Session Start: Fri Nov 09 19:31:12 2001 * Logging #grandia to 'chapter-6.0-ancientsecrets' *** GMAmy changes topic to 'Grandia: New Horizons | Chapter 6.0: Ancient Secrets | Location: Mantarian Jungle, Angelou Ruins, morning, June 11. | Session Start' The dawn brings with it the sounds of the jungle awakening. Thin beams of sunlight filter through the trees into the entrance to the ruins, waking up the reluctant travelers who are still wrapped in their bedding... * Dylan dozes peacefully, as he has all night. * Syri is still asleep, so kwuu you, mother nature! * Dill perks up at the dawn, and flaps around, bumping gently into a pillar before landing on Dylan and puffing merrily. * Erellisae isn't anywhere to be seen with the others. ^^; Erellisae's bedding is empty, and Aldrea is still missing, as she has been since they arrived in Garist. Sue blinks and yawns, stretching sleepily in her bedding. * Mitsuo is snoozing in his bedding, snoring softly. ^^; * Dylan turns over with a yawn, and Dill falls off... * Feray fidgets under her blanket, a beam of sunlight deciding to land right on her closed eyes. She winces uncomfortably and squints open her eyes slowly... "Aw, for the love of the spirits....I just had to choose the part of floor where the light hits..." Morning? Sue ponders whether it's worth it to try to build a fire to cook breakfast, or whether she'd rather just eat it cold... * Feray grumbles and tosses her arm over her eyes. * Mikari is sitting on the stone floor of the ruins, leaning her back up against a wall, her clothing askew. Fully awake, she taps her foot idly and looks around the area. Sue snickers slightly at Feray, but sympathizes. * Jalanda is not by the entrance with everyone, but seems to have nodded off near the Icarian mural down the hall. Her chest rises and falls gently as she sleeps. * Mikari yawns, seeming more bored than tired, and ruffles her own messy hair into a more attractive state of chaos * Dylan stands up groggily, and yawns quite loudly, before stretching and then slapping his belly idly. * Syri is STILL ASLEEP LA LA LA. Never mind that he's been asleep the past 23 hours. Stupid cocaine nut. * Feray lies still once more, her arm still firmly over her face. Hmm. Breakfast... hmm... * Dylan looks from side to side.. Where's our little alarm clock? [Sue] All right, all right, I'll cook. =P * Sue crawls out of bed, fully clothed but rather rumpled, and rummages in her pack for some matches and some rations Ahh! Someone to cook breakfast. Works fer me! * Feray sighs loudly and she moves her arm, sitting up. Her top is dangerously rumpled in certain places and she hurriedly fixes it, muttering loudly. "Alarm clock? Oh. Erel? She's not around?" * Dylan scratches his head in thought [Sue] No volunteers to help, eh? And Dylan, I haven't seen her....anyone else know where she might have gone? Her bedding is here.. but she is not.. Sue gently nudges Mitsuo with her foot as she goes over to where she piled firewood the night before * Dylan wanders over to Rion, and prods him with a foot * Mitsuo merfs a bit and comes to, "Gah...morning already...?" * Rion mumbles. * [Sue] Yup. Sorry, kid. * Feray rubs her neck and hurriedly ties the end of her hair together, leaving it to fall semi-free around her back. Wake up, Rion. It's morning. * Rion bats at the foot. * ...What? * Mitsuo sighs, "Okay... ^^;" * Rion sighs.. * Ugh.. * Rion sits up, rubbing his eyes.. * You didn't see Ms. Erellisae during the night did you? * Feray glances about and catches a faint glimpse of Jal's sleeping body down near some of the Icarian carvings, raising an eyebrow. ..Nope. Should I have? She sneak off, or somethin'? As everyone proceeds with the tedious process of waking up, Sue goes out into the jungle for a little while, then returns shortly with a few birds' eggs. She retrieves cheese and dried meat from her bag and is soon cooking omelettes over a low fire. * Mikari gets up from he hard floor, and scratches her bare right shoulder idly, not really caring to fix her clothing like Feray does. She's not here... I'm worried.. * Jalanda shifts to her right a little, arms moving down to cradle herself. She mumbles once or twice in an accent you don't quite catch. Yanno, we should really keep better track of our team ^^; * Dylan wanders over to the newly arisen Mitsuo * Mitsuo blinks, "Who's not here?" I dunno.. maybe she's just 'splorin'. I can't imagine there being anything dangerous around. [Sue] Erellisae. Haven't seen her since last night. At least.. not too dangerous.. Mitsuo, have you seen Ms. Erellisae? * Jalanda lifts her head up a moment later, the hood sliding off. "...hmmm." I saw her last night...why? She's...not here. * Feray raises an eyebrow at Mitsuo. ...She's missing again? :/ * Mikari wanders over to Sue and kicks her heel lightly to get her attention as she cooks ..again? [Sue] Eh? What? Careful, you almost made me dump an omelette in the fire! * Dylan sighs.. Dill, could you look for her? * Rion slowly gets to his feet.. * * Jalanda braces herself against the wall, and arises fully. She smoothes out her robe from the dust in the ruin, and takes a moment to stretch her right side some. * Dill puffs in agreements and flapps around the camp, and the nearby jungle.. Eh, you'll manage. ^_^ Y'got some chili powder there? I like my breakfasts t'wake me up. * Feray crosses her arms after standing... "I'm sure she's just...uh...'splorin' like Rion said." ... I hope so.. [Sue] Um. Nope, sorry, I'm afraid I didn't pack any seasoning. ^^; You'll have to use your own if you have any...if not, out of luck. * Jalanda looks around the hall she is in carefully, overhearing the fact Erellisae is still unacounted for. None? Awww. Hmm, well, I guess I'll just hafta supply my own, eh? [Sue] Sorry, Mikari. We can pick up some when we resupply back in town. ^^; * Dill flaps back into the camp, puffing and nodding in a direction leading outside the ruins... Dill! You've found her? * Feray looks amusedly at Dill. "What is it, Dill? Did Erel fall down the well?!" * Feray coughs into the back of her hand and regains a serious look. * Mikari rummages through the pouch strapped to her belt. "Hey, I come prepared. I'd be even more prepared if this trip'd been expected..." * Dill flaps at Feray, as if berating her. Come on, Dill, lead us to her! * Feray mock snaps her teeth at Dill and grins widely. Yeah, lead on ^_- * Dill puffs angrily at Feray, then flaps towards the trees. [Sue] Yeah, sorry about that, Jungle Jane. =/ Come on, let's see what's up with the little one.. * Dylan walks after Dill * Feray seems vaguely edgier today but nods, adjusting her sword and following Dylan. * Erellisae is sitting propped up against a pillar, high up the ruins outside, where she was thinking and watching the stars last night. She looks like she's going to have some back pains when she gets up, for one ^^; - and looks cold, too, having spent the night just in her clothing and with Mitsuo's cape tucked around her. On her lap is some kind of notebook, open at a page. * Dylan walks over and gently shakes Erel. Sue hums, flipping omelettes over with a stick * Feray blinks at the sight of Erel. "Huh." Mzwahuh..? * Mikari pulls out a flask with a large red fireball printed on it, labelled 'Danger: Flammable'.... "Ahaa, this'll do!....... um, wait, where're they taking off to?" [Sue] O_o * Erellisae blinkblinks blearily, before rubbing her eyes. >< "Oww.." Ms. Erellisae, it's morning.. * Jalanda strides back to the entrance, bowing her head slightly in greeting to Sue. * Dylan frowns worriedly.. You shouldn't sleep like that.. it's bad for you.. [Sue] Good morning, Jalanda. ^_^ Did some exploring last night? * Feray looks amusedly at Dylan and Erel before shrugging and trotting back to camp. * Erellisae blinkblinks again, looking around and shielding her eyes from the sun. "Uh.. I didn't mean to..." --; You... could say that. * Dylan sighs and rolls his eyes.. Come on, little one, lets get you back to the campsite, and get some breakfast in you before your insides chill.. * Feray clears her throat as she enters camp. "We found Erel. They'll be along in a minute." [Sue] Well, we might as well do a more thorough search around, once we've had some breakfast. Do you like bacon in your omelettes? [Sue] Oh, thanks, Feray. Meat or no meat? * Feray heads to the fire and hunkers down, grabbing a twig and poking at the fire. "Meat, of course." * Jalanda nods once, turning to look at the group not far outside. * Erellisae stands up slowly, stretching with a wince and a crick in her back... before eeping as the notebook plunks to the floor, and quickly whipping it into her pack. ^^; [Sue] Gotcha... *Plunks an omelette on the fire for Feray Don't worry little one, I shan't read your book unless you want me too. * Feray 's stomach growls loudly and she licks her lips. ^^ [Sue] Okay, first omelette's done...who wants it? * Erellisae nods, before clambering her way down the slope and into the ruins. "Morning!" :D * Dylan follows, grumbling about damn kids making him worry.. * Feray jumps a bit as Erel bursts into camp. "G...gah. Hi, Erel!" ^^; * Jalanda slowly finds a place near the fire, sitting crosslegged. "Ah...Erellisae. We were looking for you." Ah ha.. she couldn't have been that missing. * Erellisae sweatdrops. "Uhm... sorry about making you have to look for me..." ^^; *looks at Erel* You go ahead, kid. ^^ I'll take th'next one. [Sue] Morning, Erellisae. *Sue plunks a second omelette onto a plate from her mess kit* Thanks! ^_^ * Dylan shakes his head. "It's not a problem, we are a group. It's our job to look out for each other.. just try not to fray my horns early with worry." Sue continues to hand out omelettes as they are finished cooking. * Dylan grabs a plate and suitably sized implements from his pack. * Erellisae rubs her hands a little, happy to be near a stove after the morning chill. ^^ * Feray accepts an omlette and quickly wolfs it down, nodding and humming slightly in pleasure. "Pretty good!" * Dill settles down on Erel's shoulder, apparently a bit tired. Sue gives Dylan an extra big omelette and Erel a smaller one, then dishes the last up for herself after making sure everyone has taken some food. * Dylan sits by the fire, and mops sweat from his brow as he takes the omelette.. * Mikari leans over the pan, and sneaks a large splash into it from the bottle of unknown flammable liquid she showed earlier. A small drop strays into the fire. It causes a tiny explosion. [Sue] O_o O.o * Feray sweatdrops at Mikari. ^^; [Sue] ...I'm not going to ask. Ms. Mikari, would that be alcohol? :D Pretty! It'll wake you up. It's like coffee. ^_^ Well now I'm reassured. ^^; [Sue] ...Except most coffee doesn't cause explosions... * Dylan raises an eyebrow.. More like nitro. * Feray tosses the rest of her twig into the fire and watches it burn up. * Jalanda titls her head slightly, partaking of the omellette in her usually reserved fashion. "Today will be a day of many choices..." [Sue] So...has anyone explored much of the ruins so far? * Dylan cuts a slice from his omelette, and asks Mikari to spice it lightly. I went as far as Jal did, I believe. ^^; * Mikari shrugs, and puts the flask away again, then steps aside to lean against the wall. [Sue] Oh, Jalanda? Still communing with the Spirits here? * Syri rolls out of Mitsuo's pack, kwuuing softly. [Sue] Morning, Syri. There's probably enough for you too... ...Eh? You want some morning juice, Dylan? I'd like to try. * Syri blinks and looks up at Sue. "Kweh...?" The Spirits' wishes have remained the same since our arrival. Something awaits us at the center of this place... Something waits for us, huh? ^^; [Sue] Hmmmm. =/ I don't know whether to be excited or worried. Not that I don't think this place is extraordinarily cool...most of the ruins I've been in lately have been mostly excavated already, not like this. Then let's go find it! ^_^ Heh. Alright, 'en. I'll warn you, I haven't perfected it yet, so it might not 'ave its full potency... I hope it sells good. If the Spirits ask.. I must follow. Their gifts have aided me much in my life [Sue] Right, Erellisae, but we have to be careful, too. Mikari, please... put less than you would on yours... 'lright... ^_- * Mikari produces the bottle again and lets out two drops of the transparent liquid, onto a morsel of Dylan's food. * Dylan cuts off small pieces of omelette and moves around to feed Dill then. * Syri stumbles over finally, gnawing on a bit of Mikari's omelette * Jalanda looks at Rion once, then Erellisae. "I know not of what is ahead... only that it carries both sadness and joy." * Dill munches merrily on the unspiced pieces of omelette. As long as it doesn't carry a big weapon and want to cut us into bitties. ^^; * Dylan tries a piece of the spiced omelette.. cautiously.. * Rion raises his hands and wiggles his fingers. * ..I know not what's ahead either, only it could be cool or could not be cool... >> Mikari's "morning juice" seems to taste quite nice, at first. Almost sweet. However, Mikari is visibly counting to ten on the side..... I do not think the Spirits would betray u.... *coughs*.. damn.. that's... ... water... Sue digs out her water flask and hands it to Dylan... * Dylan sips it gently.. Thank.. you.. * Dylan shakes his head.. Invigorating... *cough*.. « That's why I said twice. Well, I admit it's been awhile since I've tried it; compare it to hot mustard instead if you want » * Dylan wolfs down the rest of his food, amdist quaffs of water and some indiscret bleches... ...eww! Dylan...! * Erellisae winces. ><; * Dylan scratches the back of his head.. * Jalanda holds her gaze on the young adventurer a moment. * Rion grins. * Sorry.. * Syri kwuus happily as he perks up, gnawing with renewed vigor at the omelette, his tail lighting up a little ^^ Caught me by suprise.. * Feray looks between Rion and Jal for a moment before deciding not to butt in, instead focusing on the fire. ^^ I believe you delight more in the finding of the answer than the answer itself... Right. Well, like I said, s'not quite perfected yet. I'll letya know when I finish the real thing. [Sue] Well, just let me know when you guys are ready to go exploring... *Stretches and leans back with her arms folded behind her head and resting on the wall.* * Mikari glances over at the carro * Dylan polishes off his plate, and wipes it clean with some hard travel bread, which he then snarfles. Heyyy... I like his taste! ^_^ I'm always ready! :D Kwuu! ^^ * Erellisae seems in rather better spirits than yesterday. ^^ * Syri glances at Mikari and scowls a little, the upset look quickly turning to general happiness as he finishes the rest of the omelette. [Sue] You know what's really interesting... Oh no.. don't get my wrong, I like my answers as much as the next guy. It's just I'm more keen on more.. uh.. specific answers. * Mikari gives the carro an odd look * Syri returns it. Do you like it or dontcha, squirrely? Kwuu! Kwuu kwuu kwuu... kwuuuuuuu. Kwu kwuu! Most Angelou ruins we know of were built during or after the cataclysm and the war with Gaia. That's why so many are temples to Icarians, or have Icarian statues...after the Icarians saved the world, they were even more highly revered than they had been. Uhhh... I'll take that as a yes. ^^; [Sue] But these ruins...if I'm not mistaken, they date back at least several centuries BEFORE Gaia arose. * Jalanda has a bit more of her omelette, trying her best to finish it. "...then it is time we found them." She returns the plate to Sue, nodding her thanks. * Dylan nods, and starts to pack his stuff up.. * Erellisae hops up, ready to go. ^^ Ahhhh.... wait.... maybe the little bugger's mad at me for that nut. ^_- Hey fella, you can have one anytime. Heh. Sue accepts the plates, then scrapes them clean into the bushes outside the ruins entrance and stows them in her pack, planning on properly washing them when they get back to town. * Mikari half-listens to Sue, having heard pretty much all of this before, at least so far * Feray rubs her tattooed wrist as she stands, considering Sue's words. I wish I could be so indifferent about others opinions as you, Ms. Mikari. Yes, these ruins have a certain... quality to them. Let us answer their riddle then, right now. * Dylan points to the entrance. [Sue] I know some magic, but I'm certainly not as ah...mystically attuned as you are, Jalanda. Care to enlighten us? What do you sense? Well.. now I know why there's not that many spiritual-type adventurers... they'd never find anything. Sue stands and brushes off the seat of her pants, then rolls up her bedding and stows it. Sue looks askance at Rion. [Sue] Cynical, aren't ya, chicken boy? Eh, Dylan? If I didn't, I'd have nothing to do but cry'n whine for m'self. I figure it saves time this way. * Feray considers giving Rion a major wedgie but instead waits for Jal's answers, waiting at the opening of the ruins patiently. Rion, true men and adveturers learn that there is more to the world than they can see. Jeez.. dump on me all then, why don'tcha. I'm just bein' practical. * Jalanda stands up from her cross-legged position, her robe flowing to obscure them from sight. "I'm not sure myself. Within these walls it seems that one is more at peace with the Spirits. There is a voice, not just an intention." * Dylan steps through the entrance... Sue goes over to inspect the large door at the opposite end of the chamber; it is carved with swirls and stylistic maps of the heavens, as well as two beautifully carved Icarian girls... Come on then, it's rude to keep guests waiting.. * Erellisae peers further into the ruins, curiously. ^^ * Syri hops onto Erel's head, kwuuing as he almost urges them towards the ruins. ^^ * Jalanda walks back into the hall she was earlier, touching the Icarian mural again with her pale hand. * Erellisae follows after Jalanda, peering around at everything. ^_^ * Dill flaps over and curls up in Jalanda's hood.. [Sue] Well, let's go! *Pushes open the door. Beyond is a dark and silent chamber, smelling of the must of ages... Should we light torches? At peace, eh? Are you sure it isn't just the furniture placement?.. *holds her fingers out to make a square "frame" and studies the ruins interior for proper Feng Shui* * Rion puts his adventuring and exploration skills to the test, scouting around, examining, etc.. * * Syri hops in, lighting the area quite obviously as he does so. ^-^ As Dylan speaks, Sue enters the room...instantly, a strange glow appears, faintly. * Erellisae balances a white spark on her hand, providing a little light. :D * Feray follows everyone in, keeping an eye out just in case. Different parts of the room glow different shades, as if different colors of light are shining. But the sources of the light are unseen... * Jalanda nods once, as if confirming something only she is aware of. She turns to the door Sue opened and follows inside towards the light. This will make thing.. easier.. Kwu! * Syri hops along * Dylan draws out a notepad, and paces the room, counting and sketching. His steps seem very regular. * Mikari quietly loosens the grappling hook at her waist as they enter the dark room. Spirals, both circular and angular types, run along the walls in a heavily carved border. A strange type of script appears to be interlaced with the patterns, forming words underneath various carvings of humans and Icarians and other stylized races... Hmm. Odd size for ruins.. they were usually made with slightly smaller entryways.. * Jalanda pets the puffy residing in her hood once again, and steps softly deeper into the room. She stares at the designs... * Erellisae looks around in wonder, occasionally touching a spiral or running a finger along the script. "Wow... it's beautiful..." puuff.. Depends on what the ruin was.. or the size of the things movin' around in it.. Sue's Puffy sleeps quietly on her pack, as usual... * Dill nuzzles the hand gently * Mikari points her finger upward, causing a small flame to appear just above it. It illuminates a bit less than a torch, but doesn't flicker much. [Sue] It is beautiful, isn't it? *Frowns* I wonder what it means. Maybe these are images of everyday life? * Dylan steps into and around the new room, apparently semi-oblivous to anything other than his growing map.. * Feray just remains quiet, her silver eyes catching the light oddly as she glances about to take everything in. This would almost seem like... a history. That'll do for now.... now what 'zactly you want here? At the far end of the chamber is another door. Like the first one, this is stone; there are places where wood must have been once, primarily as decorative statues or beams, but it has mostly rotted. * Erellisae hmphs, before making the spark in her hand a little brighter and sticking her tongue out at Mikari. :P ...Kwu! * Dylan taps the wall as he progesses, listening carefully for a change of tone. * Jalanda runs her perceptive stare over each of the carvings, though the words of the script unfortunately escape her grasp... * Syri looks upset at Erel and Mikari, as they're making the room uncomfortably bright And a kwu-kwu-ka-chu to you, too. Dylan hears no change in tone, but in a secluded alcove in the wall is hidden a small object. * Feray snickers at Rion's words. * Dylan looks at it for a moment, measures the alcove with a hand, and then continues. * Erellisae sweatdrops. "Oops... sorry, Syri." She extinguishes her spark. ^^; * Rion looks up, trying to examine the ceiling.. * Sue, item in that alcove. * Mikari makes an odd face at Erel, not really caring to be competitive, since she intended to have a little bit of stealth as well as light. She shakes her head and decides not to say anything. * Erellisae peers at the large stone door, running a hand over it before experimentally pushing a little. * Dylan irritated at the changing light levels, resorts to wearing his reading glasses to improve his vision. [Sue] Oh? *Goes to examine* Hmmm....treasure chests. Opened, though. Not too long ago...I'll bet Justin and Feena raided them. They were probably here, if the rumors can be believed...I know this is the kind of place they'd jump at... * Jalanda nods slowly. "I have no doubts about that." * Mikari turns away from Syri slightly, but doesn't bother extinguishing the flame, as its convenient at the moment Sue spies another overlooked alcove, however, this one with unopened chests, two of them. * Syri hops on Erel's shoulder again, helping her instead of that spooty magic stuff >> Suddenly, spiked barbs emerge from the door Erellisae pushed on! 10 damage! :o Raided them, eh? Heh. Not much worth searchin' for around here, to my knowledge. Erel! * Dylan jumps slightly when he reaches the doors.. then refocuses, notes them down, and examines the rotted wood briefly before continuing.. O.o! Erellisae! Are you ok? Aaaaahh...! Sue grks. [Sue] Erellisae, get back! Looks like this place is booby-trapped... * Jalanda turns her head. "Erellisae!" * Erellisae winces, stumbling backward. --; O_o Erel! Geez! Watchyerstep! * Rion 's head snaps down, looking to the sound of the trap.. * * Dylan drops his book at the grating metal sound and spins around. * Feray steps forward to steady Erel. ^^; The spikes slide back into the door once more... ....easy there. * Erellisae clutches her shoulder, wincing. "Owowow... that hurt!" ;_; * Dylan kneels by Erel Now, now.. be brave... * Mikari searches for the trigger of the trap in order to break it, carefully avoiding the danger point Kwuuu. ^^; [Sue] Better be careful! Must be a way to disarm the traps to continue, but we should assume there are guards on the doors here... * Erellisae throws small dull-red sparks at the door, a sour expression on her face as she hmphs. * Syri glances at the shoulder he was luckily NOT on * Syri hops down, deciding it's better not to be near all these booby traps * Jalanda slumps her head slightly. "...perhaps this is the sadness I foresaw... please be careful." * Dylan puts large soft hands over the wound, and gently chants.. * Rion cracks his knuckles.. * Well.. I suppose I should have a look at this.. * Rion tries to examine the mechanism Erel set off.. * Yeah, Rion...do your adventurous thing. ^^; Spirits of this place, forgive our trespass.. take back the pain you gave.. and let this one be whole once more.. * Dylan casts Heal on Ms. Erellisae-chan * Mikari continues to examine next to Rion Sue eyes the script written on the walls, squinting in the dim light...after a while she blinks. [Sue] Hey, this might be some sort of clue...not sure though... * Erellisae looks thankful as the heal spell goes off. ^^ >> Dylan casts Heal. Erellisae gains 10 HP. :) * Rion glances at Dylan.. * Spirits don't hurt people. People hurt people. * Dylan turns to Rion * Rion goes back to attempting to finding and disarming the trap. * * Jalanda looks along with Sue. "What do you see...?" * Mikari rolls her eyes at Rion 9_9 * Dylan looks sad.. Yes.. they do.. Sue runs a finger along the words on the wall. [Sue] Here... * Dylan walks over to his notebook and starts mapping again.. more subdued now.. Inscription: "We live in a paradise of good fortune and plenty, with all paths to the future open to us. Yet the future holds a hidden path for us that will test the strength of our very souls." . o O (Conflicting emotions... I want to protect... but not smother.. I wish to serve myself, but feel duty to others.. am I selfish.. or stupid.. >> * Erellisae peers at the inscription, before yaying. "Tests! I always did good in tests!" ^_^ ... * Feray eyes Erel. ^^; * Syri idly looks up at the door, hopping through the threshold. ^_- So.... we can take any path, as long as we don't mind having pointy things making new holes in us. [Sue] Maybe it's just me, but despite the literary style, I think the inscription is a hint. Any ideas? [Sue] "Hidden path." Maybe we should search around for another exit, or something...? Well.. usually there are nice graphical cues to accompany those inscriptions, I find. * Syri squeaks and hops back, a spike out of the floor almost making him a carro-kabob. [Sue] Feel free to have a look then, Rion... I'd say inspect the inscription. There might be a hidden door. But watch out, that'd also mean more traps. * Jalanda leans in slightly to read the inscription. "Choices indeed... it must be connected." * Dylan continues tapping around the room if he hasn't finished. * Erellisae examines the door, just making sure she doesn't come near the range of the big nasty spikes. :-( * Feray looks about and then gazes at Jal. "...any ideas in non-cryptic style?" * Rion looks frustrated.. * If only I weren't bogged down like this. Frustrating. * Rion sighs and continues his examinations.. * * Mikari gets impatient and moves over to look at the inscription, searching for weak spots or triggers While Dylan is searching, he ends up coming across a small, roundish panel in the wall that glows rather faintly...it's about the size of, say, Erellisae's palm, and it shines softly grayish. * Dylan taps it by accident Hmm.. eh? >> The door slides open with a grating sound! You can hear the chinking sounds of spikes being deactivated. Ooppsie... I should look where I'm tapping.. * Erellisae eeps and darts away from the door a little as it grinds open. ^^; ....or, Dylan could open it. ^^; [Sue] Whoa, Dylan, what'd you do? *Peers* Looks like our way is clear... I don't think you should be complainin'. It would seem the Spirits were guiding your hand, Dylan. * Dylan looks around to see if blocks are going to fall on him.. Aha... there we go. Just a matter of time. Nice searching, cowboy. ^_^ Wow... it wasn't a trap.. and please don't call me that, Ms Mikari, I find it rather insulting.. * Erellisae wanders a little way along the passageway, looking around carefully. ^^; As Erellisae enters the chamber beyond, lights shine softly as they did in the first room. This one is somewhat larger. The murals and carvings are more detailed, showing details of landscapes and villages and forests with large, ususual plants. * Jalanda seems a bit reluctant to leave the room for a moment, then presses on behind Erel, not wishing to lose her here. * Dylan checks all alcoves to see if there's any items people have deglected to get. A couple of dark alcoves hide the dim outlines of treasure chests. * Rion tags along with Erel, hoping to avoid any spiky unpleasantness. * * Dylan rolls up his sleeves... Oh? Heh... Sorry. Yeah, don'want anybody thinkin' you're from New Parm or anything. Anyway... *steps through the door casually* * Erellisae looks around slowly, before going to examing the treasure chests. :D Erel.. >> There are three treasure chests. Do you want to open them? Right.. if I fall over.. please cure me... *attempt to open chest* Be careful for trapped chests. ^^; ...Wait! * Erellisae nods to Feray. ^^ Dammit! Inspect 'em first, even if you've got backup! The chests are not trapped, but two are locked. ^^; The unlocked one contains a cholla! * Mikari sighs tiredly Trouble? * Dylan attempts to pull the locked chests to where they can be assaulted properly.. * Rion sets about unlocking the chests.. * [Sue] Hmmm. I wonder if I should look for more inscriptions...? *Eyes the closed door at the end of this chamber* * Jalanda peers over to Dylan as he opens the chests, but fortunately nothing happens. She turns her attention back to the murals once more. >> Rion uses Pick Locks ability. Opens the two chests...found Sleep Charm and Rage Charm! * Dylan raises an eyebrow Alright, that's good. ^^; But be more careful next time. Whoever made the ruins was pretty creative; traps don'always just hurt who opens 'em... [Sue] Ever been to these ruins before, Mikari? *Examining an inscription for clues* An interesting skill, I tend to resort to a prybar and some effort.. * Mikari waves off the small treasure, gesturing for others to help themselves Well, brute force isn't really my thing. I'm not big enough. Eh, maybe... don'remember anythin' interestin'.... 6*looks around6* * Dylan claps Rion on the back, gently. Keep drinking ale and you'll get big enough. ^_- We all have our strengths... how we use them is the key. * Mikari looks at the open chests. "Hey, good job, Rionny. I may have to keep you around..." * Jalanda looks at the plants. "How reminiscent of Cafu..." Nevermind. Your abilities have served you well so far. And anyway, for this journey, you have me for size if you need it ^^ * Erellisae glances around, looking for a way to open the next door.. ^^ Very reminiscient, indeed...many of the locations look vaguely familiar to Jalanda. They must depict the continent of Jesora. Well.. if we find a chest I can't open, I promise you can bash it in. Okay? ^_^ * Dylan walks into the new room Erellisae soon discovers three switches, all in a row...all glowing very faintly gray. Sure. Anything interesting on the walls here? This is verily a map of my home, Jesora... [Sue] Hmmm, another inscription... *reads* * Dylan looks around briefly, then starts tapping and mapping * Erellisae eyes the switches. "Over here..." Inscription: "There is only one way for our world to survive this test; we cannot do it alone. The Spirits intended us to work together. That is why they gave us the Icarians, and each other." * Feray trots over beside Erel.. Hmm. Let me just get the dimensions and check for false walls... *tap* *step* *tap* *jot* No false walls here. =) * Erellisae blinkblinks, then nods after Sue has finished. "Feray! Rion! Help me out!" :D Tsk tsk. Always with the melodrama. Hmm... * Dylan finishes up quickly.. Alright. ^^; * Feray reaches for the first switch but waits for Erel and someone else. Nothing here.. for better or worse.. Sue sticks her tongue out at Mikari. [Sue] Aw, come on, melodrama's fun. Well.. working together, maybe we should pull them all down at once, huh? Sounds like a plan ^_- The writings suggest cooperation.. * Erellisae nods. "1... 2..." * Dylan looks around for spike holes,etc.. * Erellisae slaps her switch in with gusto. ^^ "3!" * Jalanda takes in the paintings a bit more, stirring to mind an image of ancient Zil in the heavens. She takes a few more steps forward to oversee the levers... * Feray does the switch! * Rion pulls down on another at the same time. * >> As the switches are pulled in unison, the door creaks open. =) * Dill puffs at a picture of the Rainbow springs! PUFFF!! Puufff!!!!! Heh. Well, when it has to do with a trap in the hall, I'd rather hear that an arrow's gonna be flying towards my butt than "the World shall be pierced by the Great Barbs of Evil." The Rainbow Springs and the floating city of Zil Padon figure quite prominently in the carvings... * Erellisae turns to the door, bouncing on her hells. "Yeah! :D" * Dill nudges Jal's cheek and nods at the Springs.. Puff!!! Sue snickers at Mikari. * Jalanda pauses, looking at the target of the puff-ing. "Yes, that would be the springs of the Rainbow." * Dylan turns.. * Feray wanders for the door.. "C'mon, guys..." * Dylan walks up to the mural, and slowly.. gently.. runs his fingertips over the image.. * Erellisae zips past Feray excitedly, peering through the next door. :D The third chamber is just a bit bigger, but also lit a bit more brightly. The ravages of time seem to have not touched this chamber quite as much. This time the walls seem to show images of what looks very much like western Elencia... Indeed.. on a good day.. the breeze is slight and refreshing.. and the pools reflect the infinite sky... Sue wanders over to peer at the inscriptions in this room. * Mikari wanders in after the others, seemingly okay with the fact that the rest don't need her help so far, since that also means they're doing more of the work * Dylan rests his entire hand against the mural.. * Jalanda looks a bit north of the deserts to the coast on the map. Her eyes look a bit solemn as she sees nothing on the map there. * Feray looks about the third room.. * Jalanda turns after a moment, and walks forward into the next room... I swear.. by the Spirits.. I will return.. when I've quelled the stirrings of heart and soul.. and my presence will not disrupt your tranquil perfection.. Feray finds four chests clustered together. * Erellisae peers about, again caring little for the decor, instead to open the next door. ^^; Ha. ^_- * Dylan turns to the new room, wiping his eyes slowly.. (w) ...no sense to mourn that which cannot be changed. History flows... >> Open the treasure chests? * Feray trots towards the chests, eyeing them carefully...she reaches out and attempts to open them. "Here goes nothing." Strangely, there is no End of the World on the map. ^^ Two of the chests open easily; Feray finds two tranquilizers! The other two are locked. ^^; * Dill puffs, very quietly in sympathy and nuzzles Jal gently... Erellisae, after some very careful searching, finds a switch by itself on the eastern side, glowing softly red. No great Wall... how old could this be.. ....hey, someone pick the lock on these chests! * Mikari stands near the center of the room, looking around to make sure nothing out of the ordinary happens while their backs are turned Rion finds another switch on the north side, this one shimmering silver... * Jalanda smiles faintly, and pats Dill upon his head twice. Hmm.. I found a switch.. but it'll have to wait. Treasure is at stake! * Erellisae looks around, confused. "One red, one silver... anyone seen another inscription?" ^^; * Feray laughs. "That's the spirit." [Sue] Yup, treasure's important. ^^ * Rion moseys over to the locked chests, inspecting them.. * Let's see what we have here.. * Feray steps back to let Rion through. ^_- * Jalanda watches the others at work, and the new, more unfamiliar mural... >> Rion opens the locked chests. Discovers a guard charm and a silver necklace! Huh. Nice. ^_- * Dylan takes his time checking this room, trying to trace his route to New Parm while measuring and checking walls.. * Jalanda searches for a third inscription. Hmm... I'd like something outta this at some point. That Guard Charm looks kinda useful. [Sue] Sounds fair. Go ahead, Mikari. Ah, much obliged. ^_^ Sue reads the inscription on the wall... "Each of us has an inner gift, given to us by the Spirits. We honor and revere the Icarians, but we, too, are capable of great wonders that only we can do, each of us with their own role to play." That reminds me.. how are we splitting treasures? I need not much money.. but I'd like to return home someday.. and that will cost.. * Mikari takes the charm, tosses it up in the air and re-catches like she usually does, and pulls it over her neck. She hides the charm under her clothes, so it won't flop about. * Erellisae reads the inscription a couple of times, mulling it over... ^^ Just tell me whatcha need, big guy. I'll spot ya the cash. * Jalanda nods sagely at the words... Sounds like either another multi-switcher, 'else some task not everybody can do. * Erellisae hmms. "I think I know!" :D * Feray gazes about.. * Erellisae concentrates for a moment, before lobbing a Burn spell past everyone at the red switch. ^^; So far, two switches have been found, one red, one silver. I prefer not to mix debt and friends.. it breeds bad feelings.. >> Nothing happens. ^^; But the red switch does glow a little brighter, encouragingly...at least it looks as if they are on the right track... * Mikari turns to see what happens at Erel's slightly hasty spell ^^; Perhaps splitting the gold recieved from items we do not keep, and all else goes to those who have use for it? Hmm... anything else to fireball? * Erellisae peers at the slightly brighter button with a happy grin. ^_^ "Thought so...!" Sue goes to search the walls more carefully. * Feray heads for the silver switch, running her fingers over it curiously. "Hmm..red and silver?" [Sue] Hey, what's this? *Points to a blue switch on the west wall... * Dylan hmms.. * Erellisae starts to concentrate again, a breeze now centering in her palm. "Uhm... watch out, Feray... ^^;" * Dylan looks for a switch opposing the blue Er..! * Feray quickly moves away ^^; Ahaa.... maybe there's a brown 'un around 'ere somewhere.... Opposing the blue switch is the red one; but on the fourth wall, the south one, is a gold switch, directly opposite the silver one Erel is aiming at. * Erellisae holds her hands out, sending a gust of wind in the shape of a Howl spell towards the silver button. :D The silver switch glows and then fades, but nothing else happens. Gold and earth.. odd.. but feasible.. * Jalanda peers at the blue switch... Aw, cripes. Gold is Earth? Odd, but I guess it works. 'Ey... should we all try it at once? Perhaps, Mitsuo would care to empower the blue switch with a water charm? .. Indeed.. * Erellisae pouts. "It faded again... think we all hav--" She gets cut off by Mikari, and nodsnods. ^_^ * Mikari readies herself to cast Rumble ^_^ Cooperation is the key.... all the strengths together... [Mitsuo] Sure thing... *Goes over to the blue switch Ms. Mikari may be right.. * Dylan strolls to the gold switch.. * Mikari nods and grins to Erel and prepares herself Alright... onna count of 3... * Erellisae starts concentrating on another Burn spell. ^_^ 1... 2... * Jalanda closes her eyes, and concentrates deeply upon the switches... 3! Mitsuo lets off a Heal spell on the blue switch! * Erellisae casts. "Burn!" :D Winds of fate, gust and abate... Howl... * Jalanda twirls her hand in an invisible circle, the very air about Silver switch mimicing the motion, turning into a miniture twister that wrecks havoc in the vicinity... then is gone as quickly as it came. * Mikari lets loose a tremor which reverberates through the ground, shaking some tiles out of place... when it reaches the button, the earth erupts some rocks, which hit the button fiercely! >> The door slides open! Win! :D Aha! ^_- v *makes a V sign* * Feray rests a hand on her hip, watching all the magic fly about....she chuckles and heads through the door. Yay! :D * Dylan hands Erellisae the cholla he found earlier.. * Jalanda returns her hand to the folds of her robes. "We are close." * Erellisae smiles at Dylan. "Thanks. ^^;" She pockets it. Little one.. I think you've earnt this with your efforts.. Sue enters the fourth room and immediately heads for the carvings. ^^ * Erellisae heads for the door together with everyone else. ^_^ The carvings here show the waves of a great, rolling sea. Underneath the water is a stylized structure...a large animal? A sunken building? It's difficult to tell. * Dylan taps and maps yet again, not really interested in the mural * Feray looks about curiously.. * Dill leaves Jalanda's hood to examine the thing, before returning, a bit confused.. Puff? Sue reads... Inscription: "All magic comes from the Spirits. When their power pulls away from our world, magic and life are pulled away too. The path to the future depends on our seeking the Spirits and wisely using their gifts." Dylan discovers yet another cache of treasure chests. ^^ Feray stumbles upon a chest as well! * Dylan drags the chests to a suitable position, and then opens those he can. * Feray opens her chest cautiously. Dylan - One is empty, having been raided already; one is locked. Feray finds a vaccine. =) * Dylan points out the locked chest to Rion * Erellisae peers about, looking at the inscriptions. ^_^ I'm on it. * Rion examines the chest carefully.. * Erellisae finds a row of switches...eight of them this time! They run in a line of colors: red, silver, blue, gold, purple, white, green, and orange. * Jalanda stands still a moment... Rion picks the lock. Discovers a revive potion! Damn. That's a lot of switches. [Sue] Er. Yes. Maybe this is why I avoided this place. When I see something like this, I usually leave so as not to waste my time. * Erellisae follows along the row, reciting a little of her magic lessons. ^^ "Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning, Blizzard, Forest, Explosion..." * Dylan nods at Erellisae Sue frowns. [Sue] Hmmm....there must be a trick to these switches. * Mikari nods to Erel too [Sue] Let's see...well, lightning comes from fire and wind.... Good to see you are taught some good things, even if they neglect proper respect in the spirits.. Hmm. We cannot set off all at once though.. [Sue] Perhaps we don Well... Combining two elemental spells would work to create a secondary element, but if we have two people cast spells simultaneously on all the special switches, we won't have enough people to do it all at once. [Sue] Perhaps we don't need to... [Sue] Erellisae! Try casting Burn! on that orange switch for me... * Erellisae blinkblinks. "The orange switch?" * Dylan turns to Jalanda ...Maybe we just have to find the employee entrance. * Erellisae shrugs, and starts to concentrate, forming a red glow between her hands. Yes. Jalanda, could you perhaps cast Diggin' on the same switch as Erellisae does that? * Jalanda blinks a moment out of her daze, then looks at Dylan. Sue snickers at Mikari. Yes... I can try. ^_^ Icarians gotta eat. You seem our other main healer.. perhap it would be appropriate if we made a joint effort on the Forest switch? * Jalanda nods. "Let us do it together, Dylan." * Dylan nods, and steps back for Jalanda to help Erel * Jalanda lifts her pale right hand from the robes that hide it, as it begins to gather a golden magical aura... Hell... I'm gonna have a migraine after all this magic... Who thought up these switches?? I think I'd prefer some more spikes and trap doors. * Erellisae grins, and flings a flame toward the button. "Burn!" :D As they cast their spells, the orange switch glows...and continues to glow brightly. ^^ * Jalanda causes a ripple in the earth around the button. "...Diggin'..." Mitsuo curiously wanders over to the silver switch, then chants a spell, casting Howl... Well, Ms. Mikari, you obivously are not unattuned yourself.. perhaps with Mitsuo you could do the Purple switch? The silver switches glows! * Dylan steps to the green switch.. Refreshing Rain or Nourishing Soil? [Sue] Let me know if anyone needs me to help out... Sure, why not. Purple Lightnin'. ^_^ * Jalanda lifts her pale right hand from the robes that hide it, as it begins to gather an azure magical aura... * Erellisae wanders to the gold button as the others are occupied, casting Diggin' on it. ^_^ * Dylan picks up dust from the ground and sketches a diamond, the dust hangs in the air and he slams a fist through it, attempting to quiet his usuall battle-casting roar.. >> The gold switch is activated! Well, this seems t'work fine. I'm glad we won't need an army of twelve just to get this damn door open. >:\ Water to soil... awaken the forest Spirit.... Heal! Flesh and Bone, be as Rock and Stone! * Jalanda sprays the button with a fine mist, overlapping the shattered diamond of Dylan's creation. * Feray watches, amused, as the group pounds into the switches. ^^; >> The green switch shines. * Dylan rest a hand on Jalanda's shoulder. * Rion casts Howl on the White switch! * Soon with luck, we won't need each others aid. Or we'll have to use strength instead of magic, for once. ^_- Mitsuo steps over and casts Heal on the white switch. ^^ * Jalanda lowers her hand, and glances to Dylan. "In time..." >> White switch glows. [Sue] Mikari, can you help Rion with the purple one? * Erellisae casts yet another Burn, at the red switch! :D * Rion casts Howl on the Purple switch! * >> Red switch activated! Sure thing. *spits on the ground and holds her hand out, letting it glow a little* [Sue] Dylan, I think the last one is the blue one...can you handle that? * Mikari casts Burn at the purple switch in turn! >> Purple switch glows! * Dylan whips out a scrap of paper and doodles a saliva symbol on it. Rainbow springs, lend me power so I may eventually return! * Dylan slaps the paper on the switch, and casts Heal. >> Dylan casts Heal. Blue switch glows! >> The door slides open! Alright. 'Bout time. Yay! :D * Jalanda looks at the door with satisfaction. "I divine that the Spirits are pleased..." * Mikari walks past the others to the doorway. * Dylan steps through the doorway, rubbing his shoulders.. * Erellisae follows Mikari and Dylan, peering through. ^_^ The next room looks decidely different. The carvings show Icarians in all sorts of different moods and activities, some happy, some sad. Across the huge chamber is a very large door...crossing the chamber's center is a wall with eight archways. They seem to be blocked with odd wooden doors of a faint silvery color, but there are no handles... * Rion follows, quick on his feet and ever attentive. * * Jalanda heads into the room, faces with another mystical challenge. [Sue] I think this is the last chamber before our goal... *Reading the inscription* * Erellisae looks around. "Eight doors, now..." * Feray looks about, crossing her arms over her chest. The archways have no colors, but a closer inspection shows words forming on each door as they watch, glowing silver. Oddly though...the words are in modern speech, not ancient Angelou script... * Erellisae blinks. "Hey... I can read this." She starts to check each door in turn. ^^ Inscription: "To seek the truth, look inside yourself and learn who you are. Ask the Spirits what part they wish you to play, then carry out your role well. Each step opens another door to the future of the world, and to its salvation." The voices have become clearer... Written by the Devotees or by Justin and Feena? * Dylan shrugs and maps/taps the room You can, eh? Hmm, this must be an entirely magical inscription then. Erellisae reads door number one. Inscription: "Enter here, O wanderer seeking peace." Hmm.. * Erellisae continues to read along, hmming. "Eight doors... and eight of us..." Sue shrugs. [Sue] This doesn't look like something Justin or Feena would write...and I don't think the devotees COULD do so. * Dill flaps at Erel irritably PUFF!!! Dylan finds a single, locked treasure chest... Yo! Rion! Lock. * Mikari shrugs * Jalanda steps forward to the doorways, concentrating upon the words. * Erellisae sighs, and raises an eyebrow at Dill. "Eight of us capable of opening doors, then." :P Open 'em all at once? * Rion zips on over. * Sue grins. [Sue] That is, I don't think they could write magically. I dunno if they can write at all of course, but I wouldn't bet on that. * Erellisae moves onto door no. 2, reading the writing. ^^ * Rion has a look-see at the Chest.. * Funny how we have just the right number, eh? The inscription seems not to require that.. instead it suggests one at a time.. * Feray follows Erel as she goes.. Door 2: "Pass through the door, one who has locked self away." >> Rion opens the chest. Finds the Ancient Amulet! This... is not coincidence. Locked self away, eh? * Jalanda inspects the writing upon the 8th door. Hmm.. * Erellisae looks kind of worried now, reading along to the 3rd door. ^^; Yeah, I'd have to agree. *starts to look suspicious....* * Rion holds up the find. * Not your average piece of equipment. Door 8: "Come nearer, claimer of the past." What is it, Rion? Door 3: "Cross over, prophet of dimensions." * Jalanda runs her eyes to the 7th and 6th... * Mikari steps over to the 7th door, carefully looking over the inscription Confusing. ^^ Door 4: "Come forward, child of wisdom." Door 5: "Step closer, one who bridges life and death." This is kinda eerie. ^^; Door 6: "Lift your eyes to me, child of man and nature." Door 7: "Toss the coin, taker of the future." Sue frowns thoughtfully. [Sue] Hmmm. So vague.. I could be several of those.. * Feray considers the inscriptions.. * Jalanda muses silently. "...we each have a role...a destiny... a part. Some are more aware than others..." * Erellisae wanders back and forth, looking tense. "Well... I guess..." * Rion stuffs the Amulet down his shirt for now.. * We could just touch doors until they open to the right person? * Erellisae moves closer to door 4, hesitating, before resting a hand on the silvery door. >> Door 4 shimmers and turns translucent at Erellisae's touch... * Dylan walks up to Jalanda, though he talks to Dill Huh. I'm assuming the door accepts Erel.. * Jalanda watches Erellisae carefully... * Erellisae steps back a little, taking her hand away, biting her lip slightly. Dill. Would you walk my path with me, as you have before.. I still fear to walk alone.. Puff. * Feray waits, not eager to step forward. * Dill nuzzles Jal, and looks at her with an apologetic look, and the flaps to Dylan's shoulder, resting there, almost.. protectively. * Jalanda sofly whispers. "Erellisae, you seek what lies at the end of this journey... one who pushes bravely forth, now is not the time to hesitate..." * Dylan walks up to door 1, and rests a hand against it * Erellisae nods, not turning around, before stepping closer again and giving the door a good /push/. The door dissolves softly under Erellisae's touch, allowing her to pass through it unhindered. ^_^ Door 1 shimmers translucent as Dylan touches it. Huh...two down....six to go. Mitsuo frowns, pacing down the corridor quietly, intently examining the inscriptions. I will not embarass they who have locked self away by staying. Meet you in the next room, 'kay? * Dylan waves goodbye and steps throuhg. * Jalanda nods to Dylan. "Rememebr, you do not walk fate's path alone... someone waits for you." Wonder what happens if you choose the wrong door. ^^; No clue. I'd like to test to see if it opens at all, 'cept that might be risky. Mitsuo shrugs and approaches door 7...he reaches out to touch it. Suddenly a jolt of electricity flows through Mitsuo, knocking him back! :o [Mitsuo] AAAH! O_o [Mitsuo] *mutters, getting up* Guess THAT was the wrong one... That....doesn't seem pleasant.. ^^; I guess so.. [Mitsuo] Owwww. ....Er. That answers THAT. I'd rather avoid that thankya. * Jalanda helps Mitsuo up. * Feray glances at Jal, Rion, Mikari, Mitsuo and Sue. * Feray takes a deep breath and reaches out to lightly tap door five. * Jalanda looks over those remaining. "Look deep within yourselves..." Door 5 shimmers softly as Feray touches it. ... * Feray glances up at the inscription. * Feray quickly passes through. The door dissolves as Feray passes through it. ^^ Well... I say 3 is Jalanda, so might as well get that over with... eh? Sue ponders... * Jalanda bows her head slightly. Ah. 'Nother one. Let's see... I agree there, yeah. [Sue] *Brightly* Hmmm. Claimer of the past. Well, I'm an archaeologist...certainly seems to fit! *she heads for door 8* * Mikari starts to appear uncomfortable, and irritated I will only go into the unknown, once your way has been sealed. It is my duty... Nice to know you're confident about all this. ...Hey now! Why're you gonna wait when you know your door?? I sure as hell don't wanna get shocked either! Sue touches door 8...which glows softly. She smiles and steps through as the door dissolves, then turns around to face the others, cupping her hands to her mouth. [Sue] Hurry up, slowpokes! * Jalanda looks down a moment, then at the third door. * Jalanda smiels slightly. You're correct. Only you know your destiny... and I trust you to make the right decisions. When fate brings us together once more... * Jalanda touches the third door. Mitsuo blinks, pondering. Finally he walks over to door 6...and passes through slowly, unharmed. He sighs with relief. Door 3 shimmers softly. ...for it crosses all time and space. * Jalanda closes her eyes and steps through. Hmm... well now.. * Rion glances to Mikari. * So.. you hiding something about your past? Or are you killing the future? Well, no fried prophet, so we're good to go. * Mikari frowns and looks decidedly annoyed, saying nothing. ....Ugh. Fine. I pick door #2. Let's see if I win a damn toaster oven. As Mikari touches door 2, it shimmers softly silver. * Mikari sighs in slight exhasperation, as one might act when being put through unnecessary problems by a friend. She steps through, looking back to Rion. "See ya on the other side... Don't be forever." * Rion blinks a bit, and looks around the now empty chamber.. * ..so I'm the taker of the future.. >> One door left! Which will you choose? :D * Rion steps up to the 7th door.. * The door shimmers and then dissolves as Rion walks through. Once on the other side, he and the others watch as the huge door at the far end slides open.... Yay! :D We did it! * Dylan taps/maps the newly accessed side of room * Dylan had his back turned from the doors so he didn't see who was who. And suggested to all who passed that they do the saem In the large, final chamber, the carvings on the walls of the circular room surpass anything seen before. On it are images of Icarians, humans, various types of beastmen, Mogay, Lumians, even mermaids...just about everything. The carvings here are adorned with brightly colored paints that seem very real, despite the stylized art of the carvings. Inscriptions cover every piece of available space, filling in the carvings until the words are almost art themselves. * Dill returns to Jalanda's hood. * Erellisae makes her way around the room, peering at all the different people. ^_^ Well.. isn't this just a happy little melting-pot. * Jalanda keeps walking forward after passing through her door, onward to some final destination. Hmm... virtually menagerie in 'ere... All sorts of emotions are displayed, but most are pleasant...it seems this depiction is of the height of the Angelou civilization. In one part of the room, however, the images become more dire. * Rion has a look about the room. * * Jalanda slows. Closer examination shows that the images are, in fact, depicting the rise of Gaia, which had not yet happened when these ruins were built... Sue, I thought you said these ruins were pre-Gaia? Sue approaches the inscription here, frowning thoughtfully at the paragraphs. She nods. [Sue] They WERE pre-Gaia...I'm sure of it. Odd... *reading* Hmm. Guys, come have a look at this. * Jalanda looks at the array of images. "...a sad fate. When those with the power to change it do not listen..." [Mitsuo] Hmm? What is it? *Wanders over* ....I guess this ain't really all that good an example of the benefits of cooperation. * Erellisae steers gently away from the rather worse depictions, concentrating instead on peering at the non-threatening nice different races. ^^; * Rion moseys on over. * * Dylan wanders over, watching over the shorter peoples heads Sue reads aloud... "Long ago, the Spirits granted the Icarians wings and appointed them as the Guardians of the Spirit Stone, intercessors for humanity. They utilize and protect the Spirit Stone, guarding it from those who would misuse it because they do not understand its power." "They also speak to the Spirits for us, because often we do not know how to interpret their will. Yet hear now the truth behind the divine gifts bestowed upon the Icarians." "The Icarians are humans, raised by the Spirits to a new form and a heavy responsibility. They are honored as high priestesses, but while the wisdom and strength required for this is great, it is not the only duty they face. The Icarians sprang from humans, but they hold within themselves a stronger spirit than many humans do." "This is how they are able to channel the Spirits' power to such a degree and to shoulder the great burden that is theirs. Icarians and humans both have their failings, but the humans' failing will lead them to separate from the Spirits and corrupt the Spirit Stone." "The Icarians, so close in harmony and communication with the Spirits, are the only ones who can reverse the corruption and bridge the gap the humans have created between themselves and the Spirits. This bridge they build of themselves, sacrificing their lives for humanity because humanity does not know how to reach for the Spirits on their own." Ah, yes... the day the oversized roach ate the army. Fun stuff. . o O ( A sad cycle broken by Justin and Feena... but tragic nonetheless ) * Jalanda stops at the center of the room, listening intently to the words. "..." "This is a cycle of destruction and salvation. It has happened before, and it will happen again, until humanity learns to bridge that gap with healing rather than pain and sacrifice. Only then will the circle be broken, and the path will lead out of the cycle and into a new future of humanity's creation." "Then the humans and Icarians shall become whole once more, and the world will shelter under the Tree of Life. The Wall that divides humanity will stand but will be a barrier no longer." "The three Dimension Orbs will have lost their power, but when humanity rises to claim the future, the Spirits' power will fill them once more, opening their hidden pathways to the world once again, their possibilities ten times tenfold what they are now. The paths to the future will open up in all directions, and the Bells of Time will ring in triumph." . o O (But in breaking the cycle.. what new dangers may we face.. even within ourselves.. ) [Sue] ... Dimension Orbs? ...this future has not totally come to pass... Geeze.. it feels like a ghost just walked through me.. Sue frowns. [Sue] I'm not entirely sure what that means. But...I think you're right, Jalanda. * Erellisae is silent, still facing the wall she's been looking at but evidently not paying attention to this past while. * Dylan cracks his knuckles Dimensions... and time.... *closes her eyes* Sue runs a hand down the inscription. [Sue] Some of this prophecy was unfolded by Justin and Feena...and even me, to some small degree. *Smiles* But...there's more here. I bet Justin and Feena went dashing off to find one of those Orbs! [Sue] It's possible.... Hmm. Orbs. *Frowns* That sounds vaguely familiar. Well, as a general rule I tend to treat prophecies like freshly dumped horse shite... but warnings can't hurt. And those orbs might be worth somethin' if I run across 'em. * Rion remains silent.. examining everything over again.. * Rion comes across a strange carving.... * Rion runs his hand over the anomalous engraving.. * * Erellisae blinkblinks, "Possibilities ten times tenfold...?", before turning round. "Hey... weren't the Dimension Orbs the way you got home just after Justin and Gadwin saved Gadwin's village?" The carving depicts three shining orbs in a line. The first is a soft green color, underneath a carving of a hill. The second is faint blue, underneath stylized waves. The third lies under a stretch of sandy texture, a dim red. * Dylan strokes his chin.. * Jalanda whispers, "Perhaps that is the star I have seen... it is an orb. shining. With the clamor of the bells echoing through infinity." Then.. where's the third? Or indeed the second. It doesn't matter now anyways. We're not here to find orbs. We're on the trail of Justin and Feena. Sue blinks. [Sue] Umm. Well, it was the Teleportation Orb...but...I suppose the name could easily have changed over thousands of years. *Suddenly intrigued.* I'd always wondered about that artifact...no mention of it anywhere else but in legend and folklore... Puff! Puff! I think Dill wants to know what you've been smoking. ^_^ * Dylan glares at Mikari [Sue] But the legends say it can only be used once. So what is the use of it? *Thinks* But Rion is right, that's not why we're here. *Wistful look* But once we've found Justin and Feena, I'd like to further study this place... * Dylan idly sketches the murals here. * Mikari snorts amusedly and crosses her arms, winking at Dylan before letting them finish speculation So why are we here..? Justin and Feena don't seem to be here... * Jalanda raises her head up from her thoughts... she seems to be staring at nothing in particular... Sue shakes her head. [Sue] No...but they were. This was a temple for the Icarians, in an age when few knew what their true purpose was...but those who built this temple DID know, and sought to preserve that knowledge. ...Hmm. Smart buggers, they were. [Sue] This may give us a clue as to where Justin and Feena went. Perhaps they were seeking answers to the questions they found here... ...the voices. I can hear them now. Sue chuckles. [Sue] Well, I suppose priests and priestesses of ancient Angelou might be called "smart buggers," yes. * Jalanda lowers her head then stares in the direction of Dylan... [Mitsuo] Voices, Jalanda? *Frowns* * Dylan raises an eyebrow. Yes, Ms. Jalanda? ...Ehh. It's usually a stretch for priests and priestesses, but I might be willin' to give a little slack... ...So, what do ya need from this? * Mikari follows Jalanda's gaze to Dylan Do the Spirits have a tale for this Wolf wandering in search of peace? * Mikari blinks and little question marks appear above her head Among the carvings on the walls are images of Icarians being attended by long-robed priests and priestesses, with pointed ears. * Dylan was speaking in a completely serious tone. * Jalanda speaks with that level tone, reminiscient of when you first met her. "Seeker of peace and adventures.... one who chronicles and partakes of history... you face grave trials." * Dylan grins To bring peace and calm to the world, yet fighting to protect it... but first, can you acknowledge the warlike nature that burns within you? Grave trials.... ugh. If that were engraved onna door, I wouldn't go through it. I know. At this rate I'll have to eat Rion's cooking * Erellisae blinks, and runs a fingertip along the image of the priests and priestesses, her own ears twitching as she traces their outline... * Mikari nods somberly in agreement Hey now.. I don't even cook at all! But, thanks for the message. * Mikari suddenly takes notice of Erellisae against the pictures on the wall, perceiving an uncanny parallel.... * Dylan smiles gently, deep brown eyes like wells, not betraying any dischord between face and heart. ...Erel, kid, could ya turn around? Stand a little to the left. Hmm.... See? *narrows her eyes* * Erellisae does so, sweatdropping. ^^; * Jalanda glances towards Feray. "One who desires to live free and wild, you war with the darkness that closes in on you and the world. But you cannot stand against this alone. Your salvation lies in your ability to trust." * Mikari studies, then gives a "lightbulb" expression on her face. Feray makes no response, but pales slightly, then nods acknowledgment. * Jalanda then runs her stare to Mikari... I think.. I'll not intrude on this.. Hey, girl, to me, these priestesses look just like you... What d'ya think that means?.... * Dylan steps outside.. deep in thought.. * Mikari turns to Dylan Hey, big boy, whaddya make of it? Being the artist, after all. I d'no! ^^;; I never left Merrill before, nor my parents either! 'm just human! * Dylan doesn't seem to hear.. Well.. you do got that pointy-ear thing goin', Chickie-boo. One who lives life in her own way, yet you betray yourself. You are independent and what you wish to be, yet that is not all of who you truly are. You must learn to live in all times, past, present, and future, or your way of life may yet be destroyed. ^^; Eh, don't take it too seriously, kid. You don't hear me accusin' you of being a thousand-year old reincarnation of the Great Whatshernamis, or anything. * Jalanda takes a short breath, as if straining, and continues on, looking towards Erellisae. How'dya get those ears, anyway? I just assumed you were mixed race, or whatever. If you're all human, that's a bit odd. * Erellisae fingers her ears once, then shakes her head, looking up at Jalanda's motion. The child of innocence, your heart leads in one direction, your mind another. Greatness lies upon your path... but will it be the greatness that you seek? When that time comes, can you recognize and accept it?" * Mikari cocks her head and narrows her eyes in interest, looking towards Jalanda to see if she has something to add. She is now quite interested. I don't know... just always had them. -^^- * Erellisae blinks, then falls silent at Jalanda's words. Gah... well, ol' Jal is always a bit wordy about it, but hey, she's kinda right in a way. And hey, you were the one searchin' for adventure, if I recall. ^_~ * Jalanda tilts her head to Rion. "All you have come to believe has been thrown into question, and you risk revealing the inner self. Where will your loyalties lie... and what will you ultimately choose? for light and darkness war even now inside you; choose wisely..." * Jalanda fixates on Mitsuo... What's the fun of adventure if its somebody /else's/ adventure? Might as well find out somethin' worth learning. * Rion looks like he doesn't quite buy that. * I'll have to take your word on that one, I guess. * Mikari rolls her eyes slightly at the melodrama, being a bit too over-the-top for her at the moment, but resists comment. The drifter through time... you seek identity. Who you were, what you are... but what you will become is the choice you must make. Destiny shall throw your fate at your feet... but will you accept the decree of time, or strive for your own path? [Mitsuo] Er...right. ^^; * Jalanda lastly looks to Sue. Sue grins. [Sue] Any words of wisdom for me? * Mikari watches Mitsuo talk and starts to hope Jalanda doesn't start grilling her before they get out of the ruins Brush your teeth; don't talk to strangers?... *looks to Jalanda for an obviously more involved description* Sue makes a face at Mikari. Yes... the road forks ahead of you. Your desire to protect and desire to trust are at odds. But only by letting go can you find the road meant for you. ^_^ [Sue] Hmmmmmm. Interesting. And... * Jalanda doesn't look like she intended to pause utterly, but you see her expression change from a stoic to a slightly confused one. [Sue] Umm...you okay, Jalanda? * Mikari raises an eyebrow Perhaps she's trying to predict her OWN future. [Sue] Gonna share, Jalanda? It probably wouldn't make any sense to us anyway... I've heard of many'a dead prophet who's had trouble with that one. * Jalanda stares at the carving of Gaia long and hard. * Mikari looks back to the carving, narrowing her eyes. ... So.. it would seem my future lies in the past... I understand. ...Uh... are you a time traveler now, girl? * Jalanda turns back to the rest of the group. Sue sighs. [Sue] I don't know about the rest of you....but my head is reeling. What do you say we head back and scrape together some lunch? If there's enough time we could head back to town this afternoon, or we could stay here another night and explore some more. * Erellisae nodsnods, rather gratefully. ^^; Well.. if more people are gonna go spooky on us, I think we should boot it back to a place with real human contact. * Mikari turns to Sue. "Fine by me. Assuming those traps are disarmed for good, that is. If we have to disarm them all over again later, I'd like to reconsider." * Erellisae starts to head out rather quickly, a serious look on her face. * Dylan notices Erel leave the room Time, no... but perhaps fate has room fro second chances... Are we leaving then? * Mikari looks... slgihtly concerned at the sight of Erel leaving. She looks to the others briefly and nods her head in the direction of the door questioningly. Yeah, let's skedaddle. Sue blinks at Erellisae. [Sue] I wonder if she's okay...I'll have to talk to her later. Yes Dylan, it looks like it. Let's head back! *Shouldering her pack, she heads out, motioning for the others to follow her back to the entrance. * Dylan proceeds to leave the ruins * Rion starts towards the entrance.. * * Mikari turns to leave with the others, hand on her satchel. At the door, Sue turns and looks back at the chamber, staring...then shakes her head, turns, and heads out again, muttering to herself. [Sue] I have a bad feeling about this. ==SESSION END== Session Close: Fri Nov 09 23:12:55 2001