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

[Dakota]

5th day of Summer, 512
Along trail leading to Emerald Pool
http://www.mizahar.com/forums/topic4931.html

Dakota flipped the desk over in anger sending hundreds of Mizas into the air. “My thanks, on behalf of those who died in the name of better mechanical amusements and commercial opportunities.” She growled looking at man that sat on the other side of the desk. “How dare you ask me to bring back someone who may be hypnotized back to you for research you’re a sick man and I don’t need your team nor your money or your contacts I will find my own group.” Storming out of the department of illusions office and once out of sight jogging a bit her mind catching up to whom she just yelled at and where she was. “Way to go Dakota.” She spoke to herself as she began to plan on what she was going to do her dark cloak and silver hair trailing behind her as she jogged through the moving city.

She could perhaps offer payment to those who joined her however what if there was nothing there and they just dove into the water and nothing was found. What if when they went into the pool of water they were transported somewhere else perhaps she could find something that would cover the cost of her journey and solve the mystery. “Not like I am going to starve to death if I go broke.” Dakota sighed as she walked to the Sainty Center getting lost along the way as the city seemed to try to stop her. “Quit it.” She growled to no one in particular and strangely as if the city had heard her she soon found herself in Sainty Center as if the city had twisted just for her.

Looking around she saw a few kids playing kick ball and waved for them to come over. “What you want lady?” A kid asked and Dakota smiled crouching down to their level. “I was wondering if you guys were for hire.” The kids looked at each other. “What ya offering lady were not cheap.” Dakota rolled her eyes. “How about a weeks’ worth of food and goodies all you have to do is hand out some papers and spread something around town for me.” The kids nodded quickly as Dakota quickly pulled out some lose leaf from her pack and scribbled some things for them to copy down and write about the city.

“Hiring adventurous men and women on an archeologist journey to Verlvnas Emerald pool. Pay is sixty per person and any findings shall be shared fifty percent among the group. Meet tomorrow in the morning on the path to the Emerald pool. ” She quickly jotted down several times giving the papers to the kids. “Alright I want you to copy this paper and write this on ever thing you can and spread the word about it to every bar and every area of town you can get to. She then handed over her food amongst them and they began to run off on their little quest. “Remember to tell them to bring their own supplies.” She called out after them.

Leaving the city behind she found herself on the outskirts of town just as the sun started to dip over the city leaving the clouds with odd golden lining and a red sky. Dakota set up a large bone fire and made a make shift hut with a few sticks near the base of a tree. Not that she needed sleep but it was close enough to the pool that if anything did happen they could take injured to and was along the trail so those coming in the morning would see the little hut and fire. Half an hour later the fire was glowing and she sat next to it cross legged watching at the stars above slowly began to shine through the light blue sky. What had lead her here she wondered some sort of fate perhaps. She hated the possibility that she wasn’t in control of her own life. What if the gods had planned her to come here she sometimes felt like something was wrong with the world she didn’t know what it was but something was holding this place together.

What if they were all trapped in someone’s dreams perhaps or what if they were all slaves born into bondage a prison you could not escape hear or touch a prison for their minds set to walk predetermined courses of life. Opening her eyes for a moment she peered out across the field of diamonds in the sky. She understood why many Nuits choose to take their own lives as death was an escape from bondage the ultimate adventure perhaps. “On a long enough timeline the life expectancy of everyone drops to zero.” She sighed to herself her head lowering as listened to the bugs recounting her many adventures and lives she had entangled with.

She wondered what sort of horrors might lay in wait in the bottom of that pool what sick and twisted fates my result from going into the unknown. She wondered why she risked so much but she realized why she did it. All she knew was it called to her ever inch of her being was called into the world to explore its magic and treasures and to share them with the people of the land. Closing her eyes she fell into a semi trance state in till the birds of morning began to chirp.

As the morning light beamed around her Dakota stood in her best attire wanting to look professional and looked down the dirt path waiting for someone to come up who had seen one of her fliers or heard about her adventure.Her arms folded across her chest she waited motionless. The air was still and the sky was clear no one could have picked a better day to explore.

[Bob Barton]

The Surf and Turf was a pretty interesting place even for Alvadas. It had people, and then it had people. Lots of different people. Women, fish women, konti women, beautiful women, hot women, women women.... Unfortunately today Bob was not here for the women. It had to wait for another day like the next one. The special fifth day where the women displayed all their "empowerment and art" all for five mizas. Bob was hearing about it from exited patrons and was getting very distracted. He cannot allow that! He was here looking for a specific person here today after a tip off and he needed to get the "talk" done. Maybe after he does it well he might even be able to tip the girls a little for...you know...

Oh look! His mark was sitting right there at the bottom lower where it is all...wet. Just like his chances the next day and his clothes once he was done. He actually thought that like everything in Alvadas the water would be fake with quite a few normalish looking people sitting under the water and started to walk into it but he started gurgling out of breath as soon as his head went under. Fortunately for him the water was stuck in his ears so he would not hear the people laughing at him and until he got out of the main door. After that his efforts were on drying himself up and getting his hearing back because whoever heard of someone in his vocation unable to hear the very gossip they were supposed to spread?

But the first thing he heard after he was done is "help me get this out Mr. Speaker" when he looked at the boy who was tugging at him. Does he not know what Bob was supposed to do? He was supposed to find out if the tip off about that man back in the Surf and Turf was true and if he could find anything to support it. After that, the fun times begin. He had nothing to do with a kid that was cramping his style and to get him away he told the boy to "give it to me and I'll see what I can do." Once the boy gave the sheet and was on his way only he gave the parting message that his nuit employer told him about with an innocent "oh!"

This may actually turn out as information more useful than whatever there was in the Surf and Turf. He had to deal with Verlyna a little bit the last season and she was bad. If anyone could put it she may even be public enemy number one along with Drysalla and her gang. Bob with all his experience in picking out evil plots as a Speaker already learned how to read in between the lines. "Adventurous", "archeologist journey" and "findings" sounded a lot like opportunistic treasure hunting scum who was going to loot the entire place! That had to be bad if they found out some left over dangerous item like that mirror thing. It was Bob's obligation to stop them!

That was the idea but Bob could not abandon his current task. He thought a little bit, then a little longer when his damp clothes made him feel quite cold. Had to get that warmed up first. Bob moved in between some of the charoda houses out of sight. Hidden in the shadows he started drawing a pretty big circle in the front of him. Right in the middle of the alley with enough space away from the walls. With what he was doing he did not want an accident. The focus he drew was quite small actually with Bob taking care to not touch the walls thinking the width of his body would be far enough. It was not perfect but Bob figured he made quite an acceptable circle even in the dark.

And then Bob started rubbing his hands so that the friction can warm himself up. With that idea in mind, it helped fuel his imagination for what he wanted to make as he produced res from both his hands. The special gel substance which was spread evenly on his hands was rubbed on to the surface of the focus as well and contrary from how effective it was in staying stuck on his hands, it was only with Bob's force of will to want the res to transfer for all of it to stay on the ground. The same force of will that brought what he wanted into being. Heat and fire. While Bob sat staring into the fire to make sure that it would not spread outside the bounds of the focus. He started making his plan on how he can use his new findings to work with his old responsibilities.

Bob got it when he went back towards the Surf and Turf. The paper the child handed over to him. He would give it to that person that...was...still under the water. Should he wait for him to come back out or should he hand it over to...the cutest little thing he ever seen! He has not had have the chance to see many of those but he did not need to be one to appreciate the beauty. Hah! Maybe he can do everything he wanted today. Borrowing a paper from the bar and writing some message on it, he handed it over to her saying "can you give this to that man there?" The one sitting at the underwater bar. The other one he just made was in return "for your troubles." Or was it the other way around. Bob did not want to waste time opening and rereading the sheets so he just hoped that he was right.

Because he would not want that strong looking man to read something like...

I've seen the most lovely thing in Alvadas and its only right if I can return the favor. If you'll allow it, meet me in the Withering Rose for dinner tomorrow. Despite its name, it's one of the best places in Alvadas and after that I can show you some real roses with beauty that can only be rivalled by you. The least I can do for the favor.

...especially if the invitation somehow was accepted. Brrrrrr.

That will have to wait until Bob was done with the pool. He knew it was not too far from Alvadas even if it was outside the walls and getting there was not too hard. Still he exercised caution with that place. The person it was named after was sneaky and he still did not know who he was dealing with. Andddddd the person who called him did not even look like what he expected. Nice, clean hair? Pure white skin? Not even a scar to be seen on her! Bob stared like he was already being tricked by Verlyna but the woman's black clothes only helped to make her appear as some sort of noble from Ravok or maybe Syliras. Bob raised an eyebrow as he asked "are you the archeologist?" No matter how hard he looked she did not look like it.

[Lliwen Vafara]

5th Day of Summer 512AV It was only Lliwen’s fourth day in Alvadas and already her head was swimming. True, it was exciting and she seemed to be doing better than some others she had seen- yesterday she had spotted a Vantha in tears trying to navigate his way down the city streets. On this particular venture, she was trying to locate a tea shop that specialised in vegetarian cuisine with a suspicious feeling of magic lurking around the small building- which for Lliwen was perfect. However, on this crisp morning it appeared that her morning pot of rose tea with carrot cake was not meant to be as she glanced at a clock through the window of some sort of fishmongers, though the distinct aroma of bread wafted beneath her nose. Admitting defeat for today, she sighed and perched herself on a stone bench that had been skilfully carved to resemble mountains, much like those that surrounded the city. She began to daydream to herself- as she often did- about her future here and her hopes for adventure, her magic to improve and an odd longing to meet people, something she had never felt until recently. This particular fantasy was of her, older than she was currently and with a couple of companions. The group looked like they had been together for a while, a comfortable air hung around them and the Inarta at the lead held a map whilst the party navigated through the forest. Her trail of thought was suddenly interrupted by a small, human boy thrusting a piece of paper in her face before sprinting off down an alleyway. Half in reality and half in her dream world, Lliwen blinked rapidly at the paper before any of the words sunk in. Scrawled in barely legible text, the note read: ‘Hiring adventurous men and women on an archaeologist journey to Verlvnas Emerald pool. Pay is sixty per person and any findings shall be shared fifty per cent among the group. Meet tomorrow in the morning on the path to the Emerald pool.’ A glow seemed to build up, slowly at first, inside Lliwen, that then burst out to every inch of her body causing her face to light up with a radiant beam. This was exactly the kind of thing she had been waiting for, her opportunity to start the life she wanted. Shudders ran down her back in anticipation and she rushed back to her home as soon as she could to prepare. Whilst hurrying down the mystical streets, her hopes were tinted with doubt that seemed to multiple like a virus through her. ’How will I talk to people? What if I’m useless? What if this isn’t what I really want?’ Thought after thought after thought bombarded her head, until without realising she reached her home. There, on the door, the exact same note had been stuck- all of her worries dissolved. ‘No, this is my destiny.' To celebrate her success in actually deciding to do this, Lliwen made her way to an underwater bar. The scene was enchanting, the music, the lights and the extravagant bar in the centre. She walked over and ordered herself a drink before sitting on a stool- she wasn’t ready to socialise before there was some alcohol in her bloodstream. It hit her faster than she expected, and before she knew it another Charoda had grabbed her hand and they danced happily for a while. Before the room spun too much, Lliwen headed back to the bar for a glass of Cola just before leaving. As she sipped her drink and her head returned to her body, a small child tugged at her clothes. She looked down and for the second time that day, she received a small piece of paper. ‘How odd, This note, however, was far more elegantly written and she couldn’t help but smile as she read it: ‘I've seen the most lovely thing in Alvadas and it’s only right if I can return the favour. If you'll allow it, meet me in the Withering Rose for dinner tomorrow. Despite its name, it's one of the best places in Alvadas and after that I can show you some real roses with beauty that can only be rivalled by you. The least I can do for the favour.’ Nobody had even said anything as nice as that to her before, and thought it would be foolish of her to decline and such a kind offer. Still smiling, she placed the note in her pocket. She only hoped she would be back in time after the expedition. She entered her house, and gathered everything she thought she would require and practiced a little with her blade before getting into bed. She awoke to a beautiful sun shining through her window the next day, encouraging her. She bathed her skin to ensure she had as much moisture as possible, grabbed her Grandmother’s necklace and left more eager than she could ever recall feeling before. Somehow, Lliwen felt the city could tell how much she wanted this, for she found the beginning of the path with ease. There, at the start of the trail stood a Nuit, Lliwen had never met one of these before, though then again, when it came to meeting people Lliwen wasn’t experienced in the slightest. Nervously, she approached the woman, her silver hair swirling in the wind. As she got close enough to see her face she managed to see past her deathly experience and saw friendliness in her eyes. Lliwen smiled, and stuttered, “Uh… Uh… Hi. I’m here about the archaeology journey to the pool?” Behind the Nuit stood a Human, fairly short, though this was the last thing Lliwen noticed. It was the beaming grin that lit up not only his whole face, but his whole being. The grey streaks in his hair blew around the remaining bits of black like blossom falling from a tree. Lliwen waved eunthisiatically in his direction before returning her attention back to the flawlessly skinned Nuit. Somehow, the man’s presence made her feel more comfortable about being here, and she could not wait for them to get going.

[Nas]

Nas had come early to the temple it was rare for him to go there, but he wanted to see if one of his friends was alive or had kicked the bucket unfortunately no one seemed to know, so he had left the temple disapointed looking around whilst thinking what he was gonna do next that he saw some children around the temple speaking to people strange what are the brats doing around here the temple doesnt have snow yet outside it was a strange day indeed yesterday morning there was snow today nothing. Still looking carefully he saw one of them close to him holded some papers "Hey boy come over here" said Nas straining a bit his voice to be heard the kid heard him and came up at him "hello Sir you might be interested in this its for today i dint spread the word yesterday" the kid looked at him as if sizing him up and then gave him one of the papers he had on him before leaving for the next person. Reading it Nas couln't say he was terribly interested in the emerald pool, but now that he thinked about it he dint trully had to fear the possibility of getting drowned as he wasn't alive anymore plus he needed to lay down a bit this was a good chance to also dispel some childhood fears.....if he still had them. He dint need to do anything or go back home thankfully he always left home with his shortsword by his side and for today he had normal clothes so he would blend in, but the problem was he had to try and find the path he started walking around in this city these things sorted themselves out in Alvadas. Around half chime later he had passed by some houses that looked rundown and he had found a strange path that he wasn't sure if he had seen before pondering a moment he started walking till he came upon some people a strange woman who seemed strange a short man and..a char? what were their names he had forgoten, but it dint matter strange combination but he dint care he just continued his way to them "Good morning i will assume this is where we meet the person who wanted people for the Emerald pool" frankly he hoped it was indeed this since he dint know about this beforehand thankfully he dint care much either way as wasnt in for the money that was the bonus to him exploring for anything usefull was the real reason.

[Dakota]

It was as if all at once people began to come and Dakota beamed with delight once she saw Lilwen having her lead the group in the water was going to make the trip a whole lot safer. “Welcome my name is Dakota you are no doubtly here embark on exploration of the emerald pool. Before we begin I must warn you that this place is dangerous and I honestly have no idea what is going to happen for all I know we will just jump in the pond and nothing will happen and you will all be paid.” Dakota spoke hoping that wasn’t the case.

Dakota turned slightly looking at the pool of water. “If anyone has any suggestions or concerns or would like half their money now speak up if not we shall proceed.” She spoke nervously not sure if this was the best idea. It felt like they were being watched as if something deep under the water was waiting for them. She heard the loud screech of a crow which drew Dakota’s attention to a nearby tree and it tilted its head looking at them.





(Sorry for short post been working crap hours)

[Bob Barton]

Alright so this perfect looking woman, Dakota did not really answer his question. Perhaps she might be their employer or the middle man because in no way did she look like an adventurer or archaeologist but she had all the money. Now the other person that came along was quite surprising. It was that Charoda that he saw in the Surf and Turf. "Crap." He must have given her the wrong letter then since his target was nowhere to be found unless it was that average looking person. He could be an agent of Verlyna for all Bob knew! Better act like a normal money grubbing person in Alvadas instead of exposing himself until he needs to.

"If you die in there" which he was not saying she would, "who is going to give us our money?" Yes that was a pretty good question and she might even give him a hint of who she was working with if she was really just a middle man. It was something that he would have asked either way of the results and the more important question was "will we be done in time for dinner?" just so that the questions will seem more like what he was trying to portray himself to be. Not someone who was here to spy on them in case someone was up to anything suspicious so that he can have a chance for a promotion!

Of course Bob had plans for the night but he was not sure if the person he planned for knew it even as he looked at her since it seemed to him she got the wrong letter. Turning to the charoda he asked if "you've heard of the Withering Rose? Nice place and I happen to have a table for tonight for two." Of course that was not really true. Bob was expecting that his luck will hold out enough for him to have a table open as soon as he got there even if much will be used on the adventure and the charoda. Giving a slightly widening smile he extended his hand like his invitation once more that "would you be interested in joining me?"

Yes, unfortunately Bob had to establish himself as 'that guy' in order to protect his true vocation. Hitting on the charoda was only a bonus since he knew better than to hit on the boss as perfect as she looked. She probably had something scary going on which he would not be aware of unless it is too late anyway. Maybe later after "well, would you be leading us then?" Bob will not be jumping into that seemingly dangerous pool until Dakota did first and proved that they can at least get that far.

[Lliwen Vafara]

The Nuit appeared to not be fully aware of the others presence, she seemed very distant. ‘I wonder what her motive for doing this really is?’ Slight panic began to build in Lliwen’s chest though she managed to supress it by reminding herself this is what she wanted; adventure, which naturally comes with danger. She considered taking her money now, though thought this would be rude, she did not wish to be paid for a job she hadn’t done. Plus, it also seemed like a sign of distrust towards the leader of the group, and this was never wise. Another Nuit had joined them at the pool, though he didn’t appear to have any connection with Dakota. Lliwen decided to introduce herself, “Umm, I’m Lliwen…” Her voice trailed off as she realised she had no idea what to say about herself, and luckily the man began asking Dakota questions, drawing the attention away from her awkwardness. From his questions, he seemed to be somewhat of an expert in these situations. "If you die in there, who is going to give us our money?" Somehow, Lliwen had not thought of the possibility of death, however, this was a very good question; it may even help explain Dakota’s motives for taking people here. Yet from his facial expression, he appeared to have other things preoccupying his mind. Whilst waiting for a reply from the pensive Nuit, he walked over to in Lliwen’s direction. From habit, she glimpsed behind her despite only the four of them at the pool; ‘Why would anyone want to speak to me?’ She gulped and tried to keep her calm as he began to speak. “You've heard of the Withering Rose? Nice place and I happen to have a table for tonight for two.” In response, Lliwen just blinked at him and gave a shy smile, half confused and half astounded. He smiled with his dazzlingly white teeth and extending a friendly hand towards her. “Would you be interested in joining me?” Lliwen giggled like a much younger Charoda, and the suddenly stopped. She had been so caught up in the moment, her mind seemed to have dwindled far below its usual level of functioning, the connection would normally have been made instantly, but in this instance she realised only now. ‘Wait, The Withering Rose? Tonight? She furiously searched through her bag to find the letter, and finally spotted the beautiful writing. She held out the paper which was rather crumbled, but that was irrelevant ‘This could be rather strange if this goes wrong,’ Her biggest smile beamed at the man, hoping to hide her nerves and try to appear confident. “This may be an odd question, but did you send this letter to me?” Unsure of what her response would be either way, she waited anxiously for his reply.

[Nas]

Nas listened to the concerns the others had, but he had to admit being suprised by Dakota she looked like him a bit only that most Nuit's would keep a lower profile then again today he dint so...it was kinda stupid of him. He listened to the mans questions they were all valid but he dint care too much about the money...this time that is.He sighed at his flirting with the charoda oh well he dint care much about it so long it woulnt carry on to the whole tip it would be ok.....propably, he waited the man to finish his questions as he thought a bit about what he knew about the Emeral pool hrm i cant remember much i think my grandmother nor mym other ever mentioned this place he tried keeping a straight face he dint know anything regarding it, but he did hope they would get moving.

oocops sorry for late reply and short post

[Dakota]

“Like anything else just take it off my corpse but I doubt we will be dying and also I hope I am starving.” Dakota said lying hiding the fact of her identity. “Without any further questions let’s get this show on the road.” Dakota said waving her hand for the female Charoda to take the lead. “Lli…lilwin..lilwen.” Dakota murmured trying to pronounce the foreign name correctly. “Since your adapt to the water do you mind leading the plunge?” She asked with a smile as she walked over to the water Dakota turning her head away from the group and focusing on the reflection in the water.

She listened to the conversation between Lilwen and Bob by the sounds of it they had a taste for romance perhaps Bob was into the more exotic flavor of the sea. She couldn’t help but grin wondering if Bob perhaps came up here and planned on going for the cause of looking good for Lilwen. Oh how romance of others interested her she doubted she would find anyone willing to go to such lengths for her but that was the life she chosen. She should have died ages ago if she had stayed normal she would be in the ground becoming worm food sacrifices had to be made. However she wished she had fallen in love once before she had made the change but it was too little too late.

As she looked over her group again she caught eyes with Nas something inside her clicked with familiarity despite him wearing a mask she couldn’t put her finger on it. “Um excuse me but I didn’t get your name.” She said to him as she lifted up her foot and took a step into the shallow part of the water a weird sensation she got a shiver over her spine like someone had walked over her own grave. The water itself was luke warm and seemed to call out for them to jump in.

If Bob and Lilwen were done with their conversation and Lilwen agreed to jump in and they all began to wade then start to swim down into the water they would find themselves caught in a current. Dakota would attempt pull Lilwen back being the second one to jump in but the current would become stronger dragging them down to the point where they would almost run out of breath and a bright green light would flash and suddenly they were swimming upward. Dakota would be the first to break the surface dragging herself out of the weird feelings rocks. It felt like marble pulling herself from the water she heard the others come up coughing for air as she looked around.

They were in a restroom a very nice restroom with only a few candles illuminating the room. The room was circular and quite large quite similar to a large Turkish bath house. However the decorations and some of the many strange green bottles which surrounded the bath seemed to indicate that they were in some ones mansion. Sitting up Dakota looked towards the two wooden doors as if expecting someone to jump out but nothing came. “Where the hell are we.” She whispered to herself as she sat up to see if any of the others needed help getting out of the pool.

[Bob Barton]

That was a rather direct and morose answer but Bob was the one who asked for it. Still it did not give him much confidence since it implied that failure was quite likely. Bob looked into the history of Verlyna after that time he had to go against her. She died drowning in the pool. Whats to say that it will not happen to everyone else gathered here as soon as they entered the water? Barring the charoda everyone else here could not survive under the water Bob knew except the nuits probably did not need to breath. So in fact he was the only one here with the risk of dying. With what he knew, Dakota really had the right idea of sending Lliwen into the pool before them.

And what Bob knew was really important. Even if he has worked with some nuits in the past, there was still no way of identifying those body snatchers so Dakota really had no reason to try and hide her identity. Especially when her body looks so much like some privileged member of Alvadas society. I made her intimidating as she was tempting like some sort of forbidden prize but Bob had his eyes set on something else and he had better things to do too like not getting his identity revealed either. Unlike Dakota who was doing the same his was not about racial prejudice. It was more about what he wanted to do here. Get some information, speak on it and move up the ranks.

The fact that there was two nuits here incognito is only going to make him more suspicious if he finds out. Especially one that took great lengths to appear more normal. They might even be agent's of Verylna trying to do some nefarious deed! However, oblivious to it all Bob continued his work on "Lliwen. What a wonderful name. Does it mean anything? It has to mean something or I would have to make up my own." Going on with with a grin on his face he asked "does it mean that you're..." Wait. Was Bob making her uncomfortable? The way she was giggling earlier, he thought that he actually had a shot but now she was searching through her bag for...something... That really better not be a weapon but "my letter?"

"I'm so happy you got it. Does this mean you accept?" Bob asked with a smile on his face. While this might be great it did not explain why she came. Did she keep the letter instead of delivering it for Bob? That was bad. Not only did it mean Lliwen is in danger but she was also untrustworthy. Such a sad fact that such a cute thing will be that. Not willing to accept it since that would mean that he would have to forfeit this chance Kelwyn gave him, Bob decided that he will do his best to keep Lliwen safe because he believes that he was responsible from sending her into the dangers and if he did it right she might think of him as her hero. Maybe get a hero's reward too.

A great plan...only Dakota was already trying to put Lliwen into danger right from the start! What was she, Bob's unknown enemy? Definitely an agent of Verlyna. "You don't have to go in first if you don't want to..." Bob told the charoda softly before looking at the back of Dakota who was their leader and was supposed to lead them in since she already knew of the risks. If Lliwen showed any signs of hesitation, Bob would follow behind her assuring her that "i'll help you if anything happens" for all the good it would do except make Bob seem more reliable? Until Dakota took her place as leader of the group behind the charoda that is.

At first "this doesn't seem hard" and could be the easiest sixty Bob ever made until the water started to pull him down. With the water being so strong and filling into his lungs Bob completely forgot whatever promises he made and started to swim up. The Zeltivan made some headway and nearly broke the surface of the water as he used all the strength he had in his arms to pull at the water. To his credit growing up near the water allowed him to stay afloat for a few seconds so maybe he would not have to worry about Lliwen if he had the time to think about her but soon he grew tired and the first weak pull made him fail and flail helplessly as he went into the depths below.

Coughing? He did not have time for that too because who knew how long Bob was stuck under the water. Unlike the charoda who could already naturally breath underwater and the two nuits who did not even need to breath Bob was a human. Living and only through the use of his lungs. With those blocked up by water Bob probably would not be able to admire the room they were in. Not unless someone helped him, fast.