is fighting, and begins to chant another Fire spell... because she pretty much has no other way to fight, after all, not yet at least. She casts it, but this time without the growl or scowl, trying to hit the Viera while she's still reeling from the ice attack.

The Viera spins, catches Ainsley's fire spell on the end of her staff and swats it across the room where a Steward bats it out of the air with a silver tray before it strikes a couple of elderly ladies. "How rude... can you not see I am busy My Lady Ainsley? Please... your clumsy attack almost hit me. If you wish to help dispose of the Esper's hencheman" she spins her staff and turn to face Silmeria again.

Azar is not going to be slowed by a punch to the nose. She wrinkles it and huffs, pressing forward once more as the guard steps back. Once more she raises her sword into position, looking for an opening, slashing out at a vulnerable spot.

The guard tries to swat Azar's sword aside only to mistime his stroke and get the blade through the stomach. He gasps and shudders, slumping and leaning forward to clutch at her blade in shock before his eyes glaze over.

Lee is rocked back a step by the impact of the gunshot on his shoulder, the only other response to being hit being a grunt of pain, but he is moving forward again almost immediately, dashing to close what distance remains between the Colonel and himself, leading with a vicious knife-hand strike from his uninjured arm! [Nerve Strike]

The Colonel is caught totally off guard by Lee's sudden lunge, his attack gets him right in the neck and with a shudder he drops to the floor limp and tunned. Victory to lee but not before the Colonel in one last ditch move stabs his dagger throgh the man's foot and unleases an electrical charge into Lee that then blows the man backwards across the room. The Colonel however is out of the fight and a couple of his soldiers dash forward in an attempt to drag him to safety but a couple of young noble men rush in to clash with them.

~(LEE!)~ Silmeria calls as she presses her advantage, turning to sweep her Gunblade around, with a loud crash of noise as she pulls the trigger, ~(The Colonel's gun! Give it to me, somebody, please!)~ Her attention returns to the Viera, the Esper's wings flaring as she pushes forward. ~(You've failed your Knight, and failed your Mistress,)~ she snarls, ~(But were I you, I would fear what will happen when you stand before Lord Hades.)~

It's a good attack, Silmeria's gunblade makes a crashing booming sound as it goes off and the Viera just bends backward out of the way of the blade and the shot and her legs snaps up in an attempt to kick Silm in the chin! She misses thankfully but sways gracefully back onto her feet.

The damage done to Lee gets a squeal of surprise out of Ainsley, "LEE!!" she cries, and her breath catches in her throat, her hand /almost/ raising to direct a cure spell at him... she stops when she realizes it would be useless, and turns her eyes instead back to the guards, now shaking with stress and anger, and prepares for another fire spell, hoping to carve a swath through them this time with her magic. "GET OUT OF OUR WAY!!"

Ainsley carves a way through several guards, blowing them down in screams and burning flesh! At least three of them dropping like flies to the proverbial boomf of her fire magic! Which of course makes those guards who survive scream and open fire on the lizard girl with the boom spells! A hail of bullets come streaming across the room toward Ainsley and no one is able to predict the lizard girl dodging in the wrong direction. She's struck in the arms and legs and falls backwards with a thump. Which is about when the Viera screams and blasts a line through the guards who just shot Ainsley. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Azar grunts, lifting a high-heel clad foot to the guard's shoulder, and kicking the man off of her blade. She flicks the blade, getting off most of the blood and gore, and turns towards the general melee around the Colonel. Azar blinks as magical destruction makes mincemeat out of several guards, and she throws herself into the carnage, searching for the Gun that Silmeria yelled about.

Azar has the eyes of a hawk! With a negligent slide through the carnage, slicing down a guard with one hand she spins and kicks the Colonel's gun at Silmeria and the Esper barely catches it, fumbling scythe, Iluren and gun until she drops the gunblade and with a CHIME it vanishes back into hammerspace. ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Lee groans and grumbles as he gets back up to his feet from where the Colonel's parting shock landed him, his clothes smoking slightly, the man sore all over, his foot bleeding a little and stinging like the Dickens from getting a dagger through it, and ruining his boot in the process... His eyes practically blaze crimson with his soured temper, but at least his smirk holds some satisfaction at having taken down the Colonel, at least momentarily. With a slight limp in his step, he starts doggedly back towards the fight. And then Ainsley goes down in gunfire, and the viera's scream isn't the only sound that comes in response: it, and the death of more soldiers by the viera's own hand, is followed by by an angry and inhuman roar filling the room for a second or two, from none other than Lee himself, the man's expression darkening further to something akin to rage as he takes hissing breaths between clenched teeth, flickers of black flame whisping out with every exhale, and his pupils narrowed to cat-like slits. His discomforts are ignored, and he rushes back towards the melee, tearing into the first soldier he comes across with murderous intent and vicious blows!

Murder is indeed done upon the poor soldier who gets in the way of Lee and righteous vengence! The poor boy is pummelled into the ground by the man's rage. By Ainsley however the Grand Duke has appeared, moving his wand across her body, starting to cast some sort of spell.

The distraction, while at a cost, is all Silmeria needs. As Iluren disappears with a ringing chime, the Esper plants the butt of her scythe into the ground, raising the stolen gun and narrowing her eyes, as tiny white motes of energy gather at the barrel of the gun. The Esper's wings snap out to either side, casting a dire shadow upon the magic-wielding Viera. ~(Enough of this,)~ she says, the eldritch echoes of her voice seeming to bleed the color away from all within her shadow, ~(It is time you answered for your crimes to My Lord.)~ With a squeeze of the trigger, the magic blasts outwards, the sound not so much a blast as a toll, as of some great, silver bell, and a stream of holy magic leaps forth from the gun's mouth. [Ruin Bullet]

That Hail of Magical damage slams into the Viera and she staggers backwards and stags, clutching at her chest as blood oozes ot of her wounds. She coughs and blood drips down her chin as she stares at Silmeria and laughs, "I have failed... but I ... shall... not stand before thy lord...." She grins and then seems to collapse in upon herself. Flames and shadows engulfing her form and then she is gone... There is a moments of silence and the remaining Imperial Guards flee the room in a panic. There is no time for congratulations however as the ship suddenly lurches and drops, lifting evertyong a good foot into the air before they slam back into the deck. The Grand Duke slowly helping Ainsley to sit up looks around "We must hurry..."

Ainsley groans as she gathers herself to a stand after she's helped to sit up, gripping at one of her arms, the sore sensation gripping her form, especially after the slam against the deck. The lurch of the ship makes her grimace, and then she starts moving as fast as she can go, but she motions for the nobles to start moving, for those that still stand after the battle. "Come, now!" she calls.

"Where to then? Which way?" Azar wipes her blades on a convenient tabard, since it's owner no longer requires it, and sheathes both of her blades. "We're getting out with the clothes on our backs and the weapons at hand."

Lee slowly straightens as the viera is put down by Silmeria and the remaining soldiers, after a silent pause, flee the room. Lee's hands are a little bloody, and seems he may have even bitten someone in the chaos before the Viera's death, as there's blood on his lip as well, but with the soldiers on the run, he calms himself one second, then rushes to Ainsley and the Duke the next after the ship lurches, offering the scholar his arm for support, and giving her a smile, as she starts calling for people to follow. He gives a quick look around, and in response to Azar, "More a 'ardship fer some of us than fer others, but lifeboats'd be my first guess!" He pauses, then grumbles half to himself, "Assumin' that bitch offa Princess left any intact fer us..." He glances to the Grand Duke, asking, "You know her at all well? She th'type ta think that fer ahead?"

~(Then you go nowhere,)~ Silmeria says into the silence, as the dark flames consume the Viera's corpse, ~(And a sadder fate I cannot know.)~ Her moment of dramatic tragedy is foiled, however, by the lurching of the ship, and her wings flutter as she uses her scythe to pull herself upright, releasing it into the void once she's found her feet. ~(Thank you, Grand Duke... but they're right, we should leave with all speed, and hope there's yet lifeboats for us to use.)~

A moogle flutters down followed by several others, they look around and the steward waves a paw, "This way, follow us, there are some life dirigibles left. It'll be a bit of a squeeze but we have to go. The Engineering crew is gone and what is left of the float stone is being held together by hope." The Grand Duke looks at Lee and grimaces, "I don't think she would... she's not the sort to plan this sort of thing, she tends to leave that sort of planning to him." he points at the Colonel, "I suspect he has boats waiting for him and his men... if we hurry we can take them and get off the Amethyst follow the mogs they know the way." and with that the party start to move out along the walnut pannelled companionway of the ship toward the life derricks.

The scholar lizard tries to keep up with the others, and hurries to follow the direction of the mogs that are indicated. Ainsley doesn't say much, she just grimaces at the painful sensation of having been hit by bullets and then having to run to safety, entirely focused on escaping at this point.

Azar stretches out her legs, and bends down to scoop up the lizzy wizard, holding her so that she can lean onto Azar's shoulder, facing the others behind her. "It's alright Ainsley, I'm earning my pay now, eh?" The woman chuckles, "This has been far more exciting than I thought it would be... and twice as scary." She follows steward as quickly as she can.
You page, "mind if I pose before you> Then you can close us out with Silm's response to the duke" to Silmeria.

Lee hustles along with all the rest, nodding in satisfaction as Azar picks Ainsley up, something he'd have done if she hadn't, clapping Azar on the shoulder as he adds, "You aught not be runnin', anyway, luv, not 'till you've got a bit more healin' in ya." He gives Azar a grin, as well, "Jus' wait until things *really* get weird, this'll look like Titanday brunch!" Slowing his pace slightly, he takes up the rear, behind the party and the Grand Duke.

The party make it after a few false starts, at least one back track around a collapsed corridor and the inadvertant rescue of a party of four. The Garson Family, mother, father, three beautiful daughters and a baby who had been stranded in their stateroom and the group of about 30 make it to the derrick deck. The escape derricks are there but there are only three of them but a bit of juggling, some packing and everyone is able to be loaded inside. The Grand Duke is the last in, caring for all the others first and when he steps in he stands beside Silmeria as they cast off and watches sadly as the Amethyst plummets toward the farm land below, burning and billow flames. "I fear... this is going to be the start of something bad. Regardless of our survival the Imperial war machine is still going to be working on Public Opinion over this and there is only so much I can do to counter it... thank you though... all of you. Without you this plot would have led to our deaths and our heirs would be receiving the news about how we had been slain by Emberstrand Terroists by dawn tomorrow. At least now I can continue to fight and manouvere and they have tipped their hand in a way... but there is a long road ahead of us before peace can be found."

~(One more for the butcher's bill,)~ Silmeria whispers sadly, as the derrick steers away from the crashing wreckage of the grand and glorious ship. Shaking her head, she closes her eyes, her form dimming, color bleeding back into skin and hair, and wings fading from sight, until once again merely the humble priestess clad in an exquisite dress, remains. "I fear the bad has already begun, Grand Duke... and will only get worse, before the light creeps back in." Looking back over her shoulder at the trio she travels with, a brilliant smile lights up her face as she turns back. "Oh but don't worry, sir... We all have our fights to take up, once we've landed. And I've little fear that, sooner or later, we'll all see victory."

The Grand Duke inclines his head and watches as the Amethyst plunges into the field of some poor farmer and detonates into a ball of incasdescent flame. "I fear you are right, I wish you well in your journey..... and I hope when next we meet it is in happier days...."

19:05, 24 June 2013 (UTC)19:05, 24 June 2013 (UTC)[[User:Silvante|Silvante]] 19:05, 24 June 2013 (UTC)
The Pearled Amethyst falls!

News filtering into Emberstrand with the latest airship arrivals is speaking of just one thing. The Pearled Amethyst. The most luxurious air-liner in the known skies has crashed into the plains near the Phon Coast. Official statements of what happened appear to be sketchy. Some crews are claiming it was a group of Emberstrand National attempting to assasinate the Imperial Princess Carmelian, Grand Duchess of Tchita whilst notable passengers apparently claim it was the work of an unknown Viera assailant.

The Grand Duke Hamilton of Mosphoran has issued a statement calling for peace and the whispering words of war to be put to rest. Claiming that the destruction of the Pearled Amethyst is another symptom of how the Empire is straying from the righteous path. But the voice of the Imperial Princess is loud and quite insistent that the attack was aimed at her and only the fast actions of the leader of her personal guard detail Colon Kerchan allowed her to escape whilst "Other" nobles fled to the nearest escape dirigible.

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 17|Ainsley Quest Chapter 17]]

Go on to [[AChapter 19|Ainsley Quest Chapter 19]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

To Free a Soul

2013-06-24T19:04:09Z

Silvante:

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>With her soul ensnared by the Lucai Shemhazai -- The Whisperer</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ainsley Quests for Freedom!</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Guided by the wisdom granted by the Lord of Death</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>She seeks</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Mirror of Obsidian lies entombed with Ashe, Last Queen of Rabanastre.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 1|Ainsley Quest Chapter 1]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 2|Ainsley Quest Chapter 2]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 3|Ainsley Quest Chapter 3]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 4|Ainsley Quest Chapter 4]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 5|Ainsley Quest Chapter 5]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 6|Ainsley Quest Chapter 6]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 7|Ainsley Quest Chapter 7]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 8|Ainsley Quest Chapter 8]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Book the Interlude</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 9|Ainsley Quest Chapter 9]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 10|Ainsley Quest Chapter 10]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 11|Ainsley Quest Chapter 11]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Starsong Key sits within the Galactic Plain.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 12|Ainsley Quest Chapter 12]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 13|Ainsley Quest Chapter 13]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 14|Ainsley Quest Chapter 14]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Torque of Entropy lies with the Catacombs of the King of Kharma.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 15|Ainsley Quest Chapter 15]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 16|Ainsley Quest Chapter 16]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 17|Ainsley Quest Chapter 17]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 18|Ainsley Quest Chapter 18]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 19|Ainsley Quest Chapter 19]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 20|Ainsley Quest Chapter 20]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[AChapter 21|Ainsley Quest Chapter 21]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b></b>These coupled with the Puzzle will lead them to</div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b></b>The Temple of Diabolos</div>

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Chapter 39

2013-05-20T20:03:50Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Our adventurers have just scored a coup! A victory for Team Fantastic! An amazing, multicoloured double flipping of the bird into the face of the Ultimate Cosmic Horror, the dar…'

Our adventurers have just scored a coup! A victory for Team Fantastic! An amazing, multicoloured double flipping of the bird into the face of the Ultimate Cosmic Horror, the dark Sorceress Ultimecia... which all things considered isn't a bad thing! From a stuttering, poorly conceived and untrained summoning started by Kier that got super-charged by the more magically gifted party members they were able to summon both the power of Gemini and the assembled hosts of the Might of the Eternal Ocean! Grievier has been trapped, sealed inside a silver medallion that is currently lying in Talen's lap inside the remains of the summoning circle they put together. The young viera is still very damp from his impromptu visit inside Grivier's gut and is sat up to his waist in the warm shallow water that laps against the shores of the Lonely Tor. More importantly the party are currently standing on the broad, seemingly endless expanse of blue/green scales that form Leviathan's hide... he's here. As are the rest of his court, all of them... in one place... at the same time.... none of them have spoken yet but their presence is very much... present and in the last few seconds the power of the spell Kier managed to guide to its completion is only just been completed....

Vazkor remains standing... But looking somewhat confused, and perhaps ever so mildly worried, as he peers down at the scales below his feet, able to see again after the previously blinding spell. The man gingerly testing his footing some, nudging a toe against Leviathan's hide... Before he ever so slowly sheaths his Katana, slipping it over to his side. Still holding the coin in his other however as he then looks around at everyone, first seeing they're all there, alive and unhurt, before he speaks up, "... What just happened?" Even as he starts to move towards Talen to help the Viera up, if he needs it.

Not wanting to say a WORD at the moment because of the forces around him, and the veritable pressure of the presences of the beings there on his senses thanks to his rudimentary magical training... Kier instead reaches up under his sandcloak and starts to stroke Dust's muzzle and cheeks. The feline gives a nervous mewl, and then hops off his shoulder to make his way over to Talen, twining his legs and giving a worried tone before hopping to his shoulders as well. Shaking his head once, the young hunter moves closer to the others and looks around, as if half-expecting the other 'shoe' to drop.

As Vazkor approaches the edge in his good intentioned wish to aid Talen he will notice as others surely shall that they are on Leviathan's scaled hide and it is a good 20 feet above the shall water below where Talen is. This isn't a problem for Dust because well kitty! But for anyone else getting down there will be difficult, if you can't fly.

Thaylorn seems less shocked about Griever's sudden defeat, and much more at the appearance of pretty much the whole entire court of water, and they've all ended up on Leviathan's back! Probably not the best place to be, and the Imp looks almost fearful at their sudden appearance as he assumes that most spirits don't like being summoned forth like that without a pact! He stays still though, not wanting to have attention brought to him by water spirit.

Penny climbs to her feet after her impromptu and forceful flight as a result of Greiver's explosive end, scrubs at her eyes a bit with the back of one gauntleted hand, working the spots out of her vision. And, when that is done, she stops dead... Up on a dragon's side, with said dragon's head looming above, and a host of powerful entities surrounding the recent battleground... She gulps, and decides that staying on one knee is the most appropriate thing to do, her poleaxe laid down respectfully beside her on Leviathan's scales. Probably much the same as she'd do if suddenly in the presence of her own Temple's patron, Alexander, and probably thankful the weapon didn't fly completely free and land head-first, even if there's little chance it would have pierced Leviathan's protective hide.

Raziel looks at where Talen, the coin and Griever are and he blows out a breath before his eyes drop. He freezes for a moment. Slowly his eyes start to lift upwards, their blue gaze moving from spirit to spirit in rapid succession even as suddenly he finds his mouth very dry. The gaze continues to rise up and up to focus finally on Leviathan's head. There's a false start where he starts to speak, but then he coughs into a fist, clearing his throat and getting 'juices flowing' again, before the man straightens and then bows while pulling a fist against his chest as the other one slides away the kukri which was used in the summoning, "let me begin with issuing full apologies for calling upon all of you. We were in a desperate moment and that any of you, let alone all of you came.. I..." The man shakes his head and he shoots a quick look at Thaylorn before once again bowing his head and focusing on the scales beneath his feet, "do not have the words to express the honor you've bestowed upon us all. Ah... Great Lord Leviathan, would you like us to remove ourselves from your scales?"

The summoner below is simply staring at the coin. It starts as a chuckle, and works itself into a full laugh. Heedless of the water, he slaps at it, splashing himself, laughing like a maniac. "Hahahaha, I bet you weren't expecting that you GREAT DUMB BEAST!! Did you see the look on its face when I jumped in... ow... ewh... Its eyes were like dinner plates!" Talen drags himself upwards, not knowing of the presence of the full court of Leviathan just behind him. "HAH, Ultimecia, IN YOUR FACE!" He looks around at this point, the laugh slowly dying off. "Guys? Where..." Oh. Behind him. "BUH! Where did Lord Leviathan come from?"

That head slides down, the party can see Leviathan's body undulating and yet the patch they are standing on remains rock steady. His head comes down level with Raziel and he speaks in a voice that echoes through their souls. "You are standing upon my scales, because that is the safest place to be.... your... impromptu calling was unexpected. But when we saw what you were facing... what you were fighting. Inide the bounds of MY realm. We decided to respond... the fact such a creature was hidden from our divine sight was an afront. Congratulations, Lord Raziel, Master of the Zodiac.... Ophiuchus reborn." His gaze then turns to pass from one to the other to the other, "We must speak of rewards.... and honours before you continue on your path toward the resting place of the Stellazio given into the stewardship of my realm." Down on the water Lady Undine glides forward toward Talen, riding a cresting wave of water. She stops before him, trident sparkling in the light. "We came as we were summoned... thy actions were most foolhardy, brave... but foolhardy. Thankfully one who loves you very dearly took a daring gamble and its result was the imprisonment of Grievir." she holds out her hand, "Please give the necklace into my keeping."

Vazkor watches the laughing Talen below for a moment, taking it as a sign the Viera is still ok, and also noticing the coin having been retrieved... The man giving him a brief wave then, before he turns back around as Raziel starts to speak... The swashbuckler looking at each spirit in what he hopes will be seen as respectful, rather than dumbstruck, silence, and glad to let the Aegyl do all the talking, even as he follows Leviathan's every word, watching that great head converse with Raziel.

Despite his own elation at the wild gamble actually working, Kier looks down towards where Talen and a happy Dust are, and he gives the jubilant Viera that 'I'll get back to you.' look. But after that, it's returning to that quiet, and respectful silence in the face of something that could ACTUALLY kill him with a sneeze.

With Leviathan's head snaking down to peer at the group, Thaylorn seems to glance for someplace to hide briefly, but with the spirits words of wanting to respond, and safety, he calms down a bit. He still remains quiet though, letting the leader of the group do the communicating for the time being!

Penny keeps her kneeled posture, head bowed, but her ears turning to follow what is being said, indicating her attentiveness. It's only after a moment that she realizes... The coin she held, she'd lost her grip on it, her's one of those that went through the air at Greiver's detonation. And so, the mouse begins to quietly panic, just a bit, eyes darting around the scales of Leviathan around her, discreetly and with minimal moving of her head, for any sign of the coin she was given in the hopes it landed within her reach, or at least within sight.

As he is termed Ophiuchus reborn Raziel gets a slightly confused expression, but quickly he masters it. A glance is given back to where Talen is and now Lady Undine before he looks upto Leviathan once again and inclines his head, "the witch is a tricky one, I am just sorry that she was able to insinuate any under her control into your realm." EM peers out of his pouch and then a hand tucks the mongoose back down once again only to have it used as a ladder as the critter swarms up his arm and onto his shoulder to half hide under his hair while peering at the large serpent. "My Lord, your presence and assistance was more than enough reward.. but I will make no further denials."

Talen blinks and peers at the necklace in his hands, the tiny Grievier trapped inside a gemstone. He holds the necklace closer to his face, "Goodbye, beast. Enjoy eternity." With that said, the viera bows deeply to Undine, and holds up the necklace for her to take. "We are all honoured by your presence, Lady Undine. And those of the court of Leviathan. We have not undertaken this quest for reward, save that of preventing a great evil. As Ophiuchus there has said, we dare not say no to whatever you wish to grant."

Leviathan rumbles softly at Raziel, "All are reborn eventually.... no soul is ever lost forever." he stares at the Aegyl, "Though I see some things are still shrouded. Know this... for I have seen the wandering depths beyond the mortal eye. The path you walk is the correct one, it leads to victory if you are but brave and true then to set thy nerves at rest. The reward of long life besides he whom you love, longer then thy kind might normally tread and beyond that.... the Starlit song with those you love when thy time upon the loom is done." Sadly for Penny there is no sign of her coin, at least not yet but as the great spirit of water finishes speaking a gentle, harmonious piece of music starts to play and the coins, all of them jerk out of the hands of those holding them, plop out of the shallow water and rise up through the air, each one glowing gently as they start to weave and spin about Raziel's body.... Undine smiles and gestures toward Leviathan and the water rises up into steps and she motions, "Come Summoner Talen, let us join they companions so that we might hear my Lords word." Leviathan rumbles softly and looks around at those gathered then speaks, "Vazkor... please step forwards."

Vazkor arches his brow at the words spoken to Raziel... The man seeming to peer at the Aegyl a few moments, as if studying him... Before he's suddenly distracted by the coin flying from his hand, watching it go to join with the others like that. The man giving everyone else a quick glance then, before he blinks as he's summoned like that. The swashbuckler looking at Leviathan, but then stepping forward towards the great spirit's head... Bowing respectfully at the waist as he closes in, and finally speaks up, his Rozarrian accented baritone calm, polite, "Of course, Lord Leviathan. Thank you for your assistance, as well."

With some kind of pomp and ceremony going on now, Kier releases his coin at the same moment it slips from his fingers, whisps trailing off of it almost like sand from a stone. He goes over to stand close to Penny and Thaylorn now, almost hesitant to step from scale to scale on the great wyrm, but eventually making his way to stop there. Despite his own displeasure at Talen's decision, Dust seems to think the order of the day is a congratulatory grooming of Talen's hair and the bottom of one of his ears!

Thaylorn glances curiously towards Raziel as Leviathan speaks with him, trying to put together quite what he is meaning. His attention is jarred though as Scorpio flies free from him to spin about Raziel where he stands. "Thank you for your assistance." He murmurs quietly before the spirit calls forth Vazkor's name, causing for the Imp to fall silent as he waits by the others.
Penny stops her fruitless search as coins fly once more into the air, from hands and from the water below, which is actually something of a relief to the mouse, given how she sighs and relaxes just a bit despite the spectacular sight as the coins swirl around Raziel. She slowly rises to her feet, once Leviathan calls Vazkor forward and Kier stops beside her, lifting her poleaxe to lean it against her shoulder at parade-rest, giving more of her direct attention to what's going on as curiosity gets the better of her.

Raziel looks at Vazkor and his arms spread for a moment, a little shrug given to indicate that I doesn't quite know either. Looking up at Leviathan then he slips into silence, though does bow his head with a thoughtful expression. As the coins fly towards him and start to circle around the mage spreads his hands and holds them out palm upwards while waiting for the coins to come in and land, ignoring the squeak from his pet as she nestles in under his hair and then races back down and into the satchel from before. Once the coins have settled, if they do, he moves over closer to the rest of the group and stops beside Penny while giving her a little, tiny smile, that fades soon after.

Talen suddenly giggles loudly, reaching up to pet Dust. "Ack, not the ears you silly cat. Eeeeee!" With the necklace safely handed over to Undine, and the coin circling Raziel, Talen follows Leviathan's direction, and begins climbing atop the great Spirit. He ruffles and scritches the affectionate cat, and soon reaches Kier's side, grinning at the gathered Companions. "Has anyone misplaced one slightly damp kitty? He seems to be fond of ears." he whispers to Kier and Penny.

The Coins do indeed settle into Raziel's palm in a stack, each one emitting a gentle chime as they land. Undine meanwhile is giving Talen a stern look and murmurs, "Quiet little one, the great lord is speaking... temper thy exuberance at being alive." The great spirit looks at Vazkor as he steps forward and motions with his head and lady Siren's chariot rises and flows over to settle before Vazkor and she holds out a small crystal, a shard of silvery blue stone as the great lord speaks. "I give this into your keeping Vazkor, I know in your heart you have felt.... doubts concerning they place on this quest. But know this that what awaits the party atop the Lonely Tor can only succeed with thy assistance. For without you... there would be naught this party could do."

Vazkor watches as that chariot settles before him... And then glances down at the offered crystal. The man listening in silence as Leviathan speaks to him, and explains he has a purpose... And with that, reaching out without hesitation, to take up the item presented to him, and giving a firm nod even as he responds, "Thank you, lord... I will do my best to help guide my friends through whatever lies ahead. My swordarm is theirs... And yours, would you have need of it." And with that, he bows lightly again, tightly palming that crystal.
Leviathan' eyes seem to sparkle with mischief as he speaks, "It is not your swordarm they shall require Vazkor but something much more important to the path your life walks." His head turns, "Penny, Knight of Alexander please approach."

Penny blinks at Talen's whisper, fighting a giggle. No, no giggling, giggling right now would be inappropriate; though she only just barely manages to stifle it before Undine chastises the Viera. Composed once more, she watches the exchange between Leviathan and Vazkor, and then the Spirit's attention is focused on *her*, and she pales a bit. With a hard swallow against her nervousness, she comes to attention as she's called, and steps forward before sinking respectfully to one knee, as would be proper were she before Alexander himself, "Y-yes, Lord Leviathan?"

The lady Siren steers her chariot back to the water and Bismarck floats forward, that really is a crime against gravity! The largest white whale ever to live just floating sedately through the air like he just doesn't care. "For you my lady Knight, my choices are restricted due to who you serve. But my vassal Bismarck brings you a gift of rare apparel." The Whale turns sideways one eye focussing on Penny and inside that huge, reflected eye-ball a vision starts to take shape... a city.. towering ever higher, pennons snapping in the warmest of breezes. A heavenly choir sing a hymn of eternal peace and the gentle light that illuminates the city from its highest point seems to reach out through the vision of the mighty whale and bathe Penny until the mouse-kin is glowing with a beautiful yellow light that slowly settles into her armour. It sparkles, it shines, her armour no longer showing any scoring or dents from their journey, just shimmering with that soft golden light as the vision of the Eternal City begins to fade.

Penny shivers as she is spoken to by the great serpent Spirit, head bowing briefly in understanding of the limitation Leviathan mentions before Bismarck's approaches. As the flying whale's large eye settles before her, she gasps softly, left breathtaken by the vision of the Citadel shown within, almost mesmerised, the songs of the choir familiar and stirring to her as she's bathed in light. She almost doesn't realize what's happening, so caught in the vision, until it's over with, blinking and looking down at her now pristine and shimmering armor in wonder before returning her gaze to Bismarck and Leviathan, "Thank you, Lord Leviathan, Lord Bismarck... I am deeply honored."

Bismarck rumbles and his voice echoes all around, "You are welcome Knight of Alexander, a vision of the Holy City... is in itself a reward often unlocked for. May its peace guide you in your darkest hours and the light of its blessing keep thee safe as you journey throughout life." He bobs and drifts back as Leviathan's voice echoes out over his scales once again, "Raziel, Lord of the Stellazio, please step forward."

Raziel watches in silence as each person steps forward. His eyes trailing after Vazkor and the strange blue stone. Before his expression can turn inquisitive Penny is called forward and his eyes move to her as well and then upto Bismark while his brows arch upwards. He watches the transformation that the girl's armor undergoes and then he looks to Leviathan. The man opens his mouth, but after a brief moment he steps forward and he bows before the Lord of the deep.

The great spirit of water speaks directly to the young aegyl, "To you Raziel.. I grant a boon to one of thy Kukri!" one of the sword slides out of its sheath and the water spirit breaths over it! Blue light flares from his muzzle and over the blade and as the light die the sword sparkles and shimmers with a strange aura of blue light. "For thy part in summoning me and defeating the beast Grievier a blessing I give upon thy sword so my power may be at thy side."
Raziel's hands lift and he looks down as the kukri unsheaths itself. His eyes move between the spirit and weapon quickly and then he finds hismelf shielding his eyes for a moment. When it fades though he reaches for the weapon and allows his eyes to run over it before sliding the blade back into it's sheath and then bowing once more as he steps back, "Thank you Lord Leviathan, you do me a great honor."

Leviathan rumbles, "And you have done me a great service..." he turns then and his eyes focus on Talen, "Summoner Talen... step forward... let us talk..."

Talen ulps at being chastised by Undine, and sticks his tongue out at Penny with a wink, and watches as everyone steps forward to be awarded things of Great Import. He blinks upon hearing his name uttered by Leviathan, and he steps forward to bend one knee, looking down. "I am honoured to speak with you, Lord Leviathan. Would I wish that it were under easier circumstances."

Leviathan eyes the viera for a long moment before speaking, "It has been very long, since one of thy kind stood in my presence and thus do I have but one thing to say. Seek the Under-Peak in the Golmore Jungle... perhaps you can hear what others have been too lost to comprehend...."
Talen dares case a glance upwards at Leviathan, and blinks several times in surprise. Then it begins to dawn on him. Tears immediately come to his eyes as he lowers them again. "It shakes me to the depths of my being, to hear that from you, Lord Leviathan. I... cannot thank you enough, were I to live a thousand years." He stands on shaky legs and retreats to the group.
Leviathan looks at Talen, an expression that might almost be sadness on his face, "Do not thank me yet Summoner Talen, the path is dark... and treacherous... the mist is thick and none have ever reach the Under-Peak.." he turns then to look at Kier, "Kier... if you would please step forth we have much to discuss."

There's a look that a kid gets when they're singled out in class by the teacher. It's the kind of look that says 'Please, not me. Choose another.'... but this is the great serpent of the seas. Looking at the others for a moment, he takes a steeling breath and begins to walk forwards. As he does so, Dust hops away from Talen and begins trotting along next to his partner, another heavy feline leap planting him on Kier's shoulders, before finally digging into his hood for comfort. Stopping where the others have stood, Kier exhales once, and the only word he can muster out is, "Yes?"

Leviathan looks at Dust and breathes out a greeting, "Be welcome young one... may your path be safe and dry..." an odd greeting for sure but then Dust is a kitty. The Lord of Oceans then looks at Kier and Undine steps forward and holds out the metallic charm of Grivier, "Into your keeping do I commend the Grievier, his power, though locked away in this simple object is still great. Attach it to a weapon and it shall strike harder, stronger then before as the beast within lends its aid unto thee."

Accepting the charm for the beast that they faced, a brief smile crosses the young man's lips, followed by... of all things... an amused snort. He holds it close and lowers his head, "Thank you, Lord of the Seas. For the gift... and the humor." He then takes two steps back before he turns and begins walking back to the others... and it's the strangest expression on his face. He's chuckling!

Leviathan seems to be feeling quite smug about that, his expression is clearly happy and his eyes turn, "My Servant, Thaylorn... come forward my imp.... you have a choice to make this day."

Thaylorn watches as the others recieve their various boons from Leviathan, and as he's called, finally looks over to meet Leviathan's gaze. Stepping forwards the Imp offers a deep bow towards the spirit before meeting his gaze once again "Yes, Lord Leviathan?" He offers simply, waiting for a reply.

The Great dragon of Water looks down at the smaller imp and the other spirit draw cloer, Undine and Siren sitting and standing to either side of the great head and Bismarck floating nearby. "Thaylorn, you came to our service through a peculiar set of circumstances... and ever since the change in thy life you have conducted yourelf truthfully, honourable, put your power and your heart behind every action you have taken. And now... here, on this day you have helped to safeguard and protect my own kingdom from harm. And thus... I offer you this choice, to leave this place with me and my court.... to take up residence within the Coral Palace as an Imp directly in my service. Or to allow me to redress the blessing of Lord Imp.. to make you the Champion of Water upon Terra and use the energy that makes you imp to forge a weapon of the Elemental Power itself that will be fitting for my Champion to wield thorughout the duration of thy mortal life."

Listening to the options offered to him, Thaylorn nods along, considering them and the results and consequences that would follow along with them. "I must thank you for the compliments, and for the chance to serve at your side." The Imp begins, head tilting slightly as he speaks "But I must return to the mortal realm again, there are those there who need help with their quests, still." He smiles slightly and glances back towards Raziel for a moment "And so, I would like to merely be a champion in that other realm." He adds, nodding as if to fully confirm his choice.

Leviathan laugh warmly and inclines his head, "So be it Thaylorn, your choice... is a truly honourable one," water start to wrap and flow around the imps feet, sliding over the scaled hide of the mighty god of the ocean.. It soon starts rising up into a massive column that engulfs the imp from sight. He's lost inside the whirling, swirling minature cyclone of liquid that froth white from the speed at which it is spinning. And then as suddenly as it came something shoots out the top of the coloumn, it is longsword, seemingly made from water, it looks like a wave, the elegant blade, the quillons and magnificent hilt all of it constructed from water that seems to just hold that shape. The hilt is the curving head of an imp, the sheath that Undine weaves out of a length of blue silk is sturdy and beautiful and the pomel stone that Siren sings up to embed in mouth of the imp carved pommel is a pearl about the size of a gooses egg. As the sword finishes being constructed it shimmers with power, inverting so the blade enters the sheath and then rests, point down and perfectly still atop Leviathan's scales directly before the whirling coloumn of water. Thaylorn is still lost to sight but his sword, the newly created Elemental Longsword of Water is magnificent.

Vazkor has stepped well back after receiving his boon, and now simply watches in silence as the others get theirs... His expression shifting from curiousity, to wonderment, to surprise, to ponderous, and everything in between as he sees what each of his friends gets bestowed to them, whether it be enchanted weapon or simply a mysterious bit of information... The man every so often glancing at his crystal as well, seeming to wonder about it, before he's distracted by the next sight of spiritual power and splendor... And at the very end of it, staring at that sword as it's created for Thaylorn, both brows up, appreciative of the... Craftmanship as the weapon is created right before his eyes.

Kier is still lost in his chuckling as he takes the Greiver charm, and instead of placing it on his bow or knife, he takes the charm and begins to try to figure out how to mount it on the back of the leather glove on his left hand... the one that draws the arrows and the knife hidden under his quiver. As he continues to do this, he has this little amused grin stuck there as Dust purrs in his pocket in the hood. Looking towards Talen, he points at the Griever... and a fresh bit of chuckling emits from him... only to stop as he remembers that when it happened, Talen was deep in the stomach of the self-same... and that just turns it into a fit of quiet, almost doubled-over laughter!

Penny steps back as the Great Serpent continues down the line, rewarding each member of the group in turn, her poleaxe once more at parade-rest against the shoulder of her now faintly glittering armor. She would be smiling, but the situation is a bit overwhelming, what with the glimpse of the Citadel she just had, and hearing the Hymns virtually in person, and it's all she can do to not stand like a slack-jawed idiot in the presence of so many powerful beings well beyond her day-to-day experience. It's a good thing she's not called on to speak again just yet, as it's likely she'd be unable to utter a word. Kier's abrupt, if quiet, laughter almost breaks her out of her daze. *Almost*. But the mouse just ends up staring blankly at Kier, the cause of his apparent mirth not yet registering in her brain.

Raziel looks at Kier for a few moments, his head tiltted for a brief moment in responce to the chuckling of the man and then there's a little snort. However as Thay is addressed the man looks to the imp and then as the water surrounds him the aegyl takes a step back and then to the side, bringing him up beside of Vazkor. His eyes are on the swirling water, but out the corner of his eye he catches that Kier is doubling over and he looks at him, his head tilting for a moment before he catches something and smirks. However the ma returns to his sobriety and looks back towards where Talen is caught up in the swirling waters.

Talen simply stands quietly next to Kier, his lips parted in a grin, yet tears roll down his cheeks. "Yes Kier, it was a hare-raising experience inside the belly of the beast. But I did retrieve the coin, and used its power to help with the summoning ritual." He lets out a low breath, shuddering with the force of it. "Lord Leviathan has given me something no viera has had in a long time. And for that... it was all worth it."

The swirling coloumn of water around Thaylorn slowly retreats, splashing away over Leviathan's scales and revealing a kneeling figure, he ha a cascade of beautiful, shoulder length blue/green hair that seems to glimmer with the same sheen as Leviathan's scales. Large, slightly pointed rat-like ears poke out of that thatch of hair and his frame is that of a rodent, lightly muscled beneath his leather armour, a long pink tail trails out behind him and his hands are smooth and pink. His fur is a deep rich navy blue in colour, almost black except when it catches the light. His leather armour is plain, servicable but attached to the end of his tail is a long sheath of silvery metal with a beautiful sapphire set in the tip. The longsword leans forward and rests against his hands and Leviathan speaks with the booming voice of authority. "Arise Sir Thaylorn, Champion of Water... arise and continue on your quest. Know that I shall always be with you, with Misu by your side and your honour, integrity and strength of character to guide you thy life shall truly be remembered and when in the fullness of time mortality calls you to the Halls of the Abyss shall your noble soul and they task as my Champion bring you to rest within my palace. Arise... Sir Thaylorn."

Remaining kneeling where he is, Thaylorn turns his gaze back up towards Leviathan as he tightens his hand about the grip of the newly created blade. "Once my time is finished, I will gladly reside at your side." He offers loudly, voice more solid than it was before as he slowely stands to his feet, saphire tip tail swinging behind him. The once again Burmecian offers another bow to the great spirit "And thank you for everything, I shall do my best to aid Raziel and the others." He adds before looking back to the others for a moment. It's then he takes a few moment to inspect himself over before smilling once again, falling silent then.

Vazkor glances over as Raziel goes to stand beside him, offering the Aegyl a brief smile even as he silently slips that mysterious crystal into a pouch on his belt... Before he's briefly distracted by Kier's laughter, the man raising his brow at him questioningly... Though before he can except an answer, Thaylorn is revealed instead. The man blinking as he looks at the newly transformed once-an-Imp, studying his changed form... And then muttering to those nearby, "... Looks like he has regained his old self, in a sense..." And grinning some at the Burmecian then.

Recovering himself, Kier manages to settle this unfortunately attack of giddiness that overtook him... and he takes a breath to finally manage himself into a more neutral expression. Looking at Talen for a moment, he says towards the young Viera male, "That was very brave and horribly stupid... repeat it at your own peril." But no smack or otherwise comes from him. Instead he walks forwards towards Thaylorn, and gives the Imp he had never even given a single glance to in passing... hardly talked to... gets an approving nod.

Penny clears her throat, taking in the last half of the spectacle of Thaylorn's "promotion" and investiture, and the creation of the sword. She shuffles a booted foot lightly on Leviathan's scales, looking around at everyone, unsure what more to do until she falls back on her protocol training, stance firming up to Attention before bowing at the waist to Leviathan and his Court, asking of Kier and Vazkor and Talen, those closest to her, in a half-whisper out of the corner of her mouth, "OK, so, what now?"

Raziel stares quietly as the water recedes and the burmecian stands before them. He looks at Vazkor and offers him a faint smile then Penny, Talen and Kier. There's a silent exhale and then he nods to Vazkor while stepping forward to place a hand on the burme's shoulder. "Quite a blessing Thaylorn." There's a little a little squeeze given the knight and he drops his hand, "rather, Sir Thaylorn." He looks to the coins he still holds then and he slips them away while turning to the spirits and inclining his head once more, "So many gifts you've given us this day.. thank you.. and we will be about the business that brought us here and take the dangers that might again attempt to breech your realm away.. we have only need now of your guidance to that coin within your keeping."

Talen whistles at Thaylorn, "Looking good, Sir Thaylorn!" He looks to Kier, a grin on his face, "Oh, right. Sorry to have taken a page from /your/ book, Kier." The viera giggles loudly and claps the man upon the shoulder. He looks to Penny, and stretches to do the same, clap her on the shoulder. "What now? Now get the other coin, and kick some behind. Emphasis on kicking of behinds."

What Next turns out to be Lady Undine forming another staircase out of water down to the shores of the Lonely Tor, "Walk forward Raziel... I cannot just hand you the coins, you must retrieve them from where I placed them long ago when they came into my care. Their are three coins within my domain... walk to the summit of the tor and continue along the path before you." Undine guides everyone down to the shore and steps back into the water and bows. "Good luck, you have all you need to succeed... may our blessings guide you to victory." And with those words the spirits of the water world depart, diving back into the water and leaving the group alone upon the shores of the towering green grasy hill... the Lonely Tor awaits.

----

Go back to [[Chapter 38|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 38]]

Go on to [[Chapter 40|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 40]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

AChapter 17

2013-05-20T19:55:41Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Silmeria's party is in full wing, the receiving line has passed and the guests, every noble passenger on board the Pearled Amethyst is now in the grand ball room! It is a magnif…'

Silmeria's party is in full wing, the receiving line has passed and the guests, every noble passenger on board the Pearled Amethyst is now in the grand ball room! It is a magnificent chamber, a glass domed, marble floored centrepiece that dominates the after end of the mighty luxurious airship. His Grace, the Grand Duke Hamilton of Mosphoran and Her Imperial Highness Princess Carmelian, Grand Duchess of Tchita were the last to arrive as the highest ranking nobles onboard. The band is playing a slow, beautiful air and the guests are milling around waiting for the official entrance of the lady Silmeria and her guests.

Despite how brilliant it is to organize a party for everyone to get involved so attention doesn't have to be split, Ainsley is finding it overwhelmingly difficult to pry herself away from Lee's side, out of fear of the noble politics that she is about to witness. She holds onto his arm with both of her hands. She's in those fancy red clothes, of course, styled according to Giruvegan tradition. Since they haven't entered yet, she waits with a nervous shuffling of her feet. Fretting. Because so many nobles.

Azar is looking fairly confident, having attended gatherings like this before. She looks to Ainsley, and smiles brightly. "It will be alright. We can tag team in and out if you get cornered, okay?" She looks to Lee, "Watch her back, and I'll keep an eye on Silmeria's. Wingmen are important." Lastly, she smiles at Silmeria. "Are you ready, m'Lady?"

Lee stands with Ainsley, one arm captured by her hands, while his free hand rests lightly atop hers, attempting to soothe the scholar's nerves a little, while Lee himself seems rather calm and relaxed, his mind either not on the potential political pitfalls that may be waiting with every step he will take, or simply not concerned overmuch about it, his usual slightly lopsided smile gracing his lips. He cleans up nicely, though, dressed a bit fancier than usual in Archadian-style finery consisting of a smart-looking suite with a tailed coat in a shade of red so dark that it verges on black, his usual black gloves replaced by white formal gloves, and his hair actually, wonder of wonders, tamed and combed so that it's not a shaggy nest atop his head, his crimson eyes unobscured for once. Those eyes turn to Azar, hand his smile transitions briefly to a grin, "Oh, aye, 'course I will, goes wi'out sayin'." His gaze turns to Ainsley, and the smile softens again, his gloves hand patting hers, "She's right, though, luv, we'll be fine, an' I'll be wi' ya, eh?" He looks to Silmeria, "Aye, we're ready when you are, looks like."

Silmeria draws in a deep breath, smoothing the front of her skirts. "I have to say," she murmurs, "this is certainly more than I'd expected to have to deal with, when we were simply searching for a ride..." Turning back to the rest of the party, she flashes an encouraging, if slightly brittle smile. "Well... I doubt I'll ever be ready, but since we can't be rude..." Turning back, she opens the doors to the ballroom, leading the party through the knot of Archades' most rich and important, headed for the midpoint between the Grand Duke and the Imperial Princess.

The herald, one of the ships Moogle's flaps up into the air above Silmeria and her entourage as they enter and his voice booms out over the hall. "By the divine right of Lord Hades, Silmeria, Handmaiden of the Abyss, Route Guardian of the departed. Lady Ainsley of the Grey Scholars, Leonard Carlyle and the Lady Azar Zareen." He bowed rto them and the gathered guests bowed in turn. The Grand Duke and Imperial Princess incline their heads and step over toward the party.

The attempts to calm Ainsley meet some limited success. She nods at the reassurances, but remains silent. And especially after the announcement. The title 'grey scholar' makes her wince a bit, and she silently hopes that none of the clan is actually in the crowd. They tend to infiltrate noble gatherings, being a cult of subterfuging weirdos, after all. She relaxes her grip on Lee's arm, and interlocks her fingers with Lee's, as they all prepare to step forward.
Azar hmmmphs at being introduced, and follows Silmeria into the crowd, a winning smile on her face. The smile falters for a moment as both of the emminent guests make their way to Silmeria.

Lee follows Silmeria in, side-by-side with Ainsley with hands held, and returning any greetings directed his way with a polite and respectful bow of his head, while keeping properly behind Silmeria, like a retainer would, in accordance with the necessary deception they all had boarded the airship under. Noticing Ainsley's wince, he gives her hand a squeeze and leans down a bit to murmur, as the Grand Duke and Princess approach Silmeria, "As soon as th'formalities are done, wot say we find th'buffet table, eh? A nip an' drink'll be a balm fer th'nerves, no doubt." Straightening, he keeps to proper, if a bit rusty from long disuse, etiquette in the face of approaching royals.

As much as she would like to agree with Lee, the approaching nobility seals Silmeria's lips, and a second bracing breath taken. Both luminaries, received with a deep curtsy and a low bow of the head. "Your Highness, Grand Duke... Thank you both, *very* much, for gracing this little event. I must apologize for not answering your *very* kind invitations... But of course I'm sure you both can well understand how impossible it is for the Temples to be seen to take sides in... political matters."

The Grand Duke smiles softly and inclines his head, "Of course lady Silmeria I understand quite well... we wouldn't want the temples involved in a War now." The Princess sniffs and shakes her head, "You have little recourse for speaking such your Grace, the will of the emperor and the divine path set before the people should be acknowledged by the heavens as well as his Majesties government. The Judge will walk forward as his majesty commands, why should not the temples?" They glare at one another then turn to regard Silmeria and her group, "We were not expecting you to hold such a.... beatiful event. We thank you for inviting us."

The exchange that the two nobles have gets an uncertain gaze out of Ainsley. She looks a little perturbed by what they've said, though she seems able to keep herself composed. She opens her mouth -- and then promptly closes it, because she knows speaking out of turn to nobility would be a profoundly rude thing to do. She defaults to awkward, uncomfortable silence, watching the nobles like a very careful, scared deer.

Azar keeps her mouth closed, and offers a polite curtsey as the nobles approach. The woman keeps her eyes slightly averted, though it does appear that she is listening carefully, for a slight frown crosses her face when the princess speaks. The frown quickly vanishes, replaced by that same smile from before.

Lee keeps his piece, as well, the Princess's opinion on the matter gets a slight tilt of his head, though nothing more than that, keeping his smile firmly in place, effectively masking any thought he may or may not have on the subject. The slight tightening of his grip on Ainsley's hand reveals, at least to the scholar, that he in fact does have thoughts. He gives a glance to Azar and Silmeria, to see how they reacted, before returning attention to the two nobles.
While Ainsley may look perturbed at the Princess' comments, only many long years of servitude, politeness, and ground-in cheerful deference keep Silmeria's jaw from falling right to the floor. "You are, of course, quite welcome," she says instead, dipping her head once more before, finally, rising from her curtsy. "It's not much compared to the efforts of the Imperial Court, I imagine, but altogether more than ever it could have been, graced by your lights, Your Highness, Your Grace." Brushing down her skirts, she glances toward the front of the room, an apologetic smile touching her tanned face. "...I'm very sorry, but I suppose I should properly start the event with a speech. By your leave?" Who decides to give the permission, it seems, left to the pair of them to decide.

The Grand Duke smiles and bows and glances at the Princess, "By all means Lady Silmeria, begin your speech... I am sure the Princess will want to try and find some friends. I see she is lacking those who would support her." The princess sniffs and waves a hand and glides away, "I do not need to surround myself with "friends" to know that I have the strength of position your Grace. By all means Lady Silmeria, begin your speech." She walks away until she is standing on her own out under the dome so she can watch.

Azar resolutely follows Silermeria to the front of the room, standing to one side while the woman in black prepares to speak. "So far, so good, m'Lady.", she whispers, just loud enough to be heard by those close by.

Lee follows along as well, guiding Ainsley, to place himself and the scholar to Silmeria's other side, opposite Azar, while using any additional elevation that part of the room might give him to scan the crowd, looking for... Who knows? Maybe to see if a certain hated head of hair can be seen amongst the finely-dressed attendees.

Judging by the brief look SIlmeria throws Azar, the analysis of 'good' could only be accurate for certain values of the word. As the brightest lights in the room move aside, she makes her way to the musicians' stage, clearing her throat and raising her hands. "My Lords? My Ladies?" she calls, taking ruthless advantage of the stage's acoustics to project her voice over the throng. "First, I'd like to thank you all. Whether or not you believe that the coming war is a necessary thing, the Temples can only praise your generosity in supporting those whose work will be to ensure its cost, in souls and heartbreak, is not too high. For while tales of glory and honor, courage and valor are certain to arise from the Emperor's campaign... we must never forget that too often their glory will come at a heavy blood price. There will be wounded and dead, children orphaned and homeless, and the duty of the Temples will *always* be, before all, to tend the wake of history. The wounded will need mending, the dead returned to their families and interred with respect, the homeless housed, and the orphans cared for, and as it is the duty of the Spirits to tend the world that we may live and act upon it, so do the Temples and the Clergy."

"That, my Lords, my Ladies, is the purpose of this ball; that I may take the message of your regard back to my High Priest, and he may spread among all the Convocation, how even as the greatest of Archades prosecute their campaign, they do so with full regard of the costs of war, and respect the sacrifices to come as deeply as we. And you can all be assured, the Temples will be certain to remember you, one and all, in our prayers."

There is a moments silence and then applause, the assembled notables clapping earnestly Silmeria's words. The Grand Duke leading the way, walking forward with a warm smile on his face as the party cheers. "My Lady Silmeria," he says softly, "Your words could not strike closer to my heart, your earnest words have only helped to reaffirm my belief that this warm must not happen. That those orphans, those homeless should not come to be." he turns to those around and smiles, "Can we not take this message, the Handmaiden of Hades' message back to the court and let all know what we believe, that we support peace so that the Temple's great works can continue without the added burden of war atop them all. If we cannot stop it, if we cannot turn aside the tide of his Majesties advance and ambition then we can at least give our support to the Temples, so that they can perform their duties as required." As the applause dies down during the Grand Duke's speech someone else starts to clap, a dead-panning, sarcastic speech. "A beautiful speech your Grace, just the sort I'd expect from a traitor." The Princess pulls something out of her bag and points it at the ceiling, "I applaud your work Lady Silmeria and I applaud your droll tongue. The temples will remember their place, I bid you all good night." She fires the grapple from her gun and rises up after it, her bustle, skirts and peticoats left behind as up she flies up through the room, swings around one of the braces of the dome and with a crash kicks her way out of one of the domes windows. For a moment there is silence and then with a sickening lurch the airship shudders and tilts as the distant sound of an explosion echoes through the ball room.

"..." Ainsley stares at the end of the speech, and then the talk of nobles, and then the Princess fleeing away. And then the sound of an explosion makes her pupils shrink. And then she releases Lee's arm, and stares up at where the Princess had fled. "/WHY/!?" She motions dramatically at the exit point, "AAAAAAAUGH NOBILITY!!" She grips at the headdress and then throws it to the floor. Then she looks to the others, and lets her eye twitch with her fiery rage. "What do we do now, then?" she asks, more evenly.

Azar takes a hold of Silmeria's arm, and then the Grand Duke's, "I think we best get out of here. Unless you two have any backup plans, that woman is likely heading for the only way off of this ship, and we best be meeting her unless we like long drops in the moonlight..." She looks to Ainsley and Lee, "Any ideas?"

Lee smiles as he listens to Silmeria's speech, almost moved even, were it not for the fact that he half-expected something of this nature from Silmeria's speech. The Grand Duke's response gets another nod from the man, and then the Princess's rebuttal. Her use of the word 'traitor' makes him blink, then frown with curiosity. And then, the Caped Crusader Escape, which just leaves him slack-jawed, "Well, would y'lookit that..." He's brought back to the present by the explosion, and the lurch of the airship, Shifting to keep his balance and taking a look around at the panic that is inevitably brewing, if it hasn't broken out already, "Augh Nobility, indeed." Azar's comment makes him grin, "Well, followin' Her Highness out tha winder would work, an I like long falls through th'moonlight, pers'nally. Half a mind ta go chasin' her an havin' me a Royalty snack, truth b'told, as I take objection ta bein' crashed by some spoilt imperious brat, but dun think I kin carry four people. Three, per'aps, but not four." Silmeria and Ainsley would likely know what he means, certainly, but whether that makes any sense to Azar or the Grand Duke, well...

The Duke stares in shock at the dome then around at the others, of the thirty over people in the room none of them seem to know what to do. He looks at Silmeria and staggers as the ship stutters, "I can't believe... she'd kill us all to start a war. Lady Silmeria... we have to get away from here but..." he frowns at Azar, "I suspect our good Princess has help nearby, the sort of help that flies imperial colours." The door to the ball room crashes open and the captain lurches in followed by a couple of imperial guards, "Your Highn..." the captain begins them stops and stares at the remains of the Princess' dress then at the ceiling. They start to draw their guns as the ship captain carries on down the steps, "Your Grace, the engines are down, the Dauntless is off our starboard bow and...." he drops with a sigh as one of the Imperial Guardsmen pops him in the back with a gun and they level their weapons at the crowd. "Well..."

"*Unacceptable,*" Silmeria says, Azar's suggestion of escape and Lee's offer to 'carry three' snapping her out of the sort of shock one only suffers when slapped across the face with weaponized hubris. Shaking her head, she looks to the four with the fires of determination in her eyes. "There is a ship *full of people* that we have to make sure don't meet my Lord's arms, if at all possible... Sir!" Calling to one of the crew on hand overseeing the party, she motions him over, hurriedly. "This is important; *are there enough escape boats for everybody?*"

The Duke stares in shock at the dome then around at the others, of the thirty over people in the room none of them seem to know what to do. He looks at Silmeria and staggers as the ship stutters, "I can't believe... she'd kill us all to start a war. Lady Silmeria... we have to get away from here but..." he frowns at Azar, "I suspect our good Princess has help nearby, the sort of help that flies imperial colours." The steward flies down and hovers in midair, moogle wings beating, "Yes your ladyship, there are escape derricks for every..." he stops as the door to the ball room crashes open and the captain lurches in followed by a couple of imperial guards, "Your Highn..." the captain begins then stops and stares at the remains of the Princess' dress then at the ceiling. The imperial guard start to draw their guns as the ship captain carries on down the steps, "Your Grace, the engines are down, we have to get everyone to the escape derricks, the Archaedean battlecruiser Genesis is off our starboard bow and...." he drops with a sigh as one of the Imperial Guardsmen pops him in the back with a gun and they level their weapons at the crowd. "Well... this is a fancy party," one of them says with a sneer, "I am afraid... we're going to have to ask you all to stay here... whilst our tragic deaths at the hand of some Emberstrand fire-brands shifts some public opinion.. mainly amongst your heirs."

As everyone prepares to start moving, and the Captain gets shot, there's the distinct sensation that Ainsley may have just snapped under the displeasure of what she had just witnessed. "So what you're telling me," she says, "Is that I'm a fire-brand, and that public opinion will shift when the ship crashes, because everyone will think I'm the evil one here, because some lying noble said so." Her voice is very calm, not even menacing. "Since the only way to stop you and get everyone off the ship /anyways/ is to kill you, let's go with that. Win-win, right?" And then she raises her hand to prepare a fire spell aimed right at the man who shot the Captain.

Azar hmms and grins at the wee lizzy wizard, "Well, us Reds have to stick together hmm?" She reaches down to her dress, to the part that poofs out at her knees, and yanks the lower half off with several quick tugs. Her lower legs each contain two sheaths, holding her sword snugly to her. Two blades come free with a ring of metal as Azar steps forward, picking the bastard to the left of Ainsley's target.

Lee hrms and nods to Silmeria, "Yeah, gotta help the people first, o'course; I mean, I didn't mean we should haul off an' leave 'em, naturtally." The arrival, then sudden death, of the Captain gets his attention, and he actually growls, a deep rumble not natural to the human form, as he eyes the Imperial Guards, "Silmeria? Think we got sumfin' ta worry about before we think about life boats. Please tell me I kin kill 'em? 'Cause I'm gettin' t'where I've about 'ad enough o'this..." He glances to Ainsley, and grins, "Like th'way you think, luv, though I'm not sure tha bloke meant you *specifically*; prolly more like us *collectively*, I'd guess, not that it much matters any." He tugs his gloves off and shrugs off his jacket as he ushers the Grand Duke back and steps up in front of Ainsley, front-line to protect the Caster, whisps of black flame starting to flicker around his own fingers, crimson eyes starting to glow slightly with their own light as he gives a wicked grin, one fang showing in a snaggle-tooth fashion, "Jus' mind yer precision, Ains, lest we cause too much colla'eral damage."

Silmeria flinches backward as the gun goes off, and a heartbeat later repeats the motion, as though her attention was caught by something in the close vicinity of the murder. Pausing a moment, she tilts her head, a gentle smile growing on her face. As Ainsley steps forward to voice her intent, the priestess turns her head to catch the steward's eye. "Your Captain was a good man," she murmurs. "Get the word out; start preparing the derricks as soon as it's safe, here." Turning back to face the guardsman, she takes two precise steps forward, raking the would-be mass-murderers with a disapproving glare. "Yes, Lee," she says, not taking her eyes from the soldiers. "Because Ainsley is right; the surest way to see to the safety of the crew and the passengers is over their dead bodies." She takes one more step forward, both hands rising. ~(You have made a grave mistake,)~ she says, her voice taking on a quality, truly not of this world. ~(You have killed a man whose only concern is for the safety of his charges. This is a mistake you will never survive, for I am *bound* to carry out his final wish.)~ Her hands rise further, then drop sharply -- and the *CRACK* of wood meeting wood rings out, as an ebony-handled scythe appears in her hand, pulled from apparent nothingness, in much the same way as the blue-steel Gunblade in her left. Her skin turns white as paper, hair and eyes darkening to a black that all but eats the light around it and black-tipped, charcoal-colored wings unfurl from her back. ~(I also bear a message from my Father,)~ she says quietly, ~(*None* command the Spirits. Remember that, when you meet Him.)~

The steward Kupos and nods and starts to fly up toward the hole in the dome and yelps, backspinning and deflecting a bullet with the tray he was carrying. "KUPO! bitch!" he glares at the guard who just shot at him, "You totaly dick who does that!" The Arch Duke lets himsef be ushered back, the assembled notables of southern Archaedes moving backwards behind Silmeria and her party as the ship lurches again and starts to descend slowly at the foreward end. Several more Imperial Guards are filing into the room, guns drawn, long tridents readied as the one who just shot the captain smiles at Ainsley, "It helps when everyone hears how the Conduit of Shemhazzi has corrupted the leadership of Emberstrand... it does help with the public press." The Grand Duke Hamilton pulls something out of the sleeve of his jacket, a long sceptre, "I should have known something like this would happen, what of the other passengers!" The guard sneers, "All those loyal to her highness are already leaving the ship... they did not need to know about this, as far as they are concerned they are being aided to flee by her Highness' people after terroists attacked the ships engine room." He glances at Silmeria and laughs softly, "You think we aren't prepared for you?" He motions a hand and a figure in a robe carrying a summoning staff steps inside and levels it at Silmeria, she pushes back her hood revealing a familiar figure, long Vieran ears, slender, beautiful body, "I am ready Colonel, have your men subdue the others, I have unfinished business with the Lady Silmeria, I'll dispatch the Handmaiden back, her filthy presence is an affront to the empire." The colonel brushes back his hair and smiles as the viera blows a kiss at Silmeria. It would appear the game.... is on.

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 16|Ainsley Quest Chapter 16]]

Go on to [[AChapter 18|Ainsley Quest Chapter 18]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

Chapter 38

2013-05-19T18:09:58Z

Silvante:

The ice berg with their corracles on top of it that the party have been travelling on has been sailing along through the current's of the Water-Way under Thaylorn's direction for the last five days. The party's make shift camp here on the ice-berg has taken on a pretty well built look by now thanks to Kier's help and input but there is still no sign of land.

Raziel watches the horizon quietly as the days go on and he checks the supplies on occasion. Right now though the man is pacing, wandering back and forth while he keeps looking off and then finally turns towards Thaylorn, "do you think we are even going in the right direction??"

Penny reclines in one of the ice-locked boats, her duffle serving as makeshift pillow/seat-back, feet propped up on one gunwale, and eyes, shadowed under the brim of her helm, tracing Raziel as he paces back and forth. Hard to imagine she's comfortable doing this in her armor, but it is evidently so, as evidenced by the lack of shifting, as one might expect if she were uncomfortable. She sighs, rubbing an eye with one finger, "He's got a point; it's been days, and there's been nothing on any horizon worth mentioning. I mean, no disrespect, Mister
Thaylorn, seeing as this *is* your back yard, but any idea when we'll get... anywhere?"
Talen has busied himself for the past five days shoring up the iceberg, forming foot-high walls to keep waves out, setting up a hardened middle section where a fire could be built, though that might require the sacrifice of one of the boats. But he's tired, and a little cranky, for he's not gotten much sleep at all. Even on the larger mass of the iceberg, he still feels queasy from sea sickness. He sits up from where lays in one of the boats, and stretches, joints popping and cracking loudly. "Mmmmph. Ow. Erg, as long as we head east, we shall come upon our destination. I do not know how long, but it shouldn't be too much longer, I would guess."

Vazkor has kept himself fairly occupied, having brought a pocket novel that he's been reading, and even trying his hand at some fishing from the edge of the ice float with a makeshift fishing rod- really just a string and hook tied to the end of his Katana sheath-... Though having also made sure to keep an eye out for any sea monsters while doing so. Just returning from one of those attempts, in fact, he strolls up where their camp is situated, whistling to himself... Only to pause as he hears Raziel's question, and he looks around at the others to see what the answer might be. Soon hming a bit at Talen.

"Even if this is my 'home' realm, this is actually the first time I've ever been here." Thaylorn offers in return to penny as he dips one of his hands into the water. He has taken to sitting rather near the water at the very edge of the iceberg "But well, we're getting much closer than you'd think, in fact, it feels as if we're almost there." The Imp adds, standing to move nearer the center of the iceberg before pointing eastwards.

As Thaylorn speaks and moves to the east and points everyone can just about make out a dark brownish smudge on the horizon, as they ice-berg drifts closer it starts to take on form and shape, the colour shifting to more of a green. It is definatley an island of some sort.
You page, "You can see there is also a structure on top of it. It is like a big green hill rising out of the ocean with a tower on top of it." to Penny.

Raziel's eyes narrow alittle, his eyes focusing in on that smudge. A glance is given to Talen and Thaylorn before he nods quietly in responce, "it lookslike the two of you were correct." The man looks back again towards the rise before he walks over to offer the armoroed lady a hand up. "Then we should prepare. We don't know what will wait us when we get to the shore.
Penny hrms and frowns slightly, a part of her not liking the answer Talen and Thaylorn give, but there's nothing for it, and she'll just have to live with the wait and the idea of "eventually". Which turns out to be a much shorter span of time than she feared it might be as
Raziel points out land on the horizon, just the thing her boredom required! She climbs to her feet, looking off in the eastern horizon, squinting slightly and a hand adding to the shade given to her eyes by her helm, "Well, there's a tower... Hopefully something more than just wildlife?" She turns to her duffle, starting to situate her gear in preparation for landfall, though that itself is probably still at least a bit of a wait away, "I just hope that whatever's there, if anything, is nonviolent."

Talen grunts and steps out of the boat, stretching once more and doing a little jog in place to get the circulation going. He grins at the imp, "Well, I hope your home realm has given you a good first impression at least. It /is/ an awful lot of water..." He glances around at the expanse of water, and notes too the smudge of colour in the distance. He moves to stand next to Raziel, nodding slightly. "I think we should get everything ready to go. We don't know what or who we'll encounter, we want to be ready to abandon iceberg if necessary, yeh?" The viera moves to the boat he'd been sleeping in at times, and moves it into position for easy maneuvering. Pursing his lips, the viera calls out, "I'm going to use a bit of fire magic for a moment. Just a warning..." The summoner concentrates for a few moment, and a wee puff of fire starts to melt down the small wall he constructed to keep waves off.

Vazkor arches his brow as he turns towards where the Imp is pointing, soon squinting his eyes a bit as he peers at that smudge of land... Glancing at Penny then, he hmms, and remarks, "A tower?" Before shrugging some, and actually grinning as he swings his 'fishing rod' off his shoulder where it was resting, and starts untying the string from the end, freeing up his sword to be secured at his side once more. Looking at the others as he does so, and adding, "I'm not really counting on anything non violent, myself. We're starting to get close. That usually means things will try to stop us."

"There's much more down below than you or I could possibly imagine, not yet anyways." Thaylorn chimes in response to Talen with a faint grin "And I'm sure as long as we're careful, and don't seem threatening whatever locals there will hopefully not try to eat us, maybe." He shrugs slightly and goes about preparing the few things he has for a venture onto land namely his swords once more.

As the party makes preparations to debark they continue to approach the tor and the sea-bed grows shallow. Be the end of the third hour it is only a few feet deep and their ice-berg starts carving a path through a massive field of curled green stems as the sun sets. Once the sun is down and the stars are coming up the stems uncurl, revealing beautiful flowers that seem to drink in the starlight and glow with an etherial light. The flowers are clear and gleam and ahead in the distance is the brilliant lonely Tor. The star-lillies are beautiful and as they progress deeper music rises around them all, a mesmerizing and entrancing melody that slowly but surely starts to lure the party into a hypnotic daze, it is almost impossible to resist. Dust succumbs almost straight away and for the others the song is everything, the music is all that matters as it continues to rise.

Raziel tilts his head and then his hand lifts up to rub the bag at his chest. He looks at Thaylorn then and his brown lifts before he looks around at the others, "a siren's song.." The man shakes his head a little bit before he starts to walk over and shake people, trying to wake them, though he also checks on EM to see how the mongoose is faring.

Penny doesn't seem to hear Raziel , the mouse swaying slowly in time with the song, ears drooping, eyes half-closed, smiling and slightly slack-jawed, and her polearm held loosely in one hand, in danger of falling to the ice under her feet. If she's aware of anything at all aside from the music, it certainly doesn't show.

Talen's eyes go vacant for the briefest of moments, before he blinks and gives his head a shake. He looks over at Raziel, "Oh, is that what that is?" He looks around and hmms. "I suppose it would be bad form to set fire to all those flowers, wouldn't it?" Sighing, the viera looks at the others. "I'll carry Penny if you want, if you could carry my pack, and maybe her polearm? I figure if we can get away from the flowers, she'll probably snap out of it, yes?" The viera steps over to the mouse, and grins wryly. "I sure hope you will forgive me." He stoops down and wraps an arm around the woman's waist, hefting her up upon a shoulder, and after a moment to balance himself properly, he strides off the iceberg into the shallows, heading for shore.

Talen eyes go vacant for the briefest of moments, before he blinks and gives his head a shake. He looks over at Raziel, "Oh, is that what that is?" He looks around and hmms. "I suppose it would be bad form to set fire to all those flowers, wouldn't it?" Sighing, the viera looks around at the others. "Maybe we should sit them down? Is there some way to counter this? It will be all bad for our heroes if Ultimecia arrived to find us dancing like drooling idiots to this music."

Vazkor swaaaays as well, a goofy sort of smile on his face, and his eyes distant as he's fallen thoroughly under the siren spell, the man actually quietly humming along to the magical song, seeming to be quite enjoying himself, all told.

The Imp looks about in awe as the flowers bloom beneath the light of the stars and with the rising of music he turns his attention back to the others in time to see it's effect upon them. "Uhm, Raz." He begins, hand going to a pouch at his side for a moment "What's going on, think the music is coming from the flowers?" He questions, gaze going to Penny in particular with a faint amount of worry. "If you can keep her from falling I can try to push us through all this." Is added in there as Thaylorn moves to the back of the iceberg to give the iceberg a boost towards shore at Raziel's approval. "Don't burn them, either." He quickly adds with a glance to Talen whom doesn't seem quite as effected.

Hmm Talen REALLY shouldn't have made that comment about Ultimecia attacking... because the coruscating ball of dark purple energy that flickers into life and starts to boil and coil around itself ahead of the raft doesn't look friendly. It tracks the ice-berg as Thaylorn thrusts them forward with speed toward the tor even as Raziel starts to communicate with the coins. Which is about when Grievier leaps out of the ball of energy and with a roar slams into the ice-berg, claws raking into the ice as he lashes out with a claw to knock Penny backwards into one of the corracles! The small boat cracks in two under the armour weighted mouse-lady but things are a bit... desperate looking as the giagantic beast of Ultimecia roars its defiance at the others!

Raziel's eyes widen and he mutters a curse while thrusting his hand into the bag. He Quickly pulls out three of the coins he has at random and first shoves one into Vazkor's hand before he gives a second to Talen while running by him to leap into the boat after Penny and start pulling her out while the third is pressed into her hand... the movements coming quickly while he repeatedly mutters, "shitshitshit," over and over again.

Penny is thrown forcefully into the boat, and while she doesn't weigh a whole lot by comparison to larger folk, the addition of inertia from being swiped more than makes up for it as her impact damages the boat in question. Her short trip and sudden stop leaves her none the worse for wear, though she's still completely mesmerized... Until Raziel presses a coin into her palm, at which point she snaps suddenly and abruptly back to awareness. A quick look at where she is, then up at Raziel, "What- How did-" Of course, Grievier making all that noise forestalls her questioning, and she blinks, quickly climbing to her feet, retrieving her poleaxe, and leveling it at the beast. She's still catching up, mentally, but... There are priorities. And Grievier is evidently high on that list, understandably.

Talen blinks at the coin thrust into his hand. "Oh no, the last time I used one of these, we got... holy hells, what the heck is that?" The viera edges towards Penny and Raziel, standing between them and the beast while Penny recovers. He adopts a crouched stance and mutters several long words of magic, a gout of flame erupting from his outstretched hand and streaking towards Grievier.

Vazkor snaps out of that siren's call the moment the coin is pushed into his hand, the man blinking, and looking around confusedly, "... Huh?" Seeming lost for a second. But then reality comes rushing back as his gaze falls upon the roaring Griever, his fuzzy wolf ears twitching at the sound, and his eyes narrowing, "... Right." And with that, finely honed combat instincts spring into full gear, and as he still holds the coin in one hand, the other is quick to drag that Katana from its sheath, the cobald blade crackling with blue electricity, before the man simply charges forward even as Talen's fire spell zips past him, "Didn't you learn you lesson before, beast?" The man growls, even as he deftly arcs that blade in quick succession towards Ultimecia's monster [Pummel]

Having turned his attention back to pushing the group's chunk of ice towards land, Thaylorn doesn't take note of Grievier's appearance until the iceberg is slammed into, causing the Imp to fall back from where he was sitting again "Oh did we hit land already?!" He attempts before the beast roars out it's hatred towards them "Nope guess not!" He quickly diverts his attention from the moving of their craft to the attempted destruction of this creature, maybe once and for all. First order of business, getting the creature away from the rest of the group! Raising both his arms he attempts to summon forth the water beneath the craft to swell beneath the creature as to push it away from the rest of the party, and maybe back into the water itself without effecting the rest of the group!

FWOOMPF! Goes Talen's fire that launches out and roars over the beast.... Grievier turns its head, seemingly unaffected by this and ROARS, launching a sphere of Purple Energy at the Summoner. Thankfully for Talen he is able to hurl himself out of the way of the ball of gravity magic with ease. Then Vazkor is upon the beast, his sword a whirling blur! One... two... three slices at the beasts body and three rather unhelpful sounding "Clangs" as the blades do nothing... just strike it's body and cause flashes of white light to burst forth from where the blades connected. That should quite frankly be impossible. It turns its head and looks down at Vazkor. "Yes.... I did learn...." it growls as it rakes at the man with his claws. Which thankflly Vazkor is able to dodge as they slam into the raft and shatter the ice, causing large cracks to lift up along it! Thaylorn's wave thankfully has an effect, it pushes Griever back by about a foot but the beast leaps off the ice into the water which comes up to just below his stomach now as the sea bed has continued to grow shallower the closer to the tor they get.
You page, "Sorry about that! You got such awesome rolls I felt bad about that >.> But Ultimecia is cheating big time...." to Vazkor.

Raziel mutters to Penny and Talen in a low voice, "don't use them, don't lose them.. They're what's keeping you awake." His eyes are upon the Griever though and as Thaylorn's wave sends it back and it leaps into the water after it's retort to Vazkor the mage yells, "Did you learn? Then let us see how well you did!" The man begins summoning up the power around him as his wings start to glisten with lightning energy. The electricity arcs over his golden wings and down to his hands before he releases a torrent of the power, aiming it not only at the creature, but at the water around it, knowing how conductive water can be to such things.

KRAAAAKOOOOOOOM! Raziel's Thundara spell charges into the water with a mighty effect! The lightning races through the water causing Star Lillies to explode in a radius up to two hundred yards away! The ice-berg cracks and chunks of it fall off and Grievier shivers and growls and turns its eyes to Raziel and in that deep gravelly bestial voice whispers, "Ooooh tingly....."

Penny grimaces as the raft of ice is damaged and starts to shatter, shifting her feet to keep from falling as the footing becomes a bit more treacherous. A glance at Raziel, then down to one hand, where she has the coin held between her palm and the haft of the polearm, and she nods, taking a second to tuck the coin away to somewhere safer as Raziel charges up and releases lightning into the water, the result causing the ice raft to break up a bit more. She watches the effect of Raziel's spell, and having seen the results of Vazkor's more physical attempt just seconds before, her ears droop, her options for what she can do becoming more and more limited. A whine under her breath, followed by an exasperated curse, and she spins her poleaxe in her hands so that the anti-armor spike on the back of the polearm's axe head is brought to bear instead of the axe blade itself, and she brings the polearm back completely, the head nearly touching the water off the edge of the raft opposite where Grievier stands, muttering, "Here goes nothin'.." Then, with a step forward, she spins her body with a sharp, loud, and piercing yell, building up torque and momentum before her spin brings the polearm up, and then down, in a vicious overhead swing that aims the spike at Grievier's head. (Heavy Blow)

Penny's pole-arm is lunged forward toward the beasts' head, he turns it and stare down the length of the weapon's haft as it slams against his fore-arm. There is a spark of light as with Vazkor's strikes and the beast growls threateningly at Penny, yawns its maw wide and bites down on the weapon and despite Penny's quick reflexes the mouse doesn't let go in time to stop the beast tossing her and her pole-arm about seven feet across the water were she lands in a SPLASH in the ocean! Thankfully it isn't very deep right now but still that splash down hurt!

Talen blinks as his spell, Vazkor's blades and Raziel's spell seemingly bounce off of the beast, not affecting it in the slightest. With Raziel's voice echoing in his mind, 'Don't use it...', the viera sighs and closes his eyes to concentrate. "Easier to ask for forgiveness..." he whispers, "Gemini, please heed my call, and help me tame the beast attacking my friends. Guild my blizzard spell, help me encase the beast in ice, to slow it down, to numb its mind."
The coin in Talen's hand flares and jerks free from the boys grip and rises up, swelling in size and encompassing a shimmering figurfe made from starlight who stands on the raft, his hands on his hips glaring at Talen. "How dare you! Who do you think you are? You are not the Master Raziel, nor are you anyone I have given leave to call upon me! The affrontary!" He turns and stares up at Grievier and blinks, "Oh my... erm... Lord Raziel! The Imp! The Imp is the key you are in the....." he is cut off as Grievier LUNGES forward and snaps up the Gemini coin and.... GULP swallows it.....

Vazkor jumps back from the would be attack, landing on one of the bigger chunks of ice from the float as it starts to break apart, the man pausing, sword still out, and peering at the big beast, looking for an opening of somekind, before being momentarily distracted by the speaking star figure.

"So you've gotten a bit more resiliant huh! Nothing we can't take care of." Thaylorn calls out as he shifts his weight slightly to avoid being knocked off the cracking and unstable iceberg. Looks like any sort of direct attack seems pretty much ineffective, thinking briefly he comes up with something else! Gathering his energy once again he pulls at the shallow water to form a sphere of water directly overtop the beast's head! Thaylorn's sure the fiend has to breath and all. Although he attempts to cast the spell, it's rather half-hearted as well as Talen attempts to summon forth Gemni and the events quickly following with the coins short departure.

Thaylorn's sphere of water wobbles a bit as it zooms in toward Grievier's head, the distraction of the beast swallowing the Gemini makes Thay's spell miss it's target completly but Grievier jerks back and growls and quickly draws a deep breath before the globe encases its head completly. Gemini's warning however seems to give the imp a new idea and the sphere of water breaks apart and lunges out toward all his companions! Penny's pole-arm and Vazkor's and Kier swords are quickly engulfed in a shimmering, moving, flowing field of water where as Raziel and Talen get a rush of water wrapped about their shoulders and arms, it's energy feeding into their mana.... empowering them with its strength and energy, insight into how to twist their spells to flow through the water more effectivly flickering through their mind. Kier takes one look at the watery energy wrapped about his arrows and draws and looses! The arrow shoots over and embeds itself into Griever's upper body which makes him roar and jerk back in surprise even as Kier looses several more arrows in quick succession! The game... it would appear.... is on!

As Talen speaks those words and Gemini comes to life Raziel turns towards Talen, immediately shouting, "NO!" His hand outstretches and for a moment it looks like he's about to launch a spell at the summoner. It never happens though as Gemini bellows his outrage and the aegyl looks back at him in time to see Griever devour the coin bound spirit. The sound he lets out can't really be called a scream or a yell, but a cry of pure frustration and rage wrapped up together breaks forth from the golden winged man. As the water wraps around him and the magical knowledge is imparted he snarls and twists his hand while ice begins forming over his wings and then breaking off, launching in chunks at the monster before them.

Raziel is indeed upset! Ice streams through the air and slams into the beast, piercing his skin and making him jerk backwards and howl as those chunks of ice crash into him with fury! )

Penny grimaces as her blow has about as much effect as she feared it would, but her expression soon changes to one of wide-eyes surprise, then to something akin to fear as Grievier takes hold of her polearm and uses it as leverage to fling her through the air! The mouse screams as she flies, the sound cut off when she makes a splash-landing in the water a short distance away, the mouse floundering for a moment until she gets her feet under her, leaving her wiping water from her eyes in chest-high water. A moment to get her bearings, and she starts slogging her way back towards the group, and the nearest thing she can use to climb out of the water, be it ice or boat, the templar out of the fight until she can do so, poleaxe, with it's water-enchanted head, held upright and used to help her along through whatever waves there are.

Vazkor has been watching the whole proceedings even as he balances on one of the chunks of ice as the float starts breaking apart... The swordfighter studying Grievier, seeming to look for another opening to attack... But then he looks down, at the one sword he's holding- the other hand still clutching the Stellazzio coin- and watches as the cobalt blade is engulfed in shimmering water magic... The man's lips curling then, showing white teeth in a grin as realization hits only a split second after... And with that, he's suddenly on the move. Moving quick, nimbly, hopping from chunk of ice to chunk of ice, and heading straight for the great beast. The man letting out a loud cry to get Grievier's attention, right before he pushes himself off, and leaps up... His sword a blur in the air as he attempts to connect repeatedly upon the beast's body with his magically powered sword in mid-flight. [Pummel]

Grievier shrieks and bellows as Vazkor slams into him! Slicing deep cuts into his side and flank! Once, twice, three times. The giant beast roars and rears back! Pulling away from the warrior and his magical blade as dark, black blood oozes down his side... seems Thaylorn's water enhancement worked!

Following up with Vazkor's attack, Kier draws two arrows from his quiver, and slowly draws... exhaling a slow breath. With the water magic glimmering around the bow, it infects into the arrows, causing small mana droplets to patter into dust on the boat. The bow is turned horizontal just before he releases, sending twin empowered arrows into the wounds already created by Vazkor!

Kier's arrows sing true! Racing across the intervening space between himself and the giagantic black beast! They strike home, burying themseleves in its flesh and the spritual monster roars and turns to glare balefully at Kier.

Penny keeps pulling her way through the waves and water as fast as she can with the aid of her poleaxe as a makeshift pole, her armor keeping her feet firmly on the sandy floor beneath the water, and the resistance of the water itself keeping her pace rather slow. Still, she soldiers on until she reaches the nearest edge of the ice platform, next to one of the ice-locked boats, climbing her way laboriously back onto dry "land"! Sheflops onto her back once on the ice, and is tempted to take a moment to catch her breath, the water-walk having been something of a work-out, but no rest for the wicked, especially with the fight raging still, and so she rolls over and climbs to her feet.

Allowing his magic to do most of the work, Thaylorn takes a more supportive role in the fight. He moves back away from Griever so that he can focus on keeping the watery enchantment upon the party's weapons. The Imp does his best to appear non-threatening in the situation, mostly by not throwing any more magic and letting the rest of the group do the fighting for now!

Talen had watched Penny go flying, and took a few moments to see if she was alright. Since she was still mobile, and making her way back to the ice floe, he turned his attention to the matter at hand. "Now... how does one get a swallowed coin back?" he asks of no one in particular. "Hmmm!" The viera makes his way in a circular fashion towards the back of the beast, and without skipping a beat... tries running up the creature's tail.

Talen leaps onto Gievier's tail and runs up that tail and just as he reaches the base the beast flicks it up, cracking the boy in the shoulder! The summoner is knocked forwards, his hand sgripping the beasts fur! He's on his back... but... well... he's having to hold on as the monster bucks and roars and screams!

Raziel's head tilts this way then that real quick as his companion's take up the attack. Briefly the man glances at the water which the monster is half within and then he lets out a little growl. Shaking his head a little he begins to motion once again, droplets of water that linger around him hardening as the temperature drops along his wings and frost forms. He suddenly turns his wings forward then, his hands motioning sharply and the icy daggers shoot off of his golden feathers and hands, flying towards the Griever.

Icicles + Shadow Beast from beyond the Universe! Damn Raziel is good! That hurt it, he doesn't sound happy about that. He draws back, bucking and shaking his body! Trying to dislodge Talen! It's tail cracks back and forth, lashing out at the boys body! And somehow, with a scamper, a determined yell and a good grip the viera boy lunges out of the way of Grieviers tail and lands between his front shoulder blades and grabs hold! he is right behing the monsters neck now. Sadly it seems the beast can do more then one thing at once. He turns, lowers his head and roars, lobbing a ball of dark energy directly at Thaylorn! It seems he knows who has super charged the party's attacks and as the crackling ball of energy streaks through the air the water on everyone's weapons wavers and flows... the lines of magically charged water twisting away from Thaylorn. The magical energy tries to block the onrushing ball of darkness but it burns through them cutting off the water magic and slamming into Thay! He's tossed backwards off the ice with a scream as the Gravija attack drops him into the water with a splash! Thankfully there is still a residual charge around everyones weapons but they are going to need recharging after one more attack as the imps concentration has been broken.

Vazkor ends up back on his feet after having jumped and slashed right at Grievier... Landing right next to the great beast, and not wasting much time. The man only briefly noting as Grievier seems to relatiate at something or someone, and then pressing the attack once more himself. The swordfighter spinning himself in a half circle, swinging that Katana in a wide arc, all his power behind it, and aiming right for one of the beast's legs, hoping to perhaps cut a tendon and hobble him with that last water magic charge.

The beast ROARS in agony as that sword does indeed slice into a tendon and with a shriek of agony he staggers and half falls onto his knee glaring daggers at Vazkor!
Talen pages, "Okay.... soooooo, what would one need to do to get inside the beast, probably through his mouth... there is a coin to get after all." to you.

Kier looks at the beast for a long moment, then just... puts away his bow. Instead of aiming his last good shot from the still-enchanted weapon, the Viera-trained hume digs into his hunting pack and brings out something that looks like a rough charm made of bone and beads, with a few crystals. He holds it in front of him and begins to incant in the older Viera tongue, and in front of him, lines of power begin to form in the air... not a spell, but the beginnings of what looks like it's meant to be a Caller's summon... except the symbology is not set correctly, it looks more like an equation for a Libra spell! He takes a breath, and attempts to release this makeshift attempt to lock the circle around Griever and bring the attention of the Realm of Water to the abomination here. As the circle tries to glow to life around the beast, he says in the more common tongue, "Let that which does not belong be seen by all."

Kier's spell starts to take shape, the symbols and circles flowing out from his charm starting to snap and flow and flaot on the water. The circle is building but it is slow to form. It look half complete, a if it needs a bit more work! But it is a start, if they can keep the beat occupied long enough then Kier may be able to finish it and summon some help.

Penny watches as the others rain pain down on Greiver, waiting for an opening... And as the beast goes down to it's knees, she spots the opening she was hoping for, levelling her polearm and charging with a fierce yell, the pike-tip of her pole axe's head aimed at the base of Greiver's throat, the mouse building up momentum in the hopes of catching their attacker there and not skewering it through, necessarily, but lifting it up, just far enough that it's forepaws can't get purchase on anything, and letting gravity pin it on the top of her weapon to immobilize it at least a little, to make it that much more of an easier target for the others.

Penny attacks! Her polearm bites into the skin of the monster's chest missing his throat and sadly on the slippery ice she just doesn't ave enough leverage to heave the beast up and trap it as she was hoping! till she hit and did a bit of damage which made the monster grunt in pain.

Blasted beast is too smart of its own good. Especially as it turns its attention in Thaylorn's direction in the form of a deadly gravija spell. Being thrown off the ice as he has been, the Imp remains under the shallow water for a few moments as he tries to recover from the mostly direct spell. Slowely reemerging with an agitated groan Thaylorn tries to steady himself, looking worse than he did before getting hit with that spell for sure. "Oh you stupid bastard, we're going to kill you this time for sure." The Imp mutters as he moves to climb up onto the remaining ice once again. Instead of recharging the group's weapons right away, he prepares another spell to heal the wounds he had recieve. Magic energy seems to flow back and forth between the Imp and Griever, hopefully enough to distract him from Kier! (Drain)

The beast is indeed distracted a Thaylorn' spell sucks out some of its natural life energy and pours it into himelf! He growls and glares at the water imp as the large bruises and grating cracked bones that poor Thay was suffering from as a result of that gravity based spell knit and mend and then the imp starts to sparkle and glow blue... he's perfectly ok now!

Talen hangs on for DEAR LIFE as Griever bucks back and forth attempting to dislodge the viera. He ducks several times as attacks and magic fly at the creature, Talen not wanting to get clipped by something. In a momentarily lull, as the creature tips sideways from Vazkor's crippling, Talen stands and runs up and over the creature's head. As the creature growls at something smacking it hard, the viera swings off of one of the creature's horns, aimed directly at the open maw.

Raziel breaks off from the fight as Thaylorn is thrust back, a quick glare sent at the Griever before he rushes to the side of the ice just as Thaylorn is coming back up. As he launches off his spell the mage makes a quick grab for the imp to pull him back onto the ice flow before he then again turns back towards the monster, with himself between the imp and the much larger foe

As Raziel moves toward Thaylorn he sees there is no need, the water is supporting the imp! He is just standing on a small plume with ease that is holding him up. Talen however then takes the moment to swing around and try and leap into the beasts mouth! Well... Grivier GROWLS And snaps down around the boy as he tries to swing inside! One of those massive fangs can be seen to pierce the boys hand as vanishes into the beasts mouth and with a growl he rolls him around on his massive tongue, yawns wide and then swallows! Gulping the summoner down his throat in front of everyone.....

Vazkor is only peripherally of most the other's actions around him, his proximity to the beast requiring him to pay attention... But he can't help but look up as he watches Talen swing towards that open maw from above... And go right down the beast's gullet! A brief look of shock crossing the swordman's face, followed by one of concentrated anger and intent, as he brings that Katana back around, cocking his elbows back and lining the blade up, its hardened tip aimed straight at the beast's flank... And then THRUSTS forward, hoping Grievier has been wounded and weakened enough that his blade will pierce him even without the water enchantment. And aiming low enough that he shouldn't skewer Talen at that, figuring it'll take a while for the Viera to move through the beast's throat...

The strikes is a good one! Vazkor's sword slams into the beasts flank and the sword shakes and bends as it refuses to pierce the creatures skin. The sword, being a mystical and magical weapon of olden time straightens and kicks Vazkor back a few steps making the swordsman stagger away as the recoil from his mighty thrust sends him reeling a good three feet away fromt he beast. It looks like some magic is needed to harm the beast regardless of how injured he is, and he sure does look injured and he is starting to glow with the same purple light that surrounded him when he arrived... looks like he is planning, or trying to leave!

"Let me be clear, creature...", Kier says as he holds up the summoner's charm, and the inexpert but still potent energy pulsing through it, "You will cough up my brother, you will return the coin... and you will leave. Or I will complete the circle, and you will suffer the consequences. I am given to believe that Leviathan has a temper about it. The kind of temper that destroys things like fleets... cities... islands." He closes his eyes once more and channels more into the charm to put the circle to the point that all it takes is a locking phrase to set it off, and call down the Realm on Greiver. Taking another breath, more Vieran comes out under his breath before he adds, between verses of the nearly song-like language, "To honor your cunning, I give you this... do as I bid, and you may house yourself in my knife, safe from the Realm, and safe from your Mistress... who will doubtless be... displeased... at your failure." His eyes open, cold and unflinching, "Choose." (Repeating Channeling Roll)

It's an impressive speech! But Kier's lacking the magical no-how and power to back up the choic with power. Grievier sneers at the man and then laughs and speaks. "Why should I heed your threat? I have a coin... and I have your brother.... Your power cannot hold me... your call to Leviathan is week and will not pierce the depths.... I shall leave and take them with me in victory."

Taking note of the odd magical aura that is surrounding Griever, Thaylorn prepares for his next spell to toss at the annoying beast. We can't have him teleporting off with Talen inside of him and alll, would be bad! Taking note of how slow Kier's magic is though, he has a minor change of plan. Sliding down the ice the Imp moves to stand next to the man, one arm going up to grab onto his arm...The other, pointing straight towards the beast. "Let me see if I can't give you a little help, maybe?" He remarks as energy once again begins flowing between him, and Grievier. (Siphon)

The dark energy from Grivier's attempt to leave streams out and into the imps free hand... across his body and into Kier's arm! the sudden jolt of extra mana makes the summoning circle around the beast FLARE into bright golden light as it rushes to finishes writing itself and the beast growls in distaste!

Penny retreats again after her failed, at least in terms of what she was hoping to do, attack, though that she caused Greiver pain is, in itself, something of a success of another kind. Still, she waits for another opening as more attacks rain down, preparing her own for the right opening. Vazkor's failed thrust gives her pause, though, and she glances at the head of her poleaxe to see if any enchantment yet resides there. Finding none, she grimaces, commenting after Greiver's and Kier's exchange, "What a bastard!" She braces herself for a hard swing, her weapon arcing around, aimed for Greiver's nose; even if she can't hurt him any more, necessarily, maybe she can distract him enough to delay him, to give Kier and Thaylorn a few more precious seconds to finish what they are doing.

Like with Vazkor's attack.... the pole-arm hits! And bounces off Grivier's skin! Making Penny jerk back and stagger! Seems without that water enchantment people cannot harm the beast.
Raziel pages, "I was asking if Raziel could make Kier's bluff more affective as he's got skills in channelling.. but thaylorn leapt in so I don't know if that'll help or won't." to you.
Talen slides down through the beast's throat, and into it's belly, unseen to those outside. The spirits fade from his mind, and mana fails and goes dark. "Well. Not foreseen. Gemini, if you have any hope of getting out of this dark place, show me a sign. Let me find ye. And help me cut my way out." The long dagger that Talen keeps for just these occasions is carefully drawn as he stumbles about in the gloom.

Thankfully for Talen, despite the Jagd like properties inside Grivier there is a soft, very faint sparkle of silver... and the coing Gemini floats over to hang in the air before the boy.... flickering nd glowing lightly until he takes it in his hand.

Raziel's brow twitches as he hears Kier's challenge. There is a moment of thought before the mage begins to draw upon his own knowledges and he draws one of his kukri to use the crystal to draw a symbol within the air before him. "I am not a man of many words, so I will say nothing nearly so impressive as the offer my companion gives you.. but as you say as his can't. Mine can." His wings flare out then the gold catching the light and motes of energy sparkling as he attempts to aid in Kier's binding.

CROOM! More power! MORE! Raziel is able to attune his energy flow to Kier's AND Thaylorn and the circle explode with even more light blinding the others. Grivier roars and shy back, jerking himself away from the edge of the circle as it burns on the surface of the water. What's more the lillies are starting to turn their heads... the song that lulled the party to sleep focussing on the beast also, the realm is taking notice.

Vazkor grunts as he's bounced back from his attempted stab, stumbling those three feet, and pausing for a moment even as he scowls and looks up at Grievier... Followed by a glance over at the others as he catches evidence of some large spell being conjured up with combined effort... Looking at Penny then, who's even closer, he simply gives the mouse a knowing nod... And then attempts to rush back in, for another attempt at the beast's flank... Only to be blinded as their spell hits, the man grunting and looking annoyed as he's forced to squint his eyes, and retreat once more, having lost his opening.

Kier replies to Greiever as Raziel takes up the slack, and holds the charm out in front of him, "Your fate is freely chosen. Fire and water are forever in opposition." And he tosses the charm up in the air towards Raziel, so that in the apex of it's arc, it will pause long enough for him to finish the circle, and alert the Realm of the intruder. He makes it look casual even, just lobbing it into the air in Raziel's direction...

The charm sails into the air, glittering and sparkling and Grivier roars as it seems to hang there at the apex of its trajectory! Sparkling and powering the circle holding the beast in place... one more influx of magical energy and concentration and the entire realm of water will be awakened to Grivier's presence.

Penny returns Vazkor's nod, preparing to follow him in, until the spell flares, causing her to wince and turn her head away as she's momentarily blinded! She retreats a couple steps, taking in the chance, and elects to not try to cross the spell's boundary, instead falling back into a defensive stance, in case she is picked out as a target of opportunity for reprisal from Greiver. (Defend)

Thaylorn keeps mainting the energy link between him and Kier, offering as much of Greiver's, and his power as possible to make sure the spell is a success! With the flare of light he closes his eyes, allowing it to follow it's course!

Talen huffs and grunts after a number of experimental stabs to the lining of the beast's
stomach. "No wonder our attacks failed. It's like stabbing rock." The viera sighs and huffs. "Against my better judgement, and you do realize I face possible burning and maiming from the first time... but I'm going to need your help to get out Gemini. I don't think I can get past the stomach's upper iris... so we're going to have to get out a different way. Think you could brighten the place up a little?" The viera squints as suddenly a light begins to glow, originating with the coin. And squints harder as suddenly it gets very bright indeed.
As Kier throws the charm towards his wings beat once, launching him in the air to snatch the charm with his free hand. In the other he grips the blade. The amber leaves an ark through the air as the sigils of the charm are repeated once again, burning them into the very air itself. "Come watchers of this realm, come guardians.. come and see what invades your sacred depths." He snarls then while making another slashing sigil within the air, "come and be Leviathan's eyes!"

The beast roars and white light seems to erupt from its throat even as Raziel finishes chanting and pours his power out to join Thaylorn's and Kier's! And the whole thing explodes! White light just rolls outward as Grivier all but disintergrates under the blinding Starlit force of the Gemini contained inside the ritual circle the party formed to contain and hold the beast bursts forth! Vazkor, Penny, Kier, Thaylorn, Raziel are all picked up and hurled off the ice-berg to go careening through the air. The coins everyone was holding to protect them from the sleep inducing harmony of the flowers spin and whirl and glitter in the air until with a rather uncomfortable thump the party land atop something hard, wet and uneven. The surface shifts and flows beneath them and as the white light begins to die down they can see a long straight road of blue/green scales beneath them stretching up.. rearing up coil upon coil to the great horned head of the water-dragon hanging suspended in the air above them. There are other figures stood on the waves in front of the dragon, Lady Undine with her trident in hand riding a cresting wave of water, Lord Bismarck hanging in mid-air in a way no Whale ever should, the gigantic clam shell chariot of Siren with the harp wielding mermaid sat within it. The eyes of the water realm have come to see what is going on and what they see... is the burning ritual circle with Talen sat in the middle of it, the glowing form of Gemini in his hands and the twisting, writhing form of Grivier shrinking, screaming... flailing.. glittering... reduced, contained... trapped... a chain seems to form out of the beasts head as the black enamelled, silver backed amulet in the shape of a rearing lion lands in the water in front of the young summoner.... The circle flickers.. flares.... and begins to die down as Leviathan rumbles softly, his gaze turning from the trio of Gemini, Talen and the now trapped Grivier to the form of Raziel and his companions lying on his scaled hide....

----

Go back to [[Chapter 37|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 37]]

Go on to [[Chapter 39|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 39]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

AChapter 16

2013-05-13T18:49:31Z

Silvante: Created page with ' In the past twenty four hours since the party came aboard the Pearled Amethyst things have been rather quiet. Safe and secure inside the VIP suite at the fore-ward end of the l…'

In the past twenty four hours since the party came aboard the Pearled Amethyst things have been rather quiet. Safe and secure inside the VIP suite at the fore-ward end of the luxury liner the party have been outfitted with new and exquisite clothing to bring them in line with the expected dress code of those onboard. This has been achieved thanks to the on-board tailor and dress-maker who have worked miracle to outfit the party in clothing befitting such prestigious guests. The Stewards have been discreet and helpful, the quartet of Moogle's on call 24 hours a day in two shifts to see to the needs of such illustrious guests. There have however been an influx of invitations delivered since the sun rose that morning. Invitations from the various nobles on board who are all it seems intriqued by the sudden arrival of this noble travelling companion.

Lee's tried to keep his new clothes of a similar style to his usual, only... "nicer". Fancier, perhaps. And he's been making good use of room service, as well, on occasion, when hunger required it. He's also been doing his, erm, "job" as Silmeria's retainer, taking receipt of arriving invitations while doing his best to act like a pretentious butler or something; hell, he doesn't know how a retainer is supposed to act! It's one of the few things he *hasn't* ever been! Sifting through the most recent set, he whistles, "Who knew rich people partied s'much? May 'ave ta make me a proper entrance inta High Society once we're back 'ome, could party a few times a week I'd guess."

Azar is not happy at all. No armor means going naked, practically. No visible weapons is easier to bear for Azar. After much arguing, hassling and even crying, the Moogles are allowed into Azar's stateroom to work their miracles. After some hours, she steps out into the main area dressed in a deep red dress, one that puffs out at her knees, and gives her the appearance of gliding along. Her hair is done up more severely than usual, with several large hairpins holding her hair in place. She looks sideways at Lee. "I hate parties."

Silmeria is... puzzled. Clearly, she'd been expecting an airship journey much like any other, except perhaps more spacious. But, sadly, it was clearly not to be, and currently she's in the sitting room, paging through the sheaf of invitations, having left Azar to her own devices about the time that the hassling threatened to turn into hurled objects. Smoothing out the skirts of her silver-embroidered black-and-gray gown, she looks up, eyebrows rising. "I'm mostly just startled there's *room* enough to have all these functions, honestly. Also, Azar, you *do* look lovely, at least." Letting out a breath, she sets the invitations aside, rising from her chair and turning to the window. "...Well. I suppose we'll have to figure out what it is we intend to do, while we're here. I'll not be rude if I can help it, but, I'll admit I'm rather quite out of my depth here."

Ainsley seems to have embraced the excess as much as Lee has. She has somehow acquired a piece of fluffy cake, which she is chewing on as the group speaks. She is dressed in a Giruvegan outfit, with a beautiful flowing ribbon tied to her tail. It's all reds and yellow details, and it shows her tummy off some. "Well, Milady, it's largely your decision, isn't it? We should probably answer one of these invitations, if it seems like talking to them would be useful, though." And then she stuffs the rest of the cake piece in her mouth. Mmmmh.

One of the Moogle Stewards steps into the room carrying a silver tray, upon it is a pair of rolled invitations, "Sir..." he addresses Lee, "I have invitations here from His Grace, the Grand Duke Hamilton of Mosphoran and Her Imperial Highness Princess Carmelian, Grand Duchess of Tchita..." he says the names with awe, his small wings beating back and forth. "It... would seem her Ladyship has garnered the attentions of the highest... I am instructed to inform you that all those who have sent you invitations before are happy to step aside whilt you consider his Grace and her Highness...." he licks his lips clearly a bit nervou. "If..." he looks around, "If I can provide insight kuupopo, I will answer any quetions you may have my lady if you are unfamiliar with Archaedian nobility."

Lee chuckles at Azar's statement, nodding, "Yeah, well, as much as ya hate 'em, I'm sure you'll survive well enough." He then nods his head towards Silmeria at the reassurances she gives as well, "You listen t'her, she's a pretty good judge I've found." H looks up as the steward enters and presents the newest invitations, cocking his head slightly at the moogle's apparent reverence for the names as he falls into the role of "retainer" again and steps over to receive them, with a polite "Thank you, good man," before bringing the invitations to Silmeria for her direct consideration, handing them over with a small bow, and a murmured "M'lady..."

Azar peers ar Ainsley, "Heeey, where did you get the cake?" She nods to Lee, "I know, I know, I've just hated these formal things since I was a child." The woman blushes lightly at Silmeria's compliment, and looks at the stack of invitations. "Did you want some help deciding which ones to accept?" When the moogle herald arrives, she goes silent at the mention of those names, her complexion paler than normal. She looks to Silmeria, "It would almost be an international incident if you refused. And none aboard would dare offer an invitation to you, M'lady, after such a refusal." Azar looks down at her dress, smoothing parts of it out, "I shouldn't have chosen red."

"...THat would actually be very lovely of you," Silmeria says to the Moogle, sparing a glance over her shoulder at Azar's reaction. "...Because it seems from the both of you, that we have suddenly wandered into very murky waters indeed... Tell me, then... As quickly as news travels about this ship, apparently... *why* are they inviting me for the same moment, then?"
And then Ainsley nearly chokes on the cake as she finishes off the bite, and stares at the Moogle with wide eyes. She rubs at her cheek, and starts making worrisome noises. "That's..." The comment that Azar makes in turn makes Ainsley look down at her own clothing, which is mostly red. She steps over to Lee and clings to his arm tightly.

The young moogle shuffles a bit and blushe, "Well M'Lady... kupo, I would guess it is because you are an unknown ma'am.... the Grand Duke... he is very much in favour of increased trade with the south... he sees the whisperings of war as an.... issue that should be laid to rest so as not to disrupt the markets." he tugs at the collar of his jacket and kupos and peeks at the others then looks back at Silmeria. "The Princess, well she is a member of the Imperial Family who are all in favour of expansion kupo-po. Whichever invitation my lady responds too will be seen as a tacit endorsment by the Temples kupo-po for their favoured cause... to refuse both however kupo-po will likely alienate both which would be unpleasent I think kupo-po....."

Lee keeps quiet, at least at first, giving Ainsley a smile as she clings to his arm, trying to soothe the scholar by resting that arm around her shoulders as he listens. At the description of the Duke's apparent views, though, he arches an eyebrow slightly, "War's an "issue"? Rather creative way o'sayin' it..." He looks to Silmeria, "Sounds like politics in high gear t'me, Si- er, M'Lady; makin' ya choose which, an' attachin' meanin' t'tha choice wi'out consideration fer y'reasons." He grins a little, "A shame y'couldn't throw 'em a loop an' do both at once. Bet that'd catch 'em off guard. Either that, or connive a way t'bring 'em both t'you instead, wishful thinkin' though that might be."

Azar nods at what Lee says, and looks to Silmeria. "If you let it be known that the Temples had not yet decided upon a path, and were willing to be wooed, we might be able to delay long enough to give M'lady more time to decide the proper course. You could meet them both, have a polite dinner and then explain that you do not wish to cause offence, and that you'd like to meet them separately to talk privately about the Temple's concerns." She looks over at Ainsley, "I regret red because it stands out, I did not wish to stand out in an audience with either Her Highness or His Grace,"

Silmeria pales briefly at the idea that anything so simple as accepting or refusing an invitation could have such far-reaching consequences, but shock soon gives way to annoyance, and the blond purses her lips, nodding slowly as Lee and Azar weigh in. There's a long moment of careful though, and she looks back up at the Moogle, putting on her best smile and tilting her head. "Tell me... Is there a ballroom on this lovely vessel, big enough to fit everyone so kind as to request our presence?"

Ainsley leans on Lee's side, staring over at the Moogle with wide eyes. His words cause her tail to coil around Lee's leg. She starts to relax a bit, but them Silmeria suggests the ballroom, and she turns her gaze to look at Silmeria, eyes wide with what may be surprise and a bit of terror. She almost looks like she's going to faint.

The Moogle inclines his head, "There are two My Lady... the main Ballroom or the one attached to your suite." he points to a set of doors, "Down the hall and down one level... It has a separate entrance a well so that people need not come through your apartments to reach it."
Lee slowly pets the feathers atop Ainsley's head as she first starts to relax, then tenses again, eyes moving from one speaker to th next through the conversation, "Our very own ball room? Fancy that..." He looks to Silmeria, "Well, if what y'choose is gonna make a statement, then may's well take control o'tha conversation, yeah? You got an idea?"

Azar nods and rubs her chin. "If I may make one point before you set things in motion. His Grace and Her Highness are roughly the same social level. If you invite everyone... that might be an even stickier situation. None of the lower nobles will want to refuse, and the two will likely not refuse either, since that may give the other an advantage. The result is a whole bunch of people in an awkward situation."

"I am aware of that, Azar," Silmeria says, beaming in the redhead's direction, "and yes, Lee, I think I do have an idea. But, one that adds a third consideration to this mess of politics we've suddenly found ourselves in, and if it makes everybody awkward? Well. No sense in us being the only ones, mh? My dear, dear Moogle," she says, turning back to the servant, "I know it's frustratingly short notice, but... Could I speak to the man in charge of the major to-dos the ship throws? I think I would like to see about hosting a charity function in the main ballroom."

That makes a sort of horrified squeak come from Ainsley, and she places both hands on her face. "All of those rich people," she murmurs, "I don't know anything about fancy parties." And now we see something that actually scares her. "I'll end up overeating from all of the stress!" She keeps her voice down, but it's clear she does not approve of this idea in the slightest. "Though... I guess this is a good comprimise for all of the invitations." She lets out a heavy sigh.

The Moogle steward bobs a bow, "At once M'Lady, I shall summon the Toast Master to your side." he bows and backs out and then turns and lets himself out and pads off quickly leaving the party of four alone to discuss their ideas.

Lee grins a bit as Silmeria makes her request of the steward, keeping quiet until he's left, "Charity ball... Fine idea, that. Philanthropy seems a big passtime fer tha movers 'n shakers, an' it obligates 'em ta show up if they wanna keep face an' not loose points fer snubbin' a good cause." He smiles down at Ainsley, chuckling softly, "Ah, you'll do fine, Ainsley... Fancy parties aren't hard, really. I usually jus' pretend that everyone present isn't really worthy t'be in m'pressence, but that I need ta be polite t'em anyway, an' that seems ta get me through relatively well." He gives Ainsley's shoulders a squeeze with his arm, "Jestin' aside, jus' keep near me, or Silmeria or Azar fer that matter, an' we'll get y'through it, eh?"

Azar nods to Silmeria, "That is an .. interesting solution, M'lady. Is there anything you wish us to do before the event?" The redhead steps over to Ainsley, and gently squeezes her shoulder, "Lee is right, we'll get you through it. If it helps, I used to imagine everyone had their faces painted up like carnival clowns, it kept me smiling the whole time. Just be sure not to laugh at anyone, unless they've told a joke."

"Nothing comes to mind at the moment," Silmeria murmurs as the Moogle turns to leave, then sinks back into her chair with a long, deep sigh. "Well. This just got a good deal more complicated, didn't it? But it'll be quite all right, Ainsley... I'm certain that among the nobility on this ship are plenty of scholars. If you make a friend or two of them, I'm certain it'll end in a bit of knowledge being shared all around, hm?" Blowing a lock of hair away from her face, she looks up to the ceiling. "...Now. How to word these invitations..."

Ainsley gets comfort from everyone, which gets her to calm down significantly. She nods at
Silmeria's words, in particular, and begins to smile. "Maybe I can find someone else who likes to study flowers as a hobby," she muses, "Although..." She pauses. "If I run into scholars, they might know who I am already." She tilts her head. "Maybe. Depends on where they're from, I suppose."

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 15|Ainsley Quest Chapter 15]]

Go on to [[AChapter 17|Ainsley Quest Chapter 17]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

AChapter 15

2013-05-13T18:46:36Z

Silvante:

The University of Emberstrand, a good as place as any for Ainsley and her companions to meet before setting off on the next stage of their journey. It is not an easy trip to plan for, Nubswood Necropolis is a very long way from Emberstrand across Archadea and considering the state of affairs between the city and the Empire travel across the boarder is growing awkward. There are only several routes available, the airship to Salikawood a trip of about a week but the one most likely to result in awkward border questions. The second option is to join a Funeral Procession of the departed who can afford to be laid to rest in the Necropolis but those are usually family affairs. There is always the nuclear option of covincing Lee to fly there but that would risk exposure for himself and the final option is to travel by land, sneak over the border and then continue overland to the Necropolis which is the longest option.

The University of Emberstrand, a good as place as any for Ainsley and her companions to meet before setting off on the next stage of their journey. It is not an easy trip to plan for, Nubswood Necropolis is a very long way from Emberstrand across Archadea and considering the state of affairs between the city and the Empire travel across the boarder is growing awkward. There are only several routes available, the airship to Salikawood a trip of about a week but the one most likely to result in awkward border questions. The second option is to join a Funeral Procession of the departed who can afford to be laid to rest in the Necropolis but those are usually family affairs. There is always the nuclear option of covincing Lee to fly there but that would risk exposure for himself and the final option is to travel by land, sneak over the border and then continue overland to the Necropolis which is the longest option.

"If we try for a Funeral Procession," Ainsley says, her arms crossing, "We could get there expediantly, but... Nobility is significantly difficult to speak to for me." She lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing at the feathers on her head. "I guess the safest option would be to head over land. We would have to deal with the beasts we run into, and the mists could get problematic, but..." She rubs at her neck. "The Knights of Restoration would have to deal with that, as well."

"Unfortunately," Silmeria says as she rummages through her backpack, apparently re-sorting its contents on the spot, "our pursuers would be more likely to simply talk their way through at the border, and get there ahead of us. Assuming we're *not* simply accosted on the road, that is... Personally, I'd suggest we simply go by airship, and explain that we're simply on pilgrimage to Nubswood. It's true enough, after all, and I'd not suppose anyone would be terribly comfortable with conversing too long with anyone who'd revere Lord Hades enough to seek out the Necropolis."

Lee nods, standing next to Ainsley, his own pack at his feet with the scholar's, arms crossed over his chest under his black cloak and wide-brimmed hat pushed back a bit atop his head, his thick accent rolling smoothly, "I'd figure th'stickiest part'd be th'border i'sself. If'n we kin git past that, movin' around *inside* Archadia may'ap won't be that 'ard. Ains'n I 'ave a fair bit o'non-local currency stashed away 'tween us, mostly some bullion outta Zara'Qum we both got paid with fer a job out that way, could 'elp us stay outta suspicion if we don' use local coin."

The sound of heavy footsteps precedes the arrival of a young, red-haired hume. She pauses nearby, glancing about before making her way to the group. "Hello, sorry I am late." , she says, her Archadian accent obvious. She offers a quick bow to Ainsley. "I hope I have not caused the delay of the expedition. She nods to Lee, and offers Silmeria a smile. "Azar, reporting for duty."

When Lee's suggestion comes up, Ainsley waggles her finger at him, "That's right! We could use that. And if we say we're on a Pilgrimage, it'll be way easier to approve." She makes a little throat-clearing noise, and speaks in a heavy Giruvegan accent, "If I talk like I am foreign, it will be very easy to believe." She grins at the rest of the group. Her gaze turns to look at Azar. "Oh! Yes," she motions to Azar, "This is someone I hired. She uses the blade. She should be useful to have along with us, if things get sticky."

Silmeria chuckles quietly, looking up from her backpack and bobbing her head toward Azar. "We've met, actually... I do think this will be a good journey for her. And you're not late at all, Azar, we were just discussing our options." Knitting bag placed on top of the rest of the bag's contents, she closes the upper flap and sits up straighter. "And it seems that we'll be crossing the border by airship, if that doesn't give you too much cause to worry. Between Lee's foresight, and our destination, we can hope to have little trouble getting to Salikawood. After that..." The blond shrugs. "Things become less... smooth, more than likely."
Silmeria has reconnected.

Lee tips his hat to Azar, with a crooked smile, as she arrives and introduces herself, "You may've, Silm, but I've not." Then, to Azar, "Name's Lee, pleasure t'make yer acquaintance an' t'ave ya aboard." That done, he nods to Ainsley, "Masqueradin' as a pilgrimage could work, though we should think 'bout believable destinations if'n we use that ruse, or claim returnin' *from* a pilgrimage. I'd figure, it's either that, or we try ta find a trade caravan 'eaded that way, and tag along wi'that somehow. 'Ired guards'r summat, that kinda thing." He nods to Silmeria, "Airship's viable, certainly, an' wouldn' undermine a "pilgrimage return trip" ruse. Tha speed there's pretty attractive, gives us th'best chance ta keep ahead o'that damnable pretty-boy an'is flunkies." That last said with a mixture of a grimmace and a sneer.

Azar grins brightly when she is introduced. "Nice to meet you, sir.", she says to Lee, nodding in agreement with Silmeria. "Aye, Silmeria and I have formed a fast friendship, and that friendship is partly why I am here." The woman blinks at the mention of the airship, and she shakes her head. "No, no problem with airships at all. Not me, no ma'am." Azar goes quiet for a few moments, and seems to be giving the issue some thought. "If things get sticky, I have a trump card I can play. But it's the sort of card I can only play once." She looks over at Lee. "Er, who is after us, exactly?"

Lee grimaces again, "Tha 'who' is a tossah goes by name o' Savourn. He's got prettier hair than most girls I've seen, carries wif 'im a smug, know-everything attitude that really makes y'wanna stab 'is eyes out wif a spoon, an' leads, or at least represents, a cult or sumfin' devoted ta bringin' about tha return o' Shemhazai, an' wants ta kidnap, abscond wif, or otherwise possess Ainsley 'ere in order ta make it 'appen." By the time he's done, he has an arm protectively around Ainsley's shoulders, and his distaste for the man Savourn is almost palpable.

With Lee's frank assesment of the Knights of Restoration and an airship decided as the most viable mode of transportation it's a simple thing to relocate to the Aerodrome down by the river and a bit of hunting about find three airships going in that direction. One of them is a luxury passenger liner, even with war as a rumour on the horizon the rich and powerful are still moving about. The other two are cargo vessels, one of them is BIG and bulky and slow whilst the other is small, silver hulled and rather slick looking and unlikely to be doing anything legitimate.

The explanation is punctuated by the most lethal look in Ainsley's eyes, "And if he touches me again, I will make him breathe hellfire." For some reason, she's gotten real good at the cold and murderous look, without raising her voice at all. And then she smiles, "Wasting daylight," she says. When the group finds the airships, she slows to a stop and tugs on Lee's hand, which she had taken to holding to provide him with some comfort, after having to explain Savourn to someone. She points at the bulky ship, "That one would work best, don't you think?" And then motions to the luxury ship, "But then, could we convince anyone we belong on that ship?" She looks over to Silmeria and smiles gently. The silver ship is given a precarious look, but no comment.

"Hmn," is Silmeria's answer, chewing on her bottom lip as she looks between the three. "We *could* buy passage, but on that? Likely it'd eat up most of our purses," she says of the luxury liner. "On the other hand, there isn't a single fast-moving cargo ship I've known that wasn't happy to ferry pilgrims. Something about legitimate business, or other..."

Lee keeps hold of Ainsley's hand as he agrees with Silmeria, nodding, "Tha liner'd likely cost us more'n it's worth ta get 'em ta accept us wi'out raised eyebrows over our looks. Tha other two..." He shrugs, "Either would work better fer our ruse, though tha faster one might be more likely ta get stopped if'n tha border forces are sniffin' out smugglers. Tramp freighters like that, higher risk o' authorities payin' attention, though easier fer them ta slip around borders as well, if that's what they're about." He looks to the others, "So, either fast an' a bit more risky, or slow an' safer. Balances out about tha same t'me, either way."

Azar lets out a low breath and continues. "There is a famous Archadean arena gladiator by the name of Yosh. As one of his biggest fans, I have one of his blades. One he used in his record winning most wins in a row. The luxury liner is Archadean, therefor the captain is Archadean. He just might be a gladiator fan, many of the upper crust of Archades are. I could probably exchange this blade for passage, maybe with a few more silvers thrown in?" She tugs at the scabbard of one of the blades in her belt, one looking both plain and ornate at the same time, as if the silver and polish were added long after the scabbard was made.
Azar has reconnected.

Ainsley turns her attention to the scabbard, and then rubs at her chin. "Hmmmmm," she sounds out, quite the caricature of serious thought. "But what if they don't believe that you would have such a thing, in the company of us? Silmeria could easily be someone who would be with someone like that, but I would have a difficult time convincing them." She smiles lightly. "Let's give it a try, though. If the price is too high, we're just scouting for a ride, right? We can pick one of the other airships."

You page, "I can talk and run this once it is over I have to shoot right off" to Thaylorn.
Thaylorn pages, "Alrighty! I was wanting to talk a bit about Thay and the Stellazio scene we were doing...I was thinking maybe Thay should stay behind at the end of it all." to you.
You page, "You want him to stay in the Water Realm? You can do that sure if you like. Can I ask why? Want to free up a character slot for something new?" to Thaylorn.

Lee rubs his chin with one hand, cocking his head slightly as he considers Azar, "I've no objection, if y'wanna try... Personally, I'd be loathe t'trade such a memento fer passage anywhere, but might jus' be me." He nods, "An' true 'nuff that we could try th'others if th'captain claims too steep a price, regardless." He grins to Silmeria, "I'm game, so guess it's up t'yer silvered tongue, Silmeria?"

Azar shakes her head to Silmeria, "No. Ladies of Archades do not beg passage onto a Liner, Silmeria. I shall go as your personal assistant and body guard, but you shall wait by the gangplank, so that the captain might see you standing there. Ainsley and Lee can pose as retainers, whom I shall excuse by saying M'Lady likes to pick up raggamuffins and try to reform them. I can use the excuse that we were set upon by thieves in the city of Emberstrand, and that that is why you are travelling light, unfortunately they got your coin purse. However, there is this blade, and we did find a few silver at the bottom of her bag... All you need do is look pretty, which comes naturally to you. Please wave if you see the captain. How does that sound?"

Silmeria chuckles quietly. "Actually it won't be necessary to beg passage, I think... but do keep the sword handy, it'll likely have its use, should it come to that. Lee, Ainsley, Azar, if you please...?" Gathering up her skirts, she sweeps toward the passasge liner, to ever so politely and calmly request four tickets to Salikawood.

As the party approach the sleek luxury liner the party can see her name. She is the AAL Pearled Amethyst and she really is a spectacular thing. Five decks of gorgeous looking, gooey decadence with a covered promenade deck and a string quartet playing a beautiful waltz as parties of well dressed gentry make their way up the gang-plank. As Silmeria swweps up and requests those tickets in her most polite and ladylike voice the steward maning the entry booth bows to her. "Ah my lady..." he looks at Silmeria then down in an appriasing but polite manner and his eyes glitter with green as he then bows a bit deeper and sets his list aside, "We are somewhat full for the journey. I am afraid but we do have one state-room remaining however, the Imperial Suite, it has ample room for your ladyship and your ah.. retainers..." he picks up a small square of card. "Who should I have it made out too my lady? So that we can forward the neccessary paperwork to your estate."

Ainsley looks at the airship appraisingly, but gives Azar a bit of a sour look when described as a 'raggamuffin.' And then giggles, because she realizes it's probably accurate after a moment of consideration. She stands back, and continues holding Lee's hand... and hums along gently to the music of the quartet.

"Silmeria," the blond answers, dimpling at the young steward. "Lay-priestess of the Halls of Silence, thank you. I'm certain that all should be taken care of, once the paperwork reaches the Temple." Reaching out, the priestess rests a gentle hand on the steward's shoulder. "Thank you, sir, very much. You should know, you're helping to make a small child's last wish come true... And that's much more than worth the price of this voyage, to me and my retainers."

Lee blinks at being called a ragamuffin, and even opens his mouth to respond before thinking better of it, though it looks like his response would have been one of feigned outrage had it gone forward. Instead, he clears his throat and follows along with Ainsley behind Silmeria, standing strait, expression one of carefully-schooled neutrality, cloak shrouding his form (except for the hand that holds Ainsley's), head shaded by the wide brim of his hat, and eyes hidden by midnight-black bangs. All in all, he *tries* to look as dignified as his below-average stature and typical shaggy appearance will allow, while at the same time adopting a deferential attitude towards Silmeria herself. The last wish of a dying child is serious business, after all. Very serious business.

Azar grins at the reactions from Lee and Ainsly, and follows Silmeria as she boards the ship and requests tickets. The red-haired woman stands behind and slightly to one side of Silmeria, her hands within easy reach of her blades. She scans the place as thoroughly as she can, keeping an eye on anyone or anything that seems... suspicious.

The steward hesitates a moment and looks over the party and then gets distracted by Silmeria and smiles at her and makes a few notes on his piece of card and holds it out for her to sign. The price is huge... incredibly huge, five figures huge... the temple is going to have words with Silmeria over this when she gets home! He then tucks it away in a folder with a big grin on his face and motions a steward over. "Enrico, please see Lady Silmeria and her retainers to the Imperial Suite and inform the captain we have a new VIP guest onboard." Enrico bows, the smartly turned out burmecian in his pristine white stewards uniform escorting the party aboard ship and toward the front. Their suite is on Fore-ward A deck, a raised fo'castle at the front of the ship. There are massive wrap-around windows in the prow of the ship so they have the best forward looking view. The upper deck is their private promenade accessible only from inside the suite. There are five bedrooms, three bathrooms, dinning room, breakfast room, living room, private study, personal safe and two stewards on duty at all times to attend their every needs. It is a minature floating palace dedicated to the comfort and care of the Pearled Amethyst's most influential guests! The party have barely been in the room ten minutes before one of the stewards delivers a host of hastily prepared invitations from the captain and first class passengers of importance. It's clear from their tone none of them are sure who "Lady Silmeria of the Halls of Silence" is but she is in the Imperial Suite so she must be important and if she is important then they want to be seen with her! Society is calling... High Society and the party are all involved for even the servants of such a High Lady are sure to be drawn into he socio-political strata of a ship of this class as it soon takes to the skies.....

---------------

Go back to [[AChapter 14|Ainsley Quest Chapter 14]]

Go on to [[AChapter 16|Ainsley Quest Chapter 16]]

Or return to [[To Free a Soul]]

Chapter 38

2013-04-21T16:10:49Z

Silvante: Created page with ' The ice berg with their corracles on top of it that the party have been travelling on has been sailing along through the current's of the Water-Way under Thaylorn's direction fo…'

Chapter BI2-3

2013-04-21T16:06:04Z

Silvante: Created page with ' Our adventursome ladies are finally outside of the city, through some method that is still not entirely clear they have cleared the sewers, cleared the city and are now about fo…'

Our adventursome ladies are finally outside of the city, through some method that is still not entirely clear they have cleared the sewers, cleared the city and are now about four or five miles upriver from the city. They are safe, at leat for now and they have gotten the diary out of Emberstrand but Ultimecia or her servants are still hunting it and they still are no closer to reading it.

For her part, Jenna is remaining just as alert as she can be. The burmecian is looking around in all directions, keeping her revolver drawn with the hammer pulled back, even if she can't immediately see anything aside from the open desert. "Right. Well." She finally gets around to pushing the hammer back into a safer position, and holstering the weapon. "Want me to carry the pack for a while? Best not to tire yourself out. ...If I'd known we were going on a trip, I would've brought one, too." She scratches the back of her head. "Any clue where we ought to be going?"

"It's quite all right," Silmeria says, hefting her pack. "I've traveled miles upon miles with this pack on my back, I'll not be put out by a few days' walking." Casting her gaze over the Giza Plains, the blond shrugs. "'Ought' isn't a word that really applies, to be honest... Perhaps you can se about getting the diary open, while we walk?"

The giza plains lie before them and behind them, past the rocks they seem to have emerged from is the river as it winds its way along. The sun is up, it is starting to get hot and dust blows and dances along the plains alla round them

Jenna shrugs lightly. "As you like," she replies. "I've opened it before, and not had too much problem. It's reading it that seems to be a bitch." She steps behind Silmeria, so she can open her pack and carefully withdraw the book, wrapping and all. She stuffs the latter in one of her pockets, after closing Silmeria's pack up once again, and falls into step beside her once more, to keep pace as they walk. She holds the diary carefully, as she opens teh front cover, to have another look at the first page.

Silmeria looks down from the trail to check her pistol again, popping open the breech, peering down the barrel, then snapping it shut again, her pleated skirts swishing quietly over her ankles as she walks, following the riverside for the moment. "Well, if you've problems, I'd be happy to help if you'd like." With that, she takes up the unofficial watch, scanning horizon and skies to see is trouble is on its way.

As the book opens it glows and flickers with odd blue and green liught, to Jenna's eyes thwe
words dance and move and slide over the pages. Re-arranging themselves and then several of them seem to leap out of the text, letter rising up into the air, forming a word that then races off toward the river.....

"Well, if you can figure out how to make the words sit still and behave themselves, that would be a start," Jenna mutters, as she squints at the page in front of her. As she's looking at it, she watches helplessly as one word just... leaps out of hte book entirely, and takes off down the river. "Bugger," she spits, snapping the cover shut and hurriedly stuffing the book into one of her jacket's inner pockets. She draws her pistol once more, and moves a couple of steps away from Silmeria, as she resumes scanning the horizon. "That's never happened before."

"Oh bother," Simeria mutters as the word speeds toward the river. Unlimbering her Gunblade, she waves her pistol after the escaping text. "We can't let it get away, Jenna! If it came from the book, who knows *what* it's out to do! Hurry!" And with that, she starts jogging after the word, backpack clanking quite audibly.

The text is flickering and shifting, weaving and jumping, moving and sliding, coiling and re-arranging itself constalty. It stops suddenly and begins to curl and whirl and spin all around itself!

Jenna draws her sword as well, and runs alongside Silmeria, keeping both her weapons firmly in hand. "How do you stop a... word?" she asks as she runs, doing her best to keep her pistol trained on the thing but not actually firing just yet. As the thing stops and starts whirling about itself, the Burmecian grinds to a halt herself, planting her feet on the sandy ground and assuming a shooter's stance, as she keeps her revolver pointed level at the... whatever it is.

"...Oh, for..." SIlmeria sounds a good deal more exasperated than truly worried, as she picks out a word being repeated in the skirling tangle of lines and curves, and raises her pistol. "I think it's trying to call an Adamantoise into being, Jenna," she says, Gunblade coming up to rest on her shoulder. "Be ready for a difficult fight..."

Water whips around the words, the river bubbles and froths and then the individual letters line up in a row speklling out the name of the giagantic turtle that then thumbs down onto the river bank. It raises its head, looking at the girls and RAWRS! Grey and Vibrantly coloured fields of energy seeming to blow out of its mouth and wrap around its body....

"Aww hell." Jenna switches her grip on her sword, holding it like an ice-pick, while hse keeps her revolver levelled on the swirling mass of words and energy. "Nothing like a little exercise, though, right?" She quirks the corner of her mouth upwards, waiting while things coalesce. Some people might wait for the other party to make the first hostile move; Jenna is not one of those people. The moment she reckons she has a decent shot she opens fire with a loud report, looking to blast some chunk of something off the beast before it has even quite finished forming.

BOOM! Jenna's gun goes off with a loud retort, the bullet scoring into the adamantoise's shell, right near its neck. Grey light seems to flash around the impact point however, it's hurt it, there is a nick in its neck but not as much damage as there should be.
"We could do without the delay," Silmeria notes, drawing in a deep breath and charging the beast as Jenna's gun goes off. Her first move, while closing, is to snap off a shot of her own toward the great roaring head; if she's lucky, it might give the monster a moment's pause.

The shot from Silmeria's gun-blade hits it in the head and again doesn't do as much damage as it should. The beast flinches, roars and shoulders forward much faster then something that size should be able to. Jenna is able to leap up and onto the shell of th ebeast, her boots crackling as the energy of its Guard spell reacts to her presence but she is able to get over the shell out down the other side! Silmeria however gets slammed sideways and tossed backwards a good few feet as the beast rams her.

Jenna lands on the ground, rolls, and comes up on one knee facing towards the Adamontoise's... posterior. "Are you alright?" she shouts, as she rises back to her feet. Her tail flicks as she backs off a step, and she sights down her revolver. She aims for its leg, where the heavy shell doesn't protect it, and squeezes the trigger, hoping to be able to penetrate the guard spell. As the loud report goes off, she charges forwards, seeking to leap up onto the thing's back once more; this doesn't quite work out however, as she's thrown off to the side to land in a heap.

BOOM! The shot rips through the leg and the adamantoise bellows and lumbers around toward where Jenna went flying, long neck strewtchihg out, back leg dragging! That hurt it seems
Silmeria hits the ground rolling, Illuren's blued-steel blade catching the light and winking briefly with every rotation. She scrambles to her feet in short order, however, and shakes her head. "Fine!" she calls, narrowing her eyes at the monster and leveling her pistol again. As she draws in her breath, small motes of pearlescent energy collect in front of the barrel of her gun, suffusing the metal with a silvery sheen. As she pulls the trigger, the energy explodes in a cross-shaped flare of energy, sending a brilliant white pellet streaking toward the Adamantoise. [Ruin Bullet]

The Adamantoise shrieks and stymbles again as Silmeria's bullet slams into its shell and a huge crater appears, shards flying away and blood oozing out as the thing lashes out with his muzzle though and chomps down on Jenna's thigh with an angry growl!

Jenna scrabbles backwards, and manages not to be present when the enormous beast snaps its jaws shut right where her leg used to be. Along the way she slams her sword back into the scabbard, and clutches her revolver with both hands. As Silmeria's assault slams into it, Jenna snaps her weapon up, and takes aim at the beast's mouth; she snaps off her shot quickly, hoping to get it in while the adamantoise's mouth is still open.

BOOM! Squish... bamf! The bullet rips through the Adamantoise's mouth, it's skull exlodes and then the entire thing dissolves into whirling text that drops to the floor and starts to melt away....

"Well done, Jenna," Silmeria says as she hurries toward the dissolving textmonster. It's a long shot, perhaps, but it may just be worth it to see if there's anything to decipher, before the letters fade away entirely.

Jenna stands up slowly, and takes a moment to chamber some new bullets into her weapon, to replace the ones she just fired. "Well, that wasn't so bad," she observes, as she moves back to where Silmeria is standing. "Nice shooting yourself." She spins her revolver around her finger by the trigger-guard, before shoving it back down into the holster. "I vote we don't try that again, right this minute," she adds.

"Probably best," Silmeria murmurs, eyes flicking back and forth as she puts together the scraps she could glean. "River... Emberstrand... South..." Furring her brow, she lifts her head to look downstream, head tilting. "Gale... Sage's Point? The question is, is it guiding us into a trap, or telling its master where it thinks we're going? Either way... It looks like Sage's Point is our destination, for now."

Sage's Point, it's not a location Silmeria's heard of but Jenna, it's a place that she's heard spoken of before. A location down on the coast, an old abanadoned settlement that hasn't had anyone living in it since the Folly.

Jenna hunhs softly. "Sage's Point," she muses, as her fingers brush through her hair, and she dusts off her jacket. "...Ibbinsith mentinoed that place, actually, he said he's been there. Apparently there hasn't been anyone living there since the Folly, so I'm willing to bet you it isn't going to be a very nice place." She glances up at the sun, and shrugs her shoulders lightly. "We've got a long walk ahead of us, then. Unless you know how to catch wild chocobos."

"Pay the man at the stable," Silmeria replies, lips twitching upward. "But, a long walk is one best tackled in motion, yes?" As she sets foot back on their road, a though occurs to her, and she looks over her shoulder. "If there's nobody living there still, then probably it'll be an *excellent* place to meet the minions of the Forgotten, don't you think?"

----

Go on to [[Chapter BI2-2|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-2]]

Go on to [[Chapter BI2-4|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-4]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

Chapter 37

2013-04-21T16:04:59Z

Silvante: Created page with 'Where last we left our companions they were sat in a set of three corracles about to ride up a whirling river of magically manipulated water that they themselves are responsible …'

Where last we left our companions they were sat in a set of three corracles about to ride up a whirling river of magically manipulated water that they themselves are responsible for. Raziel and Vazkor are in one, Thaylorn and Penny another and Kier and Talen the third. The Nu Mou have just given them all a gentle shove to get going and their corracles are rising up... picking up speed and heading upward along those interlinked circles of water toward the gigantic geyser of water that is still exploding out of the central peak. It's going to be one heck of a ride and there is no turning back now as their boats continue to pick up speed!

Talen settles into the corracle, and hangs onto the sides as the boats begin to climb. "Eugh... is it possible to be both seasick and airsick at the same time. Erp..." The viera looks a little green around the gills. "Hey Kier... I can see our house from here!"

Vazkor peers at the water rushing below the little boat he's in for a few moments, before he looks up at that gigantic geyser next... And quietly decides to set each hand on the edges of the corracle, fingers digging in as he holds on for what's to come. A mix of both worry and excitement crossing the swashbuckler's face, his innate dislike of water coming together with his otherwise thrill seeking nature, sorta grinning as he looks at Raziel, "... Well, see you on the other side."

Penny settles herself comfortably in the boat she's in as it's pushed off, along for the proverbial ride. The increasing speed doesn't seem to bother her in the least, and it's already proven that she's ok on boats in general, but that whole 'vertical' thing... That she seems uncertain about, eyeing the physics-defying cascade-into-the-sky. She keeps a firm hold of the boat's bulwark, just in case, even as Thaylorn advises so aloud, while keeping, for her part, silent and eyes forward.

Raziel's legs tighten under the bench he's seated on and after a brief glance is cast at the others and up then he looks back to Vazkor, "well.. That doesn't sound at all ominous." Despite saying that though he reaches down and grips the egde of the seat, looking to all the world like he's calm and collected while Vazkor is able to see just how tightly he's holding on and how tight his wings are pulled in against his back.

Kier offers Talen a faint grunt in reply to his enthiusiastic words and Dust mewls and slides under a seat in their corracle as the three boats turn and with a whoosh of spray ride over from the outer ring to the middle! Seconds later they are racing around the inner ring coming up on the arching jet of water that is powering the Geyser! And then.. then they are flying up that jet of beautiful water, sculpted and held by the wind and aimed square at the roaring side of that gigantic Geyser! ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Luckily enough Thaylorn isn't one to get ill from spinning sort of things, with how interested he is in the paths of water though it's unlikely that he'd even have time to be ill! The Imp continues looking like this is the best thing ever as their boat comes ever nearer to the central geyser. When the small craft is on the final jet towards it he let's his fingers dig into the wood as he closes his eyes!

Talen has crawled to the bottom of the boat at this point, no longer able to look anywhere except down. "Uuuuuhg. Let me know when the ride's over... I want to get off." he groans. "Boats, why'd it have to be boats?"

Vazkor continees to hold on tightly, his dark knuckles almost white and his fingers nearly cracking the wood as he watches the craft he's in starting to be sucked up that giant geyser, finding the experience relatively unpleasant, yet unable to close his eyes for some reason, and just trying to let it all happen. The man muttering some things under his breath in his native Rozarrian that could perhaps be translated as a prayer of somesort.

Penny seems to adjust well enough to the ride, though the sharp turns and such make her head spin a little, her grip on the sides doing more than just keeping her in her seat now, with the quick changes of direction, also serving to help keep her upright against momentum. Eyes narrowed against spraying water, she keeps her eyes firmly on the central jet, until the boats are actually riding it.

Raziel doesn't say a word or make a sound. He merely stares ahead at the one solid point amid the crazy spinning world, which is Vazkor. His jaw is clenched though and every muscle is tight as he holds on for dear life, privately wishing he could have just flown through this rather than being seated in the boat along with everyone else. As the ride up the jet and right towarsd the side of the geyser he hunches down, pulling everything in as small as he can while his mongoose, which is still hiding within his pouch is curled up and doing it's best not to get sick everywhere.

Faster and faster they go... the boats picking up speed! They are going to smack into the side of the geyser and been blasted to pieces surely! And then it happens all three Corracles hit the geyser in quick succession. There is a spray of water everywhere drenching everyone. Dust hisses in disapproval and then... coasting along the corracles bob gently on the waves of a huge ocean! The sky is clear and beautiful, the ocean waters sparkling blue and the light fluffy clouds over head cast a gentle shadow over patches of the ocean from time to time but otherwise all is calm and serene upon the ocean blue!

The sudden change of momentum from quick as the boats enter the geyser to gentle movement and deluge of water causes the Imp reopen his eyes to the sight of the grand ocean that is now spread out around them. WIth an audible gasp he stands up in his boat to get a better view of their surroundings. "Now this is a much better view!" He offers to the others, uncarring about being pretty much soaked as he makes sure all the others managed to make it too.

Talen groans again, though this time it's probably audible to those around. Two ears peek above the gunnels, quickly followed by the rest of the viera's face. "Oh..." he says, looking around at the ocean. "How ni..." Whatever he was about to say is lost in the sounds of him being very, very sick.

Vazkor closes his eyes the moment he's drenched in water, his fuzzy ears dropping flat to his head... Slowly cracking one eye open again though as his tense body suddenly notices the lack of movement from the boat, he blinks as he stares around the empty ocean... Raising a brow questioningly at Raziel next, and about to speak up, before he's interrupted by the sound of someone being sick. The man looking around at the other boats.

Penny hangs on tighter as the boats approach the rushing water, closing her eyes and bracing against the impact just seconds before the drenching passage and... The sudden transition from pitching chaos to calm and quiet actually does more to upset her equilibrium than the entire crazy ride up to this point, the abrupt lack of inertia and momentum making her reel and sway a bit as she opens her eyes, shaking her head a bit before she steadies herself with a soft gasp. Steadied and with bearings restored, she takes a look around, until Thaylorn stands in the boat, looking to him as the motion makes it rock a little, commenting to herself or anyone who can hear, "That wasn't so bad, actually..."

Raziel's eyes flick closed a moment before they hit the geyser and then he finds himself rocking forward s their momentum suddenly changes. Quickly looking around he exhales a breath and just is about to speak when he hears the sound of someone being sick and suddenly he's calling out, "not in the water, not in the water!" Shaking his head then he looks at Vazkor then checks on EM who, despite not getting sick, immediately bites his hand hard. "Ow.. right, don't blame you." Shaking his head then the mage straightens, "Asside from Talen is everyone alright?"

Raziel's concern over Talen being sick doesn't really have any immediate effect, the water gets messy but it is constantly moving. The waves are placid and the little corracles all seem to be drifting in the same direction for now beneath the beautiful sunshine and as far as the eye can see in all directions there is... ocean. Endless, eternal ocean!

Thaylorn lets out a deep, happy sounding sigh as he takes in the scent of the ocean "Oh quite wonderful I believe!" The Imp chimes in response to Raziel's question as he looks to the sky and back down to the waters with a smile still "You know, swimming is probably much better than riding in boats and all." He murmurs, reaching a hand down to feel the spirit realm's water.

Talen gags and coughs... and then gasps in surprise. "N.. no, stay out of the water. Can't you see it?" The viera seems to be tracking something in the water. "I... I think we have an uninvited guest." He points at a spot vaguely under the trio of boats. "See, there, it's black and white-ish!"

Vazkor looks around the ocean some more, but doesn't seem very impressed... The man just glancing up at the sky and horizon next, and idly commenting towards Raziel, "Wonder how far we are from land..." But then he blinks at Talen's comment, and looks back at the water, frowning as he tries to spot what the Viera saw as well, his hand instantly slipping towards one of his sheathed swords.

Penny gives Thaylorn a dubious look, "Maybe for you... I'm not getting out of the boat without being in sight, at the absolute minimum, of land, 'cause taking a swim in the vast and trackless ocean isn't exactly my idea of a good time. Bottomless depths below, and no respite in sight? I mean, come on... Not keen on loosing my belongings to the deep, either. Unless you can give a compelling reason to the contrary, that is." And then there's Talen's revelation, causing the mouse to make sure she's equally distant from both sides of the little boat, sitting dead center in her seat. She does *not* look over the side for herself, certainly not. "And then there's the beasts or whatever that lurk in the depths... Big black and white ones, I hear tell. Had better be a *damn* compelling reason to leave the safety of these little boats, yes."

Raziel tilts his head towards Thaylorn while shaking his head a little bit, "I don't know how well I'd swim with the wings... last time I hadn't gotten them back yet. Though I expect I'll have to find out." The man murmurs quietly while looking around, "somewhere there's someplace called the Lonely Tor, but I have no idea which way it is.." His voice cuts off though at Talen's statement and he looks down quickly before nodding to Penny and looking for something to row with, "I'm with her.. lets move it.."

Reaching for oars or not the party have no chance to trey and move the boats as something leaps out of the water! it is man shaped.. sort of, except it has a very long tail with fins on it. Four arms and a large beak like muzzle filled with teeth, it also has a very large ball of watery energy filled with something dark and pulsating at its core in its hands! It doesn't get the chance to throw it at the party however as Kier's viera spear slams into one of its arms and with a howl it drops it! However it then seizes the spear and pulls it free and throws it back at Kier who has to dive out of the boat to avoid being skwered by his own weapon! As the woodsman goes SPLASH the beast roars and using its tail to keep itself above the water starts to close in on the party as the three corracles start to drift apart....

"Something in the water?" The Imp questions of Talen, certainly not expecting hostilities so soon upon entering his own spirit realm. Although with the strange beast bursting out of the water his thoughts quickly change. Kier's quick rebuttle gets a nod of appreciation before the man is forced to dive into the ocean. He's not quite sure how well Kier can swim, so the Imp merely dives over the side of the boat after him without much thought to what else might be down there.

Talen looks over at Raziel, "The Lonely Tor is east. Sort of. From here, anyways." Not that it means anything with nothing to start from but the vast expanse of water. He is taken by surprise by the sudden flying arrival of the creature, having lost track of it momentarily. Grunting, the viera stands and follows the creature as it speeds towards them. Setting himself in a low crouch, a gout of fire speeds away from Talen's outstretched palm. Just before impact though, a wave of water rises up, diminishing the flame just before it impacts with the creature, though the flames do leave a sear across the creature's chest.

Vazkor quickly pushes himself up as the creature bursts out of the water, causing the boat to wobble, though he quickle sets his feet apart, locking them in against the sides of the craft and finding his balance... The man's eyes tracking the beast's progress, his expression one of silent concentration, even as he smoothly slides out the two swords at his sides, revealing the cobald blue blades of his enchanted Cutlass and Katana, electricity visibly arcing along them. And he growls then, "Try not to let it get near and knock anyone into the water!" Adressing the group's casters and ranged fighters, even as he waits for the inevitable to happen anyway.

Penny yelps as the creature erupts from the calm waters, surprised by it's sudden appearance, and then things happen so fast! Kier's spear flashing by, then flashing back again, and Kier himself going over the side of the boat he's in, followed by Thaylorn from her own! Doing her best to calm the rocking of her boat, amidst curses quite unseemly from a maiden such as herself until the fact that she is, in fact, a soldier of sorts, she gets up from her seat, standing in the center of the boat for the best balance and drawing her hand axe in her right hand and her cinqueda in her left, with no mind to the drifting of her boat at the moment in the face of being a potential target, and the subsequent need to be ready to defend herself and her current mode of transportation from attack.

Raziel holds steady as Vazkor leaps up and for a moment the man mutters, "please don't be a guardian.. if so please be here to test us." He nods to Vazkor and then states simply, "brace yourself." Before he leaps upwards and snaps his wings out, intent on gaining enough height that he can cast and at the same time not interfere with the swordsman. As his wings snap out suddenly balls of lightning start to ark over his wings and he calls out, "Kier keep away from him," while weaving the energies of the spell together and then hurling it at the serpent man. The large lightning ball crackles dangerously as it arcs towards their attacker, though just as with Talen's page a wave rises up and provides some shielding to the male, though still the crackle of lightning can be seen over it's chest and arms.

The beast screeeches in pain as first a fire ball and then lightning slams into him. He twists and dives back down into the water. It cuts under the boat makig a bee-line for Kier who is trying to climb back into his boat which is when Thaylorn comes up beneath the man and lifts him back up into the boat he was sharing with Penny along with a small wavbe of water! Thay is then able to dive out of the way as claws and snapping jaws try to get him. This does mean however the beast is underwater as is Thaylorn but it is within range of Penny's weapons though Vazkor's corracle has drifted a good seven feet away now and Talen's boat is drifting off in another direction all together.

Thaylorn hopes it was worth it diving into the water to get Kier back up as he propels himself through the water to avoid the creature's slashing claws and fangs. He's not about to go toe to toe with a creature like that, though, and darts back through the water towards his boat with the intent of boarding it once again. When his head pops out of the water again he calls out "What's the plan here!" Not wanting to use water magic as it might push the boats apart further if he's not careful.

Talen ponders the changing situation, seeming relieved as Kier is helped back into his boat. The viera notes the creature's position, and is lost in thought for a few moments. Then twin jets of frost errupt from his hands, forming a chunk of ice under his boat. As the mini-iceberg forms, Talen steps out of his boat onto the ice, carefully expanding the berg towards the closest boat.

Vazkor takes note of his boat drifting away some... Though most his focus is on the creature, the man following its path through the water, those swords still out, though currently useless, the swashbuckler having no real ranged capability at the moment... Though of course he has other tricks he can try, and with that, he braces himself in the boat again. Waiting for the creature to emerge once more before he sucks in a deep breath, his chest expanding... And then he loudly bellows. Waving his swords around a bit as he lets out a loud warcry, directed at the creature, meant to distract the creature and maybe put some fear into it [Warcry]

Penny keeps her eyes on the creature as the spells cause it some grief, loosing track of it once it dives back below the surface. The splash of Kier being pushed up into her boat draws her attention, though, and she catches sight of the creature as it makes a grab for Thaylorn just below the surface! She lunges! Well, more like falls to one knee and leans over the side of the boat next to where Kier was pushed aboard with a silent prayer that the boat doesn't capsize itself under her, but all the same, she thrusts down into the water at the creature with her cinqueda, attempting to wound it!

Raziel's head snaps towards Talen and he ponders for a brief moment before nodding, "watch it Vazkor.." He flies higher and as he does motes of ice start to spin around him and meld together as they grow larger and larger. Whilt this happens additional ones begin to form over his wings and they freeze entirely the gold feathers slowing and then stopping as the man begins to plummet. The ice motes draw in and encase him fully for a few moments then suddenly his wings spread and shards of ice shatter out around him, spearing into the ocean and then forming an ice sheet of comparable size to Talen's while his feathers bear him aloft once again.

Penny's boat and Talen's are soon linked by a three foot wide strip of ice which aids her in her strike as she slams her swords down into the water! The beast screams and lashes up at Penny, scoring its claws down her armoured arm and then Raziel's ice spell hits which links up Vazkor's boat with Penny's along another strip of ice. None of the boats are in the water now they are all held up and listing slightly atop the connected floe of ice. The beast growls in Penny's face, rearing back as if to strike at her again and then Vazkor's screaming cry makes it flinch. It dart's a look at him and shoves off from the gunwhale of Penny's boat and dives down... vanishing swiftly into the depths as the corracles and their new ice floes bob along on the current. The fight... for now at least is over, the creature driven back.

Thaylorn manages to climb back up into the boat as it's lifted out of the water by the growing ice, finally ready to get to the fighting just as the others are able to drive the beast back off to the depths. Leaning over the Imp merely looks down into the water beyond the ice flows "Not the sort of welcoming party I'd have expected here..." He mutters, somewhat downcast all of a sudden.

Talen continues to thicken the ice under and around the boats, only ceasing when the effort begins to tire him. "Hopefully that creature is gone for good. But this ice should at least give us an advantage." The viera looks over at the imp and shrugs, "I don't think that was a natural inhabitant of this ocean... that was pure evil, malevolence itself. Don't let it drag down your emotions." He looks around, "We need to head east. Do we want to use the ice here to sail that way, or should we set off in our boats again? Me, I'm partial to sailing this iceberg."

Vazkor quickly hops out of the boat, skidding on the ice below his feet as he makes his way towards where the creature submerged itself again, for a few moments not quite sure the threat really passed... Peering down into the water though, his swords still out, he after letting a few long heartbeats pass, seems satisfied, and retreats away from the edge of the ice again... Looking around at everyone as he goes, and commenting, "I think Ultimecia somehow managed to have that thing wait for us."

Penny glares right back at the creature as it growls in her face, training taking over in the face of danger before the creature pushes off and dives out of sight. At which point, she releases a deep breath and kinda sags a little against the boat's gunwale for a few seconds, letting the adrenaline ebb. After a moment of calm breathing, she sits up again, sheathing her weapons and checking the scratches left on her vambrace by the creature, tsking and hrming to herself over the scratches in the metal, "I'm not a sailor, makes no nevermind to me which we do; so long as we aren't swimming, I'll be happy." She offers no speculation on the creature's purpose or origin, herself, knowing little of the matter all told.

Raziel alights back on the boat which he and Vazkor were in before and he looks down as well before sending a look towards Thaylorn, "not really a warm welcome, no." His eyes flick to Talen then and he considers before he reaches over and taps the ice, "I say we float it for as long as we can, but we need something to give us momentum. Thaylorn can you help there with some water magic? I can call a breeze, but it not very helpful unless we have sails." His eyes move to Vazkor then before he nods quietly, "I'd be willing to bet money on it." Looking to Penny then the man smirks a little before murmuring, "this perhaps was not suited to your discomforts. This quest."

The ice berg is drifting along, slowly drifting north westerly which isn't the way they want to go. But for now the danger is over, they have a rather nice ice-berg. It's quite thick, over seven feet all told thanks to Raziel's bolstering of Talen's original spell. It took a bit longer to work but the ice berg seems to be sturdy enough and its put you all together. Kier frowns at the water and shakes his head as he tries to dry off. "Have I told anyone how unsettling the spirit world is?"

"Aye, I can help push us along." Thaylorn remarks towards Raziel with a faint smile before glancing towards Vazkor "You think it was her's, though? I wouldn't think something like that would be allowed to survive here. Especially if she forced her way here, I'm not sure." He shrugs slightly and glances behind their iceberg before hmming thoughtfully and offering almost as an afterthought "Hey Raziel, we should avoid flying at all here, for the best." He seems to concur with the no swimming thing for the time as he pushes the water behind the iceberg away propelling their makeshift boat towards the east.

Talen chuckles, moving to slap Kier on the shoulder, "You're not the first to notice, nor will you be the last, big-brother. However, Ultimecia, the one who is also chasing the zodiac, likely sent that creature to attack us. To delay us, likely. So that she can catch up." He looks around and ponder, "If we could make a sail, and use some of the paddles, we could get a rudder set up... that would help along with the wind and water spells."

Vazkor nods some at Raziel, but then he shrugs at Thaylorn, "If this is a spirit realm, why would something that evil be here? Unless the spirits don't want us here..." The man pausing to look around some again, casting his gaze across the horizon all around the iceberg, before he shrugs and just lets out a breath. Soon deciding to sheath his swords again for now, and dropping to sit down on the ice, getting ready for the trip.

Penny smiles and shrugs to Raziel, "I wouldn't go quite that far, really. I like swimming and such, it's just... Swimming in a pool or close to shore, or even in a pond or lake, is a *whole* lot different than swimming in a seemingly bottomless body of water with no land in sight. I mean, you look down, and you know there is absolutely nothing under your feet for lord-only-knows how many leagues? That's just..." She shudders a little, "Spooky. Unnerving." She seems comfortable enough, in the boat upon the ice, draped casually over the near-side gunwale now, chin propped up in one hand. Content, the mouse templar pulls her helm off, enjoying the little headwind as the mini-berg is pushed east by Thaylorn's water skills, "All told, I'd say that the trip so far hasn't been all that bad, leaving aside high-speed airship crashes and getting lost in a rainforest a time or two."

Raziel considers Thaylorn's advice then he nods to him before glancing to Talen, "I don't believe we have enough cloth for a sail.. so for now we will have to deal with paddles and water magics alone." Tepping over behind Vazkor the man drops the bag with the angry mongoose into his lap before walking to the back with Thaylorn a quick smirk given Penny over his shoulder.

With Thaylorn at the helm the ice berg begins to move, it is a bit slow at first but the imp soon finds a current going in the direction they want which makes it a bit easier to pick up speed! Sailing away they are off on the high seas of the Eternal Ocean!

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Go back to [[Chapter 36|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 36]]

Go on to [[Chapter 38|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 38]]

Or return to [[Sin of the People|Sin of the People/Stelazzio Quest Directory]]

Chapter 36

2013-04-21T15:57:44Z

Silvante: Created page with 'It's been two days since Thaylorn and Talen were able to work out what needed to be done to get the strange fountains and air pumps up and running! It's been a bit of trial and e…'

It's been two days since Thaylorn and Talen were able to work out what needed to be done to get the strange fountains and air pumps up and running! It's been a bit of trial and error as with the breaks in the circles they need to by-pass certain sections yet somehow create complete circles. Of course it didn't help that they lost half the time on the first day trying to find Penny in the woods after she got lost. In the then Kier managed to find her having a fight with some giagantic crabs that were menacing her on the beach. Of courset his did mean that Kier was able to serve some really tasty crab meals for dinner at their camp in the woods! The work itself has mostly involved adjusting the air funnels atop the fountains into a sequence they think will work then using the machines up on the mountain side to activate the device! Of course that has mean timing their activations to bne all the same time which was bloody hard to pull off too! What has happened so far is a loud of honking noises, bubbling watery fountains and not much success! But now... now after an entire day of working they have put the fountains into a sequence and are nearly ready to activate them again.......

Thaylorn seems to have gathered who he is able at one of the airpumps to explain the plan once more of what is to happen so that the group can reactivate the fountains. "Fifth time's a charm huh!" He offers to who has appeared "Should hopefully work this time, if we can get everyone activating their devices at the same time, I think one of our more firey folks could easily send up a signal into the sky from the summit." He probably intends to send the group about to the different air pumps.

Vazkor has managed to go through almost all of his personal stash of tobacco in the last few days, the man boredly smoking his pipe as he worked with the others to adjust those funnels to bypass the broken fountains... The man puffing on that Meerschaum pipe right this moment, in fact, as he saunters up towards Thaylorn. Idly blowing smoke rings and listening to the Imp, before he nods some and remarks, "I'm sure Raziel can launch an impressive fireball to alert all of us." And then gets ready to depart again, once matters are settled.

Penny nods in agreement with Vazkor, "Yeah, that's probably the best bet." If anything else, she at least knows her way around the fountains better by now, after her adventure to the beach and The Crab Conflict. She pulls her braid over her shoulder, idly toying with the tail-end of it, "So, when do we start, then?"

From his spot close by, Kier restrings his bow, and checks over some of his other goods that had still been drying over the last couple of days. Shifting to stand, he turns his head to look up towards the mountain and replies to that by saying, "First... we should decide who goes where. After all... some of the points are farther from others. Those who can move faster in the forest should be placed the furthest away."

Raziel looks at Kier then he nods in responce, "You and Vazkor head to the two furthest points.. Penny to the next closest and Talen and Thaylorn to those closest. Go ahead and head out then I will head up and wait til your all in position before flashing a signal." He reaches up and strokes EM's head thenn takes him down from the top of one wing and slips him into the case at his side." he nods for them to go then reaches into another pocket, pulling out a bit of jerky. A bite is taken and passed then into the pack with EM before he takes another bite and with a thrust of wings sends himself up into the air.

Talen sits near the airpump, his chin resting on drawn up knees. He chuckles at the fifth time's the charm, "More like eighth or ninth, Thaylorn, but who's counting?" Stretching, he stands as the activity level of people around has picked up once more. "I'd say there's no time like the present to get this done, hmm? And I think Raziel gets the light-something-on-fire job by default." The viera nods to Raziel and looks over to Thaylorn, "Race you!" he says as he ducks into a run.

The Imp just waves a hand at Talen as the Viera takes off, staying put at the group's current air pump "Just wait about twenty minutes or so Raziel, think everyone should be at the right place by then." Thaylorn remarks with a mild shrug as he merely sits and waits for the designated fire spell.

Vazkor glances at Raziel and nods, offering him a brief smile before the man idly raises a hand to the others in a departing gesture, and turns to get on his way. That same hand falling to the hilt of his sheathed Cutlass as he saunters off down one of those narrow paths, into the jungle surrounding them.

Penny gives Raziel a crisp nod as she receives instructions, "I'll be in position soon, and will await your signal." Two fingers go to her brow in salute to everyone else as she turns without further word, jogging off down the path towards her designated fountain.

Kier looks as if he wants to say something, but instead just holds his tongue for once. In passing though, Talen's hair is ruffled a bit before he lopes into the woods. Dust trods along behind, and does something in the same manner, twining between Talen's legs until that long-eared, almost fox-like cat takes off at a rat-catcher's pace. Just before the pair disappear in the foliage, the small feline leaps and lands in the hood on Kier's back, looking back at the others as they make their way to the furthest point.

Raziel's gaze trails after Vazkor for a moment before he blinks and looks back at Thaylorn, his wings causing gusts of wind as he keeps himself a few feet off the ground, "it will take them a while, but.." he looks after Penny and waves before looking back at Thaylorn, "I'll go up now incase anyone gets lost so I can redirect them." Raziel pushes upwards then, his wings beating faster to gain altitude while the sun catches off the gold, causing it to spark a bit. Once he's high enough he starts looking off in the drections everyone's run, hoping to catch some sign of their movements through the trees and even making sweeps over the fountains after it seems they should be there to make sure they are infact all ready.

It takes a good forty minutes to get everyone in place in the end, Raziel has to dip down out of the sky to point first Penny, then Vazkor in the right direction as they wander off path and then he has to go check on Talen and Kier when he spots that they have joined up and stopped. Turns out Kier came to Talen's rescue at Dust's urging to go pluck his boy out of the bog he was sinking into. But by the end everyone is where they should be, Kier, Vazkor and Penny are half way up the mountain side next to the large sand stone structures that need activating whilst Talen is down in the forest in the location of the biggest break making sure the stone funnel they have managed to recover and prop up on the remains of a fountain will not fall over. Everything is ready.....

With everyone finally in place finally Raziel starts to climb higher in the air, his teeth gritting a little bit as he looks down, making sure to make himself visible to everyone. Once that happens he starts to concentrate, his wings starting to glow as motes of fire magic start sparking over them and then he starts to fall, unable to do more than focus on the magic of the spell. As the fire moves to his hands the man looks like something of a fallen star that suddenly bursts into a full gout of flame just before the aegyl spreads his wings back out to catch himself before he tumbles into the trees below.

Thaylorn does indeed seem to be lazy, having decided to lay himself down against the conch so he could see the sky easily enough. With the flaring appearance of Raziel's magic though he easily leaps up to his feet. He quickly moves over to the mechanism that triggers the devices and activates it, hoping for the best this time! He has a feeling it will work out fine, though.

Vazkor was never much for jungle navigation, so the swashbuckler seems rather glad when Raziel comes down to show him the way after getting turned around a bit... And he soon finds himself by one of those structures, idly smoking his pipe again as he stares up at the sky, letting his eyes scan for the presence of flying Aegyl and the burst of fire magic... The man ready to rush in and activate the mechanism at the first sign.

Penny, after getting lost (*again*), and receiving much-needed direction from Raziel, eventually reaches her designated place, taking the time to make sure everything is ready, then settling down to wait for Raziel's signal, eyes on the sky. When the signal comes, she gets to her feet, and goes through the steps to activate the mechanism on-cue!

It's not actually Kier, but Dust who spots the fiery signal igniting the sky, and as the man catches the little display, it's the cat who seems to know what to do. Before he can get to the mechanism, Dust is there, nosing and batting things all in time to what everyone was shown. Exhaling once, he scruffs the beastie, but only AFTER it's done... but he brings up a bit of smoked crab to stuff into a hiss-prepared mouth.

Whether through pure luck, or a certain guiding angel from above, Talen is awaiting the signal by his fountain when the time comes. Whatever switch needs switching, or button needs buttoning, Talen hits it. Annnd takes a few steps back in case it explodes.

The mechanisms are depressed, four fancy sapphires depressed into their recess at the same time. There is a rumbling from under everyones feet and then music.... the conch-shells do something they have never done before they blow streams of visible air out of their funnels! They arch out over the island, each one playing a slightly different harmonious note! The streamers of air coil about each other then plunge down to strike the funnels of the four closest fountains! The water bursts out of the pipes and starts flowing again and is instantly caught by the whirling haze of air that has englobed the fountain and it launches out to the next fountain along, is caught by the funnel and coils around it and leaps out to the next fountain! This forms a circle of air and water all around the volcano and the tone changes! Several more notes now present in the cascade.... and then four whirling columns of air and water leap along the four paths between the inner ring and the outer, strike the fountains and repeat the process! Another ring of water and air from fountain to fountain forms outside the second with a fancy bit of jiggery pokery in place to replace the missing fountain. Streams crossing back and forth through the jungle to avoid the vacant spot without breaking the music! The tone hums in harmony and then the third circle is brought into the song of water and music! The air is palpable with energy, the party can feel their vital, magical energy being sapped.. being tapped... drawn into the whirling cacade of singing music! Raziel goes down with a flumpf, tangled in some tree branches quite unconcious. Thaylorn, Penny and Talen are brough to their knees, gasping for breath and only able to stare in shock as the outer circle sends curving pillars of water and air up.. up toward the peak of the mountain. Kier and Vazkor though they can feel the drain on their bodies are made of hardier stuff and are able to weather it. They get the best view as they are still on their feet so can see over the trees and rocks of the mountain as 16 streamers of water and air touch the top of the volcano and a mighty coloumn of aquamarine water bursts out of the caldera and into the atmosphere! Thundering into the sky it as a frothing, foaming waterfall that seems to blast away beyond human sight into the atmosphere! It is a breath-taking and magical sight, a coloumn of water over half a mile wide thundering upwards, against the pull of gravity into the sky.....

Still holding down the mechanism, Thaylorn raises his eyes to the conch with amazement as everything seems to click into place. He can't help but gasp as energy seems to flow about as easily as the newcomming water and even though he's forced to his knees from the power of it, he watches every moment of the process. Eyes tracing the water as best as he's able from where he is amongst the musical flowing of water the Imp seems completely lost in what is taking place, eyes going even wider as the streams of water converge into the great spire of water as it flows straight up into the sky.

Vazkor grunts and sways a moment as whatever little magical aptitude he possesses is drained from him... Only managing to stay upright by force of will, or sheer physicality. The man's fuzzy wolf ears perking at the humming melody as he blearily watches the pattern of water forming around him... And then can't help but stare in some awe at the gigantic column suddenly shooting out of the volcano. His head craning up as he tries to follow its path into the atmosphere.

Penny's mesmerized by the spectacular show of air and water, at least until the drain hits and causes her to stumble, then fall to her knees, the mouse gasping for breath as she falls forward onto all fours, shaking and barely able to prevent herself from collapsing completely. She misses much of the spectacle, her head down as she feels the drain pulling energy from her, simply doing her best to weather it until it stops. Then, and only then, does she start to struggle her way back to her feet, pushing against the exhaustion the drain left behind.

From his position close to the mountain, Kier is made to stagger and place his hand out to balance himself. Dust looses a bit of a nervous yowl as the ground around them seems to rumble a bit with all the excitement, and he makes a tired leap back into Kier's hood. Surprise more than weakness though is what throws Kier onto his rump when the volcano erupts with WATER, sending a geyser up in a place that should not be capable of doing so. Sitting there, bow white-knuckled in one hand, and the other digging into the dirt, he mumbles out, "Right."
What would likely have been a excellent view also has Raziel right in the middle of a torrent of power. The aegyl's wings beat a few times, his fall broken at least... but that energy knocks the mage for a loop and as it washes over him his senses black out. Thankfully he's only a short distance above the trees, because he goes limp and falls, crashing into branches, the higher ones breaking beneath him before he's caught by something stronger. As he comes to a rest the Evil Mongoose slips out of the bag, it's fur on end and it looks around quickly before crawling onto Raziel's chest. It paws at him then races down an arm and bites his finger hard enough to rouse the man. He comes awake with a yelp and then groans as he looks up at the streams of water. "well... that... worked."

Talen didn't really want to stay on his feet anyways. Instead he lays back as best he can, crossing one knee over the other. "Well, really, they could have simply said hmmm? Instead of having us take all this time to get it done. I would bet you a cream puff..." he says, to no one in particular, "That the bad guys will show up now. That's what always happens in those holocube thingies."

The gigantic geyser keeps pouring into the sky, the strange harmonious song keeps singing away and then the whole jungle seems to come alive with spiritual enterties. Dryads and Naiad start popping in and out of existance between the tree branches. Water elementals of all shapes and sizes start to flow and dive and swim through the air and water imps start popping into existance left right and centre. They jaunt into place next to everyone, including Thay, grin a trade mark impish grin and POP the party find themselves standing on a boat dock deep in the jungle. Before it was just some fancy stone work, now it makes sense with water running in the channel.. well running and then leaping up to join the madness of whirling water between the outer circle and the next.... There are three rowing boats, small coracles tied up in the channel, enough for two people per boat along with packs of food and supplies. The various Priests are also there and the lizard-kin High Priest of Leviathan is smiling and spreads his arms wide, "My friends... first let me appolgise for how I treated you all before. My Lord Levithan has set out clear rules on how we are to treat those who come here and after you damaged the summoning circle he was epecially grumpy. But you have done the magnificent, the gate is open. If you but have the corouage to climn aboard these boat and push off you shall journey in a way only a few have ever taken before. Journey into the Water Way!"

With the appearance of other water Imps, Thaylorn can't help but laugh a bit before the group is teleported to the docks. He's not quite sure how they did it, but he most likely wants to learn how the other water Imps were able to move them so quickly! He merely watches the flowing water for a few moments before nodding and moving towards one of the two-person boats. "I'm glad we've finally been allowed to travel through the portal."

Vazkor blinks as he's suddenly transported off the side of the mountain... The swashbuckler looking confusedly at the others of the party surrounding him, the small boats, and finally, the lizardy head priest... His brow going up a bit as the priest talks, and explains his previous behavior. Vazkor opening his mouth to say something soon after... But thinking better of it, mildly shaking his head, and just stating, "... Thank you, sir. We shall be on our way then, and get out of your Lord's hair as soon as possible."

Penny squeaks as a water imp pops into existence near her, ears folding back as she grinned at, unsure if it's a good thing or not. And then, she's somewhere else, with everyone else, in front of the small boats and the Priests and everything, leaving her looking around in a bit of confusion before she regains her bearings. The skyward river of water catches her attention, and she stares for a moment, before her brain finally processes *that* impossibility and moves on to other things. She glances at Vazkor, and can't help but ask, as she checks for which boat has her belongings, and starts climbing carefully into it, "Does Leviathan even *have* hair? That would sure be something, wouldn't it?"

Standing up slowly, Kier's head hangs for a bit, his eyes slit as his hand goes back and under to where his hunting knife is kept. That is drawn and spun once on a finger before tightening into a white-knuckle grip. He doesn't seem to want to move, and Dust at his feet has his ears flicked fully back and paws at his partner's ankle to try and break the tableau. But it fails... and still there is a palpable air of tension around the young man, the kind of feeling that comes just before a storm rolls right in over you.

Raziel looks around as the sprites and imps start to appear. As he is transported the mage staggers a little as he finds himself on his feet and EM on his shoulder. He looks at the creature then mutters, "thank you my friend." Reaching up he gives the mongoose a quick scratch and then he looks around and his eyes focus upon the high Priest as he speaks. The mage tenses though, looking first to his companions (notably Kier and Vazkor both) for their reactions. His eyes slide from Vazkor with a little nod and then he walks to Kier's side and lays a hand on his shoulder before murmuring lowly, "come.. we should go. Other things are best left to wait and apology was given." As for the High Priest he looks over at him and nods a little, but his attention, the lion's share that is, is on the tense young man beside him.

Talen blinks at the sudden appearance of an imp, and manages to poke at it with a toe before appearing next to a boat. And apparently with everyone else. "Well, that's certainly made for a good end to an interesting day. Though..." The viera grunts as he stands up. "Wouldn't that fountain have been uh noticeable? Wouldn't it be this island's most talked about feature? How many volcanos gout water into the heavens? Really..." He lowers his voice, "I'm beginning to think this fountain was broken before we got here. And that we just did Leviathan a giant solid. All we get are these t-shirts." Talen peers over at Kier and moves to his side, "No time big-brother, no time. We can return after, hmm? You don't want to have to explain to the ancestors that you let the world burn because you needed to sate your honour right that moment."

The High Priest chuckles softly and pats Talen on the head, ushering the party into the corracles, "And you think travellers can see it from afar? What do you think the coral reef are for?" He points to the sea and indeed the reef are alive.... and above the water, a ring all around the island, a shimmering, glowing, beautiful, rainbow light that flickers and glows and shimmers and encases the island in a dome of rainbows with that corruscating fountain of water and air and beautiful music punching through the middle of it into the atmosphere. The High Priest inclines his head to Kier and mrmurs, "I am sorry for how I treated you, but one must obey the rules one has set themselves." Once everyone is in the boats the Water Imps cast loose the ropes from the bow of each boat and a Nu Mou give it a nudge of luck to get it going. With Raziel in the lead corracle they move out into the stream of water and start to travel up that bridge of water toward the first ring and with the slow realisation that if they follow the path they will be riding tiny little leaf boats right into the geyser of geysers dawing on the party they set off for the next step of their adventure!

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Go back to [[Chapter 33|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 33]]

Go on to [[Chapter 37|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 37]]

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Sin of the People

2013-04-21T15:53:43Z

Silvante:

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The 11 Zodiacs pondered. How best to catch Virgo's heart? Aries headed east.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Taurus had an idea. He would give Virgo a gift. Through the forest and over the mountain, he found a star</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Gemini thought by the river, 'I will sing her a song.</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cancer headed to the cape where Virgo waited. The sun was setting into the ocean. Would he finally see her?</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Leo was waiting for the sun to set into the ocean. Then Cancer showed up, and they began to fight. Into the ocean they fell...</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Virgo... Is Lost to Ultimecia"</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Libra.. Is Lost to Ultimecia"</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Scorpio was very timid. He always looked at his shadow until one day he decided to look away. He walked up a hill."</b></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 1</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Prologue|Stelazzio Quest Prologue]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 1|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 1]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 2|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 2]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 3|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 3]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 4|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 4]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 5|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 5]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 6|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 6]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 7|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 7]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 8|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 8]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 2</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 9|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 9]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 10|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 10]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 11|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 11]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 12|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 12]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 13|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 13]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 14|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 14]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 15|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 15]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 16|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 16]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 17|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 17]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 18|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 18]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 3</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 19|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 19]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 20|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 20]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 21|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 21]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 22|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 22]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 23|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 23]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 24|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 24]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 25|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 25]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 26|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 26]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 27|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 27]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 28|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 28]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book - The Interlude</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 29|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 29]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 30|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 30]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book 4</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 31|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 31]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 32|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 32]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 33|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 33]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 34|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 34]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 35|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 35]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 36|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 36]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 37|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 37]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 38|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 38]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 39|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 39]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter 40|Stelazzio Quest Chapter 40]]</u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: 20pt">Book - The Interlude 2</span></u></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter BI2-1|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-1]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter BI2-2|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-2]]</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>[[Chapter BI2-3|Stelazzio Quest Chapter BI2-3]]</u></div>

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