Closed The World That You Know...

[Waisana]

The tunnels were even more unpleasant than the teen had imagined and they seemed to grow worse the longer they travelled. Talking up to this point had been sharply discouraged and it continued now as the members of the group didn't attempt communication with one another, the only exceptions being Ixzo who occasionally tried to talk to their guide and Aris who checked that they were still together. Waisana could understand the man's thoroughness given how easy it would be to get lost done here if one was to fall behind. There was a sense that to lag behind would mean being trapped in this place for good. They couldn't get out of here quickly enough as far as the doctor was concerned and unfortunately for her, it seemed as if they were going to be travelling forever.

There wasn't a lot to distract the Opal girl from her surroundings. She soon became used to the presence of all those who walked with her. There was a bouncy blonde who was unfamiliar, Ixzo, a red head from the River Flower whose name was Amunet, the watchmen, Evain and the woman that Aris was pushing around the place. She had no idea what the purpose was of the woman that the leader was dragging around. She seemed to proud and spirited to be a slave, unless she was a recent acquisition, something that would be foolish to bring on such a trip as this. There was no use in bringing a slave that couldn't be controlled anywhere. The woman had had no introduction and so it was a mystery why she was here at all. It was safe to assume that she wasn't a volunteer.

Waisana passed quite some time stealing glances at the woman as they moved along, as well as showing an interest in the guide ahead of them. He was a strange man who gave her the creeps as much as this place. Such a feeling was not helped when Ixzo's attempts at conversation with him ultimately led to him opening his mouth to reveal that there was nothing in there but a stump. It was enough to make her want to retch, seeing that and imagining how it had been done. After that, she was far less inclined to look his way. Once he'd shown that he was a man-made mute, Ixzo began to stay closer to herself and the blonde girl. Waisana was careful to avoid looking at her, not to be rude, but rather in an effort to deter the girl from trying to talk to her. There was no sense in allowing the foreigner to get herself in trouble.

The teen got a terrible shock when their leader slammed his charge against the tunnel wall. It brought the group to a brief standstill as the pair tussled before the Aris's men moved them along as a eerie whispered conversation took place behind them. It wasn't long before they caught up with them once more and no explanation was given, they simply continued on as if nothing had happened. After a few chimes, Waisana wasn't even sure that the event had taken place as everything progressed as before. The tunnels played tricks on her mind, the lights seeming to flicker over the same unchanging features, the same slimy stone walls. The only true indication for her that time was passing was the exhaustion that dragged at her body.

The teen liked to think that she had a reasonable level of endurance and strength. After all, she did ride a horse on a regular basis so it wasn't as if she had legs like twigs. All the same, the girl found that her legs and feet ached as different muscles were pushed past the point of their normal use so that it became more and more difficult for her to continue moving onward. Her pack seemed to grow heavier and heavier too. There was no way that Aris could expect them to go on forever, but he showed no sign of stopping any time soon. There were opportunities but the leader didn't take them. When they reached a point where Evain was to direct them and the guide stood staring down a tunnel, the doctor found herself standing ready, expecting them to move forward at any moment and so not daring to rest. There was no talking allowed and the only exchange that took place after awhile was between Aris and their guide, something that the group could neither hear nor see as the leader shielded their hand gestures from them using his body.

Finally, they moved forward in to the dark passage that Evain had indicated. The temperature seemed to drop almost immediately as if the heat had been sucked out of the place and Waisana found that her warmth was being stolen from her as well. She proceeded hunched over, hugging herself as if to keep the heat safe within her. It wasn't just heat that was being taken away but light too, so that the path before them became ever more obscure and terrifying. The flickers illuminated little, but they lit up things here and there and the doctor soon came to the realisation that there were tracks on the ground and hand prints on some of the walls. She was no hunter so she couldn't judge as well as others but there only seemed to be one set of prints and they were travelling in the opposite direction, back the way they had come. For some reason that sent the girl shuddering in fear at what she took to be an ominous sign.

At long last, they were allowed to rest and with difficulty, the doctor was able to persuade her joints to bend so that she could sit, slumped against the cold wall as she was given the chance to rely on something to support her tired body. For a number of chimes, she did nothing but lean against the cool stone, breathing in deeply as she allowed her muscles some much needed rest. When some of the effects of her exhaustion had dispersed, she fished out some food, eating slowly and in small amounts as she found that the act was too tiring. Some careful sips of water followed as she resisted the urge to gulp down the contents of the skin to wet her parched throat. All too soon, she was being forced to pack up as there was talk of getting on the move once more. The girl sighed deeply but offered no other audible complaint although the slow, pained movements she made as she rose were a good indication of how she was feeling if anyone took notice. Given the chaos that followed, it wasn't likely that anyone saw much of anything.

The vibrations were unexpected and Waisana wasn't sure at first what was happening. Before she had much chance to properly grasp the situation, the ground went from under her, her feet seeking purchase that was no longer there. She shrieked as her body plummeted downward, the few light sources remaining giving her an impression of those falling past her as well as the shower of stone that was coming with them. She saw the water before they hit it and tried to gasp in a deep breath to fill her lungs but the air rushing past was elusive, her body refusing to suck air correctly so that when she hit the underground pool she inhaled. Water began to enter her airways, choking and burning and she waved her arms and legs desperately in an attempt to break the surface. She had nothing to indicate up or down as the world had gone black but she succeeded in reaching air after long agonising ticks. Spluttering and coughing, the teen breathed in when she could to get her fill of oxygen that clawed its way down her nose and throat.

The doctor had rarely had occasion to be immersed in water like this and so she could not swim. She did her best to stay afloat, kicking her legs under her as if running in the water, the limbs feeling leaden as they fought against the resistance that the liquid offered. Her hands swept downwards as if she was trying to push the water down and away from her, but even so, the fluid lapped up to her face and sometimes in to her nose and mouth as she struggled against the pull of her wet clothing and exhaustion. She tried swishing her hands sideways in the hopes of moving herself away from her current position and to the edge of this pool so that she could escape but in the darkness she had no way of knowing if her feeble gestures were getting her anywhere at all.

At first, she thought the lights were a mirage as a man deprived of water in the desert sees an oasis. Deprived of light as she'd suddenly found herself and wishing with all her heart that she could see around her, Waisana was convinced her mind had conjured it. When it became clear that what she was seeing was real, her brain raced to make sense of the rising lights. It was almost like something alive was swimming around below them making light but surely there was nothing that could do that. She thought of fireflies and imagined that a similar thing could be possible on a fish. Fireflies weren't dangerous though so maybe the lights were safe.

What if they aren't? What can be good in this place so far underground? she wondered, doing her best now to move away from the lights. She couldn't tell if she was moving still as the light seemed to stay at roughly the same place. Was it following her?

"Lights, danger?" she screamed in to the air. She tried to convey her question as simply as possible as she struggled for breath, doing her best to place the right stress on her speech so that it would sound like a question rather than a statement. There was no sense in causing a panic.

[Amunet]

They might as well be a herd of zibri stampeding down the pathways as much noise as they were making. She made faces as she looked at the lantern which stayed a cheery golden color. Her head would look behind her as the two watchmen nodded to her as they exchanged quiet signs. Slow and steady would have been preferable but it seemed Aris and their Guide was going a bit more forceful and faster. The Healer was curious as to why. That question will go begging as there was no time to even ask or inquire as she kept moving with the group. Her eyes would dart at the walls wondering if she would see any pictographs or writings or drawings as the last caves. This time she had a bit of a drive for it to see if something similar to the leather bound pictographs she had from that dieing man. Would it ever make any kind of sense.

There was little time to focus to check for trail but that was in the back of her mind as a lingering mystery. The little red head was pulling up the rear more and didn’t really see much of the exchange between the dark skinned woman named Ixzo and the pale, scar faced guide. She shook her head at the unnecessary banter and tried to sign to the others to keep an ear and eye out, but it was difficult to do so with her lugging supplies and a lantern in her hand. The long walk saw the group get a little acquainted quietly. If not in words, but by the way they moved and responded to the circumstances. Oddly in the darkness one finds where true light is it seemed. The Healer couldn’t help but smile at that. The girl looked at the unchanging lantern after many chimes. Amunet offered a smile to Ixzo and Jasmine both while providing a hopeful sign: calm, conserve energy, keep aware. The girl did this with her one free hand as well as possible. She then put a finger to her lips as a signal for them to be quiet. Those blue eyes with the gold starbursts shimmered briefly with the light as she focused and then was gone with a blink of an eye as if a trick of the lantern. She meant well but it was unclear if the young red head’s sign was understood or not by Ixzo.

The former slave seemed to grow fearful with each passing bell. Amunet had to shift her pack and yavas bag about every bell to readjust the wear and tear on her shoulders. The girl had some endurance for these things considering what she had been through in winter and earlier in the spring. The sturdy red head was also a bit more built up, but still the long hours of continuous travel at this pace wears on anyone. Even in the dark the opalescence of the flowing and flowery winged serpent mark on her face as the wings curled from temple to jaw line would shimmer as the lantern was held up. It marked her as a healer. Why they needed two versed in medicine though made her curious, but then where one slave was at, there would be others. Perhaps the numbers accounted for needing two. She didn’t get a chance to consult with Waisana other than a quick exchange of eyes and a professional nod.

Aris had slammed Merevaika suddenly against the wall. The girl stopped in her tracks as she looked at the both of them. This was no time for conflicts at all. Amunet took a deep breath and exhaled slowly and as quietly as possible as the flicker of fire was in her eyes. Anything could be in these caves and pathways and he was wasting time in disciplining the feisty soul that is Merevaika. Amunet felt the woman fought mostly with herself than anything else but was not the monster everyone made her out to be. She thought of saying something but there was no time as the column was moved in the forced hard walk they were on. Merevaika had settled in closer to her as she caught her whisper and the signs. The red head inclined her head as she put the ring her little fist was holding onto around her wrist as she signed: Letter not good, first speak family, children, home, then spoke of murder, annhialation, bad thing. There she paused. How did she describe the bad things that the letter spoke of. The red head didn’t understand some of what she read. ‘Bad thing, unsure’ The look in her eyes she exchanged with Merevaika spoke of the deep concern she had. For Amunet, it was for the safety of her people, for her little brother she was there. That was as best as she could put it. Her arm felt the strain of signing with a lantern dangling from her wrist as she put it back in her hands and picked up the walking pace that was set.

Her eyes would dart to those she could see with her Lantern as she noted slight signs of fatigue. Amunet understood these signs but also understood the necessity to keep moving. Her back was feeling the strain of the pack and yvas bag. They reached the rotund with the many openings. The girl looked around at the way it was carved out. It wasn’t natural, well some of it wasn’t. She lifted up her lantern as The guide and the black eyed former slave consulted on what pathway was what. Amunet put her palm on where the rough natural stone met the obvious man made part. Who would have the skill to create this kind of work within the confines of Semele and work with Semele’s wonders like this? Her curiosity had her skirting the edge and looking at the details before one of their protective watchmen signed for her to return as they were entering one of the tunnels. Aris was a direct man and didn’t suffer curiosity to well.

She gritted her teeth as they kept going as she adjusted the pack and yvas bag again on one shoulder or another. It didn’t matter as both of them felt like they were raw and strained with the weight of the supplies. The coolness helped that had enveloped them and as she sat down she got her cloak out of her pack before taking a good drink of water. She motioned to the watchmen if they needed any as they lifted their own skins and smiled a thank you to the Healer. She held up her skin to Aris or any other who would need water. The guide had his own and then motioned to Evain. She ate some dried meat that had been ground with fat. The meat and fat substance would lend energy and substance. It also kept well on journeys. She ate lightly and sparingly washed down with another swallow of water. The young Healer got up and stretched against the walls. Stretching her calves out as her heel was placed flat on the ground and she leaned her body into the wall. The other leg was stretched also as it provided some relief from the soreness. Her shoulders were another matter as she rotated her arms and shoulder blades to limber them up. The girl didn’t want to sit too long as it could cause stiffness. The signal was given to gather up and move out.

Just as they moved out the vibration was felt. ‘Oh,No.’ The eyes looked right, left and then up. Then the floor went out from under their feet. The light of her lantern only shown a vast darkness they were falling in. There was no time to think and even less time to panic as when she looked down the light of her lantern revealed the water she was about to hit. The amount of splashing was astonishing as when she hit the water, her lantern went out. She went under with as much weight as she had on her with the supplies. Slipping the lantern onto her wrist and forearm she tried kicking up and using her arms to get back up to the surface. She lunged and forced her body strongly to get up to the surface as suddenly in the darkness she found it and took a deep breath. Everyone was flailing to stay up on a surface they couldn’t see. That was before the illumination beneath her feet started to be seen. Her eyes greeted it with a hunger. Her mind freaked out in panic as her arms were growing ever more tired. She gritted her teeth as she desperately tried to keep her head above water. Could she see the edge of the water and the rock to get up onto somewhere? Anywhere?

The lights grew closer as more lights started coming up. More lights? Petch!! She tried to kick out with her little legs out to get to the edge of the lights but she wasn’t moving very far slipping under water as her eyes opened to see what the lights were before she could get a strong enough kick and pull of her arms to get her head up to breathe again. Why dear God’s did it have to be water? Again? Was it the bane of her existence? Or did she wrong water somehow? Her arms growing fatigued she looked around again for something to hold onto something to reach out for. Something.

[Prophet]

The darkness of the room was oppressive. The people in the water couldn’t see one another and even trying to use sound for locational markers was difficult. The shape of the room made strange echoes from the water to the domed ceiling and would mislead any who tried to navigate using this method. The lights rising from the deep didn’t create the kind of luminance that helped the situation. If one were to look down at the light, it simply made everything else a shadow instead of revealing detail. The water was cold and choppy from all of the frantic and sporadic actions of those trying to stay afloat. Choked communication and sputtering words made for poor directions and the combination of things gone wrong was growing.

Taggert was overwhelmed and had no way of saying so. He could barely keep his eyes above the water let alone his head. When he did manage to get at the moist air, he inhaled deeply or spat water from his lungs. As a last ditch effort to gain a better chance of survival, he shrugged his pack off of his shoulders and kicked his legs at the same time. This increased his buoyancy and gave him enough thrust to get halfway above the pool’s surface. He was able to empty his mouth take a deep breath and even began to speak. “Hey! I see the sh-“ His words were cut short by a strangled cry and a splash that sounded like something being sucked into the tomb of dark liquid. If anyone was looking, they would see dark shapes zipping to and fro amidst the floating lights. The shapes were large but moved so fast that most would think it wasn’t an object but a conjuring of the mind.

Aris was struggling with his pack but also with trying to keep hold of Merevaika. A true-blue soldier, he would die before losing his charge. The man kicked his legs so hard that he was managing to stay afloat quite well but he was certainly becoming tired. When one of the glowing orbs came near him, he drew his dagger and sliced at it. The puncture was small but it instantly killed the light. As the glow faded, an oily substance slipped over the surface of the pool. The man touched it and smelled what was on his fingers. It smelled of old lamp oil but had a deep, fishy aroma as well. He lost hold of his prisoner for a moment and when he turned in the direction where she had been, he saw one of the dark shapes cut through the lights beneath him. It was at this time when Taggert screamed. Aris snapped his head around but never got a chance to say anything for he, too, was taken by one of the dark figures. Yanked below the water, he pulled at Merevaika’s boot but could not hold on though it might have submerged her for a few ticks.

One by one the adventurers were taken. If they had ever watched a hawk steal a mouse from his hiding place, it would certainly remind them of that type of experience. Strong fingers made grips of iron onto hands, arms, legs or packs. The first move was always to pull the target below the water and then a blast of bubbles as the victim was dragged through the dark liquid. Some journeys may seem longer than others because the paths that were being taken were not straight lines but waves and swirls. For a long while, there would be silence. Then, all at once, each member of the group would be deposited onto solid ground in the far right of the cave. The sounds of slicing water would rush away and then back again as any lost gear was also placed on the rocky shore. One final time, that swimming sound would leave and return only this time bearing the floating orbs. When all was said and done, the nine and their gear were on a rather large piece of real estate that seemed to just be rock. There were roughly twenty of the orbs though the light of an individual one was weak; they seemed to increase in brightness when in a cluster.

It was several chimes before anyone spoke. Even the weird pale guide seemed scarred by what had just taken place. Aris was the first to really gather himself and do anything productive. He walked over and palmed one of the melon-sized orbs then went about checking on everyone. His first stop was Merevaika. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a meaningful look before pushing the quiver of her arrows closer to her feet. Next he moved to his men and helped each to his feet. He motioned towards the orbs and made the sign for patrol. Each did as instructed. Aris moved on to check on the strong, dark-skinned woman. He waved the light over her briefly to inspect for injuries and found the two blondes to be nearby and also gave them a brief but thorough check. One appeared to have a small gash on her back. Aside from that and everyone being soaked, all seemed well.

He made a few sweeps with the light then found the redhead next to Evain. Evain was clutching the smaller woman as a child clings to a favorite toy or blanket. When Aris turned around, Deathspark was staring at him. He signed something but the light was too dim to see. Aris spoke softly but loud enough for all to hear. “Check your packs, do what you can to dry off but STAY HERE.” He tossed the light down and disappeared into the dark with the Guardian. Sparrow and Taggert returned to the women and began to sort through the piles of packs and gear. Sparrow was paler than normal but seemed ok. Taggert was shaking from his very bones. They spoke to no one.

From somewhere in the darkness, far away or not since the echoes made it impossible to tell, Aris’ gruff voice, the grunts of Deathspark and a third voice relayed sounds of a scuffle. Rocks tumbled, curses were said and the sounds of metal on rock bounced all through the area. The Watchmen drew their weapons but had nowhere to go so they simply took up formation on opposite sides of the group.

“Grab him!” A Pavi shout!

“Unhand me, bafoon!” A foreign language.

“Aaaghh!” A muted growl.

“You little shyke!” More Pavi.

“Now that is just rude!” The same foreign tongue.

More struggle, more raucous and then a howl that sounded human but was certainly not the voice of Aris.

Then there was silence. Sparrow took some of the orbs and spread them out making a perimeter of light about ten feet away from their little camp. Taggert saw this and followed suit. Soon they had everyone encircled in a ring of soft, yellow light that would reveal whatever was coming their way. Sparrow signed to anyone who could see him to arm themselves and get ready.

Many ticks went by…then chimes… nothing.

Taggert was growing impatient when there was a sudden noise. It was the voice from the struggle except now it was speaking plain Common in a normal tone. Into the light strode Deathspark who went straight for his equipment and behind him came Aris who was holding something or rather…someone!

Aris walked up and he was talking softly to a figure that he held in his hands. It looked like a lump of dirt and then it turned around and waved to the group. Aris moved to the center and motioned for people to gather. “This is Zoot. He’s a Pycon and I think he can help us.”

The little fellow was about seven inches tall, a few inches wide and he seemed so pleasant just from the expression on his face. One would never know that Aris' black eye and Deathspark’s fat lip were his doing. “Hello, large ones!” He spoke excellent Common. His eyes were hypnotic with the stars that swirled in them. “I am Zoot! You should rest and start a fire.” He nodded and hopped down on a pack then to the ground. He pumped his little legs over to one of the glowing orbs and rolled it back to the middle of the group. “These things are fascinating! They glow forever but you can burn them for a bell or three and they’re SO bright!” His voice was like a bell being rung by sandpaper but the trick to understanding Zoot was trying to keep up. His words ran together because he spoke so quickly and never seems to pause for breaths. “Watch this!”

Zoot took out a fang which he had fashioned into a Pycon-sized dagger. He cut a hole in the top and peeled away the kelp-like layer. He looked towards Aris. “Have you got a striker, my friend? Can I see it? Oh thank you!” Zoot turned, snatched the flint and steel from a flabbergasted Aris then turned back and went to work over the opening. “You just gotta get the spark over the fumes because the oil inside is so flammable but watch yourselves and stay back because the first blast can be a bit high until it levels out do you understand? I hope you all are paying attention because I’m going to make you do it next time. Sound good? Great!” He propped the steel against his body and made an upswing with the flint and sent a shower of sparks into the globe. Its contents flared a bright white and then began to burn a soft orange as the tongue of fire dropped down to several inches. Zoot turned and looked with pride swelling in his body. “Not bad for a little guy, huh?”

Aris smiled and felt exhausted. “Set up camp, dry off, eat and sleep. We can’t go anywhere until we’ve discovered where we are.” His Pavi was clear and then he saw Zoot craning towards him with an irritated glance. Aris held up a hand and cleared his throat before speaking in Common. “Please speak Common for our host. If you can’t, try to have someone translate.” Aris gave his men a knowing glance. “We don’t want to be rude.” His eyes fixed on Taggert as he said rude. Aris wandered over to his own little corner and began to set his gear out and used one of the orbs for light.

[Ixzo]

Ixzo had never really been one to freeze in the face of danger. It was never her reaction not to do anything, so when she heard the struggles of the rest, seeing their eerie splashes in the dark, her only dilemma was who could she get to first? Waisana was closest, even still a few meters away, as Ixzo had been trying to stay close to her throughout the journey so far. Swimming now was not like a leisure day in the Kanduktu Basin. There, the water had been still and familiar, here it was dark and the struggles of those around her confused her, the weight of her weapons and gear were not helping with her efforts. Dragged by her own heavy gear, Ixzo did her best to pull herself to the woman, intent on helping her stay up, scared of letting another friend drown. Unable to pay attention to much else, Ixzo was already utterly out of breathe when she managed to brush her fingers across some part of Waisana's struggling form.

There was scared yelling and shrieks surrounding her, and before Ixzo could turn to see what the others were facing, something was on her feet. Unable to first take a breath in preparation, Ixzo was pulled to quickly for the Kelvic to understand. She was not used to the speed of a regular horse, not even close to what the Drykas might be accustomed to. She was not a fast creature in either form, and she had never gone faster. Panci seized her heart as she couldn't see the water rushing, but felt the sickening speed. At some point, she must have released her last meal, only to have the upping's swept away by the current.

Struggling against the seizing feeling, Ixzo put her hand to her knife, working the blade from her belt. But before she could properly grip it, the weapon had disappeared, stolen by the current. Fear forced another seize of retching before her terrifying journey was finally ended. Then there was ground. Gravely, dusty rock beneath her, which she had never been so grateful for. Her nose and throat were stinging, and the Kelvic was hardly breathing when she gripped the rock. But her stomach was not done with her. One last time, she heaved, and what little was left of her insides was deposited onto the rock. For some reason, the sickness cleared her head, and Ixzo was up in an instant. Lithe muscles was used to the quick rising, Her bow, which had somehow remained intact, was off her shoulder in an instant. The four arrows that she still had in her quiver were quickly aligned with the Taloban wood.

With one arrow strung and the other three ready, Ixzo was turning in a quick circle, realizing that all of the party were there, sputtering and recovering themselves as well. What had taken them? Whose hands had dragged her, but most importantly, why?

The rest of the party seemed content staying quiet while they recovered, but Ixzo scanned the water, dripping wet and missing some of her gear. She quickly saw that her arrows and lost blade, as well as her own waterskin that she didn’t even realize had been dropped, were in a messy pile before her. But at the moment, she wasn't going to put down her weapon and grab them. Instead, she swept her ready arrow across the water, waiting for the invisible ghouls to make another appearance. It took her less than a moment to steady herself, used to the adrenaline of the hunt, and a few chimes before she realized nothing was going to come from the water. The black ink had quickly stilled and no more movement was on or beneath it for her night vision to see.

"All are okay?" She asked, lowering her bow. She put her ready arrow back in her left hand with the other three, but did not let the bow go. Quickly, and with shaky legs that she did not suspect, Ixzo crouched for her things, unceremoniously stuffing them into the aspect of her pack that she could reach. The brunette slave was closest to her, and Ixzo returned, offering her hand to the stranger to help her up, if she would take it. One of the watchmen was up as well, investigating what had happened, something Ixzo didn't care to do, he approached the brunette, and Ixzo moved away from him, and subsequently her as well, almost like the gears of a clock.

He made his way to her, and Ixzo stepped back, reflective eyes glaring at him as he tried to look at her scraped arm. Trying not to be rude, Ixzo brushed his checking hands away. Thankfully not offended, the man moved on, seemingly finding the scrape on her arm not worth any attention, which Ixzo didn't think either. Yet, bringing attention to it brought on a wave of burning.

Still, her knees were shaking, and Ixzo realized she was still shaken up. She did her best to reassign her thoughts, keeping them from thinking about the creatures, but Ixzo's reflective eyes kept returning to the dark water, unable to fully trust it again. Even her excellent vision in the dark could not see deep enough. While the others were assessing their damage, Ixzo paced the shore, casually holding an arrow in the string once more… just in case.

The struggles of the watchmen brought her attention away once more. Squinting into the dark, Ixzo saw what looked like Aris fighting… himself? Her right hand tightened the string on her bow, pulling the arrow back, but she did not raise it just yet. Her fingers were shaking and there was no way she could make a solid shot if they didn't stop.

When Sparrow set the lights out, Ixzo remembered the others could not see as she did. Pulling on the diving strings that connected her to her Lady of Light, Ixzo brightened the strange light of the orbs, throwing up a slightly more visible ring for the humans around her. Yet her blessing was not strong, so the power was not either, but Ixzo wanted to help where she could. While they waited in tense silence, Ixzo searched the darkness, unable to find a finger in the lumps of what she assumed was rocks and shadows in the background. Was he gone? She couldn't tell.

"This is Zoot. He’s a Pycon and I think he can help us." The returning greeting confused Ixzo, furrowing her brow, but she still loosened her grip on her bow anyway. He was alone. But then a chirpy voice spoke up. She recognized the language to be the Common tongue, but did not catch the words as the voice spoke. Worried, Ixzo spun back towards the water she didn't trust, thinking the new voice came from there but the only movement was the residual waves lapping the shore where they stood. She was content to ignore the strange yippy voice as it continued, keeping her eyes on the water just in case.

"Set up camp, dry off, eat and sleep. We can’t go anywhere until we’ve discovered where we are … Please speak Common for our host. If you can’t, try to have someone translate." Ixzo spun to meet Aris' stern glance with a fiery confused one of her own. "We don’t want to be rude."

Rude to who? Who was here that she could not see? Ixzo scanned the party, immediately falling upon a small thing… a toy? Some chunk of rock that was moving… moving?

"What is that?" Her voice cracked and her Pavi came out shakier than she intended, eyeing the strange thing with confusion.

The reactions she got was like she had questioned an elder. Shrinking back, Ixzo steered away from the group, doing as Aris had said. It seemed as if the entirety of the group was caught up with this talking toy, taking interest in whatever the silly thing said. Still distrustful of the water, Ixzo skirted the group. She was not selfish enough to put all of them between her and it, but she stayed to the left of the gathering, more comfortable near the open cavern that she could at least see into, even though they may not.

Trying to keep the goosebumps off, Ixzo pulled out her items. Wringing out her second pair of clothes, she laid them out, trying to dry them a bit before she would change into them. The clothes on her back would have to wait. Hesitantly, her water skins were filled with the frightening liquid, and she did her best to dry the metal of her weapons with what she could, not wanting them to rust. Once all her things were wrung out as much as she could, dried and laid out, Ixzo crouched near them. The dried meat she had packed was wet now, but the roots could handle the water. Not willing to let the meat go to waste, Ixzo ate it, setting the roots aside for later.

Again, Ixzo turned her attention back to the group, which was so involved with talking to the hunk of rock. Deciding her extra clothes were dry enough, she stripped and slipped into them, not caring in the least who might look over. Her clothes were then wrung and laid out as well. Not tired yet, Ixzo began grooming her arrows, combing out the feathers as gently as she could and tossing the three ones that had managed to break in the chaos. She had lost two others, leaving her with only a remainder of fifteen arrows. Once everything she could possibly do had been done, and still unsure about the sanity of her group, Ixzo settled onto the ground. Laying on her side, she eyed the water before her, unwilling to let it out of her sight, and eventually the lioness fell asleep, she would gather her things quickly and organize them when they woke.

oocHey guys, I'm going to stay out of the second thread, since I don't want to force my PC to do something she wouldn't normally do, so don't wait for me to post on that one.

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine screamed when one of the things brushed against her legs. She shifted through the water looking around scared to death. Uncertainty scared her more than the creatures circling her legs and the others in the group as well. Jasmine fought and kicked several of the balls of light away from her not wanting to be any where near them. The woman began coughing when she went under and gulped down a mouth full of the water. Fighting the heavy weight on her back Jasmine finally breached the water again looking around trying to find anyone close to her. She fought to get over to Amunet when her eyes finally landed on the red headed girl. At least who she believed to be the red head it could very well be one of the watch, the other blond, Merevaika, or the Guide. It's the terror of just not knowing what she is attempting to swim towards that startles the woman. She was happy not to have Chaser with her. The poor horse wouldn't know what to do without any kind of sight.

“AA-” Jasmines screamed was cut short as something dragged her under water.

Terror was all the woman could feel as she was pulled through the water at high speed. She held back the urge to scream more knowing it would only end up drowning her. Suddenly she was was being pulled in large circles through the water towards some kind of formation. Barely able to open her eyes under the water Jasmine's nerves took over. Before anything could find its way back up the woman Jasmine was thrown onto the ground. She coughed for what felt like days while trying to force feeling and strength back into her arms. Slowly the woman crawled farther up on the rock so glad to be back on land again. She plopped down on her back panting hard trying to catch her breath as she was able to feel her heart beat in her veins. Jasmine looked over and was able to catch the forms of many other companions. She took a mental note of who all could be seen. Ixzo was stalking close to the water almost as if trying to protect all of us from whatever the floating balls are. Pushing herself away from the edge with her legs was about all the woman could do till her arms decided they would work.

Looking up Jasmine saw Aris disappear into the darkness around them as one of the Watch walked over and gently helped her up while looking at the huge gash on her back from the rock hitting her. She waved him off deciding to let the other blond or Amunet take a look at it when all this was over. Sudden shouting from the darkness caused Jasmine to jump and look towards where the yelling was coming from. She looked to the others nervous and grabbed her bow and notched an arrow while looking still. The Watch had put a few of the glowing orbs around us in a perimeter in order to give us some kind of light source seeing as how all the lanterns were most likely in the water still. All became very quiet as Jasmine looked for Aris confused about what had happened. The only thing that the woman could figure out was that Aris had been fighting with himself. Sure it sounded crazy even in her own mind, but that is what the woman had seen from the shadows.

“This is Zoot. He is a Pycon. I think he can help us,” Aris said walking back to the group.

Jasmine looked at the man like he had lost all of his senses till finally her eyes landed on the toy in his hand. Confused Jasmine looked closer to it as it then suddenly began to move and speak startling the woman causing her to back up some and watch it even closer. She waved when it said hello to the group watching Jasmine felt like a giant in comparison to the small... uh... man? Her head followed the creature's movements as he motioned for them to watch him. He rolled on of the balls into the middle of the group explaining something about it burning. At least that was all Jasmine could understand from Zoot's fast talking. Amazed she watched as he took his fang out and cut out the ball showing the liquid inside of it. Jasmine had to keep from leaning over it more to see in side as the litlle fella grabbed a flint and used himself to create the sparks. She gasped and backed up with a few others as the flames shot up high in the air. Nerves hit again when she remembered that he would get each of them do to it next.

Happiness swelled in Jasmine when she heard that they could finally sleep after all the terror of the fall and near drowning. One of the downsides to being a drykas one doesn't know how to swim well if at all. She held in the chuckle about the look that Zoot gave Aris when he spoke in Pavi meaning the little guy must not know many other languages. Once everything was showed Jasmine decided to try her hand at lighting one of the little balls. She grabbed one of the water before finding a place and kicking most of the bigger rocks out of the way before putting her two packs down. Jasmine opened the second pack that had her flint and daggers. She slowly opened the orb up some not wanting to put too much oxygen inside. Using her dagger Jasmine struck at the flint till finally a spark hit the liquid. Yelping Jasmine backed up when the flames came dangerously close to her. Once they died down Jasmine moved closer and laid out her bedroll and extra clothes out to dry before laying down again.

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Merevaika]

Aris stayed too close to her, somehow managing to stay afloat as well. Merevaika kicked and spluttered, sinking occasionally into the strange silence of the water before bursting up again, eyes still focused on the things, whatever they were, beneath her. Aris cut one of the orbs, allowing Merevaika to swim away, just a little bit, more by accident than on purpose. An oily liquid spread around him, reaching her, but before Merevaika could examine it, a scream rang out.

Kicking hard, she spun round, searching for the source of it, but something grabbed her boot, submerging her under water for a few ticks. Merevaika fought it, unable to see through the murky water and give it a name. She kicked and pulled and managed to float back up, noticing Aris was gone.

With a new sense of panic, for surely the leader of the group had the skill to prevent being taken, Merevaika thrashed around in the water, trying to work out what was the danger: the orbs or something else in the water. Yet she could see nothing, only murky shadows and the occasional black shape that simple appeared to be a trick of the light.

Something grabbed her again, this time a lot tighter. It clung to her ankle as if clinging to life, a heavy grip she couldn't shake. It tugged and Merevaika flailed her arms up, trying to push the water away and stay at the surface. At the last moment, she gave up, throwing her head up to take a last, deep gulp of air until she was dragged underwater.

There had been too many times in her life like this one; where she had been pulled under the waves and into a surreal silence, where sounds could barely be heard as a faint murmur, an echo of life. Darkness wrapped around her, only broken by the light of the orbs that was distorted through the oily water, creating only strange shapes and shadows. Her lungs began to ache as she was forced through swirl after swirl, feeling the water run over her body, bringing her hair up to float around her and the clothes to glide around. Suddenly, there was a desperate need for air and Merevaika tried kicking again, fighting the grip as she pointed herself towards more blackness.

Then she felt ground beneath her, then she felt air above her. Merevaika flipped over on her back, finding herself lying on the floor, and gasped, spluttering out water she didn't even realise she had swallowed. There was silence, just for a moment, then a lapping sound of water, that rose and sank around her legs. Merevaika didn't care. She was soaked through anyway and was nowhere near her head, so was safe.

Glowing orbs settled around her as well as her pack, now soaking wet. She didn't remember losing it. Aris appeared above her, and the woman sat up, still taking deep breaths. He gave her a meaningful look and placed a hand on her shoulder; her quiver was placed by her feet. Merevaika looked between him and it, then grabbed it, pulling it around her shoulder. She sat there as people moved, as Aris disappeared. There were voices but Merevaika didn't listen or consider them, too busy coping with what had happened.

She moved up, stumbling into the ring of glowing orbs and spotting a sign from someone. Arm themselves. Merevaika found her bow and an arrow, notching it and holding it loosely, yet ready to shoot. When something moved in the distance, she raised the bow, aimed directly at them, but it soon revealed to be the pale man, Aris and a small dirt shape, that spoke and moved. The men were injured, but the pycon, as it had been called, couldn't have done that, could it? However, there was no one else around to have done that. Merevaika stared at it, curious.

Zoot, as it, or he, was called, set up a fire and Merevaika moved a spot near, more settled from the experience now. She was still silent, clutching her quiver and bow. She opened her pack, finding the water drenched food. It did something to satisfy what hunger she had, but signified the last of it. Soon, hopefully, they would be out of these underground tunnels - soon, above ground where they belonged.

[Waisana]

The teen didn't know what she'd expected her screamed question to achieve, but she had anticipated some response. No voice rose from among the others thrashing in the water, the only evidence they were still with her their commotion as they tried to stay afloat like herself. The doctor couldn't even move towards any of them because the sound bounced oddly in this place, so much so that she couldn't tell if anyone else was close to her. Her own desperate attempts to stay afloat were disturbing the water around her so much that she couldn't tell if there were ripples coming from elsewhere; she dared not stop moving to check in case it meant the end of her. As it was she was having such a hard time staying afloat and moving in the water that she was considering dumping her wet pack. It was well and truly soaked, a dead weight that threatened to drag her down to become a bloated corpse. Its contents might be important, especially to others, but she couldn't do anyone any good if she drowned. The only option was to let the water take it. The decision was accepted with the greatest reluctance and she had begun working one waterlogged strap off when she felt a touch on her arm. She let out a shocked shriek that was cut off abruptly as she flinched away and became unbalanced. Her head dipped beneath the surface, cutting off her cry and she resurfaced spluttering and coughing. Had one of their party touched off her or had it been something else, something in the water? Waisana still couldn't see so she couldn't tell, but she was even more determined to escape to dry land as soon as possible.

A yell rang out but stopped suddenly, the voice that of a man--one of the watchmen--and she listened in terror to determine whether he had simply ducked under the water for a few moments or... Or what? Had something happened to him? There was nothing in the water that could do anything, right? But she didn't trust those strange, luminous orbs beneath the surface and as she finally dropped her pack to let it sink, she was certain that something was moving around below her. The blonde had been sure she'd see something in the water but it could have been a trick of the murky light. But there were more screams and exclamations in the dark, the splashing seeming to grow quieter and quieter as if there were fewer people in the water. The doctor tried to move across the pool but she felt as if her kicks were getting her nowhere fast. She was swimming--if it could be called that--with all her might and it wasn't doing her any good.

When she felt the touch of something on her ankle, something that gripped at it so strongly that she was certain she would be dragged to her death. She drew a deep breath, holding it in the expectation of being pulled under and kicked against whatever was holding her ankle. The water seemed to fight against her, pushing back against her foot and leg as she kicked forward. It had no effect at all and it only appeared to make matters worse as the teen found herself dragged beneath the surface to be pulled through the water at an alarming rate. The girl held her breath fast, the air straining to make its way out as she fought panic. Water sloshed up her nostrils, but she didn't inhale it, while her lungs burned for her to breathe in. The burn grew and grew and when she thought she would burst, Waisana blew out all the air she had. It bought her a few ticks more before she had to take in a desperate gulp of water as she tried inhale. Thankfully, she found herself in back on dry land very soon afterwards and she spluttered and coughed up the water from her lungs. Her airways were on fire and she felt like she'd never be right again but somehow she was miraculously alive.

Slowly, she became aware that she wasn't alone and that in fact the other members of the party surrounded her. She waved off attention from one of the watchmen and set about sorting herself out. She was amazed to see that her pack, the pack that she had dropped in order to save herself, had joined her ashore. Waisana was glad to see it but she had no idea if the herbs within it would still be viable. If they could get a fire going then she could probably dry them out and fire was something they'd need if they didn't want to get sick from wearing wet things. Her pack was lifted and shaken in an effort to get rid of some of the water that saturated it but she didn't want to go rooting through it until she had better light and probably a heat source too. She wrung out what material of the pack that she could grab and then started wringing out her hair as shorts and the sounds of a scuffle rang out in the darkness. What little light there was didn't illuminate anything very far and beyond its reach, the darkness was so deep that there wasn't a hope of seeing anything. Waisana knew that Aris and their guide had disappeared in to it though. Surely they weren't fighting one another! Except there was another voice, speaking another language and their guide had no tongue!

The tension rose as they awaited some indication of what exactly was going on. There was someone else down here with them, someone who might have pulled them from the water, but it was definitely someone who had the advantage over them. The other watchmen were growing restless and a silence now prevailed as the scuffle had stopped. With their leader gone, it was clear that no one knew what to do. Waisana was about to suggest trying to get a fire going to keep anything malevolent at bay when Aris stepped back in to their circle of light. He was carrying something, something that he introduced as Zoot and the doctor realised with a gasp that whatever it was, it was alive! She regarded it through wide eyes as it began chattering away in Common and then proceeded to light a fire using one of the luminous orbs. She was torn between fascination and horror as she watched the scene unfold, trying to determine what she should make of this little man in their midst. She assumed that this had been what Aris had fought with out in the dark, but now he was treating it as a friend rather than a foe. The watchman could obviously better assess danger than she could and Zoot seemed like a cute little guy so she decided that he must be okay. The pycon was a curiosity and she wanted to interact with it but she didn't know how. Instead, she set about organising her gear now that there was a fire.

The Drykas teen went through her pack with care, laying out its contents near to the fire so they could dry. The herbs were placed on top of the bandages and in turn the bandages were placed on the pack so there was something between them and the ground. The girl also stripped off much of her clothing to allow it to dry. Deciding that she was something of a fire hog, she decided to start her own fire in one of the orbs. Her flint and steel were wet so she held them close over the flame, turning them quickly so that they wouldn't grow too hot and so that her hand wouldn't burn. The only knife that she had was one she used for eating and sitting with one of the orbs in her lap, she worked a hole in to it and gradually sliced enough to be able to peel back a layer. Placing it back on the ground near her belongings, Waisana positioned her hands above the fumes. A look of concentration on her face, she began striking. She tried to touch the two objects together firmly and move one off the other quickly. It took a few attempts but at last she got a spark, managing to miss the opening. She tried again and the next time it caught she moved her hand closer to the hole. A whoosh of flame followed and she only just managed to pull her hands away in time. Despite her near accident, the doctor was pleased with herself. She settled herself down and did her best to go to sleep in the burgeoning warmth.

[Amunet]

The lights came closer that relieved her eyes. A split tick later shadows swam underneath them that were blacker than the black around that terrified the young healer. She kicked herself up with great difficulty as encumbered as she is with gear and supplies. The gulping gasp of air proceeded the splash of choppy water into her mouth. She had drifted a bit from the edge of the main party as her eyes rested on the gentle glow of the strange orbs. All she could go on is her ears. The sounds of her team mates struggling like she was. There was one scream then another scream all cut off. All she could do was struggle to keep her nose and mouth above water as her legs where tiring and her arms felt like lead.

The jerk was sudden as she was pulled under and arms wrapped around her. The rush of waters around her was present as she closed her eyes waiting for the pain of the end or something. The only thing she felt was her burden of her gear lifted from her. Whatever had her, had her tightly and cradled her little self. As oxygen needs grew her grip on consciousness was loosening. Whatever had her seemed to speed up more. She knew nothing more No rushing of water, no pain, and nothing was forthcoming. It was rather anti-climatic, but the young lady faded into the black unconsciousness before being deposited on the stony shores.

It was unclear how long she was out as the sounds of others rustling about. Amunet was unaware of Aris checking on them as well. Her eyes saw the stone beneath her feet and then the clutching arms of the former slave around her. Considering everything, the red head didn’t blame her one bit. her little hand patted the Choctaw’s hand as she rose and looked around to garnish bearings. Not that helped with knowing where they were at but relative location of where people are and the stone around them offered some solace. Her wet head turned towards Evain. “You hurt?” The girl asked in common. Her hands where shaking but Amunet closed her own hands around her shaking ones and looked her in the eyes. The smile she gave as she let Evain borrow her intestinal fortitude to lean on as she gave the woman a minute to gather her wits. “you be well. Must see to others. “ She wasn’t sure how to tell her to wring her hair and clothes out.

Amunet moved to stand slowly testing her abused limbs. She was sore with the effort of staying afloat to breath but she welcomed the discomfort from her muscles. It said she was alive. Her senses zeroed in on jasmine as that urge within her told her she was harmed or injured or not feeling well in some way. Her eyes drew over to where the watchmen were going through a pile. Their gear and packs! There was an exhale of relief from the little red head. She moved towards Jasmine as smiled at her and leaned her body around to look at her back. “Jasmine, let me look at that. “ Amunet’s voice came in a whisper in Pavi as it echoed horridly there. It was not too bad of a gash. She patted Jasmine’s shoulder. “Let me get a couple of things if the bottles didn’t break. She went to the pile where the watchmen was distributing the gear and packs. Her lantern, pack and yvas all there. One of them smiled at her and asked if she needed help. “If you can get the yvas bag over towards Jasmine. I need to treat her. “ There was no trouble with that as that was completed.

The wintergreen bottles seem to be in-tacked. Those around her could see multiple bundles come out of the pack and yvas bag. Tight little bundles that she would pack in to protect and organize the items she routinely carries to see to the people of Endrykas or a Pavilion out in the Sea of Grass. The Yvas bags where set to dry once emptied and then the pack was set on a rock to dry. The wet cloak was also laid out as she took the wintergreen bottle and the ‘dry’ cloth back to Jasmine. The bundles did not get soaked all the way through as she had packed very tightly. She had semi dry cloths and bandages. In no time the wound was cleaned a she warned Jasmine it would sting a little. This was before she put her little hand over the gash and closed her eyes. It was a simple gash and nothing complicated as the sigil on her face illuminated that side and shimmered in the transfer of her gift to heal the wound. It was no more than a scrape or scratch now. “You should be fine. Let me know if it starts bothering you. See about drying off. “ Again she smiled at Jasmine as she realized that they were all in fairly decent shape aside from being lost.

The girl moved to Ixzo who was by the shore to see if she was ok. There was no urge but she checked on her anyway. She attempted to provide comfort as she seemed to wait for something to come out of the dark water. “it is well, Ixzo. “ The healer said in common as a little hand was on her arm. “Please have peace.” It was difficult to translate what she could have said better in Pavi. With that she moved to Waisana to make sure she was alright. The surge of Healing helped her muscle soreness as she moved around better going from person to person and ensuring that they were finding their strength. It wasn’t just health she was checking but attempting to strengthen their will or their hope. That was what she tried to provide each person. In similar fashion her little hand would set on Waisana’s shoulder and let her know that all was not lost. “We have light and we have our packs. Do you need help in setting things out to dry?” The blonde doctor was already doing the same thing she did with their supplies. “Well not that I recommend this for a vacation but it’s at least quiet.” They might be lost but they were alive. Amunet would try and see the positive in this situation. That was what provided hope. That little tiny light of positive if taken care of can grow to strengthen resolve.

Amunet moved to Merevaika to check on her and make sure she was not hiding a wound. It would be just like her not to say anything as she was a very private person it seemed. The girl signed to her quietly while eyeing her up and down for anything obvious of wound or sickness. ‘wounds, lung burns, are you well?’ It was done discreetly to provide Merevaika that privacy. The girl looked up into her eyes with that same hopeful positive attitude that the dark haired woman met her with. When it was established that she was well she moved to the men who waved her off, there was no urge to heal them and other than shaken about their circumstances they seemed alright.

Aris and the pale skinned one was next but they were no where to be found. The girl looked around and wondered if they had drowned or something till the scuffle was heard. She gasped as she darted to the dark entrance. Taggert moved to stop her and said that Aris told them to stay here with the lights. The watchmen placed out the light in a half circle pattern and asked her to move back as they readied weapons against the uncertainty. The uncertainty came in the form of the men coming back kind of unharmed though senses told her that they were a little beat up. Amunet breathed a sigh of relief as they came back and she moved to look to Aris and the pale man. She was vaguely aware of the introduction as she moved to the pale man. She signed to the underwatch that she was a Healer and to give her a moment to look at his injuries. Either he wasn’t used to healers or women or both it was unclear. The others were looking at something in Aris’s hands but she was looking at Aris’s face as he got the swift end of something also.

The pale man seemed to be well except his lip. Untreated in these circumstances, the broken skin of the lip could go septic and that was just not going to do. Waving his resistance off, the girl put her little finger on his sore swollen lip as her gift was passed from her and into the pale man. The lip lost pain, lost bruising and looked as it did before. “There” Her hand went to his shoulder as the red head smiled at him. The Healer then turned to Aris as he was putting a ball of clay on the ground and it moved. Curious as a cat, she tilted her head as it moved to the balls of light. Everyone else was paying attention to it to so it seemed to be harmless as she went to Aris to look at his eye. It was nicely bruised but nothing that was onerous for the young lady. She spoke quietly with Aris to see to his eye before behind her the flames burst from one of the globes as she was startled with a “AHHH!’

She had to be reminded that the little bundle of moving clay was a Pycon, his name was Zoot and to speak common so as not to be rude. She was fascinated. Once the flames died down she went to her knees to intensely analyze the creature that spoke and had apparently great intelligence from the way he spoke. Like a cat, she moved her finger to touch a little clay shoulder. Then she realized that it could be very rude. “I sorry, never see… P..Y.. con?” Did she say it right? Her brow furrowed. “Zoot, you well?” it was a serious question though she didn’t feel any urge or compulsion to see to his needs and he seemed in good spirits too. Once that was established she would return to Aris to treat his black eye and provide him the gift that would handle most of the bruising if not all if the bruising wasn’t too deep.

The girl establishing that there were as well as can be then heard the words that this was their camp to rest, eat, and basically establish their bearings. She nodded to Aris as she moved to place her bedroll that was half wet down. She had to get dryer as there was no way she was sleeping like this. She had to take off her outer shirt and down to her camisole under top laying that out to dry. She wrung out her long red hair of as much water as possible as she got her comb and went about to straighten the mass of red curls and waves into some kind of tamable format. It was something to do while things dried. Even her wool blanket was wet. That too was set out as was everything she owned. That section of the cave was scattered with enumerable belongings set out to dry. It was a bit of time before sleep would claim her as she attempted to rest with a half dry wool blanket pulled over her little shoulders.


(( if i missed something please let me know))

[Prophet]

In the morning, or rather, once everyone had a chance to sleep for a nice spell of rest, Aris began to walk around rousing his group. The Tavehk was the last one asleep though he did not partake in any gossip sessions or social interaction. The old warrior simply sat awake and listened to the chatter of his people as he formulated a plan for the next move. Eventually he did drift off and then was back awake staring into the endless black that completely surrounded them. His first stop was to kick the boots of his men. Taggert and Sparrow rose quickly and began to pack up their things. The silence in which they worked was evidence of the efficiency of the Watch. Next, Aris sat down on one knee behind Ixzo, the dark-skinned huntress. With his hands raised to deflect any reactionary strike, he firmly grabbed her shoulder but didn’t make any jerky or sudden movements. The strong grip should be enough to wake her from her dreams. By this time, several of the strange orbs had been lit and rolled about to give a dim glow to the camp. When Ixzo did respond to his touch, Aris would simply speak in soft Pavi that it was time to get up.

He basically did the same for every other female of the group; taking his time to approach, giving a solid squeeze on the arm and then plainly stating that they needed to get up and make ready to leave. It didn’t take long before the entire camp was on its feet packing gear, stretching and rubbing the dampness from their bones. Aris moved over to where Zoot was relaxing as he watched the entire ensemble handle their business. The Pycon had a lovely evening chatting with some of the girls and he felt an odd attachment to the group as a whole because of it. Aris knelt down next to their ‘host’ and nodded in greeting before he spoke softly in Common. “Have you decided upon a price, yet?” Aris’s face was not one of a pleasant emotion. He had a serious distaste for the opportunist type but it wasn’t like he had much choice.

The large eyes blinked then stared at the human. The thought that flowed must have been entertaining because he cracked a smile across the wide and flat face. “I will help you, horseman. Help you I shall and charge you nothing more than some parchment and charcoal. Oh, it’s been so long since I was able to write on a proper piece of paper. These wretched cave drawings are going to be the end of my brilliance, I swear to Harameus that I’ll never travel without an entire scroll again!” Zoot got up and climbed over to Aris and then onto the man’s arm. He turned about much like a dog would and then finally sat with his back against the Drykas’ chest. “Ready when you are, good sir!” Zoot smiled and hummed a tune that no one would recognize. Aris rose and walked back to his people and their camp. He gave the two Watchmen a one-handed sign for move out and then came to stand near Deathspark.

Taggert moved to one side of the women and Sparrow went to the other. The pair worked quickly making sure to help each member prepare. Taggert’s first check was with the redhead. His eyes wandered faster than the dim light would allow her to see. His deep brow and dark gaze all blended in to the shadows that danced on his face. Having no sense of propriety, the man stood unreasonably close and posed her a question. “Can I help you with your pack?” Before she could reply, he was behind her tugging at a few straps and brushing against her in the subtlest of ways. Then he was gone.

Sparrow came up next to Ixzo. He had a keen eye for observation and made sure to give the tall woman her rightful space. He signed a question if she needed any help. If she was in need, he would help. Otherwise, the man would politely smile with his bright blue eyes and move on to Waisana. He bowed his head in respect. The big warrior had a soft spot for healers and offered her a shy smile. “Are you ready to leave, Mana?” If she said yes, then he would smile and move on. If Waisana was not ready, Sparrow would offer to help and be of assistance in that manner.

Taggert moved on from Amunet to Jasmine. The bouncy blonde had caught his eye as well and without asking, he simply went up and tried to peek down the back of her shirt. He was an agile fighter and could dodge any retaliatory attack she could muster and easily move out of reach. That wouldn’t mean that he was finished, however. His immediate response would be dripping with charm and sincere tones. “So sorry, dear. I was just trying to check your wound before we set off. Do you need any help?” Like a snake, he would slither close and avoid any unpleasantness as a result then sneak away.

Sparrow finally went to check on Merevaika. He had been following her story all season and was well acquainted with the circumstances that led her to be amongst them. He also knew that there were some, even his peers, who thought her to be a good Drykas. He signed an informal greeting and came within arm’s reach but made no move to grab or restrain the brunette. “You and I will be partners today.” He signed orders and a polite plea for no trouble. It was something parents often used when they would take small children to public places like the market or a festival. There was no malice and no condescending attitude to accompany the sign. It was plain to see on the man’s face that he just wanted things to run smoothly so he could go home. Being underground was taking its toll on him.

Taggert had managed to avoid Amunet and Jasmine after playing his drunken campfire games then made his way to the little girl with black eyes. Evain had very little in the way of possessions. She had been provided a pack with an extra large shirt to be used for a loose dress, a second pair of boots and a bedroll. The two watchmen had been made to carry her water and rations given how poor her health was in relation to the rest. The big, greedy hands took hold of the broken woman by her shoulders. A shudder escaped the girl’s body and she tightened but did not resist or fight back. If any could see his face, the evil thought would be transparent but it was quickly replaced by a stupid expression. Taggert fell into a heap behind Evain. Once she was released, the girl ran over towards the other women and cowered between the group. In the dim glow of the orbs, it was hard to tell what had happened. Aris came walking up and looked down at his man with a puzzled expression. He signed demanding an explanation.

Taggert looked up with pain in his eyes and went to speak when a shrill little voice interrupted and it nearly made Aris jump. “I put a rock to his bits ‘cause he was being a rude man and deserved to have his pride hurt a little. That’s what I saw and that’s what I did. I hope you don’t mind. I know they don’t.” Zoot pointed towards the pack of girls and Sparrow was standing behind the women with a grin formed from stifling a laugh. Aris looked around and read the obvious signs. He sighed then kicked Taggert in the ribs; hard.

“When you gather yourself, you’ll run point with me.” Aris hissed. Taggert had a reputation but he hadn’t been part of an incident in several seasons. Disgusted, the man shook his head then signaled for the group to form up near where Deathspark was standing which was about fifty yards to the west. This would mean everyone would walk right past where Taggert was lying. One by one, the women were filed along. When Sparrow brought up the rear, he bent down and smacked the other Ra’athi on the head. “Cultakh.” The big man chuckled as he walked away. Slowly, Taggert got up and gathered his things then ran to take his place with Aris and Zoot.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zoot instructed Aris on where to go. The way out was tricky. Everyone had to crawl on hands and knees through a tunnel that was probably a quarter mile long. It was slick, lined with muck and rocks and smelled of old fish or rotten grass. Several times, Aris forced them to rest because the damp air was making his lungs work overtime. The path wound and rose, twisted and fell and meandered until at the very end it narrowed down to half the size. The bigger folks would have to remove their packs and push them through ahead of their bodies. To squeeze through, everyone would have to crawl on their bellies. It was not going to be pleasant or easy.

On the other side of the muddy chute was a tunnel like the ones they had been in
during the previous day’s trek; a suddenly welcomed sight. Aris helped everyone through and made Taggert stack gear along the far wall in a neat row. The handsy watchman was looking very pale. There’s no telling what he had been told during the slow progression to get back on track. Aris was not a huge man but he had a coldness in his eyes that could inject a fear of the gods into a person. Once everyone was on this side, Aris gave them ten chimes to rest, five to stretch and then they’d be off again now that Evain and Deathspark knew where they had ended up.

Aris put Zoot up in the tunnel which led back down to the black cavern. He signed a good bye and stepped away to check his gear. Zoot looked over everyone and smiled…except Taggert who refused to look at the little clay man. “Goodbye, my friends. I had a lovely time with all of you and if you ever get bored you can come see me. I won’t be going anywhere until I solve my riddle and finish my quest. I should very much like to ride a horse someday so maybe I’ll come and visit you lovelies when I’m done.” His little starry eyes twinkled for a brief moment amidst the flickering torchlight. He had changed a bit since the first time they saw him. He now had clay tufts on his head like hair to match Aris. “Travel well, Drykas. Live well.” He lingered for a moment in case any wanted to say goodbye in return and then slid back down the chute with a ‘Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!’

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The party set off and Evain led them deeper and deeper into Semele until they were once again in a short tunnel with low oxygen and dim torches. They had been awake for nearly ten bells at this point and had stopped to eat once and rest two more times on top of that. It was a brutal march but they were certainly getting somewhere. The composition of the tunnel walls had changed and everything was much damper. The dripping noises were more frequent and the skittering of little clawed feet could be heard on a regular basis.

The line halted at a door. The entire time they had been underground, not once would any have seen a door until now. It was a deep blue or black; an organic color, as opposed to the grey rock of the tunnels and the cavern. The block was formed with square edges and a square frame. The door itself was rusted iron on rusty hinges with no symbols, markings or even a handle. Evain trembled as she stepped ahead of everyone. Her tiny fingers traced invisible lines along the thick frame until a round peg was pressed. A loud crack like that of a whip echoed through the tunnel and caused the former slave to wince. The door slowly swung open with a quivering action. Sand and rust fell from the hinges as the darkness from within swallowed the torchlight. Evain moved back and let Deathspark and Aris advance into the new area. For several minutes, nothing happened and then the men returned. Aris motioned for Sparrow who came up from the back.

“Something tells me your uncle would like this place.” Aris said to his man. Sparrow tilted his head in question. His uncle was a nutjob who loved to experiment with everything. A loud sigh escaped the mocha-skinned man then he slipped through ducking his head to clear the frame. He coughed a bit and several chimes went by…then ten…then twenty. Aris was about to step back through when a loud whoop rang from all around. Sparrow’s boots announced his return and he had a huge smile on his face.

“Wait til you see this.” He motioned everyone through which took some time since there was no light but the dying flames of their torches. The room was wider than the previous tunnel but still not wide and it smelled of something rancid but familiar. When the party had passed through the mysterious door, Sparrow waited a tick then closed the heavy thing with a thud that plunged them into darkness.

“What the petch?!” Taggert cried.

“Move away from the walls.” Sparrow’s voice was clear in its natural baritone and it seemed to hum rather than echo in the dark hallway. After a few more ticks, the sound of fire igniting and roaring could be heard and light raced around the area. On both walls about four feet high were tracks cut into the stone and filled with some kind of flammable liquid. Sparrow had ignited it with the dying tongues from his torch. The fire blazed with speed down the long hallway and out of sight only to come back down the other wall some fifteen chimes later. The blue eyes were twinkling and Sparrow was proud of himself. The hallway was square like the door and glowed a moderate orange that was almost bright compared to everything else they’d been exposed to on the journey. The brightness seemed to renew everyone and Evain set off down the corridor. This was a whole new experience. They were no longer in cave and tunnels of earth and rock but in some kind of structure made with giant bricks of black, green and blue stone all mashed together and plugged with black mortar. Sentient beings built this passageway and now that everything was well-lit it was easy to see that Evain’s tiny footprints were the only ones in the dust; a set going backwards and a fresh set going forward. What was next?

[Ixzo]

Normally, Ixzo had never been a heavy sleeper. Iollu or Rufio turning over in their sleep would send her out of any dreams she may be in, yet it was still a few ticks before her consciousness registered the pressure on her shoulder. Reaction shrunk her back when she opened her eyes, blinked a few times to register the unthreatening pose. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness quickly, but she lingered on the colorless eyes of the watchmen for only a moment before he moved away. Once she had her space back, Ixzo threw her arms up, stretching out what joints she could before rising. The clothes on her back were dry by now, stiff where they had dried wrinkled under her weight, and to her surprise there was no pain. Her neck was stiff and she was sure her lower back would complain later in the night, or day, but for now the groggy lioness felt a little better. How long had they slept? Habit sent her reflective gaze up to look for the sun, but they only embraced the stalactites lining the edges of the caves, watching the spiders wind their way through their upside-down jungle.

Yawning, Ixzo pressed her hands into the ground, pushing her legs beneath her until she was in a comfortable crouch. Her things were still laid out and she begun to gather them. Her rope was dry, and Ixzo quickly set to work wrapping it around her arm so it looped nicely. The soap, which had dried once more, and her razor which she hadn't bothered to clean, was back in the bottom of her bag. Bruised Sweet Potatoes and Oca Tubers stared back at her. The painful acidic taste of her retching from earlier, added with the carnivorous meal the night before made her stomach turn a little at the thought of food. She needed the energy, but she wasn't exactly having the easiest go of things on this trip. Putting only one Oca Tuber aside, she wrapped the rest in her almost-dry extra clothes and set those in the bottom of the bag. Peeling off the skin with her knife, Ixzo slowly chewed on the tangy root while she gathered up the rest. Her eating was only interrupted to groom the now dry feathers of her arrows and to fill her water skins.

When she was done, it seemed the rest of the camp was ready as well. Hooking her axes back on her belt, she held onto her bow, but only loosely, she had all her things now. Wary of the Watchmen, who seemed to keep wondering if she was okay, Ixzo made her way to Waisana.

"Good morning." She muttered to the healer, not actually sure if it was morning or not, but it didn't seem to matter. She watched Sparrow walk away and glanced back at Waisana. A twinkle of mischief floated into her eye when she met the woman's eye. "Watchmen," She grinned. "So…" Interesting. The sign fit the phrase better than she could find a word for. Her teasing remarks were a little less teasing when she couldn't find the proper word for attractive. But, even despite their past misunderstandings, she hoped Waisana was comfortable enough not to take offense.

Her attention was distracted by Taggert's antics, which set a good permanent frown on her face. Until Aris' sharp words were directed at him, all signs of her teasing mood had disappeared. When they began walking again, Ixzo made her way back towards Waisana, confidently looping her arm with the woman's. One a second thought she glanced down to make sure her friend was okay with it, but the Kelvic felt much more comfortable the deeper they went with the familiar woman beside her.

❖❖❖

Of course when their path was obstructed, she separated from Waisana. Still, despite the occasional hiss of frustration with the cramped trail, she remained a little hopeful. It was something she was good at. With sleep enough, she was feeling better, and some instinct was telling her that this would be over soon. A more human thought begun to nag her about the possible dangers this posed. In how long their journey took, she was losing sight of why she had volunteered, and the information she had uncovered along the way. With each step, Evain grew more and more terrified. With each step they got closer to where she was being held. During what she remembered of her time in the swamps, she knew it was horrifying for her.

Once they were through, her agitation sunk deeper at the tense atmosphere. Aris and the pale man were seemingly sharing some thought that she didn’t know. She barely noticed the departure of the clay creature, and the high pitched language that she barely understood which accompanied it. More curious about what Deathspark and Aris had shared now, her attachment to Waisana and Jasmine faltered for the next few bells. Sometimes Ixzo would remain near the only two familiar faces, drifting between them. Other times she would make her way to the front, eyeing the leaders' faces as if she could read them but not asking questions. They'd made it clear that the volunteers were to stay in the dark, and while she wanted to trust them, she didn't like not knowing.

❖❖❖

By the time things began to get exciting again, Ixzo was so tired. She could feel the pressure of new blisters on her heels and her calves were practically numb. A door, which she had not seen since Kenash, suddenly didn't seem so odd to her. With droopy eyes, the lion ducked through with ease, not questioned the strange placement.

"Move away from the walls." The instructions came out clear and Ixzo followed, still simply waiting to move on, or sleep, or anything. She wasn't paying attention and when the blaze of fire rang out through the tunnel, Ixzo jumped. Wild eyes watched the flames around her, and she eyed Sparrow for a few ticks, he seemed proud? It took her a moment to realize the fire was secure to the wall, not near her, and she settled down, but only slightly.


It took her much longer to adjust to the light, her eyes were so quickly adaptable to the dark that she had begun to favor it in the past few bells… or days? How long had they been down there? Panic renewed and Ixzo abandoned Waisana and Jasmine once more, shouldering her way to the front as careful as she could. With a very gently prod, the Kelvic's large hands tapped on Aris' shoulder. "Where do we go?" Worry, confusion. "What has to be happened?" The words came out rushed, and perhaps a little more irritated than she intended. For a moment, she thought she had mixed up the past and future tense again, but she wasn't sure and wasn't ready to embarrass herself to correct it. She simply wanted to know if this journey would end.

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign