Flashback Meeting in Illusions [Crypt]

[Makoto Moonwater]

Makoto nodded in response to Crypt's first comment. As soon as the older Drykas had mentioned, "I've entered this maze only once, but it took me a full four days to get out." , he had known that he wouldn't make it out in time. However, this did not deter him. He loved the thought of an adventure, and it was considered a bonus that there was a food & water supply available. Makoto also thought about the possibility of a seafaring journey home, smiling. No, he was not a fool in believing that it would be easy, but something had overcome him, something that reminded him of when his foster parents described his true father... They had said that he never stayed in one place for too long (though his mother had been an exception) and it seemed as if Makoto had inherited that trait. Hated to be stuck in one place for too long, and this was his chance for a little adventure. Makoto took an interest, watching curiously as Crypt did something with his djed. He only knew that the older Drykas was doing, because he knew some Reimancy, which was very common among the Sapphire clan. Makoto waited patiently while Crypt explored, taking a look around them as he did, noting that there had been another slight shift. It had grown a bit darker. He turned his head quickly when he heard his name, turning his attention back to the seemingly drained Djed user. Makoto nodded, agreeing with Crypt, and acknowledging the facts at the same time. He had thought that it wouldn't be that easy. He trotted to catch up, though it didn't take long with Crypt's exhausted gait. A while later... Makoto had been gazing around as they walked down the path, and finally saw something that caught his interest. "So... why don't we rest for now while you regather your strength?" Crypt seemed to be having a difficult time, and really, it would be of no use if he tired himself to the point of passing out. Makoto had called quietly while moving towards a plant baring some sort of fruit. It appeared to be a small tree, it's soft, oval leaves a silvery green. It's fruit was a lovely red-ish orange in color. The boy picked one, turning it from side to side, examining it, sniffed it, and walked back to Crypt. "Do you know if this is edible?" OOCSorry for the wait!

[Crypt]

"Yes, yes..." The fatigue Crypt was currently expressing was partly due to his mild over-giving as a result of using Auristics and a strange fruit Crypt had consumed earlier that day. It was identical to a cherry: its size, colour, smell and even taste were like that of a cherry. Assuming that it was a cherry, the Drykas had consumed it eagerly, for he had not tasted such a fruit for quite a while. The only problem with the fruit was that it was not a cherry. It had the effect of draining Crypt's physical strength slowly for a few hours. The drain was not noticeable until about two bells later, when Crypt found that he was trying hard not to fall asleep. A liberal application of cold water from a fountain and a sip of brandy had done him good, but now he was starting to falter. Crypt sat down on the paved ground, leaning his head against a small, leafy bush. Raising his head wearily to observe the unknown fruit in Makoto's hands, Crypt squinted in order to see it better. The sun was already setting, and Leth could be seen rising into the soon-to-be night sky. "I don't know, Makoto... The fruits in here are strange and unusual. Of course, there's always normal fruit growing here. You don't know which is which - I'd advise you not to try it, but I've never heard of a fruit being harmful - that is, poisonous - to anyone that's eaten them here in the Garden of No Return. If you want, go on and try it."

[Makoto Moonwater]

He watched Crypt for awhile, emotions conflicting through his mind. He felt the risk factor, just seeing the older Drykas in his present state provided the proof of that, however... he felt an overwhelming sense of curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. In the end, curiosity won him over. Makoto nodded, glancing at Crypt, and took a small bite. It was sweet and soft, reminding him of a peach or plum. For a moment, nothing happened, but then he began to feel dizzy. Deciding that it would be better to sit before he lost his balance and fell, he sat beside Crypt. "You were right, shouldn't have done that." He slowly drifted off, his eyes closing on their own accord... A while later... Suddenly, he was on his feet, looking around at the swords pointed at him from all directions. He tried to defend himself, but found that he was not near his bag. The next thing he knew, he was on the ground, thrashing his arms, breathing heavily. He looked around him, and saw that he had somehow moved a few feet away from Crypt. "Just... a dream... an illusion," he said softly, as he tried to relax his tensed limbs. Silently, he prayed to Ionu, hoping that the God/dess, would not take his sanity from him. He shuddered at the thought.

[Crypt]

Crypt slowly moved away from the spasming Makoto, who was apparently experiencing an epileptic seizure, deciding that it was better to move away from someone with a bag that appeared to be full of very sharp objects. If he decided that stabbing Crypt was a good idea... Once Makoto had ceased his erratic motions, returning to his senses, he muttered a few words and fell silent. "Are you... are you alright, Makoto?" Crypt hesitantly questioned Makoto, unsure if Makoto would have a relapse. Alvadas was extremely unpredictable, and there was no telling what the full effects of the fruit Makoto had consumed were. "I suppose we may as well call it a night. We're both exhausted, and you really look like you need some rest. Take a drink of water, and turn in. I'm going to sleep now. Good night." _________________________________________________________________ The next day. Dawn. Crypt placed a hand on the back of his neck as he cracked his neck. It had not been easy sleeping on a hard surface - the paved ground - and he was cursing himself for having gotten too used to having a nice, soft and comfortable bed to sleep in every night while he was in Alvadas. "I think I'd better go out more often. This just won't do." Muttering to himself about possible one-man expeditions he might attempt (since Maras is a horse, not a man) after he escaped from the petching confusing hedge maze that was the Garden of No Return, Crypt performed his daily morning ablutions as best as he could, and started on a few basic exercises.

[Makoto Moonwater]

OOCI only meant for Makoto to be 'thrashing' in the sense of having a bad nightmare... similar to sleep-fighting... (if that makes any sense) and I can't apologize enough for how I keep taking so long. Through the rest of the night, Makoto lay on his back, staring at the sky, dreading sleep and the dreams that would follow, a vague thought that the sky was perhaps another illusion crossing his mind every now and then. As light returned to the sky, he went about preparing for the day's trials as much as he could, stretching, and preparing a short meal for his breakfast, yawning. As he did, he heard Crypt awaken, and glanced over, wondering if the older Drykas was alright. He had seemed rather drained by the fruit he had mentioned eating earlier. However, the older man seemed to be in better health, for he was able to move more easily, doing exercises, some of which, Makoto recognized. The exercises reminded Makoto of his own experience, and the fruit induced nightmare. Shaking his head in an attempt to forget, he continued preparing his morning meal from his limited rations. With a sudden thought, he returned his attention to Crypt. "Do you want me to make you something?" he said, gesturing towards his own rations. Though it wasn't much, he would offer what he could. It would be good practice for him as well. It also took his mind of their predicament, at least for a moment. He dreaded the thought of being stuck within the maze, even with someone who had have experience with the same situation before.

[Fallacy]

XP Award! Name:Mokoto Moonwater XP Award: Observation 1 Investigation 2 Rhetoric 2 Lore: Testing Wares Separated from Family The Garden of No Return Dangers of Illusionary Fruit Notes: Items Two Wrist Knives Two Punching Daggers Dagger Notes Remove 8 gm from ledger Name:Crypt XP Award: Observation 1 Rhetoric 2 Auristics 1 Lore: Wandering into a Maze The Garden of No Return A Troublesome Companion Notes: Any questions or concerns about the rewards gained please send a PM