Session Start: Fri May 10 19:12:23 2002 *** GMAmy changes topic to 'Grandia: New Horizons | Chapter 27.0: The Tenkali Relics | Location: Tenkala village, morning, July 6 | Session Start' ==Session Start== The jungle village is beginning to plunge into the day's work as Feray and Mikari head back to the inn to join the others for breakfast, thinking over what the village chief told them.... * Nathan kicks back in his chair, waiting for news * Jalanda looks pensive, as she rolls over the threat of the Temple's meddling in her mind several times... * Cassidy sits, in quiet contemplation, the orange flames dancing in the reflection of her violet eyes.. * * Feray opens the door to the inn/eatery, ushering Mikari in with a resigned grin firmly fixated on her face. She arches a slender eyebrow at the quiet, thoughtful crowd. Who died? * Nathan waves Feray over We will, at some point ^_- The mint sauce * Feray grins in amusement now. "Cheery, fishboy." So what's the news? ...Well... * Feray trots over to the table and slouches down into a chair, putting her feet up. She looks to Mikari, wondering if the lanky woman would wanna explain. * Mikari sweatdrops slightly and proceeds to get it over with, the initial part anyway. Lily looks up questioningly, waiting to see what they have to say. ...The village may be 'n danger. Our li'l military friends're on their way, and we gotta decide whether to stick around to welcome them, or ditch 'em. Do we know thier intentions? * Cassidy breaks her silence. * Well, the Church forces are after us, so it's likely to assume the village can be made considerably safer if we continue on our way. What if it's not? What if they decide to send us a message? Perhaps we should try to find out * Feray blinks and eyes Nate wryly. "How?" Well, we cold take the blunt approach and ask them ^_- They won't get that far. You continue ahead, and I will go meet with them before they reach the village. I'll catch up to you later. Not only will it keep them out of the village, it will stall them, and buy time for us. * Feray blinks and looks to Cassidy, frowning. It's politics plain and simple, ma'am. * Nathan sticks a thumb at Cassidy, "Or we would be sneaky and use her plan." And if they take you? * Cassidy can't help but smile, shaking her head. * They won't take me. Lily clears her throat. May I say something? * Jalanda folds her hands, and shakes her head once. "I don't believe that is something to worry about, Feray." * Cassidy recomposes herself quickly. * * Mikari frowns, trying to decide what really is wise in this case... * Feray opens her mouth but closes it, looking to Lily. * Nathan thinks I talked to some of the local scouts, and whatever happens, it will take at least two days, possibly more, to march a military contingent through the jungle. I'd really like to know what they're up to before making our decision So whatever happens, we do have a small window of time. And if we decide to leave, we had better finish our business here before we do. Lily nods at Nathan's words. Also, there's Mitsuo to think about ...Hey. Where does it say we have t'actually LEAVE to divert 'em? Why don't we send a decoy out. Cass, if you were gonna tell 'em where we are anyway, why not make that li'l hint a white lie? We'd have to take him with us if we go * Erellisae slips in the door, the smell of food evidently distracting her from her watching Mitsuo. She blinks at everyone gathered together, looking serious. "Uh... hi." That way, if we have t'fight, we'll be right where we need t'be. If not, we can send 'em way off track and out of our hair, while we kick back here. It may come to that, but if things continue down the hopeful course... * Nathan waves Erel over I'd just as soon not dangle ourselves before this incoming force like bait. It's a time consuming and unecessary risk. We can be assured that whatever their intentions, it will only be a further hindrance. * Mikari looks up at Erel and gives her a nod, looking preoccupied. * Erellisae blinks, walking over to the table and grabbing some food. "Fighting? Who? What's going on?" The Icarian Church's merry little band is marching this way, Erel. * Feray rubs a hand over her face and then smiles at Erel's presence. * Jalanda raises her head. "Ah, Erellisae. This is a surprise... I hope you are not too weary from your vigil." She clears her throat. "It is as Cassidy says... they are coming bearing many ill intentions." Lily waves half-heartedly to Erel So we have to decide how to respond * Erellisae blinks twice, then sighs, biting her lip in thought. "They're still chasing me, huh?" Hrrmm. I think Ms. Cassidy's plan is good, though I'd prefer someone stealthy kept an eye on her, in case something happened. Or she kept an eye on someone else. * Mikari nods with a frown to Erellisae, making sure not to forget who they are indeed chasing among them... * Cassidy runs a hand through her hair, brushing it out of her eyes. * And Mitsuo now, too. Spirits Above only know what'd happen if that group of idiots stumbled upon him. I agree. Going alone into any dangerous situation is unwise I'll be fine. I specialize in solo missions. I can work better without having someone else to worry about and take care of. There are many possibilities... The Church was always headed in this direction before we even approached Tenkali. This was unavoidable... Lily nods. Remember the talk in Nendasa? Troubles have been brewing between the church and the locals for a while now... We don't actually know what they want, yet. When we do find out, we'll still have to decide quickly as to what WE'RE going to do * Erellisae hmms in thought. "I... dunno. I get the feeling if they knew about Mitsuo they'd be here in an instant... but I know they want me." :/ * Mikari starts to become very frustrated, and slams the palm of her hand down on the table frustratedly. So what ARE we gonna do, just abandon this village?? So we don't even KNOW what they're up to... that just means it might be WORSE than what we're expecting... Nobody said anything about abandoning anyone Mikari We're just trying to come up with a plan If they intend on threatening the village, they certainly have far more people than we can deal with. * Jalanda remains rather stoic. "I believe abandoning them is the last thing anyone wishes to do. There are strings yet left undone in this place." It doesn't matter. If they intend to harm the village, Mikari and I will stand against them. You guys may do what you wish. But again, this is only if they intend to harm it. ...Yeah... I know you're not plannin' to leave 'em defenseless outright, but we gotta decide whether to run, or stand 'n' fight. Try to do both, an' it'll only get harder. * Nathan raises an eyebrow at Feray Which we don't know yet, so calm down Mikari... All right, first things first then. We need to know what they're up to. Cassidy, can you do this for us? For someone who just managed to get herself elected 'leader', that's not a terribly wise plan, ma'am. * Mikari nods to Feray, wiping her brow and looking awkwardly away from the group after her little outburst... Lily sweatdrops. * Feray looks to Cassidy. "I'm not the leader and don't call me ma'am. You and I both know there are far better suited personalities here for that role, okay? But this isn't just some random village, either. These are Mikari's people." Is there anywhere we could claim to be going, that we aren't actually going to? Unfortunately, I think the church knows what we're doing, after a fashion Lily frowns and drums her fingers on the tabletop. The problem is...there really isn't anywhere TO go. Theoretically. * Dylan raises an eyebrow at Feray's comment Y...yeah.... * Jalanda says quietly, "Mikari... be at ease. I know this is a difficult position for you most of all. But you hold a greater answer here, I sense. You merely have to find it." * Mikari grumbles a little, benignly. * Feray rests her chin in her hand and exhales softly, not liking the feeling of uncertainty around the group's future actions. The problem is...well, how much do you know about the geography of this area? * Nathan stands up and paces, thinking ...I'm just so sick of this damn sect I'm 'bout ready to try'n infiltrate them myself and find out, even though even I know that'd be pretty idiotic... * Erellisae looks up. "I... they're gonna keep chasing us, no matter what. /Somewhere/ around here is a place I don't want them to come across... and I don't wanna haveta run away from /another/ village in the dead of night. I'm staying here and fighting with Feray. I want them to stop." We never know what they're UP to. * Feray blinks and smiles wryly at Erel. Actually, Erel does bring up a good point. Even if we do scamper off now, they'll just keep coming. Lily looks oddly at Erellisae. Where does it stop? Lily sighs. * Mikari looks up and smiles slightly at Erel's comment. Unless we hide in the jungle, we're really caught, anyway. Only a few days' journey to the west is the Great Ocean. And you're suggestting we beat them up and ask the people here to hold them captive? Excellent for the village. There isn't anything beyond that. So in a way, they have us cornered. * Jalanda glances at Erel knowingly but doesn't say anything... Simmer down folks, let's not get too ahead of ourselves There is nothing more to the West? This cannot be... * Feray nods a little to Lily and leans back thoughtfully.. * Nathan walks over to Cassidy, "How long will it take you to find out what they're up to?" ....I'd be hesitant t'say there's "nothing" at the edge of the ocean, but all the same, I don't wanna brave any new frontiers unless we have a good reason. Probably not long. I have ways of finding things out. Lily nods to Mikari. I have my doubts, too. After all, people used to say there was nothing beyond the End of the World, and look what my son discovered there... My point is, however, beyond here, we're traveling blind. And we can't go anywhere without a ship, either. How long will it take you to prepare? Heh. 'Bout right, Lily...you should know. Justin and Feena went that way, didn't they? If they've yet to come back, I'd assume they found something. I could just grab my things and go now. I could even go without my equipment. I'm trained to make do with what's available. They either found a way to cross the ocean, or they're somewhere in the jungles around here. * Jalanda bows her head. "I cannot claim to know what lies beyond outside of what we seek... this is unrefutable." If you would then please? I'd like to get some concrete information to work with * Feray nods a little. * Nathan looks over to Lily, "I can partly answer that question." Yeah...best find out what the deal is first, Cass...but try not to get skewered or whatnot, huh? ^_- Lily raises a questioning eyebrow and listens to Nathan. Hmm. I'd still prefer it if Mikari or one of the guides went with you.. They'd be travelling blind too, but all the same, that's not really much of 'n issue right now. * Cassidy picks up her sword and her backpack. * Very well. I'll be back shortly. Don't worry, ma' .. Feray. I'd only be skewered if I wanted to be. There is SOMETHING out there. Not the end of the world or anything like that. But there are places out past this land. My people just don't go that way often. * Feray sweatdrops and nods. * Jalanda hmms softly. I'll help out with recon as ya need, just so long as I'm not too far from "base" here. So its a good best that Justin and Feena went someplace from here * Cassidy tosses her backpack onto her shoulder, and strides out of the room. * Best to leave me at it alone. I can't make both of us invisible. True, Nate, true... Lily nods. I have no doubt you're right, Nathan. * Erellisae idly trails a finger round on the desk, looking down. "I can tell you exactly why they're after me in particular... it might help dissuade them if they know you know..." Lily waves to Cassidy. Be careful, all right...? * Nathan looks questioningly at Erel * Cassidy gives her the thumbs up before vanishing outside. * Hmm? Ms. Erellisae? * Feray watches Erel and reaches out to grab a piece of bread and some butter. * Mikari nods to Cassidy off on her way, but then turns inquisitively to Erel. The Church still want me to become their High Priestess... because I'm an Alentian. Since they've alienated Leen and Feena, and they believe some kind of reincarnation of Gaia's on the way, they want someone to persuade the Icarians to help them against Gaia. They reckon they'll listen to an Alentian. * Erellisae runs a hand through her hair, and smiles wanly. "And with Liete... wherever /she/ is right now, that just leaves lil' me." * Nathan's eyebrow leaves his head and bounces off the roof ...Oh, cripes. -_-; Those imbeciles. * Feray snorts softly. It would be an acceptable asusmption. From what we had seen in that room, they have already sought out the medals, the keys to Alent. Ah.....huh Lily sighs and covers her face with her palm. That would explain the looks Dorlin gave you. * Dylan scratches at one horn idly * Feray idly attempts to butter her bread with a knife and stops, watching her hand shake violently. Do they have proof of this supposed Gaia ressurection? * Erellisae looks down, shaking her head a little. "I'm sorry I didn't tell some of you... I've known a while, but... we were always in the process of hurrying along. I thought we'd be out the way by now.." :/ * Feray narrows her eyes and presses the shaking hand down to the table with her other hand. Feray? * Erellisae shrugs, shaking her head at Nathan. "I have no idea. But they believe in it enough to do this, to try to chase and kidnap us." Hmm... * Feray bites her lip and looks to Dylan for a moment before releasing her hand and watching it carefully. It no longer shakes. * Nathan flops down in a chair, looking dejected ...I don't s'pose actualling FINDING Feena'd help, would it. * Jalanda whispers to noone in particular, "...that name is not something to throw around so lightly..." Lily glances at Jalanda out of the corner of her eye. * Dylan opens his mouth as if to say something, but thinks better of it. So if they're after Erel, or the group in general, then it would be in this town's best interest to convince them that we've left * Jalanda notices she's being looked at. "...I don't believe such a threat still exists, at least in the capacity they would believe it to be. There is more to it that." * Erellisae shakes her head. "I don't think so... whatever they're doing to find information, it's upsetting people... that riot, remember? They could end up hurting the village." * Nathan thinks Lily nods at Jalanda, giving her a faint smile, then turns to the others. If I might bring up another topic briefly...did you find what you sought in the ruins? * Feray darkens at the mention of the ruins. ^^; ...Uh. By the way, Nate, I think most of us think this whole Gaia resurrection thing is a load'a bull, cuz they're too driven by "faith" to really need proof... Hell, they won't even listen t'Feena... I certainly hope so Mikari My people will go even more nuts if they get wind of that * Feray then arches an eyebrow at Nate. "And we know THAT would be bad." * Erellisae nods. "They just want their happy little brainwashed Alentian to throw around Gaia rumours so the Icarians'll be on their side, I guess..." Madam Lily... something brought us to that place, and we found unexpected answers, and more questions. But... They're playing a dangerous game then So much for worshipping Icarians, it they don't even TRUST 'em. But still, it won't stop unless we face them... and I don't wanna put this village in danger cuz I'm running away. I'll stay and fight. And if it comes down to it, I'll turn myself in. * Jalanda motions with her hands a bit. "You may be right about finding something... else..." As much as I hope it's only a rumour... it's a dreadful thing to make up.. more than most of you here know.. * Nathan laces his fingers together and thinks * Jalanda looks up. "Mikari. Do you know what that ruin once housed?" Eh, Dyl, I'd be willing to say that 'cept most of 'em are started by ignorant, frightened villagers. They may not know anything, but there's not much ya can do about 'em. Wait. Wait. You aren't proposing we're going back to the ruins, are you? We have found things unlocked by past explorers before. And we still don't know WHY Justin and Feena went West. ...I don't know anythin' special to explain that nasty "thing" that came from it, no. Or whether they'd be interested in it. Whether we should investigate it further or not's a risky question. Within that place are rumored not to be sealed demons, but ancient relics of the Tenkali people... this was no doubt why Feena and Justin come this way... the Icarian Temple also is interested in this place... there is a key we overlooked, in a journey with only beclouded eyes. * Feray grimaces. Cripes. You are. * Feray grumbles and rubs her face with her hand again. Lily frowns. You did defeat the creature though, didn't you? Is it really so horrible to return for a look around? * Erellisae blanches slightly, and looks rather worried. :/ Yeah, just relics. Hardly even worth mention now, unless ya wanna go on a wild goose chase huntin' for something important in 'em... It's not exactly pleasant memories, that's all. Anyway, if that's where we need to go.. It is possible, Mikari, that the church is actually after the ruins and the relics inside. Poss'bly. But I'm sicka not knowing for sure. If there's something we don't know about that comes up when they get here, it'll all just come back to bite us in the bum later. * Feray attempts to butter her bread again, smiling as she's able to this time. Yes, that is exactly what I was mentioning. They might not even be chasing Erellisae directly, nor Mitsuo. Those maps in the basement detailed this region quite accurately. If it comes t'that, it'd seem less risky to let THEM go in first, then watch 'em to see what they do... I don't think any of you want to be attacked by 'nother one of those things anytime soon. Aww, c'mon, 'kari... I'm tryin' to eat here.. * Feray blanches at the mention of the beast. Look at it this way Feray, if we go back, it'll be a chance to face some old hobgoblins *taps his forehead* ^^; Sorry. Aw, you're to handsome to be a goblin. Maybe a midget. So. Are you going or no? ^^; Heh ^_^ Regardless of what or whom they desire, we must not allow that to come to fruition. It's understandble to be frightened, but I asure you, the danger is now past... And you'd rather let a group of people walk in oblivous to the danger of being slaughtered like dogs? Yeah, we'll go, Lily. Why not. It's not like we have anything to lose, aside from our LIVES. * Feray says this in a way that you can tell she's just messing around. Dylan, we don't know that either. Don't think I like bein' ignorant. So we're going to the big scary nightmare dungeon again. Yay! * Feray winks and stands, stretching. Apparently Jalanda... * Jalanda takes a few calming breaths. "Yes?" Yeah. Whoopie. ... were there any islands marked nearby on those maps? Lily rolls her eyes at Feray and smiles slightly. * Feray grins at Lily. "Hey, someone has to attempt to be the ray of sunshine on your cloudy days." OK, so do we wait for Cassidy to return, or leave her a note? * Jalanda ponders this. "I am not sure I had enough time to delve into the charts.. perhaps Dylan had a better glimpse of the cartography I did not..." Hmm? Lily smiles. And you do that well. *To Nathan* We are pressed for time. I would suggest going to the ruins now... All right then * Dylan scratches his horns.. * Nathan stands up I'd have to check them, they are in my bag I think, I can have a look while we explore the ruins if you want. * Erellisae perks up considerably, nodding. "I'd like to. Please... I'll stay here while you do, and keep an eye on Mitsuo... only intended to grab some food." ^^; Would you like me to come with you, or should I stay here and keep a lookout in the village...? * Dylan nods to Erel Stay put here in the village if you will Lily. I want someone here to keep an eye on things while we're away * Jalanda looks over to Dylan, and smiles. "That would be an excellent idea." She looks back to Erellisae. "I'm sure.... he needs you by his side now during the dark times." * Feray heads over to the door to wait, tugging her sword free to make sure it's sound for the trip. Her hands begin to shake violently and she drops the sword on her foot. * Feray utters a loud curse and hops about! * Nathan eyes Feray, "You OK there?" * Mikari looks over to Feray, startled... No! My toe now has a nice bruise on it! Ow! Ow! * Feray grimaces. 'Something wrong, Feray? What happened? * Erellisae blinks at Feray, looking worried. :/ * Feray pauses, her hands trembling slightly. She hides it by kneeling slightly to pick her sword up. "Nothing. Just lost my grip." Butterfingers! Lily nods. Very well. I'll keep an eye on things here...and on Erellisae and Mitsuo. :/ Of course. Ready to go, Ms. Feray? * Nathan eyes Feray a bit more, then understands, and nods to her * Feray nods, smiling. "Let's go do this thing." * Feray sheathes her sword cleanly, fine once again. * Jalanda looks over to Feray. "Making up for Mitsuo's absence no doubt..." She puts this a bit jokingly, knowing al to well the reasons why. * Erellisae blinks. "Heey! I'm okay!" ^^; * Feray sticks her tongue out at Jal. The group prepares to return to the ruins, as Lily begins to clear up the breakfast things.... * Nathan stretches a bit * Feray waits by the door, her cheery look dampened as she gazes outside at nothing in particular. * Nathan resists the urge to ask Feray what's bugging her * Mikari munches on some of the remains of breakfast, staring blankly downward. * Dylan waits around for someone to lead the way. So, are we all set? Looks like it Let us off then ^_^ * Nathan sets out, humming a tune Yeah, I'm ready or whatever. * Feray blinks and grins a little, following after Nate. "Careful, 'kari...your cheeriness might overwhelm and crush us all!" Heh * Jalanda stretches once, then begins walking at a brisk pace towards the wilds they traversed previously. * Mikari smirks. "I'll be sure to spare you when it does." * Dylan follows ambivilantly Doop de doo :D * Feray chews her bottom lip and shakes her head at the general lack of perkiness in the group. It's a bright morning, and the jungle doesn't seem to look very threatening in the sunlight. Hey, Nate, you have to teach me some more sayings in merperson...like.... 'Can I smear butter on your chest' or 'What's your sign?'. Hah! Okay ^_^ * Jalanda is actually still looking rather perky for her standards today, despite the impending events. ^^ It's an easy walk as they start off on their journey, the birds twittering in the trees... Solu auo ent setto med adh, is 'Can I smear your chest with butter?' * Feray snorts and repeats that to herself. It's quite a different trip here than one we walked so tortured before. A shame we did not see the beauty in it. And "what's your sign?" is, Setto afonju yt lal? Although you'll only get three responses to that one * Mikari smirks and chuckles lightly at the two, then gets up and starts to look outside at the sunny forest. It seems to cheer her up a bit. It isn't long before the ruins loom up before them in the jungle, the vines creeping over the ancient stone in a huge mass. It doesn't look so foreboding, nor so large, as it did before. And what'd those be? * Feray looks up at the ruins and grimaces slightly before getting her 'resolve' face. Brightwater, that's me, Darkwater, and Dimwater. Based on how close to the surface a mer is born * Jalanda glances aside at Feray and Nathan's exchange, then her attention is captured by the ruins. Hmm..interesting.. Interesting perhaps, but not much variety What appears to be the ruins' main entrance, framed by carvings worn away by the jungle rains over many centuries, gapes doorless and black amid the jungle greenery. * Jalanda steps carefully through the brush towards the aged vault, a little detached and concentrating on the vibes of the place... Aww...how...wonderfully bleak. I don't know, a couple of throw rugs, a few pillows, some colored cobwebs, and this could be a happy-goth-tomb sort of place ;) * Feray snickers and then holds her hands up, framing the place with her fingers. "Ahh...yes... I see it. It can be listed as 'A handyman's dream'." * Jalanda runs a hand along a carving at the entrance. "I get the impression there is a fragile balance to this place. Once upset, it has been righted." Oooh, catchy ^_^ Hold yer breath Feray; I'll getcha a deed. :P * Nathan goes in * Feray shakes her head and wanders in. Hey, Mikari... setto afonju yt lal? Great, Jalanda. You get the ladder, I"ll get the hammer'n saw, and we can get these two aspirin' handymen on their way... *Mikari starts to walk towards the entrance, wanting to get this over with* The inside is dark, somewhat damp from the jungle air, but the sense of foreboding that plagued the place before is gone now. Now it merely seems old and empty, the air holding the memories of countless years. * Nathan peers around carefully * Feray idly pronounces setto wrong and winces. * Nathan raises an eyebrow at Feray * Mikari looks over her shoulder at Feray. "Er...What?" O_o * Dylan looks around, tapping at the walls idly.. Nevermind. I was attempting to make conversation. ^^; * Feray peers into the darkness.. You just asked if you could slather butter on your own chest ;) ...! * Feray chokes. * Jalanda enters as well, raising her eyebrow a bit to Mikari and Feray in turn. She soon resumes looking at the walls of the place. "Perhaps I can retrace the path, but a new one may lie in it's way now." * Nathan chuckles As much as I'm sure I could and people would enjoy it, kinky games come later. Serious face now. Right ^_^ Jalanda can sense, ever so faintly, the feel of Spirits returning to the ruins. * Feray blushes just faintly and steps forward... * Jalanda smiles a little. "But the fear is gone, the Spirits are returning slowly to remove that fog." She begins to pull the air into her palms in a familiar ritual... Let's try and go deeper.. * Nathan presses on, smiling to no one in particular * Mikari sweatdrops about Feray accidentally hitting on her, but moves on... * Jalanda forms a scrying ball out of the vapors as she walks forward slowly. "Reveal the other side of your mysteries to me now, tomb of the forgotten ones..." * Feray glances about curiously as she heads deeper into the ruins. * Feray perks an ear at Jal's bibblings. The scrying ball's misty flow of light glows brighter when near a passageway to the left, leading slightly downward. So anyone know where we're going? Nope. Guess we're following Jal's shiny ball thing there. Mmm.. this must be the sign we were seeking. *peers down the passageway as she notes the effect immediately* Follow the bouncing ball then ^_^ * Nathan proceeds to do so * Feray follows behind Nathan, tensed despite the nonchalant nature of the banter. 'Lright. *strides again* * Dylan follows after scratching an arrow in the wall I certainly home you're right 'bout that "upset/righted" prem'nition, Jal... * Nathan sniffs at the air and makes a face The passageway gets darker and narrower as they continue on. Carvings and paintings cover the walls, but they grow difficult to see in the dim light... Old air down here. This stuff hasn't been stirred in a while Well, this just screams worrisome.. Anybody got a light? I can see OK, but I don't know about the rest of you Old-fashioned flame spells fine with you? No problem here.. So long as they work well enough as a torch * Feray swallows against the urge to run the other way as the passage gets quite narrow. * Jalanda moves onward, holding her sphere aloft as it casts some pulsing bluish light near the carvings. * Feray reaches out idly to grasp the back of Nate's tunic to ground herself. * Mikari nods and flicks her fingers to bring a palm-sized flame to life just above her open hand, illuminating the way before them. * Nathan feels the tug, pauses a moment, then reaches out to give Feray's hand a comforting squeeze As they brush by the walls, occasionally bits of stone will fall away, crumbling at a touch. * Jalanda nods approvingly to Mikari, then scans the passageway's writings with a bit more scrutiny. * Feray takes a deep breath. "Hoo boy I hate small spaces." Hang in there. Yer tougher than this Old air indeed... The writing on the carvings is unreadable to Jalanda's eyes, but the carvings seem to portray a thriving jungle civilization. * Dylan tries not to brush against the walls As Nathan said, Feray. Stiff upper lip, and all that.. * Feray nods slightly and releases her hold on Nate's tunic but still fidgets a little, glancing about. Anything interesting yet? After a time, the air seems not so close, and the passage ahead of them widens into a huge cavern. There is a strange echo to the air; looking down, they can see that the passage becomes a path, reaching out over a long drop into blackness. * Mikari squints and has a look... Ahh...there we go...better.. Nothing that yer gonna like :\ * Nathan peers downwards ...aside from the fact it's a big drop down. Tip of the day: don't fall ...Whoah. Careful. Typical of these... * Nathan tests the path over the pit carefully Hmmm. Let's see how sturdy this thing is The path seems rather solid * Jalanda pauses, looking ahead and down into the black pit silently. * Nathan steps out onto the path, testing it out further * Mikari looks across to the other side, on the other hand, to see if she can grapple something for insurance. The path leads to the center of the cavern, apparently, where, in the dim light, they can see some sort of low pedestal with a large object on it. This's big 'nough, but it might not hold... been there for centuries, after all, regardless of who made it. Don't bunch up while we go across. No sense putting too much weight in one place * Nathan starts across carefully * Mikari stops looking for something to grapple since Nathan has decided to forge ahead. Instead, she waits on the side in case he needs help. Nathan encounters no problems as he crosses. * Nathan finishes his trip, and waves the next person over * Mikari ushers Feray. "Ready to go, or do ya want I should go first?" You can go on ahead, if you want. ;) * Feray eyes the pathway warily. Heh. Bein' "courteous?" ^_~ Alrighty. * Dylan shouts over to Nathan "What's over there?" * Mikari heads across carefully, but proves herself nimble enough to move quickly in the process. She holds her grappling hook ready in her hands in case it is needed. * Jalanda utters a bit low as she looks down. "Many ancient hands reaching out... I wonder..." * Nathan looks around I can see a light up ahead. A dim one, but definitely a light There's a pedistal up ahead, something's on it * Jalanda raises her head to look forward. She starts upon the walkway over towards it. * Nathan waits for the group to reassemble * Mikari reaches the other side without incident, then signals Feray to cross. * Feray waves a hand, having to wait for Jal to cross now. * Mikari nods. * Jalanda is soon across, picking up her pace when she gets the glimpse of the object ahead. She looks quite curious, but patiently waits. ^^ * Feray nods her approval after Jal and the others are across and eyes Dylan. "You next?" Hmmm * Dylan crosses his fingers * Dylan starts across the bridge The raised pathway seems sturdy still as Dylan sets his feet on it. * Dylan hopefully steps off the other end of the bridge.. So, what's on the pedestal? * Feray nods, eyeing the bridge and shrugs. She trots across casually. ^^ Ooh, hey, yeah...what's the glowy thing? Dylan makes it safely to the other side. No problems as Feray begins to cross. Unknown The pedestal contains an ornate chest, about two feet high, that reaches about to waist height all together. There is a catch to the chest, but no lock. * Jalanda goes to investigate exactly what is there, once she is sure everyone is across safely. Hmm... Bet'cha it releases a soul sucking vampire that tries to devour us all. Cool ^_^ * Jalanda bends down and runs her hand across the chest briefly, before attempting to open it. "No, I believe it is something much different..." A bit of fiddling with the catch opens the chest with a snap. A dim glow emanates from the chest as they peer at its contents... * Mikari concentrates on their findings, turning rather serious now that it hits so close to her regular job... ...? On velvet cushioning rest two strange bracelets, of some coppery gold colored metal, with leaves twining along the edges in intricate patterns. The leaves appear to be made of an emerald green metal, not jeweled or enameled or painted. Ok, any theories? * Feray reaches out to touch one of the bracelets curiously.. So these were the hands I felt desiring to be known. Hmm. I wonder why Justin&Feena didn't take these, or find these.. It isn't exactly warm to the touch, but it isn't as cold as metal should be after being hidden in the depths of ancient ruins for countless centuries. Huh.. * Feray attempts idly to pick one up, wondering at the treasure. * Mikari lowers her brow and pays attention to their surroundings in case she has reason to warn Feray... Well, maybe that's what they were after?... Who knows. It still seems odd that they wouldn't have found it.. * Jalanda gazes at the two, but does not make any move to touch them directly. "Something about these... their purpose seems shrouded in sadness." Perhaps the chief of the village knows their purpose. It might be better to keep them in the chest if we can though The bracelets twinkle very faintly, reflecting the dim light. Mikari finds them rather intriguing, as they are very different from any other artifacts she has found in her travels... * Feray rubs her thumb along the leafy pattern curiously.. That appears to be all that is in the chest... The metal leaves warm to Feray's touch. Nice... Is that it? * Feray grins and slips one on. I guess so. * Mikari inspects them with interest. "Hmmm... This's new..." * Feray waggles the other bracelet to Mikari. "Want it?" * Dylan rolls his eyes at them * Nathan grins at Feray and Mikari * Mikari shrugs. ^^; "Sure, but I'd like t'find out what they are before playin' dress-up with 'em." I don't know...but they're shiny and feel warm. A piece of stone falls from the side of the path, echoing as it falls into the blackness. All else is silent... * Feray gives Mikari the other bracelet, adjusts her own and smiles. Alright, are we heading back now? Yay for ruins falling apart. We have alot more ruin to explore guys. I guess * Mikari nods. "Yeah... Uh... that rock sounded suspicious though. Let's make sure we haven't triggered some death trap or somethin'." * Nathan heads back to the path and examines it carefully The path seems all right, though it is difficult to tell if there is any difference in this dim light. * Jalanda looks cautiously at Feray. "Do what you wish..." She notes the rock, and begins backing out of the chamber, closing the chest carefully. * Nathan moves onto the bridge carefully Another rock falls from the side of the bridge, but it feels solid still. * Mikari frowns at those dang rocks, realizes that, indeed, they always fall on the way BACK in these situations... Still seems alright. Go on, Mikari.. Careful folks I knew I shouldn't have crossed.. *sigh* Nathan reaches the other side safely. Alright. But this time I think we'd better have that insurance. * Mikari gets her hook ready to lob at the other side, looking for a convenient outjutting. * Nathan stands by and hopes the others make it safely * Jalanda waves the others in front of herself, looking skeptically at the sound of another stray piece of stone falling off... There appears to be an old relief carved on the edge of the cliff, parts of it jutting out far enough to be grabbed by Mikari's grappling hook. So far the bridge is holding as the others cross... * Dylan runs across! A few more rocks crumble off, but Dylan manages to make it across all right... * Feray raises an eyebrow at Jalanda and motions for her to cross. * Mikari lets the hook fly, catch the outjutting just enough to be pulled to a comfortably reliable backup rope. She hands the rope end to Feray behind her, and continues across holding the middle of the line in her hand. * Jalanda nods, and hobbles across in that quick fashion, trying to be careful to stay in the center of the platform. Mikari makes it across just fine, but as she reaches the other side, the outcropping she had wrapped her grappling hook around begins to crumble, bits of stone falling away into the abyss... Ugh. Great. Best get this over with... * Mikari pads quickly but carefully to the other side. * Feray pauses and heads after Mikari and Jal... Mikari makes it safely to the other side, and Jalanda is left making her way across the bridge. However, perhaps the pounding of Dylan's feet was too much for it, or maybe the seer's slight weight is the last straw on top of centuries of age. The stone begins to crumble beneath her feet, and the bridge shudders! * Jalanda draws a breath in alarm. Or perhaps she knew this would happen... with great effort she tries to go the last distance as the stones fall away. :o Crap o_O * Feray wideyes and springs forth, her expression panicked as she dashes out into the bridge to meet Jal, grabbing her! * Feray twirls and tosses Jal to the group! Hrrrfff!! ....Damn. Almost made it, too... * Jalanda blinks as she's tossed roughly. "Wait, Feray!" ! * Dylan stands there more or less in shock Jalanda is hurled through the air, coming to a skidding stop at the edge of the solid ground with the rest of the group. The bridge crumbles under Feray, falling out from under her! * Mikari winces with one eye as she reels her grappling hook back to her, pulling it taut for Feray. O_o * Feray cries out and begins to fall! Crap...! Feray!! * Mikari drops to the ground and holds on for all she's worth, hoping Feray caught the other end! * Jalanda grimaces as she hits the stone, looking over her shoulder as it crumbles under the woman instead... * Feray grapples at the end of the grappling hook and slams harshly into the cliffside once...before she releases from the impact. * Feray's cry stops as you can hear her tumbling down, slamming into rock. * Nathan rushes to the edge Feray!! Feray's body falls with a series of sickening thuds, before there is a final thud. The sound of falling rock continues for a few more seconds, and then there is relative silence... By the Spirits.. I knew it would bring misfortune... *tries to stand* It's difficult to see in the darkness below, but a faint glow appears from down below. * Nathan tries to find a way down * Mikari looks bewildered, finding it hard to believe this happened with all that preparation... she doesn't say anything, but begins frantically looking around for something to do about it. Mikari, climb down, I'll hold one end of the rope. * Jalanda shuffles to the edge, peering down towards the glow. "Wait... that light..." * Mikari nods hastily. "'Lright... I'll try to repel down there.. you just check to make sure you've got a good foothold, y'hear?..." * Dylan seeks out an appropriate belaying position * Mikari doesn't wait for a response, only for him to get a good grip, and starts down the side, carefully looking into the darkness of the rift... * Nathan watches anxiously as Mikari descends If you would hold onto the rope too Nathan, just to be sure.. The descent is a bit rough, with pieces of rock hitting Mikari's head, but it doesn't take so long as the darkness below suggests. Finally her feet touch rough rock, and she is down on the cavern floor... * Nathan nods, and assists as best he can * Mikari carefully touches down and gives the rope two tugs to let them know she's alright. She looks around in the darkness, and flicks her fingers again to produce a flame light source with which to find Feray.... The flame illuminates a form not far off, in a crumpled heap on the rocky ground. A faint green and copper glow shimmers back at Mikari, and as she approaches, she sees Feray's bloodied and bruised body....twined in green clinging vines. O_o .... As Mikari watches, the vines slowly shrink away, unwrapping themselves from around Feray's body, and disappearing into the pattern of the bracelet around her wrist, until it is only metal once more. O_o * Mikari growls and decides to say nothing before she proceeds to hack the living hell out of those vines... but she's suddenly interrupted by the unpredictable shrinkage. O_o "What the 'ell???" * Feray shifts once, uttering a soft whimper of pain, but doesn't awaken. * Mikari quickly resheathes her dagger, and runs over to Feray's side, inspecting her wounds. Nathan, can you see anything down there? Not really Feray certainly appears rather the worse for wear, but her injuries don't seem to be as serious as they might have been. She has some rather colorful bruises and many bloody gashes, and one arm is bent rather oddly...possibly a break. * Jalanda begins to lose her look of mild shock as she comes to a realization. "That rush of power just now. And I have not lost the path of Feray in my mind's eye. It has saved her somehow... barely." She tries to squint and wait for Mikari's confirmation. * Mikari jumps up as soon as she gets an idea of the situation. She runs over to the wall where she came down, as close as possible so she doesn't risk any miniature avalanches or undue monster attention by shouting too loudly. "Found Feray!! She'll live, but she's not'n very good shape....." * Nathan exhales with relief Hmm. Ms. Jalanda, do you feel like you can climb down and heal her? * Mikari turns back to Feray and sees what she can do about tending to those wounds. She pulls her cape in from behind her, expecting to have to tear another strip from it. Which is nothing new as she's done it with the same cape a few times before... Can we get a healer down there? Well, if Ms. Jalanda doesn't feel up to it, you could climb down, or drop as a crab, and use the sea-song trick.. If no one else can. I'm no great shakes as a healer I can most certainly try... assuming the rope holds. Well, I'd certainly knock too much of the walls, so decide between you. *raising her voice as she walks back to Feray...* I dunno, 'sup to Jal... I'll look for a way out down here if she can't rappel down..." I'll go if you don't want to Jalanda. I'm pretty light when I need to be * Jalanda grabs the rope and sighs once, gathering her wits to proceed down. "Just keep a firm grip upon me, Dylan. It will be alright." * Nathan resets his grip on the rope * Jalanda slides down the length of rope one section at a time, descending with methodical care into the black pit. * Mikari finishes fashioning a splint from some of the random materials she has on hand, having wrapped a few strips of cloth over the areas that seemed to be bleeding the most that weren't also potentially broken... * Feray groans weakly, murmuring.. "....hurts..." You'll be 'lright, Feray... You're tough; I know it. * Jalanda ends up landing a bit badly on her right foot, but in one piece. She takes stock of the situation at the bottom... "Quite the miracle..." * Mikari gestures for Jalanda to come over near her. "You wanna take over here?... It'll be a lot easier if I have my hands free t'give you a light source with..." * Jalanda shuffles over in the flame-light and nods approvingly at Mikari's work. " I will do what I can... I am partially to blame for this matter..." She begins to chant a healing spell or three over Feray's major wounds. She also examines the disjointed arm with her free hand, seeing how severe the fracture is. * Feray awakens slightly, opening her eyes halfway, the silver diluted with pain. "...Jal..? Ah....spirits....you're okay...nhh..." The healing spells help to close up the worst of the wounds. * Jalanda speaks softly, "Shh... I believe the worry should be over yourself now. That was quite the brave and stupid thing you did for myself. Luckily, fate is on your side a little longer..." * Dylan taps his foot idly * Feray breathes a little easier as the more troubling wounds close up, leaving her with the bruised flesh. She attempts to sit up, wincing hard and then blinking dazedly.. ...? My arm? * Feray squints at Jal and Mikari, kind of confused. ^^; * Jalanda motions for Mikari to help in making a little splint and banadage to hold the arm in place. "Unfortunately I'm no doctor, this will need proper treatment..." She lets the healing light fade a bit and takes a few breaths, looking into Feray's eyes. "We are at the bottom of that pit. Not exactly the most comfortable of places." Oh...wow.. I fell..oh....ow! Mother fu---...I...uh...ow. 'Case you hadn't figured it out, Feray, you had a nasty fall down the side of the cliff. Hit a buncha rocks on the way down, but seems someTHING... in that bracelet... musta saved you... * Feray nods slightly and looks upwards... "....does that mean we have to climb back up, then...?" If worse comes t'worse, yeah. But I'm gonna have a look around first... * Mikari proceeds to inspect the walls around the bottom of the pit carefully with her hand flame, to see if there is a natural exit or whether this is just a dedicated trap intended to kill purely by impact.... Dylan and Nathan have the rope, so with some time we should be able to help you up. There doesn't appear to be anything like an exit that Mikari can see, unfortunately. There are a few faded paintings on the walls, but that's all. * Jalanda nods her head. "And... though I had a feeling from the moment you donned that bracelet, it's sadness may yet turn into joy for you before today is through." As Feray waits while Mikari looks around, her good hand, propping her up on the ground, touches on something small, cool, and hard, strung on a strip of leather. ..? * Mikari finishes up her inspection. "Ugh. I guess we have t'do this the hard way..." * Feray blinks and looks down.. In the dim light, Feray can see a small piece of stone streaked with green, sitting by her hand. * Feray furrows her brow and picks it up.. * Jalanda look towards Feray's hand questioningly. It appears to be a shard just like the others they have found so far, a piece of Spirit Stone apparently... Hmm?... *Mikari looks at it curiously as well.* Woah.. * Jalanda smiles. "Indeed. This is the true treasure of the ruins." Huh? Is that...? * Feray laughs lowly, weakly, and nods to Mikari. Go me. Plummeting to my uncertain doom actually helps. Fate is a strange thing. * Feray shakes her head and tucks the stone piece into her tunic...she attempts to get up.. "...right...come on...we should get our butts out of here..." Heh. ^^; Well, at least we can get out of this better'n we started. Tug Twice On The Rope If You Want Me To Pull You Up! * Feray finally staggers to her feet, wincing with each move, obviously still very sore. She trundles her way to the rope and wraps it around her forearm.. "C'mon, you two.." * Mikari stands by her side in case she loses her strength, then helps with the task of getting her back up. * Jalanda rises and checks the rope. "Yes, there is nothing more here for us..." She looks up at the bellowing call and does her best to assist, making sure Feray holds the wounded arm in a safe position for the ascent. * Mikari does the same, and the rest is history... one would hope. After making the difficult ascent, the group heads back to the village, half-carrying Feray with them. ==Session End== *** GMAmy changes topic to 'Grandia: New Horizons | Chapter 27.0: The Tenkali Relics | Location: Tenkala village, morning, July 6 | Session End' Session Close: Fri May 10 23:55:01 2002