Session Start: Fri Jan 11 19:10:58 2002 *** GMAmy changes topic to 'Grandia: New Horizons | Chapter 13.0: The Ocean Deep | Location: Eteres, evening, June 21| Session Start' ==Session Start== The faint brightening of light outside the hanging seaweed curtains of their rooms awakens our heros...they can hear the sounds of breakfast being prepared downstairs. Each of them has been provided with their own room, complete with washing supplies, special rags and containers of sand that the merpeople use. * Nathan hops of of bed with great vim and vigor ^_^ * Feray stretches in her bed and yawns softly, nuzzling further into her pillow and beginning to drift off to sleep once more. * Mitsuo yawns once, and sits up, rubbing his eyes and then fumbling for his glasses. * Nathan heads to the commons to get some breakfast ^_^ * Erellisae is peering raptly out into the ocean from her room, the peaceful view (and, y'know, the not-shouting-while-in-water thing) stopping her usual morning cry. In the commons, the merfolk cooks have prepared a selection of foods for breakfast. Various officials and other residents of the building are already digging in. A buffet is set up on the wall for Nathan to choose from... * Mitsuo finds his glasses, and goes about getting ready. Mmm...good eatin' ^_^ * Nathan samples everything :D There are all kinds of fish, rays, sharks, eel, shellfish, sea cucumbers, jellied anenomes, seaweed bread.... * Rion moseys on in, his typically haggard morning appearance offset by the rampant moisture of the locale. * * Feray rolls over in her bed....and promptly falls out of it with a crash. * Nathan plunks down in a chair and eats ^_^ * Mitsuo looks up from brushing his hair at the loud thump, and looks puzzled. * Feray sticks her hand in her mouth, biting down on it to muffle her yell of obscenities. ^^; * Nathan hears the thump, pauses eating for a moment, then resumes * Dylan yawns mildly * Erellisae 's stomach rumbles, and she leaves watching the ocean til later, heading for breakfast. ^^; * Mitsuo shrugs and finishes brushing his hair, heading downstairs. * Nathan waves at people as they enter the commons * Feray tugs her hand free from her mouth, standing and fixing her clothes a little....she tugs her hair into a loose braid before heading down to the commons area quickly. * Dylan follows his feet in search of food (w) Wow...That's...a lot of seafood. * Erellisae beelines for the food, grabbing some. :D Try the eel, its very fresh today * Feray grins meekly and takes a few pieces of bread. "No thanks, I think I'll stick to the scary looking bread." ^^ Some of the merfolk in the commons look oddly at the surface dwellers, raising their eyebrows somewhat suspiciously and whispering among themselves. * Mikari eats the seafood indifferently, looking a little blah this morning * Mitsuo grabs some flounder, crab, and a few of those really weird bread things. ^^; * Nathan goes back for seconds and thirds on the eel * Feray heads over to the table where Mikari sits and flops down into a seat. "Man, you won't believe the sights they have around here!" * Dylan munches on this and that idly, apparently a bit uncomfortable. * Nathan looks at Feray, "Oh? Whadya see?" Y'know.. it's good n'all, but I can't wait to get back to some normal food. * Erellisae brings a number of pieces of fish to the table, and chews on one thoughtfully. After a short while she makes a face and cups her hands over her plate, a red glow coming from beneath them. Well, if you swim upwards as far as you safely can and look down... The whole city sorta shines in a really beautiful way, you know? Spiff :) * Mitsuo munches on his food. ^^ Really? I might have to look at that, if I have time * Nathan looks at Dylan and his lack of enthusiasm, "Something wrong with the food?" * Feray leans forward and takes bite of her scary bread before grinning. * Dylan shakes his head.. Shines, eh? Heh... * Erellisae lifts her hands away, and chews on the rather more cooked fish with a content smile. :D >> Erellisae gains 5 fire EXP! No, it's just everyone here seems not to be impressed by our presence * Nathan loses some of his smile Heh! Tell me about it! One of those merguys tried to pick a fight with me last night! * Nathan loses all of his smile I actually don't mind it. Grandpa actually had me try some uncooked fish before, and I didn't mind the taste...Course, everyone calls Grandpa an eccentric old coot... ^^; ...Someone picked a fight with you last night, Feray? O_o Oh yeah. He got a pretty good whollop in, too. * Nathan sighs * Mitsuo sighs too. It's a delicacy.. uh... now where was that... well, it's a delicacy somewhere I've been. * Feray stands and turns, showing the group the big cut down her back. Other than here, at least. See? ^_- * Dylan frowns... Geez! O_o ... Why didn't you wake me up to heal that? * Erellisae looks up, then blinks at Feray, before grring. "Who did that to you?!" ;_; Because...it's not that serious. ^^; He threw me into a coral fence thing.. ^^; It's not like we asked to be pulled down 'ere... 'spite their hospitality, I don't much care if they like the fact the we're 'ere... You guys have to understand something. Surface dwellers are NOT welcome down here So I've heard...still... :/ I understand it plenty. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let him push me around. So I clocked him one. Good for you * Mitsuo puts a hand on Feray's back and silently casts a heal spell. Good one, Feray. But be prepared for hostile responses as long as we're here >> Mitsuo casts Heal. Feray's cut is healed. Mitsuo gains 20 Water EXP. :D * Feray wiggles happily and chuckles. "They can bring it on. Thanks, 'suo!" * Feray winks at Mitsuo and regains her seat, taking another great bite of her bread. No problem! * Nathan looks at the rest of his food thoughtfully We'll be gone soon enough, anyway. Right? * Erellisae grins. "If they start to attack us I've a couple new spells to try out, so no problem, right?" :D Well, either we explore the ruins for that orb, or we go back to the ship, but either way, perhaps we should not linger. Supposedly... ... * Erellisae nods. "I think checking out the ruins is best. We might... find something like the first temple. I want to find out more about it..." The ruins, hmm? * Erellisae grins. "Besides, I'm sure the great adventurers will want to check out ancient ruins and lost fables, right?" :D * Feray shakes her head at Erel's enthusiasm, idly glancing at the quiet Nathan from the corner of her eye before chalking it down to bad eel. Personally, I'm actually torn between that and just blowin' this dump. The whole underwater thing really crimps my style, you know. * Nathan pushes his food away, no longer feeling hungry * Erellisae looks around hopefully. "...please?" ^^; * Mikari stays quiet and watches Nathan's reactions I actually sort of like it...It's peaceful here... * Dylan claps Rion on the back It's up to the rest of the group. View it as a challenge, Rion. Has anyone asked our hosts about the ruins? * Rion nearly buckles under the weight of the heavy hand, but he manages to hold his own. * Yeah, right. ...'Course, it's mostly my fault we're here.... ^^: A merman approaches quietly and respectfully, but he watches the group with narrowed eyes, waiting to be noticed. * Feray nudges Mitsuo with her elbow. "Because the women love you." ^_- * Erellisae grins. "Yeah! If the number 4 can't keep up with some water, how can he reach number 1?" * Feray blinks and looks to the merman. ...Bah. No offense to the merpeople here, but I really rather not be loved. ^^: * Dylan turns to the merman Yes? [Merman] Ahem...if you will excuse me...the Coordinator, Shendo, wishes to speak with you when you have finished your repast. Thank you very much for telling us. We'll see him, right guys? Of course. Ain't got anything better to do. * Erellisae nods. ^^ The merman nods and leaves, apparently glad to do so. ^^; Thank you Is everyone finished with brekkies? I think so Geeze.. you know.. I just thought of something.. you know what doing dishes does to your hands, right? Can you imagine what we're gonna look like by the time we crawl out of this cold soup? * Feray reaches out under the table and lightly nudges her foot against Nate's knee. "Something up, sailor?" * Dylan stretches I like it myself, is good temperature * Nathan snaps out of his funk, "Hm? Oh yeah, I just forgot just how hostile it can be down here." * Erellisae giggles. "'Giant Prunes Crawling Out Of Ocean!'. We'd be the talk of Parm." ^^ Well, don't let it get you down, hon. ^_- Warmer than what I swam in as a kid. * Mikari ...'s with skill. We'll try not to provoke anything else and it'll be peachy keen. I think I'm on the verge of turning blue. I can't wait to actually be warm again. The merman waits by the door to lead them to Shendo when they are ready. Shall we go, and cease disturbing the citizens? Heh, yeah. We'll just have to behave until we leave this place Bah, it's not so bad, Rion. ^^; * Nathan stands and prepare to leave * Dylan follows Nathan * Mitsuo stands up as well, taking a bite of the funky looking bread. . o O ( Corn bread, you ain't ) * Feray stands and scratches at the small of her back where her cut was before heading after Nate. * Mitsuo follows Nathan. * Nathan throws glances at some of the assembled merfolk * Rion accompanies the others. * I am getting kinda sick'a this myself... I swim a lot anyway, but this's goin' a bit far... * Erellisae gets up, following the others, and looks at Rion, her hands glowing faint red from the fire spell she used to cook. "If you're cold, I can just cast Burn on you." :D The merman nods as they approach, then leads them to the council room where they met with Shendo previously. The merman sits on a large chair at the back of the hall, in full human form, interestingly. He smiles as they enter. The merman nods politely and leaves, closing the doors behind him. (w) You people complain too much... ^^; [Shendo] Good morning, guests. I trust you slept well...? * Mitsuo nods, "Yes, we did. Thank you." Like a log. * Erellisae eeps as they enter the large room, dissipating what's left of her magic. ^^; Yes, thank you kindly for your hospitality * Rion grins. * If it gets much colder, I might just take you up on that offer, chickie-boo. Shendo nods. [Shendo] Good, good. Well now, the storm has dissipated...so you may return to your ship whenever you are ready. However, I had hoped to ask you a small favor before you leave... * Mitsuo blinks, "Favor?" * Nathan raises an eyebrow I slept like a sponge, m'self. Well, in return for your gracious hospitality, please ask away. Favor..... Shendo gives Mikari a wry look. * Feray doesn't say anything, waiting for the favor. [Shendo] Are you interested? First of all, it requires a story...please have a seat while I tell it. *he gestures to some spongy cushions scattered around the area* * Nathan sits down, wondering where this is going * Feray sits down and rests a chin in her hand. * Dylan flomps down on a cushion * Rion prefers to stand, leaning back against the wall, having a bad feeling about this.. * * Mikari looks generally indifferent * Erellisae stays back a little, near Rion where they entered, waiting. . o O ( Of course, if Ms. Jalanda's feelings are right, this will probably involve us finding the Teleport Orb) Shendo peers around, frowning thoughtfully. [Shendo] But, one of you appears to be missing...I hope nothing has befallen your companion? As you know, we generally do not trust surface dwellers here, and some of our people are more mistrustful than others. * Mitsuo sits. * Dylan looks around. * Mitsuo blinks, "Someone is...? Huh?" * Nathan blinks, and scans faces Jalanda...Should I go check on her? * Erellisae points at Feray's back. "Yeah! One of them hurt Feray!" ;_; Just then, there is a knock on the double doors, and they swing open. * Feray sweatdrops at Erel. ^^; Quiet, Chickie-boo. ^^; * Dylan turns quickly to face the doors Hmmm.... Shendo raises an eyebrow. [Shendo] Oh? Then please accept my apologies, Miss Feray. No, it's alright. ^^; * Jalanda appears in the doorway to the council chambers, nodding politely to the mer there who opened them. "That won't be necessary." * Mikari raises an eyebrow and watches. The merman nods, ushering Jalanda in, then closes the doors again. Ms. Jalanda! Where were you at breakfast? * Feray grins faintly at Jal. "Fashionably late." * Mitsuo grins as well, "Good morning, Jalanda." * Erellisae hushes, albeit with a mmmph and a sour look. [Shendo] Ah, there you are. Please, come sit; I am about to relate a story and ask a favor... * Nathan nods to Jalanda, and turns his attention back to Shendo * Jalanda has a small book in her hands from the library, so you can guess where she was. "I try not to be late as a rule, but this is a most fascinating place." Yep, it's storytime in th'underwater kingdom of magic. * Dylan shrugs Don't miss it. ... * Jalanda bows once to Shendo, and her friends, and finds a seat for herself. [Shendo] Many years ago, the people of Eteres had a thriving society and a magnificent temple, some distance from the city. There was housed a great treasure, a legendary artifact that had been ours to care for throughout many centuries... * Erellisae blinks, then prods Rion, whispering. "Hey~! How come I get shushed but Mikari doesn't?" ^^; [Shendo] Some centuries ago, the artifact was lost. Our legends still tell of it. It was believed to have been lost during a great earthquake, that shook and cracked the ocean floor and consumed our temple. The artifact was lost within. * Mitsuo hmms. * Mikari smirks a little and shakes her head. * Nathan listens carefully * Jalanda nods her hooded head slightly, listening carefully to the noble merman. "I see... then what I read of the histories was correct... it was most unfortunate for your people." Shendo nods to Jalanda. [Shendo] Yes, indeed... My condolences. Would you be asking us to investigate the remains of the temple? [Shendo] Now, only eleven years ago, a plague the like of which has never been seen among us descended upon Eteres and all the other cities of the ocean. Many were turned to lifeless stone. Others vanished completely. Still more died in agony, and others were pulled apart as if the very fabric of reality were being ripped and torn. So... do we need this artifact to prevent the apocalypse or somethin', or can we sell it for a bundle? [Shendo] I am coming to that in a moment... ... * Jalanda looks a bit shocked when he relates this... Gaia... it happened on the surface too.. * Dylan wipes his eyes.. Ah... sounds like it's gonna end up being choice A..... * Mitsuo 's face darkens. So Gaia's reach extended to even the depths... Something like that. Ugh. * Erellisae looks worried, but stays silent. ^^; * Nathan shivers a bit [Shendo] Not knowing what else to do, a group of our warriors volunteered to search for the artifact, hoping it might save us. They disappeared into the ruins of the temple and never returned. While inside, a great blast of the terrible power struck, and all on that side of the city were turned to stone or worse. Some weeks later, many of them were restored to life...but not all. So ya need it t'finish the job? Fair 'nuff. * Feray chews her bottom lip.. * Jalanda looks unsettled, as she understands exactly what Shendo means... [Shendo] The warriors never returned. We believe they met the same fate as many in that attack...most of them were pulled into a limbo reality, a warping of space and time that trapped them between dimensions. But when many were restored to life, the dimensional rift was healed, forcing them into one dimension or the other... * Mikari starts to frown at this. ...yes, such is the way of Warpspace... * Jalanda takes on a very serious tone. [Shendo] Many were pulled into the limbo dimension on the other side of the rift, never to return. That is what we believe happened to those warriors. Now, we believe it might be possible to restore them to our plane of reality, using the Blue Orb. * Mitsuo blinks several times. Shendo peers at Jalanda. [Shendo] I see you know of these matters. Yes, sir Shendo.. for this occured in my homeland of Iris. I am one of the survivors of such an event... I may be able to help you in some way with this... * Dylan sighs [Shendo] Truly, Miss Jalanda? Then perhaps your coming is a fair omen. Having survived once, you may be able to restore those who did not... ... the Blue orb... like the Teleport orb..? * Nathan considers things for a long while * Jalanda pauses, sighing slightly. "I would like to assure you that it is possible, but even I do not know the true forces behind the rift yet..." This orb you speak of... what do the legends say of it's powers? [Shendo] The dangers of the warpspace likely will not affect you now, but there are other dangers in the darkness of the ruins. But you escaped mermaids yesterday; you may succeed where we failed. [Shendo] Miss Jalanda, the Blue Orb has power over time and space. Its uses are not entirely clear, but it is said that it can be used only once, or only a few times. The legends are vague. * Erellisae looks quiet, thinking. [Shendo] Yet we do know that it is very powerful. * Mikari sighs and mumbles something about everyone needing risky favors... . o O ( ...Funny how he's so trusting of us, even has humans...I hope we're not being pulled around here.... ) ... was there a shrine for the Orb? Is it on the other side of the rift? And, if we were to refuse this favour? [Shendo] Yes, Miss Erellisae, that is correct.... I see... then it would be identical to the other encountered some time ago... [Shendo] Sir Dylan, you are entitled to refuse if you wish, and you may return to your ship. However, if you do this favor for us, we will reward you. At the very least we can provide an escort to your ship to make sure you arrive safely. There are many dangers between here and the surface...mermaids and worse. * Dylan nods I see. * Feray glances at the others. * Erellisae looks towards Dylan and Jalanda. "Let's do it! We can help the merpeople and also find more out about the temples and what we saw before! Noone loses!" * Mitsuo glances at the others as well. If we can save you some of the pain of lost ones that my village had, then I will help, if my companions agree. I'll help. * Jalanda looks thoughtful, but something's obviously tugging at the back of her mind. "....yes...." Shendo nods and waits for the final concensus. I'll help. . o O ( ...In case this entire experience goes sour, I need to be there to help however I can... ) So. Anyone want to go on their own, or wait here for us? * Erellisae looks relieved, then grins mischievously at Rion. "What about you, Rion? Not gonna let a little water stop you, are you?" :P I don't have to be happy about it. But I ain't gonna be one-upped, Chickie-boo. * Feray rakes her silver gaze over Nathan. * Jalanda arises from her place. "I will do what I can. You saved our lives, so life shall be your repayment, Controller Shendo." * Mikari looks slightly suspicious... * Nathan grins a bit, "Heh, how can I say no to someting like this?" ^_- See, that's what I like to hear from my men. ^_- Shendo merely nods, then turns to Mikari. [Shendo] And you, Miss Mikari? Will you return to the ship, wait here, or aid your friends? Ugh... well, I'm not gonna sit around doin' nothin', I guess. Eh, fine, count me in. * Erellisae grins. "Let's go, then!" :D Then, would it be possible for you to send a message to our ship? But that brings up a question... Am I gonna have to stay underwater this whole time?... I'm an air kinda girl m'self. :P * Feray gets a serious look.. "Yeah...is there any way for us to get word to the ship that we're okay...? My mother..." Our friends and family there might get.. anxious for our return, and I'd rather they not risk themselves looking for us. [Shendo] Very well then. My thanks and my people's are yours. *He nods and gestures to a few packages on the table* Here you will find glow-orbs, provisions for two days, and a few other items that may be useful to you. A guide will show you to the temple ruins entrance. * Erellisae peers and prods through the Stuff (tm). :D * Feray reaches out to tug a package close, shaking it and regaining a wry grin. "Oo. It's like yuletide all over again." [Shendo] I fear you must remain underwater for most of this; the temple is unlikely to have many airpockets. But you should be able to breathe normally, until next you reach the surface and leave the range of our magic. [Shendo] As for your ship...it is still there, and my sources tell me it shows no sign of leaving. I am certain they will wait for you. We might leave a message for them...but we will not speak with them. * Nathan snags a package * Mikari looks a little disapproving of this, considering it for a couple minutes, but ends up giving in. "Oh, all right..." I could write a letter, if you wish? * Mitsuo quietly takes his package, thoughtful. The package contains a phosphorescent rod, some seaweed-wrapped foods, and various balls, sticks, rods, and containers whose use is a mystery. * Jalanda looks over the supplies, then back to Shendo. "Madam Lily is quite eager... that would be best." * Dylan hmpfs. "Eager.. yes, my shoudler still aches from when she thought we were pirates" [Shendo] We will leave a message floating conspicuously in the water then. * Nathan picks through the items in the package * Erellisae grabs her package and packs it away in her pack. Do we need instructions for these devices, Nathan, or do you understand their operation? * Mitsuo puts his own package into his bag. Shendo pushes a switch on his chair, and the merman outside opens the doors. Three more mermen, armed as if for battle, appear and stand there, looking intimidating. * Dylan raises an eyebrow.. [Shendo] These will be your escorts. They speak some of your language, but I am afraid they are not fluent. * Feray twirls her package on a finger before raising an eyebrow at the mermen. The mermen look dark and forbidding and serious. * Mitsuo gulps a little. * Nathan raises an eyebrow at the mermen * Feray gets a sly look but decides not to say anything. * Dylan puts a package in his pack. [Shendo] I must leave you now, I am afraid. My day's duties call. But I wish you look, and again I give you my thanks. *With a pleasant smile, he stands and makes his way out of the room.* * Mitsuo blinks, and whispers something to Feray. * Erellisae looks up at the merman, then tries to look tough and intimidating back, which fails mostly due to her stifled giggle and the fact she's missing a couple feet in height. * Jalanda looks over the escorts, nodding. "I see they are very capable..." Let's go guys. Off to the deep blue something. * Mikari nods to Dylan. One of the mermen grunts, then leads the way out of the room and down the hallway toward the exit. * Feray growls cutely at Mitsuo, pouting, before standing. * Nathan follows behind the escorts * Mitsuo winks, and follows the escorts. * Erellisae follows along, humming. ^^ * Dylan follows people. Like a sheep. * Rion tags along, hoping to himself this won't take much longer. * * Jalanda smiles slightly, and gives her parting regards to Shendo, securing her bundle somewhere safe as she departs behind the armed mermen. Outside, the ocean floor is dim and dark and blue and green. Eerie phosphorescent lamps light the paths through the small city, glowing gold and green and white. The path winds away to the city's outskirts, and they pass between the many buildings... * Nathan throws glances at serveral merfolk staring at the party * Erellisae peers around at the buildings of coral. "Pretty..." :D The buildings are very unusual-looking. Some appear rather like large replicas of seashells, but others are huge domes, almost organic in nature and resembling the exoskeleton of some great sea creature. * Feray rests her hands on her dagger hilts lazily as she wanders along up beside Nathan and Mitsuo. "They must be staring at you, Nathan, unable to help but look at your well sculpted pectorals." ^_- Others appear to be made entirely of coral. As they exit the city, the buildings become fewer, smaller, and farther between. Soon the path winds down into a dark valley with waving seaweed, the lights appearing only sporadically now. * Mitsuo is quiet, seeming to be very calm. * Jalanda looks over the buildings they pass, as she reaches for her small. faintly glowing crystal ball from yesterday. * Nathan chuckles, but it sounds a little forces, "Either that or I have something in my teeth." ^_- Some of the merfolk of the city glance oddly at Nathan and whisper among themselves. * Erellisae looks a little worried, moving closer to the rest of the party. I wonder what they make their homes out of.. (q) Look, ma! I'm behaving myself! * Feray snickers. * Nathan laughs They are not unlike the beastmen of Cafu in their architecture.... nature itself is their shelter... * Mitsuo smiles, chuckling. Cafu was an odd place when I passed through They mostly use carcases, stone, and bone After much swimming and walking, they finally reach what appears to be a great undersea cliff wall. The merman stop, two of them taking up positions and staring back the way they came, as if on guard. The third gestures to a dark crevice that slants down underneath the cliff face. [Merman] Entrance here.... * Mitsuo nods once, "Okay then..." Thanks, sexy. You gonna wait outside in case we get gobbled up by some sea nasty? * Nathan nods, and makes for the entrance * Rion cracks his knuckes, a sound which is strangely distorted by the water. * Well, let's get this over with, huh? * Jalanda draws in a heavy breath of the water (or magical air?) as she steps closer to the rift, pausing and looking at the environ, alert for familair forces... * Mitsuo follows closely behind Nathan. The merman looks at Feray incomprehensibly. [Merman] We guard. Stay sharp everyone ... * Dylan stretches and swishes his mace, which moves slowly through the water.. Hmpf. Should have gotten an axe. * Feray grins, finding this amusing, and heads after Nathan, relaxing slowly into a cautious stance. * Rion heads in, not really paying attention to what the others are doing. * Let's go. And Feray, stop playing with the mermen. And you can't keep one, either. I can't help it! They're all so...so...disgruntled...but so well built..! The crevice leads into an underground tunnel. It is very dark, and only a few faint phosphorescent plants light the dimness. Be cautious. I have already noticed a lack of Spirit energy... * Mitsuo puffs out his chest! * Dylan trudges along, holding a glowrod ... * Erellisae heads slowly into the crevice. Looking around the dark passage, she tries focusing a ball of fire magic into her hand as a 'lantern'. I'm not buff like them at all.. ^^; * Mitsuo deflates slightly. * Erellisae heads past Mitsuo, grinning. "That's cuz you're better at spells. And spells look cooler." :D Let's hope we don't need to call upon the Spirits then, Ms. Jalanda. * Feray grins at Mitsuo. "Aw, muscles aren't everything. Anyway...let's pay attention...you know, to avoid getting eaten." * Nathan stops walking, and begins swimming completely * Jalanda holds her ball out a moment, pulling one of the gloworbs from her pack.. and the two slowly merge into one stronger irredescent sphere, illuminating the path. * Mitsuo coughs, "Ahem! Right!" * Mitsuo reaches into his bag and pulls out a gloworb, holding it in his hands. * Feray tugs out her orb and shakeshakeshakes it :D Eventually, they reach a point where the ocean floor has obviously fallen in on their tunnel, rendering it impassible. =/ The rocks seems oddly twisted and distorted, as if rippled like water by some powerful force. Hmm... * Nathan starts examining the rockfall * Dylan shudders slightly How do we get past this? I'm strong but I dunno if I'm strong enough to muscle my way through rock. ^^; * Jalanda bends down to inspect the rocks... * Nathan digs into his packet Ugh.. digusting.. I think I know what to do * Mitsuo looks somewhat disturbed. Erellisae's attempt to make a lantern out of fire magic mostly results in a faint red glow and a bubbling of steam.... ^^; * Erellisae aws, then peers around at the rock wall in the light of their glowsticks. * Nathan pulls out an item and looks over the rocks again * Feray puts her hands on her hips and waits.. * Nathan jams the item into the rockface, "Everyone out. You don't wasnt to be in here when this goes off." * Rion grins. * Cover your ears. ^^ * Jalanda looks as if she's going to speak, but refrains, and backs away from Nathan. * Erellisae blinks, looking confused, but heads back towards the entrance. ^^; * Dylan backs away * Mitsuo backs away quickly. * Nathan waits until everyone is clear before proceeding any further You know, Nate, you shouldn't jam things into holes like that...I hear chafing is a bitch. ^_- * Feray backs out. Hah! ^_- * Mitsuo wide-eyes, "Miss Fer-ay! Think of the children!" Oh, sorry, 'chafing is a meanie.' * Mitsuo points to Erel ^^;...In a clearly joking tone, of course. ^_- * Feray grins at Mitsuo slyly. * Erellisae raises an eyebrow, then hmphs! "Hey, I have 2 years on you!" ^_~ ...Seriously? ...Ack...^^; * Nathan looks around one more time to make sure, then rips the top off the item, and swims like a madman! * Mitsuo rubs the back of his head, "Uh...Wow. Um. Okay. Sorry then." Fire in the hole!! The device shudders momentarily, then explodes in a shower of rock debris and mud! The debris is so thick that they can't even see the rock wall anymore. * Jalanda mumbles something to herself, and shields her face from the floating debris. ^^ * Erellisae grins at Mitsuo. "Well... 1 really. ^^; I'm only just 16...", she replies, before blinking at Nathan. "But I tried fire mag--" Everyone OK? * Mitsuo nods, "I'm all right." * Erellisae eeps as the explosive goes off, then straightens up. ^^; "Oh. That's what you meant." ^^; * Nathan looks at Erellisae and grins ^_- Hang on and I'll clear the water * Feray chuckles. "Nice." * Nathan grabs another item out of the packet, sets it down on the ground, and pulls the top off * Rion wanders into the passage with it's still settling debis, vanishing. * Pfft.. clear the water? * Erellisae waves her hands, trying to improve her vision through the dust a little. The water around the second item begins to swirl, the debris pulled into a spiral and whirling down into it. The water is ejected again, clean, while the debris is sucked into the filter. Soon, the water is clear as before. A gaping hole can be seen in the rock wall. Rion.. do not venture ahead alone, I cannot hope to know what still may be lurking here. OK, now we can go ^_^ Nicely done, Nate. A big size, too. ^_- Hm. Indeed * Feray winks at Nate as she saunters after Rion. Excellent. Handy tools these merpeople have. ^^ * Nathan swims ahead, winking at Feray ^_- * Rion calls back.. * C'mon.. I'm a veteran of this. I wouldn't be here today, if I was unattentive. * Mitsuo swims after the others. * Erellisae follows everyone, peering around at the passageway. * Jalanda is the first to move, swim/walking to try to catch Rion through the opening before he wanders far. Beyond the rock wall, the tunnel heads upward again, soon opening up wider into the inside of a great dome. Many hallways and chambers branch off all around, formed from ancient shell and coral and phosphorecent rods... * Dylan walks along, watching where his feet go. The lights flicker very faintly, the remnants of ancient power fading slowly with the years. This is wild... It's very....pretty. * Erellisae peers around. "Ooo... wow..." * Nathan swims along, making sure to touch nothing On many panels of the dome are carved odd runes and script. Some even have murals, very stylistic, some a little like the tapestries they saw in Eteres. * Mikari nods in approval... Hmm.. * Jalanda slows, seeing their destination reached at last. "So, the shrine... it has been spared much, considering." * Erellisae lags slightly, trying to pick out or spot any other long-eared depictions in the carvings. In one hall, apparently built against the cliff face, the rock wall is rippled and distorted as if molded like clay. Eerie outlines can be seen as depressions in the rock...human and merfolk silhouettes, twisted and distorted into agonizing shapes. * Nathan winces at the sight * Jalanda runs her eyes across the carvings, then stops and stares at the wall... * Dylan makes a quick prayer to the Spirits, under his breath The party feels a great deal of uneasiness as they pass this direction. A slightly brighter light appears down at the end of the hallway... * Feray shakes her head, her smile faltering into a more serious expression. * Erellisae hides behind Dylan. "I-I... don't like this place much. Can we keep going? Please?" * Mitsuo begins to look even more disturbed. . o O ( Is this...Gaia? Is this what happened to those people? ) * Nathan pushes forward again slowly, obviously uncomfortable * Dylan nods, and continues down the passage * Jalanda bows her head, but does not say anything for awhile, traversing into the hallway, then stopping. * Erellisae follows the group, grateful to be moving. * Mikari frowns very uneasily at the twisted surroundings... * Rion seems oblivious to it, accustomed to unsettling images in forgotten places. * There is a ripple of water off in the distance, as if something is moving. A dark shadow flits across the hall. ...? * Mitsuo tenses. I saw something move in here...be careful. * Feray tenses and draws her daggers quickly from the sheathes on her hips. * Jalanda reaches out her left hand, tracing something in the water. "Yes... this place was once broken... traces remain of the warped reality." Perhaps we should throw in a gloworb first? * Nathan whirls around, trying to follow the motion * Erellisae glances around, nodding. "If I could just use lightning..." ;_; Three dark shapes flit through the hall, closer now... Something's alive in here ... * Mikari forgets the sights and bears her dagger in hand, jumping to attention (as well as one can jump in the water)... You seem really edgy, Mystic Babe. Somethin' you wanna share? * Mitsuo pulls out his rings. I think we're about to get a welcome. * Dylan hefts his mace and sighs Suddenly, they realize they are seeing three squids, each about the size of a man, heading straight for them! * Erellisae sticks close to the group, nearer the centre, starting to concentrate on focusing her energy. Geez! O_o They're huge! Ew! Tentacles! o_O * Nathan growls, drawing a handful of shivs >> Three Blue Squids appear! Battle begins! >> Your Initiative. Enemy is grouped, party is scattered. * Feray narrows her eyes but a new grin takes place on her lips, a more predatorial one. * Nathan starts charging his body with energy * Jalanda backs up slightly. "That which we seek is beyond here... we cannot turn back.." >> Rion's declaration. * Rion looks ready to strike, dexterously handling the recently aqquired Coral Dagger.. * * Mikari bites her dagger between her teeth and starts swimming to an advantageous point in the water! >> Mitsuo's declaration * Mitsuo balls up a fist, which is now glowing with a reddish aura, and points at the first squid. . o O ( Perhaps a bit of steam in the face'll stop you. ) >> Dylan's declaration. * Dylan grunts, and runs at a squid I don't trust the Spirits here, but I do trust my fists! >> Mikari's declaration >> Mikari darts toward Squid 1, preparing to slash it twice! >> Nathan's declaration. * Nathan cups his hands behind him, aiming for squid 1 >> Erellisae's declaration. * Erellisae looks around the cavern quickly, before gathering silvery light in her hands. "Let's see how /this/ works.." :D >> Feray's declaration. * Feray taps the flat of her dagger on her lips as she turns her gaze on Squid 2. >> Jalanda's declaration. * Jalanda tries to ignore the nagging feelings in the back of her mind as she raises the orb she carries in her right hand aloft, gathering swift water currents about it. >> Rion's action! * Rion kicks off a half-fallen pillar, gliding through the water to deliver a series of quick slashes to Squid 1! * >> Rion combo attacks Squid 1! First attack misses...second hits. 10 damage! >> Squid 3's declaration. Makes a strange squealing nods and aims at Dylan! Come on then! >> Squid 2's declaration. Charges toward Feray! * Dylan growls at squid 3 Bring it on, honey. >> Dylan's action! * Dylan winds up a punch, smashing the squid in it's beak! And then follows up with a smack in it's eye! >> Dylan executes the Old 1-2 on Squid 3. 35 damage! * Dylan raises his arms defensively, preparing for it's retaliation. >> Mitsuo's action! The flame which blazes red, reside in me! * Mitsuo balls up a fist of burning energy, and throws it at the target. The ball expands into a latticework of red spears, igniting everything they touch as they seek to piece through the enemy! Uhm... is that gonna work? ^^; >> Mitsuo casts Burn! on Squid 1. A boiling ball of steam does 32 damage! Apparently so! ... guess so. ^^; I'm certainly not complainin'! >> Mikari's action! >> Mikari swims around behind Squid 1's "face", grabs hold, and starts slashing at its head for all she's worth! >> Mikari does a combo on Squid 1, for 10 damage...9 damage! >> Nathan's action! Out of my way! * Nathan compresses a sparking ball of energy in his hands, before hurling it at his target, where it explodes on impact! >> Nathan execute Blue Tidal Shot on Squid 1. 34 damage....Squid 1 is toast! * Nathan shakes off the last of the energy from his hands >> Erellisae's action! * Erellisae grabs onto a chunk of rock with one hand, and lets her wind spell go with the other, the swirling wind whipping the water currents around the squids! >> Erellisae casts Howl! 29 damage to Squid 2...27 damage to Squid 3! >> Squid 3's action. Executes Ink Blast on Dylan! 35 damage! Dylan! You okay? ;_; * Dylan swings his arms through the water to clear it.. I'm fine! This rubbery freak on the other hand, isn't going to be for long! >> Squid 2's action. Swipes Feray twice with its tentacles in a combo! Miss...miss! Squid 3's ink got in its eyes. ^^;; Ooh, smooth. Nice moves ^_- I'll show him one of my own now.. * Mitsuo wide-eyes and whistles. ^^ >> Feray's action! * Feray chants lowly to herself and her eyes begin to glow brightly, the silver becoming almost hypnotizing in depth. She levels a finger at Squid2. "Peekaboo. I see you." * Feray grins wolfishly as Squid2 glows silver for a few moments, baring all for her exploitation! ¤ Silver Gaze! >> Feray casts Silver Gaze on Squid 2! >> Blue Squid, level 5. 36/65 HP, 24/24 SP, 0 MP. >> Strong against water and earth. >> Jalanda's action! Mm.. * Jalanda twirls once in the water, releasing a twirling waterspout of painful wind into the corridor ahead. "Caught in a current beyond your powers... stand aside. Howl!" >> Jalanda casts Howl! 17 damage to Squid 2...17 damage to Squid 3! Squid 3 is toast. X_x >> Rion's declaration. Hmpf. * Rion draws himself up, dagger glinting in the pale underwater light, looking ready to unleash Blink.. * My revenge shall have to be dealt to it's brother. * Jalanda regains her balance as the currents fade, face very drawn behind her slightly wavering cowl. * Feray grins, her hair now free from its bindings and flowing out behind her dramatically. Ooh. >> Mikari's declaration. >> Mikari smirks and swims toward the remaining squid. >> Nathan's declaration. * Nathan readies some throwing shivs >> Mitsuo's declaration. * Mitsuo balls up a fist, gathering a icy blue aura. >> Dylan's declaration. * Dylan runs up to squid 2 Let's see you try that ink blast on me! >> Rion's action! * Rion vanishes in a swirl of bubbles, appearing behind Squid2, unbeknownst to it! Rion brings the jagged dagger down upon the back of the unsuspecting monster! * >> Rion executes Blink on Squid 2. Does 24 damage...Squid 2 is toast! >> Battle clear! All party members gain 90 G, 40 EXP! * Nathan puts his weapons away * Feray twirls her daggers and sheathes them. "Heh, I didn't even need to attack 'em." ^^ * Mitsuo phews, and wipes his brow, "Close there..." * Erellisae grins, twirls her new mace, and looks relieved. ^^ * Rion sheaths the small knife. * Now that that unpleasantness is out of the way.. Close? Are you nuts? That was like flossing in the morning. ^^ ...what lies beyond will not be so easy. * Nathan checks the area again, then moves further forward Something really is botherin' you, isn't it? * Feray sighs a little and shrugs, following Nate. "Can't blame a girl for trying to keep optimistic." * Dylan brushes himself down, and casts Heal upon himself ...Jalanda, what is it? Water surround, refill and revive.. * Rion heads off, eager to meet this unspoken and mysterious challenge head-on. * Rion! Wait! * Mitsuo follows Rion so he doesn't go off and kill himself. ^^: Hey..! Wait! * Erellisae sighs, and follows after the others. --; * Rion calls back. * Why wait? They can all catch up. Not like anything bad's gonna happen. I've done stuff like this a hundred times! >> Dylan casts Heal. Dylan regains 30 HP! Reckless people get killed.... Or really lucky. ... Maybe both. ^_- * Jalanda sighs. "There's still a residule force here of Gaia... do not be so foolish." * Feray waggles a finger. "If you let a kitten burn its nose against an open flame, it won't get so near to the flame after that. Let him learn." ^^ >> Dylan casts Heal again. Regains 30 more HP...now at max! The squids having been vanquished in sludge, the passageway lies clear ahead, a faint light pulsing at its end... * Jalanda moves ahead of the group slightly, intent on not letting Rion get ahead of her in this place. * Feray swiftly follows Rion, after her little speech about kittens. * Rion boldly proceeds, as cautious as he ever is, though no one else seems to think so. * * Mitsuo is following closely behind Rion, and is placed inbetween him and the group...so he's sorta far away from the main group now. Stupid impulsive Rion ^_^ As they move on, all of them, not just Jalanda, begin to sense something akin to the long distant echoes of sobs and cries of pain, of lonely wails. It is overall very eerie. * Nathan shivers again * Erellisae is trying to catch up to Mitsuo and Rion, looking rather more worried as the group moves on. * Mitsuo shudders a bit, "Rion...there is something very scary up there...can't you slow down for the others?" * Jalanda shakes for a moment, as the wave washes over her senses. "..." * Feray pauses, rubbing her tattooed arm... * Rion slows.. * Fine.. I don't see what the fuss is though. The whole underwater thing aside, this isn't any different than what I normally do. Maybe everyone should have stayed behind and just let me do this. * Mikari walks and swims along with the others, quiet in general in the current surroundings... * Dylan hrmmms ... * Jalanda continues moving. "No... this is something I must be here for." Why you? * Erellisae comes up alongside Rion and Mitsuo. "Ohhh, no. I wanna see what's in that temple too." ^^ Because you're the whatever ranked adventuerer? Well, tough. I'm sorry, but we're a group here, and we can't split up. Not in some place like this... You may take back those words, Ms. Erellisae, but we must press on. . o O (All these people, how awful...) As the group swims ahead through the tunnel, they reach a wide room with a low ceiling. In the center is an alter, toppled over on its side. Rubble is strewn across the ground, and the same feel of distortion is present here, as well. On the floor, where it apparently fell from the altar, is a perfectly round orb, about a foot in diameter, that glows bright blue. Look! There it is... * Mitsuo walks cautiously towards the orb. * Rion resumes trekking along now that the others have caught up. * Well, it'd be quicker than having a bunch of worry-warts in tow. You need to buck up and be brave, Mitsy. * Rion wanders on over, kneeling down and poking the orb with a finger. * So.. now is this the real one.. or a fake? Those ancient types were pretty sneaky. The orb pulses very slightly, not seeming threatening...whatever lurks in this place does not come from the orb. Rion feels a little surge of power, a gentle tingle, run up his arm as he touches it. * Nathan keeps an eye out for danger * Mitsuo bends down and examines it closely, "I...Think this is real." * Erellisae walks up and kneels next to Rion, peering at the orb. "It doesn't look bad... maybe we should replace it?" * Rion hefts the orb up. * Well, I think we got what we came for. Let's get lost. * Jalanda follows very carefully, looking around the room with her eyes wide open, as if for an invisible enemy. * Erellisae blinks at Rion. "Aren't we meant to /use/ it here, though? Not leave?" * Mitsuo nods, "Erel's right." Eh, is that all? This is gettin' easier an' easier.... Keep an eye out, at that. It might be better to attempt to use it here, where there are people we can free. Yes... this spot... this place... it is weak. It? * Feray glances at Jal. * Mikari nods ..."Let's listen to Jalanda." The bonds between this world, and that which is not... ... and I think Jalanda'll know how to use it. ^^; * Nathan deffers to Jalanda for now * Jalanda looks over to the orb... My friends, I have to warn you... * Mitsuo blinks at Jalanda. Hm..? * Jalanda raises her head. "The rules function differently in the other place.... as well as the fact it devours spiritual energy." * Feray frowns.. Ack... Hmm * Nathan steels himself Well...I'm in this with you guys. So whatever you people want to do, I suppose I'll go along.. I'm in ...I'm in. * Erellisae nods. "We've come this far. Can't exactly go back." ^^ * Feray grins wryly. "As long as I get paid extra for the mindscrew." * Jalanda nods slowly, holding out her hands for the orb. "Very well then." Spirits guide us So, Mystic Babe, whatcha gotta do? Since you're the expert here n'stuff. * Rion grins. * * Mikari quietly observes. Please give me the orb, and I will attempt to bridge the gap. I pray that... I'm strong enough. * Rion gently tosses the orb to Jal. * Catch! ^_^ * Jalanda lifts her arms, catching the delicate artifact. You can do it, Jalanda... Jalanda feels a tingle of power in her forearms. * Jalanda closes her eyes, focusing on the small tingle she feels. "Orb of Dimension... show me the way... cross the path from light to dark, from strong to broken, from this kingdom, to it's lost people.." * Jalanda murmurs slightly. "...and to my lost life." ... Called forth by Jalanda's concentration, the orb begins to levitate above her hands, spinning and bobbing slowly. Its glow increases, warming the dark chamber. There is a flash, and a feeling almost of tearing, as the fabric of reality is opened and the doors thrown wide... * Dylan covers his eyes. * Feray grits her teeth but staggers slightly into Nathan at the sensation of tearing. "Gurk." * Mitsuo gasps a bit, taking an involuntary step back. * Nathan winces * Erellisae clutches her head, shaking it slightly. >< ....Whoah! /Look/ out.... *steps back* There is a roaring sound, a swirl of colors...violent streaks of purple, black, green, red...suddenly a cry. Several loud thumps are heard, and there is sobbing, and a yell. God....damn...!! Dear spirits...! Jalanda feels her arm begin to throb... Owowowow...! ><; * Nathan aks! It's not then, It's not then, It's not then. * Feray tenses against Nathan's side and jerks away, shielding her eyes with her arm. More thuds, a rolling sound and a clang...something heavy drifting across the room and banging into the altar. * Jalanda frames the orbs' spinning with her hands, almost oblivious to the change, a few beads of salty sweat coming from her brow as her right arm jerks involuntarily, but she continues to hold on as long as she can... The roaring increases, then starts to fade again. The violent colors dim and back away, with a snarling sound like a beast gnashing its teeth. * Nathan looks around, trying to figure out what's going on God....damn... The orb flares again, bright blue, and then the sound and color are sealed up, the walls of reality repairing themselves, mending the breach once more. * Feray wipes at her eyes hard... * Erellisae shakes her head. "Aagh.... that was either a life-changing experience or my brains being sucked out my ears." ><; She looks up and around. * Mitsuo 's breathing is somewhat fast, and he coughs. And that was...? ...maybe both. ><; * Rion blinks. * Now that was quite the rush! I'll vote for the brains part... Ugh... Why d'we have t'mess 'round with dimensions in th'first place.... As Erellisae's vision begins to clear, she sees first the orb, glowing blue in Jalanda's hands, but dimmer now. All around the room, hunched shapes are huddled, some groaning. They are dressed in little more than tatters, if that...about 30 or 40 of them in all, crowded into the wide, low chamber. O_O * Dylan slowly uncovers his eyes.. Where? Woa....woah.. * Jalanda falls to her knees in the water, gasping harshly as they seal up... * Feray blinks dazedly. "What the heck..?" * Mitsuo wideyes, "Are these...?" Jalanda! I think it worked * Dylan goes over to Jalanda * Mitsuo hurries to Jalanda's side, "Are you all right?" Are you hurt? One of them uncurls, looking up with haunted dark eyes. He has a mop of dark hair, and his bottom half is that of a black squid... ... What the.. [Merman] Ge'ilande? * Nathan walks over to talk to the merfolk ... Ergh. Others begin to look up and scan the room, some with pained eyes, others looking hopeful and disbelieving. * Erellisae blinks, then approaches the nearest one carefully, trying not to look threatening. "Hey... it's okay. We're gonna get you out of here..." Yes, I am in pain... but are they completely restored? The man looks up as Nathan approaches, and the two begin a hushed conversation. We are unsure.. none of them are stone though.. This one is female. The mermaid begins to hiss as Erellisae approaches, but she calms as Erellisae makes no threatening move... That is.. as far as we can see. You did it, Jalanda... * Nathan starts talking to the merfolk, presumably explaining things Yeah, Babe. Take a rest. * Rion grins. * * Jalanda clutches onto the orb tightly with her fingers, as if for dear life. ...Gen'ral note: Stay away from the merchicks. The merman speaks back, not saying much, mostly taking in the information Nathan gives him. He nods slowly, then fervently expresses his thanks. Well. Looks like we did something good.. ^^; * Erellisae gently kneels next to the mermaid, then takes her hand, smiling. "I promise we will! I don't break my promises." ^_^ * Nathan moves to other merfolk, explaining as he goes One of the other mermen, listening in on the conversation with Nathan, seems to have recovered more quickly than the others. With a few shouts, he begins helping the others up and herding them toward the door. * Jalanda just rests there on the floor for a few more moments. The mermaid looks skeptical, but allows Erellisae to help her up. She flicks her tail and eyes the other merpeople, then begins to follow them out of the chamber. Do you think a water spell might relieve the pain, Ms. Jalanda? * Mitsuo looks at Jalanda in concern. * Nathan returns to the group, after herding some of the merfolk out The merfolk have all left the chamber now, Nathan having directed them to the guards outside the temple ruins. Their voices fade down the hallway. ...no, not this type of pain. If I did not have you here, I might've been pulled towards the rift. ...That doesn't sound good. * Erellisae , after the merfolk have gone, starts to look around the altar for carvings or clues to the legend referred to in the first temple. * Jalanda stands slowly, carefully. Erellisae finds some script on the altar, but it is incomprehensible to her. ^^; * Dylan offers an arm to Jalanda Is everyone all right? * Mikari stands opposite of Dylan in case Jalanda needs the anchor. * Feray shakes her head. "A little dazed. Jalanda seems alright. Everyone is accounted for.." * Rion gently lifts away the orb, to lighten the exhausted Jalanda's burden. * Here, let me make things a bit lighter there for ya. * Rion spins it on his index finger like a basketball. * * Jalanda lets Rion take the orb from her, leaning heavily on Dylan. I think so, Ms. Jalanda will recover soon enough, I wonder if there's any useful information for *us* here.. * Erellisae looks up and notes everyone's state, then mentally bookmarks the script. "We'd better put that orb back on here... it's sacred to the merfolk, remember." Yeah, I wouldn't spin it around like that, Rion... ^^: Nah.. it's perfectly safe. ^^;; ^^: Rion... If you drop it, I'm afraid I'll have to wedgie you into eternity. ^_- Be careful.. with that. It is a sacred relic. And... part of the prophecy of the temple. And eternity is a long wedgie. ^_^ * Erellisae doesn't really hear Rion's reply, instead looking around intently for any pictures of the long-eared people. Mitsuo, you're a scholar? Maybe you can find something you can decipher around here? The only carvings here seem to be of merfolk... * Jalanda considers a revelation of sorts, her senses coming back to her fully. How'd that prophesy end..? "The orb eminated an aura of peace and protection for millenia until it was finally dropped by a foolish surface lad." I'll try... * Erellisae perks her ears up, and motions to where she saw the script. "There's some script there, but I can't read it." Somehow I don't imagine it ended like that. * Feray laughs at Rion's words. ^^; * Mitsuo walks around the room, looking at various carvings. Nahh, Rion. You know they always twist th'truth in legends. Most of the carvings show merfolk and the orb. However, a few show images of the world above....one particularly old looking carving shows two winged women standing in front of a glowing stone. ^^; Nathan? Do the mermen have a script? Hmm. Icarians...And a stone? I wonder... They do have a written language Not quite Rion. but do not tempt the fates... You'd become an evil demon-possessed night imp with super powers a'evil and a brain the size of a walnut. ....In 2000 years, anyway. ^_^ * Nathan goes to take a look * Erellisae, satisfied with her check, points out the location of the script to Nathan, before sitting down against a wall. She looks faintly relieved. * Nathan tries to read the script Wouldn't be any fun to say a little kid broke yer relics in a legend. * Feray rubs her arms, shifting from foot to foot.. Seriously, Rion ^^: You're making me nervous...can you stop juggling that orb? * Rion stops juggling it. * Okay, Mitsy. * Jalanda exhales magically. "If we find the others, perhaps I will understand more of it's true meaning. For now, it is enough that a great spiritual void.. was balanced." Nathan reads: "Time beyond time, space beyond space, deeper than the deepest depths of water. The Dimension Orbs, created by the Spirits' firstborn, rest and await their need. The Blue Orb calls the waters and the ripples of reality." ^^ Thanks a lot. So, shall we blow this popsicle stand? Hmm. Perhaps we should collect these orbs then? Sounds like a plan... * Dylan sighs * Jalanda tries not to lean on DYlan as much now, though she's still weak from her efforts. We should go, but I don't know about taking the orb with us * Erellisae blinks, and shakes her head. "Time beyond time? But that's time after time and there can't be time after time and--..." But still, this places worries me some.. can we go soon? * Erellisae pauses, then shakes her head, clutching it. "Must not lose brain through ears. Must not lose brain..." ><; * Feray glances at Nate before nodding. "I think I'm with Nate on this...maybe we should leave it here?" * Mikari patpats Erellisae. "Cheer'ahp, redundancy's fun." The orb has fuffilled it's purpose now. It must wait for the light. * Dylan nods to Jal I suppose, with a bit of effort, we can always come back for it, no? * Erellisae stands up, shaking her head one last time before looking around. "Let's go. Lily's waiting!" :D * Mitsuo frowns, shaking his head, "Yeah, let's go. This place still gives me the willies. ^^;" * Rion stuffs the orb in his backpack, and looks ready to go. * Okay, let's get outta here. * Jalanda looks condescendingly at Rion. * Mikari shrugs and follows * Erellisae blinks, and bars Rion's path. "Hey!" * Dylan rolls his eyes Rion! * Mitsuo blinks at Rion, "Uh...not to be a jerk, but are you selectively deaf?" * Feray opens her mouth but decides Rion is getting the 3rd degree already. ... ..what? ^^;; We need to leave it here. We've done what we're supposed to. You want the entire mer population on us? If we take that, we are desecrating this sanctuary... it was placed here, and here it will eternally remain.. We leave it here. Much greater rewards than a faded light await us for what we have done... be content with that. Eh, they're right Rion, you should know what happens when y'take stuff from people when they're still alive.... as 'pposed to mummies. Or in this case squids. * Rion looks down.. * Y'know.. if things had been different, my life a little more normal, I woulda believed that Jalanda. That etching mentioned the light... and you mentioned it too, Jal.. well.. I'm the herald of that light. * Feray raises an eyebrow. ...Wha?? Great, Rion's gone delusional now.... * Rion looks up, and takes a step back. * It's been a slice guys. And I don't wanna hurt any of ya, so.. just don't get involved, okay? * Mitsuo raises an eyebrow, "Right. Uh-huh." * Jalanda wearily runs her gaze over the young adventurer. "...the portent... it was right..." * Rion casts Cloak of Invisibility! * Hey! O_o Rion! Rion, and everything on him, suddenly vanishes! * Mikari sees some trick coming and darts for the closest opening... Geez...What the hell!? ..! * Feray heads with Mikari, standing beside her in the opening.. Jalanda...was he telling the truth? O_o Oh? A rush of water passes the door just before they reach it, however....the current moves swiftly toward the exit to the temple. .... * Erellisae blinks, as she's suddenly blocking nothing. "What the..?" She mmmphs, and throws some sparks at random corners, trying to tag him, and looking upset as they fade in the water. Damn it! * Mitsuo sighs, "...Not gonna let him get away with that!" * Mitsuo runs after Rion...or attempts to! ^^: If he's that sure, perhaps we should trust him? * Nathan swims in the direction of the exit! * Feray shakes her head, mumbling something, and follows after the two men. * Erellisae grrs... "Come on!", she shouts, following after Mitsuo and Nathan. . o O ( Herald of Light or what not, I won't let this group be taken in by some thief! ) I trust him. But he does not trust himself.. go after him, quickly. * Mikari follows the disturbances in the water, since she thinks she can swim at least as well as Rion. The bubbles speed ahead, darting through the corridors and down into the underground tunnel. * Dylan shakes his head * Jalanda leans on the chamber side, following slowly. "I will only slow you... hurry.." * Nathan charges after the bubbles! Mikari! Nathan! Want a boost? * Mitsuo tries to swim/run faster, putting all of his energy to it, his face a mask of determination. I can't catch up with him either, let us follow at a comfortable pace for you. Yes! Or, of course, I could carry you and run. But that might bruise slightly. Sure! * Jalanda raises a hand... the current swirls... * Erellisae stops swimming after Rion, instead gathering silvery energy into her hands and concentrating... Gusting wind at our backs, hasten now all attacks... Runner... * Jalanda points her hand skyward, a small vortex swirling into being about each member of the group. The weight of the world becomes lighter and lighter, an etherial wind from behind urging the brave forward to a swift victory. Howl! * Erellisae releases a low-level Howl into the corridors, making the currents flow with the party! :D >> Jalanda casts Runner! Everyone's speed increases slightly. * Mikari swims like a pearl diver as quickly as she can, but slowly begins to worry she may be losing him... * Feray rushes forward in the water, her speed boosted by Jal's enhancement and pushed by Erel's howl! >> Erellisae casts Howl, causing a current to carry them forward! * Mitsuo pants a bit in the water, a bit of bubbles coming up. . o O ( Just a little more...if I can tackle him....! ) They are picking up speed, darting through the tunnel and coming very close to banging their heads on the rock walls. >_o * Mikari nods dramatically with determination... until she's hit from behind by a bubble jet that knocks her head between her knees as she's hurtled forward O_o * Nathan keeps pressing on as fast as he's able! Finally they see ahead of them the tunnel underneath the cliff face, leading outside....they are carried inside it like water into the U-bend of a toilet! * Mikari recovers herself and swims backward! No, forward! That's better! The mermen guards outside are only just picking themselves off the ground, knocked over by a sudden rush of current. Swearing and muttering in surprise, they yell as a flying clump of seven adventurers slams into them, all of them sprawling on the ocean floor! Ughnn!! RION! There is no bubble trail anywhere nearby, that they can see. * Erellisae slows, looking around and shaking her head. >< "Oww... that might not have been such a good idea..." DAMN!! * Feray hits her head on the ground after slamming into a guard and spinning, blacking out. She lays motionless on the ground. * Mitsuo coughs, quickly looking for any sign of Rion, and finding none, sinks to his knees, his breathing shallow and erratic. * Mikari tumbles unceremoniously onto the sea floor. >_< Dammit all t'hell.... * Nathan looks around, trying to catch any sign of Rion's passing The mermen sound very angry, demanding of Nathan what's going on, having abandoned all attempts to speak anything but mermish now. Mikari! Check Feray! * Nathan shouts at the guards, explaining what happened * Jalanda is carried along, not strong enough to fight the current... she dodges a guard barely since she follows near the rear, spinning in the water, disoriented. ^^ The guards swear quite colorfully, obvious even to the rest of the party. * Nathan heads back to the group to check on people * Mikari rubs her own head, squinting, then rolls over without getting up to check Feray, who is about a yard away from her. She checks her "breathing", and pulse on the neck... * Mitsuo wheezes, trying to control his breathing. One of the mermen points in a direction he thinks the current went, though he sounds unsure. They nod, and two of the mermen go off to investigate, while the third stays with the surface dwellers. * Nathan helps the downed party member to thier feet * Jalanda comes to her sense, mouthing "Rion" quietly. * Feray stirs a little at Mikari's touch, dazedly opening her eyes...some pinkened water floats up from a gash on her temple.. "...ow...what'choo...what...ow." The third merman looks VERY angry and disgruntled, eyeing the others very suspiciously, even Nathan. He looks very much like a jailer. O_o Well, I hope Rion is proud of himself * Erellisae looks around worriedly, before moving to try to help Mits calm down. * Jalanda weakly reaches out to form a scrying sphere from the water... Ugh... well, Feray's got a nice'n. Healing magic'll be needed. 'won't bleed much, from the salt water, tho' it isn't good for it... * Feray winces. "Yeah...the stinging is oh so pleasant." * Mitsuo continues to wheeze. * Mikari looks up at the merman. * Mitsuo shakes his head vehemently, "N--No...I'm *pant* fine...Check on Feray...she's hurt!" Um, we'll have t'give you an explanation eventually, I'd guess... The merman nods angrily. * Nathan helps Mitsuo up Feray's in good hands. Worry about yourself, too. :/ * Feray staggers to her feet.. "Yeah, don't worry about me....it hurts so good. What's the deal? What do we do now...?" The burning star, where does it lead? For such a path to be chosen... * Mitsuo coughs, and looks angry, fishing in his bag for something. Hmm. Mitsuo, are you up to healing Feray? ^^;; Eh, please wait a minute sir Mer..... * Mikari manages to sweatdrop underwater, impressively. *wheeze* Yes...Just...give me a....moment... No, it's fine, Dylan. Let him see to himself. I'm alright. * Feray waves her hand and looks to the mermen.. * Nathan looks up at the merman, "We are SO screwed." * Jalanda rests in the water, trying to concentrate, while others deal with the mermen. Her eyes are distant as she attempts to divine Rion's destination. I don't suppose we could take 'em? We might... but then they cancel the breathing spell? Remind me t'thank Rion for so thoroughly screwing us over... * Mitsuo finds what he was looking for. It looks like a small inhaler of some sort, and he places it in his mouth, and presses a button once. His face scrunches up quite a bit in disgust, then his breathing becomes much more normal. He puts the inhaler away. * Erellisae watches Mitsuo, then nods, looking relieved. Any ideas...? We're more screwed than you realize. Rion just might have signed our death warrants -_- ...Grrgh. We need to find him. ... How, though? :/ I swear when I find him he'll WISH he was dead. This is just WONDERFUL. *suddenly starting to get very pissed* Mitsuo is right. Rion has three places to go, people. Three. The two ships above us and the city. I doubt he would return to the city. I say we make a break for it. Hey... that stone you both 'feel'... did you keep one and Rion the other, Mits? Given Rion, I bet he's heading up to the ships ...That's right! * Mitsuo pulls out his small green stone. Erel, you're a genius! * Mikari eyes the merman guard a bit more concernedly than the rest as they talk c_c This could be a becon of sorts....but where to find him... * Erellisae sweatdrops. "No, just have a very good memory with small stones that tend to crop up in adventures." ^^; * Jalanda shakes her head... Nathan, would it be possible to return to the ship ourselves now? * Mitsuo chuckles a bit, and smiles at Erel. We could make a break for it... Nate and I could clock 'em one.. If we swim really really fast Ah. That might be a no then. I've got some energy left to Howl us upward... No luck, Ms. Jalanda? ... if it's not too dangerous. ^^; I cannot locate Rion, other than the direction we have gleaned. His spell is impressive. It befits his skill... the stone may be our only chance. (m) I'm going to pop that little thief's head like a zit After some time, the other two mermen swim back, shaking their heads and shouting something to the third. * Erellisae looks worried. "But... that didn't sound like Rion..." ...You think we can convince the merpeople we'll find their orb? If only I was not so careless... the Spirits warned of betrayal... * Jalanda rights herself, dispelling the vision. We'd better run for it now, its already starting :\ ....alright, guys. Erel? Wanna do your trick? * Erellisae starts to concentrate silvery light in her hands. "On it." Reaaady... Go! :D The third merman gestures and says something urgently to Nathan, then starts back toward the city, not waiting for them to follow. Ms. Jalanda, that wind charm of yours would help too.. * Erellisae blasts the ground beneath them with a Howl spell! ... I'm following you, Nate; you're th'only one who knows what we're in for 'ere... * Mitsuo whoas! o_O A current blasts them forward, catching up the three mermen, who grunt loudly and swear! * Nathan watches the merfolk retreat * Mikari is interrupted by a second unwelcome experience from that spell O_o . o O (Goodbye...) * Erellisae sweatdrops profusely at the mermen. "Uhm... sorry! Just testing spells, you know how it is. Practice and all." ^^;; D-d-d-dammit, Erel, learn Runner for spirit's sakes!!! >_< The seven heroes and the three mermen make one spinning ball of water and flailing limbs, speeding upward toward the surface! After much shouting and swearing, the mermen and their superior swimming skills get free of the current. :P They swim back toward the city, shouting and waving fists. * Erellisae grins, quite enjoying her trek through the water. "But Runner's no /fun/! Wouldn't you rather travel like this?" :D O_o I'm really dizzy. The light becomes stronger as they go upward, and their ears start popping. >_o * Nathan travels in grim silence * Jalanda lends what current she can with her final burst of Runner, stabilizing the raging blast if only a bit. ^^; 'Scuse me missy, but I find Runner plenty fun compared t'this. * Mikari starts to feel like she's going to explode, with good reason o_o;; Gr---Ow! As they rise through the water, their limb start to hurt very badly. O_o EREL!! This is dangerous!! C...can't.. * Erellisae sweatdrops. "U-uhm..." Stop it NOW, dammit! >_< * Mitsuo begins to shake very hard. * Feray's eyes close hard and she struggles to stay awake. * Dylan starts to swim down to slow himself down Erel! Stop it! Or we are all going to DIE!! * Erellisae concentrates, and aims upward, a fair way ahead of them, to throw a Howl spell in the other direction to slow them down. * Mikari grabs on to Dylans leg! After a great deal of bumping and rushing current, they finally slow. Spinning and tumbling, they slow into a gentle upward rise. * Dylan tries to relax a bit * Mikari looks up at Erel's counterattempt. * Mitsuo breathes hard, "...Thank the spirits..." * Feray curls an arm around her stomach and doesn't talk as she moves upwards, pale. * Mikari squints. Up on the surface, there is a shout from the lookout as a fountain of water bursts into the air next to the Sweet Revenge. * Erellisae looks quite mollified. --; "Sorry..." ...They're.... prolly... gonna think it was a cannonball... * Jalanda is just carried along, alone with her thoughts, and rather saddened at the breakdown of relations, because of a selfish act... * Nathan starts trying to head upward as fast as his damaged system will allow After some time, they drift closer to the surface, the pain subsiding somewhat as their bodies adjust to the change in pressure....the light becomes stronger, filtering down in flickering waves. Eventually, they break the surface, gasping for air as their lungs adjust and the water magic wears off. They become aware of the sound of yelling, and a loud splash nearby... * Erellisae coughs and splutters, trying her best to tread water. ><; * Dylan floats reasonably * Mitsuo looks like the rapidly changing pressure down below has sucked much of his energy, and he looks dangerously close to slipping back underneath the waves. * Dylan grabs Mitsuo's collar.. Whoa there, boy Nngh...never do that again...almost died... Flotation devices are tossed to them from the Sweet Revenge, as its crew stands anxiously along the railing. One of the longboats is being lowered to come get them... * Mikari doesn't attempt to do much aside from keep her head above water, and instead floats haphazardly with the waves, spitting out water as she does so. * Feray looks dizzy.. * Nathan swims to the longboat * Jalanda gasps a few times, staying afloat as best she can, but she's decidedly weakened from her exertions today.... her long brown hair floats around her in the water, escaping her hood. Soon a frantic Lily and Triun, along with another crew member, row up to the others. Triun reaches into the water to bodily drag her daughter into the boat. O_o Ghhnn! * Feray pales further and huddles against her mom, shivering. ^^; Triun's worried babbling is pretty much incoherent. ^^; Lily and the other crewwoman help the others into the boat, wrapping towels around them as they start to row back to the Sweet Revenge. Feray! You're alright!!! You poor thing, you're like a drenched rat! ;_; * Dylan pushes Mitsuo into the boat * Mikari lays in the bottom of the longboat, flat on her front. * Nathan growls at anyone from the ship as he drags himself into the boat, "Where. Is. Rion." * Mitsuo slumps once he reaches the boat, and doesn't move much. * Feray lifts her head.. "Yeah...where...where is Rion?" Lily blinks. [Lily] Rion? *She scans the boat* [Lily] We haven't seen him. What happened? * Dylan closes his eyes sadly.. * Mitsuo gathers some of his wits, and pulls out the small green stone. Must...must still be invisible.. * Nathan 's eyes darken, "He's a thief." Lily blinks. Twice. He took something from a temple, and ran off. Her brow darkening and her eyes flashing, she frowns. [Lily] What did he do? He stole an artifact, and left us to take the heat for it Lily swears quite colorfully. >.< * Mikari rolls onto her back. "Nabbed an orb relic that belongs t'the merfolk. Nearly got us killed." * Erellisae coughs out some water, looking rather upset at one end of the boat. The stone...no change...nghhh... * Nathan sits up, "You don't know the half of it Mikari." The longboat bumps up against the side of the ship, where the ropes are quickly rehooked and the boat is raised aboard the ship once more. * Mitsuo 's hand droops and he closes his eyes, and goes back to not moving much. Once word of this spreads, the merfolk will attack ANY ship they find on the sea Lily listens to Nathan, too angry to trust herself ot speak for a while... Hearing Nathan's words, she swears again! [Lily] They've never bothered us before, as we're mostly women. You mean now they will...? Wonderful.. They won't care if the ship in question was involved or not. They'll sink anything they find * Erellisae looks up, a dull red colour of magic swirling around her palm. "Then we'll just have to find him." * Feray closes her eyes and listens dazedly. They'll even send merfolk to the surface to find him Maybe us too * Jalanda huddles on the boat, looking drained and mumbling. "...have you decided where your loyalties lie, Rion? Darkness has taken this battle from you..." [Lily] So.... >_< One little teenage adventurer- is he really even with the Society as he claims?- manages to start a full scale war single-handedly.... We have time yet The merfolk won't become organized for some time * Mitsuo lies huddled in a corner, not moving much. He can't have gone far, especially if he didn't get on a boat... Lily looks at Nathan askance. [Lily] And how do YOU know all this, anyway? When I find the little bugger, I'll ring 'is neck. If I don't cut it open. * Nathan looks at Lily with a 'Duh' expression Think about it I know their language I read their word Lily blinks at Nathan. I know their culture Lily blinks again. * Jalanda looks up. "Madam Lily, question not Nathan. We owe him our lives after our encounter." Lily mutters something to herself. * Erellisae looks down over the side of the boat, running a hand through the water as she thinks. [Lily] ...So what are you doing HERE? I'm responsible for this I have to see it through now Lily sighs as she gets out of the longboat onto the deck. [Lily] So...what assurance do I have that you're not going to turn on us out of devotion to the merfolk? ...Eh, Nathan, we kinda suspected. Well, I did 'least... You gonna tell us your little secret for sure now? I think everyone already knows by now * Nathan looks at Lily, "My issue is with Rion now. Not you." * Mikari nods ... * Erellisae looks up from staring into the water, her voice small. "But... was that really Rion...?" Lily sighs. [Lily] Well, even though I had nothing to do with this, I'm sorry about the whole mess. Now, let's get you all cleaned up, dried off, and into some fresh clothes. Then we'll talk about what happens next. All right? Meanwhile, should we set sail and get out of here, or should we keep looking for that little thief? * Nathan goes quiet Lily looks at Erellisae questioningly. * Mitsuo is still huddled in a corner. Whoo. ...I'd say both. Lily shakes Mitsuo gently, trying to get him out of the longboat. Ngh... * Nathan lifts Mitsuo and carries him out of the boat [Lily] C'mon, big guy, up and at 'em. Let's get you out of those wet things. * Dylan climbs out of the long boat.. ...S...sorry...Okay... [Lily] So, what's it going to be? Leave while we can, or look for the thief? My head still spins from that cave, I'll let wiser heads decide our paths.. * Mitsuo tries to push himself up, weakened. I suggest heading for port as soon as possible * Mikari sits there in the longboat, quietly, while the others get out... starting to question herself why she has kept going along with this crazy bunch this far. They'll know where we have gone * Feray mumbles something about having fins and children. Lily nods. * Jalanda shakes her head to herself. "Rion will head somewhere other than here.... we should make haste." [Lily] Right. We're about a week away from Talachia....we should head for the Sarsen Islands, they're about a day and a half away. * Erellisae makes no move to leave the longboat, instead returning to staring into the water. Getting to land might be good Then we'll resupply and make for Talachia when the coast looks clear. A sensible plan I'm...fine now...whoo...go me...big burly Mitsuo...go...whoooo. * Jalanda helps Mitsuo with what strength she has to right himself... Lily nods decisively. [Lily] Right then, you get on down belowdecks and change out of those wet things. Erellisae? Come on, out of the longboat. *Lily marches off across the deck, shouting orders to set sail.* * Mitsuo flops over, "Blargh. I'm...gonna kill Rion...really good." * Feray is carried by a fuming Triun. ^^; * Dylan goes down below, to a worried and flapping Dill... * Nathan sets Mitsuo down, and helps Erel out of the longboat * Feray lifts her head as she's carried down, blinking wearily at the still standing Nathan before disappearing below. * Mikari steps out last, following Erel * Mitsuo holds his head, and looks down at the stone, "...But I'll find him..." * Jalanda puts an arm around Mitsuo. "With some rest, I should be able to try again... we are not without hope." ==Session End== *** GMAmy changes topic to 'Grandia: New Horizons | Chapter 13.0: The Ocean Deep | Location: Sweet Revenge, afternoon, June 22 | Session End' Session Close: Sat Jan 12 00:12:29 2002