[Verlyna's Emerald Pool] The Cold Wet Heart Of Hate (STC)

[Lliwen Vafara]

Lliwen nodded happily to Bob’s request of meeting for dinner later that day- that was if they made it. The more she heard from Dakota the more she became suspicious of her, she wasn’t giving that much away and the hints that something may happen- even if then dispelled by “I doubt it”- were increasing. ‘Well what was I really expecting from this, a gentle swim?’ Lliwen returned her attention to Bob. She had to admit she was enjoying the attention Bob was giving her, this rarely happened and when it did she tended to shy away. ‘Perhaps it’s quite fortunate that we are stuck together for now then.’ She was about to tell him the meaning of her name, before Dakota (tried to) call her. “Since you are adapt to the water do you mind leading the plunge?” This made sense, Lliwen was after all, a water dweller, although she was still nervous. Though having not as much information as she would like on the pool, she knew the story of the hypnotist who fell to her doom in the emerald waters. She gulped, before replying with an “O-okay” That sounded far less courageous than she would have liked it. She took her first dubious step towards the water’s edge before Bob grabbed her arm and whispered, “You don’t have to go first if you don’t want to…I’ll help you if anything happens.” Encouraged by the man’s words Lliwen’s posture appeared to completely change; now she walked upright towards the pool looking as fearless as she could. She stared into the water for a moment and swore she saw a flash of light… Lliwen shook her head and threw the thought from her mind and waded into the pool, until it reached her chest. “It seems to be safe,” She called back to the others, who followed into the mysterious waters. They soon reached the same depth as her, and decided she would try to show initiative and perhaps seem brave by swimming forward. The first few strokes were fine; however, the current suddenly became stronger and more violent. She may have managed to continue swimming, but this was to remain unknown as Dakota tried to haul her back to the safety of shallow waters, a move that startled Lliwen and caused her to lose control of her body in the water. The current too, appeared to grow stronger with this action, “Have we angered the spirit of Verlyna? No sooner than she had that thought, the group were sucked into the murky depths below. Lliwen could feel her chest compressing; thank God she had gills. She looked around her to see her party struggling - surely Dakota had not foreseen this? Bob in particular was in trouble, as Lliwen remembered he actually had to use lungs to breathe. She used all of her strength to get closer to him, and tried to use her powers over the water to lessen the pressure on his chest slightly. Luckily she did not have to focus her energy on this for long as they were vomited up from the water into a room, green glass bottles everywhere reflecting the light of what few candles were lit. There was a bath in the centre and… Lliwen’s observations were cut short by the sound of spluttering, that then quickly subsided. She turned towards Bob, only to see him lying motionless. She ran to his side in a mad panic, unsure of what to do. The other seemed not to have noticed the fact one of the group may soon be dead, leaving any chance of saving Bob to Lliwen. The energy needed to draw the water from his lungs was almost entirely gone from earlier, though she tried nonetheless. A little liquid came out, though this was nowhere near enough to ensure his survival. Her mind rushed around. “Oh God, what do I do, what do I do?” She tried to call to the others but her throat seemed to close up. She could only think of one other option, “I have read about the human concept of mouth to mouth, though it’s slightly similar to kissing… would that be wrong seeing as we may be seeing each other in a ‘romantic’ sort of way later tonight? Then it hit her; there would be no later tonight if she didn’t do something now. She lowered her body closer to the ground, not entirely sure if she was doing this correctly, pumped his chest and pressed her lip’s against his, breathing in the oxygen he desperately needed. She alternated between the two movements, hoping and pleading to whoever was listening for him to awake. Her body began to shake due to the mixture of exhaustion from being dragged into this room and trying to resuscitate Bob. Tears began to stream down her pale blue face, though now she had started she was unwilling to give up until Bob regained consciousness or her body gave in.

[Nas]

Nas dint care much about the romance between the two it was cute and Lliwen had a cute reaction to it reminded him of home he shaked a bit his head sadly it wasnt time to be reminiscing.He had to admit on a second thought that he was curious about the charoda culture perhaps one day he would meet few of them to get to know some stuff regarding it. When Dakota locked eyes with Nas he felt and asked for his name he was reminded that he had forgoten to introduce himself oh damn i need to focus he spoke as he stared back "sorry about that Miss Dakota my name is Nas nice to meet you all" he did a mental note to focus on the task at hand and stop thinking for a bit too much. As he entered the water with the rest of the group he was trully glad for not wearing a robe or cloak it would be hard to clean it later.He entered the water with the rest of the party so far so good as they swimme he noted the current picking up uh oh this might spell trouble Dakota was fast trying to get the charoda back to shallower waters, but the current got stronger as it did Nas took tried to take a deep breath to stay afloat but he failed as the current took him with the rest bringing them to their destination? coming up he was the last to seeminlgy come to it he coughted up some water and let a low sigh as he checked himself a bit mask was on and still clothed. Looking around he saw the charoda was running to the human was he dead? He ran there as fast as possible he still remembered the captain fun fellow he taught them what to do in case someone was drowned. ******** 73 Summer 450 Nas was seasick the storm had gotten to them and after a couple of drowned people the captain got the guards he had hired to deliver a lesson what to do in such cases. As the captain came in he spoke up loudly "Okay listen up people i want you in case someone get drowned again to know what to do firstly get them the hell out of the water simple no?" he paused but a moment before speaking again "then make their head to the side to get the water in ther mouth and nose out after that yep you guessed it ITS KISSING TIME you breath all the air in your lungs into that person a few times oh and dont forget for Dira's sake to pinch the nose whilst doing it or the air leaves from there anyhow thats the gist of it now get back to your posts!." ******** Nas got to her as she had tried to get him up but that dint seem enought she seemed very...distressed he kneeled down there to help her hear him "listen Lliwen fast! turn his head to the side to get some of the water out then pinch his nose as you breath four times again before cheking if his alive " he hoped she would manage it as a nuit his breath capacity was.......beyond lacking he hoped Dira wouln't come to take Bob just yet....if there was still time to save him.

oocMouth-to-mouth resuscitation good stuff for lifeguards and a bit more complex than one would think.
Also are we allowed to write about old memories or i should remove it?

[Dakota]

Dakota biting her lip closed her eyes for a second her impulses screamed in fear the unknown surrounding’s listening to the panic voices behind her. She had to draw herself inward and not let the fear take hold their lives were in her hands. Letting her eyes flash open again she turned around and raced over to Lilween. “Breath into his mouth then let me pump his chest.” Dakota ordered as she looked over at Nas. “Nas watch our backs.”

She ordered as she placed her hands on Bobs soaked shirt.
Looking over to Lilween she forced her hands down upon his chest and began counting. “One ..five..eight..twelve..” She spoke as she forced her hands downward. “Breath into his mouth again.” She ordered quickly as she waited for Lilween to do as she instructed. She didn’t show it but Dakota was shaken she couldn’t live with herself if something had happened to one of the people who chose to join her. She rather take the spot on the chopping block than live hundreds of years with that guilt.

As Dakota and Lilween were working revive Bob a slight movement would catch Nas’s attention a sudden shadow moving across the floor near the door. Under the sound of Lilween and Dakota and Bob the sound the clicking of bones. Then slowly a face would slowly peer from the edge of the door the only makeable traits being a woman’s dark black hair and pale skin. Then as quickly as it had shown up it would vanish and a cold breeze would sweep over him. Something was watching them something old and malevolent something that wanted to escape. The walls had eyes and the floor itself had ears.

Dakota breathed a sigh of relief as Bob coughed up water and left him in Lilween’s care as she walked over to the Nas catching a odd feeling of being watched. “This place doesn’t feel good.” She spoke to Nas quietly unaware that he had seen anything as she walked for Bob and Lilween to get themselves together . “Well I say we push forward we already came this far but…” Dakota stopped turning to Bob. “If you don’t want to go on I would understand.” She said wondering if he was still ready to explore having almost just drowned.

[Bob Barton]

Before the water got him, Bob let out a curse that "damn my luck" that was eaten up by his fluid killer as well. Kicking and beating the water was the last thing he felt which went on even when he lost consciousness. On the bright side he had a chance to meet Lhex, and teach the clown for making him vertically deficient. Maybe he could even persuade the god for a gamble so that Bob will have a better life next. Or better yet...

He will not die. Yay! It was like waking up from a very tiring sleep which was completely useless. The first thing he noticed was some weird counting upwards and his chest being pressured that he wanted to "cough!" right after some air was forced into his lungs. The counting stopped and...something smelled like fish? He was cold as well. Cold and wet! He did not like it. After he opened his eyes he saw Lliwen but since they only met today he got a shock thinking she was something else and quickly sat up finding other two nuits together. "Where am I and what is going on?" he asked looking at all of them. Some explaining was needed especially about how he nearly died.

Assuming someone did, or Bob was given enough time to assess the current situation and figure it out on his own he would smack his lips tasting the 'fish' again before getting up and going towards Lliwen. "That was an uhhh...exciting first date but I think I'll take something slower like dinner for our next one" hinting at their plans which he hoped that she was still interested in with a smile. Bob knew that his nearly drowning was not really her fault especially when she did her best to save him...it was Dakota's for not planning things well enough as well as his for not getting something like one of those underwater bag things once he found out what they were supposed to do.

Dakota got a brief stare from the corner of Bob's eye for that as he wondered what else might happen but the charoda got something better? Maybe? Like his "thanks" for starters as he leaned lips forward near Lliwen's cheek. He stopped right before he touched her though using this as an opportunity to see if Lliwen really had any feelings for him, like fishing. It even had the perfect bait, Bob himself. If it was to her liking, Lliwen can take the kiss and maybe a repeat of mouth to mouth Bob missed in the romantic way that it was meant to be, if they ever got to go to the Withering Rose.

But that was all of it for now. Bob had things that needed doing. He was tired, hungry and cold. Looking around to properly inspect the place they were at for the first time he saw that they were in some sort of luxurious indoor pond complete with decorations he could not understand and weird bottles. Bob looked into the bath but there was no fish...when he went to the green bottles they were too strange for him to even contemplate opening them. Well. At least if he is able to fix one of the discomforts now, he would call it tolerable until he found something else again.

"Anyone have anything I can draw with?" If not Bob would have to settle it on his own. Grabbing one of the bottles and opening the cork, he took a whiff before tipping it slightly so that its contents will steadily stream out. Once the first bit touched the floor, Bob started walking backwards keeping himself as stiff as possible. If anyone was looking at him from the start, they might see him walking in a curve, the line following him the best it could if they disregarded its sloppy state when it splattered on the ground. Eventually the bottle ran out, "petch..." but Bob had no choice since he did not want to do over. Fetching another one he continued again. Hovering his hand above the ground as he walked in a curve until the green liquids joined each other in a circle. It was not perfect, he knew looking thick at some points especially at the beginning since he did not know how fast he had to go and for such a small circle too.

However it looked like an effective focus to him and that was all it mattered. Maybe the others thought he went mental doing something random but the only explanation they got for the glyph is "its cold. I need something to warm me up and dad always told me that we need to set a boundary for the fire when camping. So people won't get too close." A lie of course. Bob never met his father or learned camping like this. What he did know was reimancy and though he normally kept it a secret from others especially since it gives him an advantage in gambling, he could not be bothered about it now. He nearly died, and they still might die. The other reimancers in the group might recognize what he did soon after hes done with his hand in the middle of the circle but he was adamant saying "I learned a little philtering from my uncle. He thought me about flammable liquids." What nonsense.

Fighting back against the cold made it hard for him to concentrate but wanting to get warm was all the motivation Bob needed to focus on bringing out some of his res. Scowling a little he forced his djed towards his hand in a rush, turning into res when it went past his skin and stopping once it his the ground. He waited there until a layer of res formed between himself and the ground and lifted his hand up slowly allowing the newly made liquid to spread. Thanks to the glyph that he made, he was able to control the res to not go out of the bounds of the focus he made. Once he felt it was high enough Bob commanded the res in a shivery whisper to "burn..." and the flames started to go upwards. As if stopped by his hands the fire stayed in place but it was only Bob.

Looking straight at the fire so that he can react quickly if he lost control he asked the rest "aren't you guys cold too?" It would be understandable if Lliwen did not want to come close being a fish but the other two might? Nevertheless it was their decision just as Bob had his own. It is true that "I don't feel like continuing" but where would he go? There was only one door out and he knew nothing about the place so he would have no choice but to follow the group if he wanted to keep safe but...Dakota did not need to know that. Trying to make the best of his forced circumstances Bob tried to ask that "you could increase the rewards or make some other arrangement." Like a reaction to his lapse of concentration because of his excitement, the fire flickered upwards hitting his skin in an "ouch!" before Bob forced control again and made it go down.

More important now is "any other surprises we should know about Dakota? Anything you know that we should know?" He could ask more but he decided against it for now. When Dakota was done explaining and offered him something else, or called his bluff, he will put the fire out using the increased control from the glyph to pull the base of fire together before tossing some water from the bath on it. That felt a lot better but "you better take the lead boss" since Bob does not want anymore surprises.

[Lliwen Vafara]

Black dots began to form in front of Lliwen’s eyes from exhaustion, though she still continued on, determined not to let Bob slip into death’s embrace. Without warning, Bob shot up from the damp floor, almost head-butting her in the process. The human stared at Lliwen and her two, and questioned, “Where am I and what is going on?” Lliwen opened her mouth to try to explain, however, no words formed in her mouth. True, Bob had just woken up, but he knew about as much as the rest of them. ‘Unless one of the Nuits is hiding something’ She tried to enlighten Bob once more of what had happened this time taking a deep breath before she began. Her voice was still hoarse from performing mouth to mouth. “Well umm, I presume you remember we were sucked into the water, right? The pressure of the water was very great, and I had to try and pull the water away from your chest. In fact, all of us are lucky no bones are broken. Eventually, we were hurled to… wherever we are now, and you were unconscious so I had to resuscitate you- sorry about that. I think that’s it in a nutshell.” Her cheeks became redder and redder as her explanation progressed, she didn’t know how Bob would react to her giving him CPR. Luckily, he replied with "That was an uhhh...exciting first date but I think I'll take something slower like dinner for our next one" Lliwen smiled and nodded at his words, glad that it appeared the evening’s plans were still happening. Although, that depended entirely if they made it out of wherever they were alive. This thought made Lliwen’s mind spiral into deeper and deeper worry, causing her to freeze as though she was under a spell. Unexpectedly to her, Bob drew close to her cheek as if to kiss it, though stopped what must be millimetres away. Shocked by his advance, Lliwen let out a little squeak and instinctively moved away, only to realise seconds later what was occurring. She leant back towards Bob, and slowly placed her lips on his own. She was not planning for an intimate kiss, as she thought a peck would suffice, but Bob seemed to have different ideas. His mouth widened slightly and his tongue brushed past her teeth as it met hers. If Lliwen was blushing before, it was even more so now. However, this time she didn’t feel awkward, the embarrassment was somehow a nice one. As their lips pulled away from each other, Lliwen could not help but grin from ear to ear- it had been a long time since anyone had kissed her, let alone she had actually enjoyed it. Lost in her own thoughts, she barely heard Bob say something about drawing, and only snapped back to reality when she heard the glug of some form of liquid. She snapped her head towards the noise defensively; who knew what could be down here with them? She relaxed as she saw it was only Bob pouring out the contents of one of the bottles. Confusion then took over as her levels of panic dropped, only when he picked up the second bottle and stood back to admire his work did she realise what he was doing. ‘So he’s a reimancer too… Lliwen decided to keep this fact to herself, partly because she didn’t want to tell something that wasn’t hers, partly because she was sure if she trusted Dakota, and partly because this would mean having to explain how she knew. Bob offered them to come over to the fire he had just made, and despite it probably not being the best thing for her race to do, she accepted this offer. She was rather cold anyway, and she could always call for a small amount of water and rub it on herself without too much attention being paid to it. ’People do rub themselves when they are cold, right?’ She sat next to Bob, not too close but enough to let him know she had enjoyed their kiss. She lowered her hand to the ground, hoping that he may notice and entwine his fingers into hers. Looking at his face he seemed very uneasy, not surprisingly, but still. Lliwen stared into the flames, it was not often she was close to fires, and the dance the flames seemed to be doing enthralled her. Her body heated up fairly quickly, and sooner than she expected she had to summon some water in the palm of her hand furthest away from Bob. The others gave the impression of being unaware of this and she rubbed herself in motions that she believed others did to try and warm themselves. Despite this whilst she was so close to the fire her efforts were in vain, and hoped Bob would understand as she left the glyph. She walked around the room, calling for water one little bit at a time and discreetly wiped it over her skin. Bob was questioning Dakota about if there were any more surprises, though Lliwen had become too distracted in a world of her own to listen to the conversation in more detail. She began examining the bottles, they reminded her of something though she could not recall what exactly. Spotting a small bottle containing a pink sparkling fluid, she placed it in her pouch, it was too pretty for her to resist. She headed over to the bath tub, and looked inside. There was nothing much there, just a bit of water. ‘But why are there all of these bottles?’ She pondered this as Bob came over and threw some of the water onto the fire when she had an idea. Grabbing a bottle filled with blue liquid, she poured it into the bath. A cloud of smoke appeared before her eyes, causing her eyes to run and her to splutter. As the smoke cleared, in the bath was a small dragon like creature, more aquatic looking than fire breathing however. Unsure if it was harmless she called to the others as quietly as she could as to not disturb it, “I think you better come see this”

[Nas]

Nas just nodded to Dakotas instructions hrm guard duty this brings me back. As he watched over the room he saw something moving it was too fast for himself then he noted the door as he watched there he saw......a womans face? as he tried to concetrate on what he had seen it dissapeared and a cold breeze came over him brr this is a ghost? he shaked a bit his shoulders trying to calm himself truthfully he dint like this at all, he felt very paranoid he placed his hand on the hilt of the short sword this room wasn't safe that was sure. He was placed out of his thoughts by Dakotas words of being watched "Yes i agree" as he tried to shake that face off his memory the feeling yet remained.He looked over there as Bob woke up from his near death drowning and asked his questions hm il let the others speak to him i wonder if we are in an illusion or trully travelled the pool perhaps its best not to think about that he noted that the door was closed. Despite this he walked closer to see if there was a wind coming from there he felt chills before when he was standing on guard. He looked back at the others Bob was up and was pouring the bottle on the ground for some reason like he drew something perhaps.Still he returned back to the others it was very strange, he dint feel any kind of wind from that door. By the time he came back Bob was concetrating as Nas saw something from Bobs hand he walked a bit closer just enought it looked like res just then Bob ignited it Nas was taken aback a bit the group had two reimancers from the looks of it good to know that Bob could hold himself easilly. Better ask him "Wont keeping the flames inside make you spend djed Bob?" it was true concern Nas had seen his share of wizards dying from overgiving going half mad or begging for death thinking about it those were the lucky ones. Still he stayed close there appreciating the warmth they should all be a bit soaked and since his curiocity was satisfied he sat down as the others were drying off if Dakota was drying too he would go on her to share what he saw "Dakota i think i saw Verlyna's ghost but it could have been an illusion just as easilly just thought you might need to know for better or worse". As he finished his words he swore heard Lliwen calling out to them for some reason he dint hear well what she said, still he hoped it wasn't something bad again thats when he noted she wans't next to Bob uh oh trouble? he looked around when he saw her close to the bath walking to her he saw a strange looking reptile that seemed content where it was or at least it wasn't trying to kill them or eat them yet that is still he spoke softly "Worst comes to worst it can be eaten....propably".

[Dakota]

Dakota froze in terror once she saw the beast and held her rage in not to scream at Lliwen for being such a fool. “Let’s get out of here before it sees us.” She breathed slowly stepping back she had no idea what the creature was and watching as Lilween approached it believing it was cute. “Lilween…don’t.” She was cut off Dakota caught a glimpse of something strange. It was like the image of the creature had flicked for a moment. Glancing down to the water she saw something that would haunt her for the rest of her days.

Where this cute dragon looking figures shadow should be was a tall slender looking creature with arms which reached down to its long legs which were out stretched inches away from Lilween. At the end of its hands appeared to be claws. The creature wore no clothing was skin was pale white and its face was completely covered in skin and flat. Dakota had to look away the image hurt her eyes to look at. “Lilwen run!”

Dakota screamed as she forced the group forward the creature following after them limping slightly and starting to make a sad animal noise as if trying to stop them from running and to come close to it. Dakota slammed the large wooden doors shut. “Bob hand me that candle stick.” She growled and would take it from Bob or get it herself if he did not and would slide it through the handles to secure the door.

Suddenly a loud bang hit the door making Dakota jump as she put her shoulder in holding it shut after another large bang nothing came but silence…. Dakota looked back at her companions. “Did you see what that things reflection in the water was it was about to kill Lilwen.” She shook her head she didn’t need to explain to Lilwen how foolish she was as she tried to figure out a way to get out of this place. She had not intended to get them trapped and the only exit she knew of being that pool they would have to either fight that terrifying monster or find another way out of this hell of illusion. She could feel Bob’s judging eyes upon her and she gave him a sharp look.

“Stop acting like I know what is going on do you think I wanted to be stuck down here?” Ignoring his response and looking if one was given instead looking past him. Slowly walking toward him, pushing past they would suddenly see a badly decomposed skeleton hidden in the shadows of the hall way. If one wasn’t looking for it one could almost walk right past it. It worse a badly faded blue shirt and brown worn shorts and in its hand was a dusty scroll tightly gripped in the skeletons hand.

Dakota bent over and removed it popping the skeletons hand clean off. “Yuck.” She breathed knocking the bones off and opening the dusty piece of paper and began to read aloud interrupting anyone who may have been speaking. “This place is full of rules, I will explain. I came upon this pond in 500AV looking for wealth. The pond was rumored to be haunted and cursed however that did no phase me as I needed the money.

If your reading this now you already know more than likely that the claims I make are not exaggerated. When I arrived I was pulled in the water seemingly jerking me through into a pool area. I began to get the feeling of being watched and I ventured forth and what felt like hours I began to notice something. The walls of this place move. I would back track areas and the rooms would seemed bigger, lighter, more inviting. There are a few others down here however all are a strange lot. They don’t talk.

They keep to routines you can set a clock by. When I first tried to ask them what was going on I was almost ignored. I was so desperate to know I still existed I persisted and finally convinced one of the older men to speak to me. He explained to me the reasons why no one seemed to register each other’s existence was that “they weren’t allowed to” at the time, I had no idea who he was talking about. After a few nights I couldn’t find that old man anymore I tried asked the others but I can tell by their eyes that no one had seen or heard from him since he had spoken.

“The rules” as I came to understand them of this place became apparent over time. The first was sleeping in the halls and not in the bedrooms. I only slept once in the hall on purpose, dozing on a wooden chair, until I woke up to my arm trapped between the chair and the wall. A wall that was everal feet away from the chair when I closed my eyes a few hours earlier. I was overcome with a feeling a very familiar feeling that I was somewhere I shouldn’t be and I began to see a women’s head peaking about corners each glance closing closer onto me without any movement between positions.

I ran and the feeling of being chased would not leave me until I hurriedly stumbled up to my claimed bed, where I only felt truly safe when I hid under the blankets like a scared ten year old. I only fell asleep once more in that chair after reading a book by accident. I was woken once again with a feeling that I should leave.

A blanket I had left across myself was tied around my neck and pulled tightly enough to leave a striking mark on my throat. The rule of sleeping only in my bedroom stands alongside others countless others. I learned that I should clean up my dishes immediately, when I stepped out of the kitchen area to try to investigate where the plates of food were coming from a knife was thrown at me, missing my head by three inches and impaling itself into the wall. I also learned not to take too long of baths or the water would suddenly become scalding hot in the circular pool and would remain soon till I left.

Or worse some sort of creature which mimicked a hurt puppy or my hurt father begging for help. You must also keep the place tidy and that you should not waste fire wood, and that no matter what noises I hear at night I should never ever explore no matter how loud the screaming gets or the pounds upon my door.I have so many things I could tell you, example after example I do not know where to begin.

I need you to look past my writing and see that this is real and not a trick. There is a way out however I fear I cannot reach it in time. It is in the main chambers and is only active at night. A cupboard which only appears when it is midnight. I opened the door to explore it and found that I could not touch the wall. I began to crawl and that is when the door behind me slammed shut and I was put into pitch black. I then began to feel two cold wet hands start to pull me back. Before it pulled me back out I could see at the end appeared to be a start of water fall.

I don’t remember what happened to me when I was pulled out but I woke up in my room and a chair was sitting at the end of my bed. Something terrible is happening to me I am starting to lose hours of my day forgetting what happened to me and finding large wounds about my body. This place is a living nightmare. I am writing this because tonight I have to make a run for it. I am to terrified to sleep for last night I accidently left the fire going and that night I felt something touch my face in my sleep. I am going to make a run for it and try to outrun this demon if I don’t at least I will be able to warn the next lot which find themselves stuck here. “

Dakota eyes winded as she peered down the long passage way which was only illuminated by what appeared to be a fire place and a few sofas and chairs sitting about and a book shelf. No doubtly the living quarters the skeleton had spoken about. “What should we do?” Dakota breathed feeling powerless her legs noticeably shaking in fear and her voice trembling

[Bob Barton]

There things beyond any of the party's control like getting sucked into the pool and then there were the things that were beyond Bob's control like nearly drowning to death. Both were things not nice to Bob but at least there was the things that Bob did not really want to control like himself, especially when he could enjoy it. All it was has been dropping a line, slowly reeling Lliwen in like a fish with everything he did like the offer of a childish kiss on the cheek so she could follow closer and closer until he could enjoy his tasty prize. He thought he might have acted too strongly, pulling in her too fast that his line snapped when the charoda tried to get away. Disappointment came from the failure until her lips touched his. Even the greatest of fishermen would not toss aside a catch that willingly came into his unattended net. Bob would barely reach ordinary. Of course being elated as he was, take it as a sign to go all the way.

Was this what he had missed earlier by being so distracted with dying? Lliwen in his mouth was just delicious. If Bob was not careful he might find himself getting addicted to charodas...Lliwen...he wanted more. More than when those sweet whispers urged him to use his magic so that he will get what he wants. It was one of the obvious symptoms of the danger to mages Bob knew of the more they used their djed, which was why he raised a brow when the man who looked like a common sellsword, Nas asked his question. He was suspicious that a man who looked like that would know about magic, possibly practicing it himself. Perhaps he really was a planted spy by the unsavory legends of Alvadas. Bob decided not to allow his suspicions to be made aware until he had to Speak, instead giving the basic answer "not unless I am making more fire" by feeding more djed. "All I'm doing is keeping it in control. A lot of concentration needed" which Nas is making even harder by feeding Bob's paranoia.

Enough was in his head that he was trying to keep out as it is to keep the fires in check. Nas must have been the reason for Bob's unfortunate experience of the flames hitting him and for the man being unable to notice Lliwen's desires. Well Nas probably need not do anything about that since Bob gladly will do for her once all this was over. But it has all barely even started. After Bob had extinguished the fire and reabsorbed the remaining untransmuted res he was deep in thought looking at Nas. How would he even know how Verlyna looked like? Why does he seem to know so much about magic for a common sellsword with unextravagant clothes? Nas was the least of his problems when he saw Lliwen looking at the new creature among them. Everyone seemed to have the same idea when the voice of the group, Dakota yelled for Lliwen to run.

At least Lliwen would have gotten what she wanted. By reflex and from what they have shared Bob made a grab for her hand with a yell of her name. Not the moment she would have wanted to share but at least they would leave. Bob for one was not fooled by the creature's act having had to take care of so many equally terrible and devious animals back in Sunberth. Each sound that came from it only served to strengthen his resolve and his feet that never stopped. Without any interruptions, Bob would be out the door first unless of course someone else like Lliwen fell behind that he would have to grab her and bring her out with him. Out of the immediate danger Bob's feet will not be moving any longer, instead his hands and his mouth while he confirmed with flustered words if Lliwen was alright. Giving a quick glance back at the room and its creature, Bob threw at Dakota the stick she wanted.

He would not have minded following her like that throughout since she was the leader but her outburst made Bob lose confidence in her. Only then he started to scrutinize her but he was as much in the dark as she was and allowed her to do what she wanted. While Bob kept close to Lliwen to support her the way she did in his near death experience, he listened attentively to what Dakota was reading out. Sleeping in bedrooms, cleaning up after themselves and using the bath only when needed "sounds a lot like home to me or some very twisted and luxurious inn. Not a bad place to live" if a person could ignore or avoid the creepy woman's head, monstrous creatures and living furniture. It sounded like it had everything that a person needed to live and enjoy "as long as we treat it as our own home." Well almost everything except freedom since this man's escape turned out like this.

"I just want to get out of here" he asserted for Dakota's lack of instruction. Its a long way to midnight assuming it was still close to the time they entered but "we should find the main chamber first so we'll know our exit." Since Bob could only assume that main meant connected to the rest of this dreadful place "maybe it'll be easier to find these other people...and what you're looking for Dakota." The thing that no one else knew about? Bob was curious about it as well and tried to pry the information from her by stating "It'll be a lot easier for us to do our job if you told us what it is and why its so damned important." Feeling tired from experience Bob went to take a seat at one of the sofas, leading Lliwen along with him if she wanted to follow. Unless their leader did her job there was nothing much he could think of doing right now.

[Lliwen Vafara]

Lliwen hung her head in shame, panting heavily, after the run. She felt awful about the whole thing- well except perhaps holding Bob’s hand. He seemed like a nice enough fellow, perhaps he was the silver lining to the cloud of misfortune that was currently raining heavily on them. After all, he had made sure she was still alive at this moment and had just made sure she wasn’t injured. Still, she didn’t know him well enough yet to fully decide if he was as genuine as he seemed and more important things were now at hand. After catching her breathe, she lifted her head up towards the rest of the group, fighting back tears at her foolishness. “I’m so sorry everyone, I thought it might do something to help and the creature looked so cute…” She was cut off by the banging of the scaly being as if it knew it was being spoken about. Lliwen felt kind of sorry for the poor thing; she always had loved creatures of any kind, even if it had attempted to kill her. She was sure the dragon didn’t want to be bonded with that… thing. As they had been running Lliwen had glanced back, and from the look on Dakota’s face, she had seen it too, the featureless face that seemed to stare into her soul more than anything with eyes ever had. She shuddered at the thought of it, pushing the image from her mind. But the little blue thing, it looked terrified. Perhaps it was trapped by the monster that had chased them into this room. Lliwen knew she had to try and help it, but first to try and prove to the others that she was more than just someone who was weighing the party down. Attentively she listened to Dakota’s words, trying to keep her body movements completely neutral. Their leader herself was quivering by the time she had finished reading the scroll; not reassuring to the party in the slightest. After Bob had said his piece, she followed him to the sofa glad to take the weight off her feet. Her mind slowly drifted off into her own little world, it was happier there and she needed to clear her mind. If the others were talking, she didn’t absorb a word of what was being said. Regardless of what happened, they needed to get out, fast, though the problem of being unable to navigate their surroundings was a serious issue, especially with all the tricks and illusions. If Lliwen had her way she would just find the exit and go, regardless of money, the risk just seemed to great- how would they ever find their way round a place like this? She looked towards Dakota, who still seem shaken by the whole experience. ‘Why is she so determined to find whatever it is she wants?’ Deciding that Bob’s slightly aggressive way of speaking to Dakota may not be the best route; it was clear she wanted to keep whatever it was she was looking for a secret-perhaps a more gentle way of asking would help? “Dakota, I know you don’t want to tell us about what you want to find but we need to know. I mean, what if one of us sees it and doesn’t even know that’s it? We really need to try and work together.” As she said these words her thoughts immediately went to Nas, the two of them had barely spoke, never mind them working as a team. The Nuit seemed… withdrawn to her somehow, as though he was concealing something. She shook this off as paranoia and smiled at him sheepishly. ‘Perhaps he’s shy, even more so than I am.’ Gazing around the room for a source of inspiration to direct around this watery maze, her eyes stopped on the door that they had entered from. The sounds of the small creature banging against the door could be heard again, this time accompanied with cries. Then something exploded in Lliwen’s brain, a grenade of an idea that was crazy, but may work. She hoped this wasn’t just her soft side showing, either way she would ask for the others’ opinion. “I know this might be stupid but I get the feeling that little blue thing isn’t innately evil. I don’t know how and I don’t know why, I somehow think it became attached to that… faceless thing against its will. Maybe it used to live around this, umm, place? What if we try to separate it from the monster, it could possibly lead us and I’m used to dealing with creatures; what do you think?” She leant back into the sofa, aware her cheeks had become bright red. She rarely shared her ideas with people for fear of others believing she was an idiot- however if it was either that or die down here, she wouldn’t choose the latter. Besides, she had already proved what a fool she was on this adventure, so she just sat and waited for someone to respond.

[Nas]

Nas should have been used by now to the crazy place named Alvadas and everything that happened, but he was not. He had to admit running was a good idea when he saw that strange creature as he ran he thought about that shadow creature damned i aint gonna lie this must have been the most dreadfull thing in quite some time for some reason. It had felt like it would try to kill them just because it could still when they ran he was glad Dakota took action on barring the door he hadnt thought about it. He walked next to them when they found the skeleton it was kinda hidden like was it placed there? perhaps not maybe someone got him. Still when Dakota started reading from the book he couln't help but shiver on the books contents. Hmm so the rules are to take care of the whole place like it is our home and be good kids pfff. Nas commented on his own feelings for this place"For me this place sounds more like a twisted dollhouse as for what we should do is regroup on what direction each one wants to take now that we know this". Then it struck him when Bob said about the main chamber "I agree with Bob on finding the main chamber, but the real question is do we try to leave today as soon as we can or we rest first a day or so and then leave?" he paused a moment before he sat on a chair. He listened to the others "Miss Dakota i think i agree with the others is there something you are searching for or you are just exploring like the poor guy here if we get out alive i might have some safer or at least a bit less dangerous locations to propose to you then" he crossed his arms what would the response be . The pounding on the door started again accompanied by cries He listened to Lliwen’s suggestion about the creature being forced "Well in Alvadas listening to your instict is good helps navigate sometimes too so perhaps you are correct and if we take some time to think about it its not that unlikely if you think about the old man this guy" he pinted to the skeleton "Had found to answer his question perhaps this hrm perhaps place claims those who enter perhaps not still its best not to try and find out". As the creature seemed to calm down a bit Nas let his head fall behind as he noted something there was a huge black spider looking at him hanging from the thread "erm thats...." was all he said pointing to that spider as it started walking on the wall ignoring him like none of them existed.