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Inarus leaves Usawoti at the back of the fortress while he tries to deface the newer runes.
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Inarus, finding his claws not doing much to the stone, draws his adamantine tipped darkwood lance and uses it instead.
"Usawoti, I'm trying to take up a job as a stonemason. It's certainly harder then it looks!" The dragon huffs.
He switches to his adnantine lucene hammer , trying find the best tool for the job.
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After 10 minutes the dragon temporarily turned stonemason gives it a pass. "I give up. Leave the job to professionals. Let's get moving."He then flops down, offering Usawoti a forepaw up, then flies over the bridge into the gate.
As you pass through the gate, feelings of rage flood through you-!
Every injustice, every cruelty, every hurt and pain, and you suddenly are aware of them and flooded with the need for vengeance-!!
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of wrath and fury, waiting to be unleashed.
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'these giants are not like the others, they have no legs, are they cloud giants? Aren't cloud giants good?' After giving their glass to the first giant, 'Inarus aren't cloud giants good, the first one was named 'Righteous Anger' don't you think they may be able to give us information? With each passing gate and name Usawoti thinks that speaking to one the melancholy creatures may help with information.
Seeing the last two guardians the one jumping down and landing on it's legs. These are different again, 'with you two' does in mean with us or against us, I'm not asking.' Usawoti keeps his head down and his mouth shut as he passes the gate.
'What an odd hallway, it seems to me through the water and we can see the other passageways through the water, hhhmmmm. the languages are elven aquan and dragon, did these two or three species work together to build this place?' As they walk and admire the peculiar setting, Usawoti finally asks Inarus 'Who are we going to talk to about the real reason we are here, too rescue a princess of the elves?'
'He asked me to stay here, I wonder if my travelers any-tool would help.'
'Well I guess were ready to go.' As Inarus offers a paw to mount, Usawoti nods and climbs aboard.
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"Well, the next time I see any guardians, I'll ask them. But they make me nervous. I don't want to be struck down by lightning, you know. And you're not in good shape."The dragon twitches as he looks at Usawoti concerned."When we get across all these bridges we should be able to meet the high ones. And ask them questions."
After passing through the red "wrath" gate and feeling a surge of emotion, you see before you a second unguarded enormous torii-style gate (again, with open doors) with a similar set of runes to the first.
The "wrath" door shuts behind you in a stiff breeze, as the door before you opens in the same... though you're not strictly sure how such a thing is possible, physically.
The rune on the second gate once again (as the previous bridge) denotes "rest" but has had a deep gouge placed across that rune and instead has, "sloth" crudely carved underneath.
The door behind you solidly closed, and the orange gate before you - stone door already ajar - gently creaks even further open, swinging wide towards you... calling to you, softly.
It's slightly boring by this point. And makes you feel... lethargic somehow.
As you pass through the gate, feelings of lethargy oozes through you...
Every unfinished task, every scrap of ennui, every chore, bears down on your mind as you are increasingly aware of them and covered with the need for rest...
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of sloth and hesitation, waiting to be unleashed.
After passing through the red "wrath" and orange "sloth" gates and feeling both surges of emotion, you see before you a third unguarded enormous torii-style gate (again, with open doors) with a similar set of runes to the first, this time yellow.
The "sloth" door again shuts behind you in a stiff breeze, as the door before you opens in the same... though you're fairly sure that such a thing is not normally possible.
The rune on the third gate once again match the previous bridge, and denotes "fertility" but has, as the previous two, had a deep gouge placed across that rune and instead has, "lust" etched underneath with less skill than the original builder.
The door behind you solidly closed, and the yellow gate before you - stone door already ajar - gently grinds even further open, swinging wide towards you... calling to you, softly.
It's actually mildly thrilling, now. And makes you feel... excited somehow.
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The dragon shifts his head from side to side uncomfortable with the sudden feelings of anger going through him. He briefly imagines ripping Erevel to pieces for not being forthcoming with information, getting everyine into this. 'I don't usually get this angry. It must be the bridge. I think it's doing something to us.'
"Usawoti, do you feel it? That surge of anger. I think the bridge is changing us. Should I try to remove the runes on this bridge? The language translation spell might wear off, though.
" He asks Usawoti.
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The dragon then flies through the next door.
Every desire, every flirtatious thought, every element you find attractive, and you suddenly are aware of them and overwhelmed with the need for companionship~!
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of lust and wanton desire, waiting to be unleashed.
After passing through the red "wrath," orange "sloth," and yellow "lust" gates gates and feeling the relevant surges of emotion, you see before you a fourth unguarded enormous torii-style gate (again, with open doors) with a similar set of runes to the first, this time green.
The "lust" door again shuts behind you in a stiff breeze, as the door before you opens in the same... clearly a mystical effect of this place.
The rune on the fourth gate once again match the previous bridge, and denotes "eager striving" but has, as the previous two, had a deep gouge placed across that rune and instead has, "envy" etched underneath with less skill than the original builder.
The door behind you solidly closed, and the green gate before you - stone door already ajar - gently grinds even further open, swinging wide towards you... calling to you.
It's actually frustrating, now. And makes you feel... irritable.
Everything others have that you lack, every time anyone has been considered 'greater' than you, every rejection in favor of another, and you suddenly are aware of them and gripped with the need for that...!
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of envy and bitterness, waiting to be unleashed.
After passing through the red, orange, yellow, and green gates ("wrath," "sloth," "lust," and "envy") and feeling similar surges of emotion, you see before you the fifth unguarded enormous torii-style gate with open doors and similar runes to the previous, this time blue.
The "envy" door again shuts behind you in a stiff breeze, as the door before you opens in the same...
The rune on the fifth gate once again match the previous bridge, and denotes "wealth" but has, as the previous two, had a deep gouge placed across that rune and instead has, "greed" etched underneath with less skill than the original builder.
The door behind you solidly closed, and the blue gate before you - stone door already ajar - gently grinds even further open, swinging wide towards you... calling to you.
It's actually enticing, now. And makes you feel... wanting.
As you pass through the blue gate, feelings of greed flood through you!
Every coin overpaid, every gem stolen, every bounty unpaid, and you suddenly are aware of them and inundated with the need for all to be yours!
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of greed and grasping desire, waiting to be unleashed.
After passing through the previous five gates and feeling the relevant surges of emotion, you see before you a sixth unguarded enormous torii-style gate (again, with open doors) with a similar set of runes, this time indigo.
The "greed" door again shuts behind you in a stiff breeze, as the door before you opens in the same.
The rune on the sixth gate once again match the previous bridge, and denotes "abundance" but has, as the previous gates, had a deep gouge placed across that rune and instead has, "gluttony" etched underneath with less skill than the original builder.
The door behind you solidly closed, and the indigo gate before you - stone door already ajar - gently grinds even further open, swinging wide towards you... calling to you.
It's actually inspiring, now. And makes you feel... hungry.
As you pass through the gate, feelings of hunger flood through you-!
Every flavor, every oral delight, every pleasure in the digestive system, and you suddenly are aware of them and emptied, leaving a need for for consumption~...
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of gluttony and emptiness, waiting to be unleashed.
After passing through the the previous gates and feeling the relevant surges of emotion, you see before you a seventh unguarded enormous torii-style gate (again, with open doors) with a similar set of runes to the first, this time violet.
The "gluttony" door again shuts behind you in a stiff breeze, as the door before you opens in the same.
The rune on the seventh gate once again match the previous bridge, and denotes "honest pride" but has, as the previous two, had a deep gouge placed across the part of the rune meaning "honest" and instead just leaving, "pride."
The door behind you solidly closed, and the violet gate before you - stone door already ajar - gently grinds even further open, swinging wide towards you... calling to you.
It's actually flattering, now. And makes you feel... superior.
As you pass through the gate, feelings of superiority flood through you.
Every success, every mastery, every perfect element of yourself, and you suddenly are aware of them and radiating with the need for recognition.
... and then, as quickly as they come, the feelings subside.
... but something is left within you... deep inside. A seed of pride and hubris, waiting to be unleashed.
Beyond the last gate, you see the bridge continue until it suddenly hits a blank void - a span of emptiness that just kind of... cuts off.
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The dragon gives a yawn, and curls up for a moment, then shakes it off.
'Must find a mate! Make baby dragons!' The dragon daydreams of finding a beautiful red she-dragon and going sky dancing together, and he gives off a mating-call, and leaps into the air to look for his dream partner. Then those feelings fade, leaving him blushing horribly for even thinking of those thoughts.
"Sorry." He apologies to Usawoti.
The dragon is taken aback briefly by the feelings of envy, but then decides there isn't much to be jealous about others for. He's got wings, and the rest of the world is stuck walking on the ground.
The dragon starts daydreaming of finding a hoard of treasure. "Usawoti, when we meet the coven and help them to reclaim the island, we'll ask them for a hefty reward to bring back to Golarion. I think I'll want the crown, orb and scepter of heaven," he muses to himself. "They'll look really good on me. I'll look really dashing." He muses to himself, then flies on.
The dragon turns his head towards Usawoti, and begins absentmindedly licking him, like a child would lick at an ice-cream. Then he realizes what he has been doing and blanches. "Sorry! I really didn't mean it!"He gasps, horrified at where that train of thought was leading to.
'Yup, I'm a dragon. Right? I'm a gift to the world.'The door just affirms the dragon's natural pride, as he confidently flies beyond.
As he reaches the blank void and his memories tell him that he used to fly in, the dragon gets angry with himself. 'So you mean going through all those runes was a waste of time? Pah. Thanks awfully, Memory. Couldn't you have told me first?' He berates himself. He flops down on the bridge trying to search for more memories of things that he might have forgotten. Then he flies into the sacred land of the Coven like he used to do.
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Stars.
Infinity.
Void.
You are very, very small.
There was a brief moment of total darkness and silence and loneliness, so complete and absolute that nothing like it could exist in nature, and then you pass through, in the briefest of instants, into the infinite night sky.
Below you is a black void going on for eternity in which stars are scattered like diamonds shining in light only they possessed, lasting forever into antiquity and for an eternity still yet to come. Before you, behind you, above you, and to all sides... the same.
The smallness of your existence is pressed upon you, your insignificance in the face of something so vast, so grand, so... impossible, yet true.
"aaaahhhh, yesssssss, now." the voice hisses, sibilant and ancient from the infinity around you. "the ssssshadow-ssssserpent returns with itsssss pet."
The sentences are started and ended in a strange way, with a clear and awkward accent in which the start is soft, almost as if it were merely the continuance of a previous statement, but the end is consistently hard and clipped.
"ssssiiisssssteeerrrsssss come." it says.
"i SeE tHeM." says the second voice - again, with an accent, but not one that conforms to any speech pattern either of the two of you have ever heard of, and mismatched from that of the first voice. What was emphasized and accented makes no sense. "tHe PrEtEnDeRs ArE hErE." it says.
The distinct impression of female comes from these voices - not from their sound, no, it's impossible to tell. Simply from their will or essence... almost like something telling you its gender, and being insistent about it for some, unknown, and, in this case, hideous reason.
"ComeNowLetUsNotScareThePoorDears" says a third voice - each word run together, yet distinct in its own way, no clear delineation between the beginning and end of a thought in its tone. "TheyMustBeSoConfusedAndHaveSoManyQuestions"
"yyyeeeessss indeed" says the first, sibilant voice, "aaassss they aaaalllwwaaayyyssss do."
"tHaT iS hArDlY tHeRe FaUlT." adds the second. "tHoUgH oN sEcOnD tHoUgHt, mAyBe It WoUlD bE." she giggles, in a most unpleasant and clearly mad way.
"PleaseIgnoreTheirTeasingWouldBeHeroes" adds the third. "YouKnowWeAdoreYou" she says, politely.
"yyyyeeeesssss oooofffff cooouuuurrrrsssseee wwweeee do." says the first voice. "juuusssssst aaasssss wwwwweeeee know you planed to uuuusssseee uuuussssss to fight the ffffuuunnnngusssss and esssscape afterward." she adds.
"yOu AlWaYs Do, YoU kNoW." adds the second voice.
"YesI'MAfraidIt'SMadeYouQuitePredictableByNow" adds the third. "SoFirstThingYouWillWantHealing"
Physical relief floods through Usawoti's body, as he feels invisible but icky-feeling hands gripping and caressing various parts of him in various ways, removing his sickness, nausea, and weakness. The sensation of hands vanish, leaving Usawoti just as strong as before.
"AndNowYou" the third voice says again, and Inarus feels the same.
"and now you've quesssstionssss and ffffaaaavvvvvoooorrrrrsssss to aaaasssssk of uuuusssss we believe." says the first voice.
The voices wait, expectantly.
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The dragon shudders as he passes through the void. 'What if this is what we truly are, but tiny little cogs in the working mechanism of an uncaring universe?' The thought pops up, but as soon as it does, it subsides.
'There are three speakers. Like a witches's Coven. The Maiden, Mother and the Crone? The third voice sounds somewhat concerned about our welfare. Almost motherly. I would put her as the Mother. The second voice saw through me and Usawoti's disguise. It is said that the Crone is wise beyond her years and she sees all, and knows all. That would make the first speaker the Maiden.' Almost unbidden, another thought occurs to him.'Why does it have to be snakes.'
"Greetings, High Ones." He greets them respectfully, and makes a bow in the dark. "My friend and I are travellers and we have been stranded here, in a world we do not know anything off. We would wish to know more about this world. Could you tell us how you've been locked in this endless war with the fungus this millenia?"
"We are most grateful for your hospitality and healing and seek to find a way out of here, as well as a lost Elven princess."
"hA!" says the second voice. "iT tHiNkS oF mE aS a CrOnE!" says the second voice.
"WellHesNotWrong" says the third. "AndIDoSoEnjoyBeingTheMother" she adds.
"enough ssssiiisssssteeerrrrsss of mine." interjects the first. "queeessssstiiiiooonnnnnssss have been aaaaasssssked of uuuuusssss and we will sssssspeak truth."
"oF cOuRsE, mAiDeN sIsTeR." says the second, giggling wickedly. "yOuR bLuShInG, eR, bRuShInG oUr EnJoYmEnT iS uNnEcEsSaRy, ThOuGh, YeS." she adds.
"ComeNowCrone" replies the third, "LetUsToBusiness" and, clearly turning attention toward you, "YouAreCuteButEnitrelyIncorrect" she tells you. "YouAreMostCertainlyNotTravelersAndYouMostCertainlyKnowThisWorldWell" There is a pause, then, "BeyondThatOfCourseIsTheSoCalledCaptiveYouBelieveWeHaveAcquired" there is mirth, "AlwaysSoDramaticDishadraluongg"
"you mother them to eeeexxxccccessss, sssssiiiisssteeerrr, without sssssppppeeeeaaaakkiiiinnnng aaaannnnssssswwwweeeerrrssss they need." states Maiden. "there iiiiisssss no elven pprrriiiinnnnccceeeesssss, beeccaaauuussse there are no eeeelllllvvvveeessss, ssssaaaavvvve one." she explains. "all eeellllssssseee iiiiisssssss dream."
Crone cackles. "nOtHiNg MoRe, HoW sAd InDeEd-Y." she says. "bUt YoU aLrEaDy KnOw ThE wAy OuT. yOu HaVe SeEn It On ThE vErY sCoUtInG tRiP tHaT 'iNaRuS' fIrSt ToOk HeRe; ReMeMbErS? bIg ToWeR, lOtS oF dOoM? yOu JuSt NeEd ThE kEy-StOnE." She cackles again. "bUt YoU aLrEaDy KnOw ThEsE."
"ToBeFairSisterSheHasForgotten" Maiden notes. "InAnyEventTheSoCalledPrisoner-" she begins, but is suddenly cut off by a booming powerful voice.
"" says the voice. From... somewhere steps a truly enormous woman, grinning down at the two of you. "" she grins. ""
She laughs for a moment, a surprisingly delicate sound for something so resounding. "" She smiles. ""
"enough, for now; iiiiissssss time for ssssssiiiiilllleeeeennncceee on that, to all." says Maiden.
"" says the giant, sighing.
It's entirely unclear what she's standing on - if anything at all - but she is a stunning figure, if terrifyingly big and strong.
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"You can read my thoughts?" The dragon asks the Coven incredulously as his eyes widen in surprise. "I have another companion out there, his name is Golan. He's a strix. He was stranded here too. Could I bring him here as well? However, I fear we would get lost in the darkness that surrounds this place.
"Milady." The dragon bows to the woman. "I must admit that I thought Erevel lied to us and there was no princess to rescue. But my companion here," He taps Usawoti gently with a foreclaw, on his shoulder"never lost hope. I asked about you mostly to humor him, never believing that you still existed. Can you forgive me?"
"High Ones. The tower is protected by the elements, and I do not know about the keystone you speak off, nor on where to find it. Also, what has caused the fungus, and why are they attacking the giants?"
"oH, iNdEeD, bRaVe SiR kNiGhT!" says Crone, "aNd MoRe BeSiDeS!"
"ButToBeHonestItIsAtLeastInPartBecauseYouKeepAskingTheSameQuestionsAndComin gToTheSameConclusionsThatMakesSuchAThingSoSimple" says Mother. "TenThousandYearsOfExperienceSmoothesTheRoughEdgesABit" she chuckles, softly.
"but to aaaannnnsssswwwweeeeerrrrr your ffffiiiirrrrssssst queeeessssstiiiooonnnn, your ssssstrrrriiiiiixxxxxx friend iiiiisssss no longer available." says Maiden. "he hhhhaaaaaassssss been ssssseeeeeduuuucccced or, peeeerrrrrhhhaaaaapsssss, eaten, or both." she explains.
"" says the huge woman, rolling her eyes. "" she shrugs. "" She looks at Inarus and Usawoti. "" She shakes her head. "" she says. "" She looks a little sad, at this.
"bUt ShE dEsIrEs AnSwErS, oUr PrEcIoUs-Y!" cackles Crone. "sO aNsWeRs ShE wIlL hAvE!" a vague sense of throat-clearing, which sounds suspiciously more like prepping a loogey to be hawked... and then an awful swallowing sound. "tEn tHoUsAnD yEaRs AgO, a SaCrEd SiStE-"
"" the enormous woman interrupted. " - appropriate title, if you ask me -" says the giant woman.
"YouKnowThatsForMedicalPurposesDearHeart" says Mother.
"... why do I even bother, " the giant begins again, ""
"'sssssss not a 'sssssstick' little girl, 'sssssss a powerful artifact and wand." notes Maiden.
"wElL, a RoD, rEaLlY." adds Crone.
"" demands the princess, piqued.
"YesOfCourseYeyePleaseContinue"
"" she looks at Inarus and Usawoti, "" she says, making a waving and cut-off motion at unseen individuals somewhere. "" she says, a deep scowl on her face, "" she explains to Inarus. "" she continues, "" she explains. ""
She sighs, paces a few, and looks back. "" she explains, ""
She shrugs. "" she explains. "" She points to Inarus' chest. A startled (and confused) squeak happens, as the mouse is levitated and shown to the two of you, before being allowed to scurry back into its place. "" She shakes her head. "" she asks. "" she acknowledges.
"aaassssss to getting llloooossssst," Maiden begins, "if you sssswwwweeeeaaaarrrrr aaaaalllllleeeeegiiiieeeeennnnccccce (again) to uuuuusssss, we will provide a key with great protection and power - maybe even to help your friend." she adds.
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Below you is a black void going on for eternity in which stars are scattered like diamonds shining in light only they possessed, lasting forever into antiquity and for an eternity still yet to come. Before you, behind you, above you, and to all sides... the same.
The smallness of your existence is pressed upon you, your insignificance in the face of something so vast, so grand, so... impossible, yet true.
'How truly magnificent, to see the stars of this place, the splendor the beauty. How lucky we are to have been given the opportunity.'
Turning, looking in the darkness, The shadow serpent, is that how they see Inarus, do they not realize he is not the dragon? What an interesting accent, so familiar. It's pet, I wonder if that is a compliment or an insult, ahhh, she is the watcher, and calls her sisters, is this the coven. Our second speaker, how different in rhyme and pattern than her sister, Truly interesting. But definitely feminine, they exude the finer sex. The pretenders? Does one see what the other does not? I wonder if they are like our witches coven on the plains. Ah the final speaker, 'we adore you, would-be hero's' this one see's us in even a different light. Yes three of them, stronger together than their accumulation of their separated parts I would wager, what is the saying "A three fold cord is not easily broken."
The healing hits Usawoti like a bucket of cold water on a hot day, shocking and violent at first but becomes cool and refreshing, He closes his eyes and lifting his face to the night sky lets it soak through him, breathing a soft "Thank you."
Returning his focus to the events at had, 'One speaker for now for us is enough, I will let Inarus speak, and listen to the answers they give. He is a better communicator than I.' Usawoti cocks his head, 'not travelers, know this world well, what do they think we know, or what have we forgotten that they have not...no princess, only one elf, do they mean Erevel?...all else is a dream... or do they mean another reality than theirs...the answers only cause more questions...but if all else is a dream why do we need the key to return. But one think is clear, our returning home is dependent on finding this key in the tower...'the event of the prisoner' this should be inter.....'
Usawoti's thoughts come to a halt as the woman appears, stepping out of the darkness, like a goddess come to mankind, Usawoti blinks his eyes, looking around himself, to make sure that all is as it was and that he has not been transformed to yet another mystical location. Dazed for a few seconds until she begins to speak, he then regains a small amount of composure and tries to understand.
Adorable? Mighty knight? Brave steed? Does she play with us? No need of rescue, of course not, how odd, what is her relationship to the coven if not goddess or high priestess... needing rescued or not, would she and the three stay here if we found the key or would they return with us. Would the key allow them to rule this place instead. These are questions that do not matter. What questions do... Usawoti listens to Inarus as he asks his questions, smiling slightly when his friend admits that the elves had not lied about a woman, 'I desire to know the answer to these as well but they do not matter to our purpose.'
Usawoti finally unties his tongue, also bowing low before the coven queen. "If I may ask a different vein of questioning, since we were sent here to look for you, would you give us a token to give to the elves to show we met you and you of your own free will chose not to return with us? Also, is there some small service we can render for you to show our appreciation of your willingness to meet with you before we attempt to leave?"
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”Golan is lost? How do you know its true? He’s a capable adventurer of his own right! It can’t be!” He challenges the princess.
The dragon winces as the princess bluntly states his true demonic nature. ’At least Usawoti knows about it already…though I’m not sure how I’m going to explain THAT to Golan’ The dragon thinks to himself.
”Who are they? Who are the creators of this place? Why did you say Erevel is lost? Did he lose his purpose? We saw some runes, Righteous Anger, Rest, Fertility, Eager Striving, Wealth, Abundance and Honest Pride on the way here. They were replaced by their dark mirrors. Why?” He asks the room. ”Princess, how did those demons cut you off from this place?”
”And how are we going to get to the central tower when it’s defended by acid, fire, lightning and ice? Will the keystones deactivate the defences of the place? What will happen to the keystones after? They’re not going to be hurt are they?” He fires a barrage of rapid questions. ’I’m fond of mouse. I wouldn’t want him hurt.’”Me and animals? I like animals. With animals at least you know that they’ll never lie to you. And they don’t judge you for how you look, “the dragon briefly feels hurt for Golan not trusting him.”Its whats inside.”
Usawoti finally unties his tongue, also bowing low before the coven queen. "If I may ask a different vein of questioning, since we were sent here to look for you, would you give us a token to give to the elves to show we met you and you of your own free will chose not to return with us? Also, is there some small service we can render for you to show our appreciation of your willingness to meet with you before we attempt to leave?"
She looks at Usawoti a moment, blinks, and then drops to a low squatting position. "Y-you..." she sniffs a bit, then, "" she smiles at him, small dampness gathering at the corners of her eyes.
"" she begins, wistfully.
"nO oF cOuRsE yOu MaY nOt-Y!" interrupts Crone.
She gets an expression of mild irritation, rolls her eyes, and sighs. As she does so, a powerful blast of wind blows forth from her lips, strong and hot and combines the smells of something sizzlingly sweet with raw ozone after a lightning strike and fresh rain. Shaking off her mild annoyance, she returns her focus to Usawoti, clearly still touched.
Excitedly, she begins, "" she says, and she brushes a hand through her long hair, finds a relatively short piece, and makes a swift chopping motion through the air. The lock she holds in her other hand is cut, and she drapes it about you, swiftly moving her free hand and saying a minor word - suddenly her lock of hair has transformed into a silken scarf, but maintaining the same hue. "" she says. ""
She then plops "down" onto her stomach (still on infinite void) leans, close, looking at Usawoti, and says, smiling, "" She bites her lower lip. "" Her eyebrows go down into a mischievous grin. "" she adds, a slight giggle in her voice.
"YeyeWhatAreYou-" begins Mother.
"" the giant cuts off the unseen speaker. "" she clearly cuts herself off in a brief flash of annoyance at... someone or something... crosses her face. ""
She takes a deep breath, staring steadily into Usawoti's eyes. "" she says. "" she says, "" She stares at him, steadily. ""
The Shoanti suddenly feels several of the seeds within him quicken - pretty much everything except envy, sloth, and wrath - at her words.
"yephima what iiiisssss it you think you're doing-?!" begins Maiden.
"" she cuts off the voice without looking, a flash of wrath passing through her eyes. ""
There is a susurrus of accented whispers and minor outrage, but nothing can be heard for certain. Her strong stare continues at him, her eyes radiating with warmth and energy, and lower lip bitten in anticipation.
Suddenly she blinks, shakes her head, and, embarrassed, seems to recall Inarus was there, too.
She looks at Inarus. "" she says, flushing a deep shade of midnight-blue and dawn purple. "" she offers gesturing to a handful of her hair.
”Golan is lost? How do you know its true? He’s a capable adventurer of his own right! It can’t be!” He challenges the princess.
"" she shrugs apologetically. ""
The dragon winces as the princess bluntly states his true demonic nature. ’At least Usawoti knows about it already…though I’m not sure how I’m going to explain THAT to Golan’ The dragon thinks to himself.
She smiles, compassionately. ""
”Who are they? Who are the creators of this place? Why did you say Erevel is lost? Did he lose his purpose? We saw some runes, Righteous Anger, Rest, Fertility, Eager Striving, Wealth, Abundance and Honest Pride on the way here. They were replaced by their dark mirrors. Why?” He asks the room.
"" she gives a mildly frustrated look. "" she sighs. "" she explains. ""
She shakes her head, sadly. "" She shrugs. "" she explains. ""
”Princess, how did those demons cut you off from this place?”
""
”And how are we going to get to the central tower when it’s defended by acid, fire, lightning and ice? Will the keystones deactivate the defences of the place? What will happen to the keystones after? They’re not going to be hurt are they?” He fires a barrage of rapid questions. ’I’m fond of mouse. I wouldn’t want him hurt.’
"" she explains. ""
"although aaaaassssss you can sssseeeee - or at lllleeeeeaaaasssssst hear - I am doing quite well, now, my lovely dragon." primps the voice of Maiden.
"" the giant says. ""
"a RoD, rEaLlY."
"WellMoreJustAnArtifact"
"'ssssss a wand-"
"" she interrupts.
There is a bit of muttering, but then, "fInE." and "PleaseContinueYeye"
She does, continuing, ""
”Me and animals? I like animals. With animals at least you know that they’ll never lie to you. And they don’t judge you for how you look, “the dragon briefly feels hurt for Golan not trusting him.”Its whats inside.”
"" notes Maiden, dreamily. "" she adds, quickly.
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"I am sorry." she shrugs apologetically. "It seems he assaulted one of the three second-tier masters - and nearly destroyed her horde - before being taken down by a second. From what the, erm... "High Ones"... revealed, it seems that there may be something left of him, but it is unclear."
"It was the same island we left Erevel. Does that mean the island is no longer safe? Is Erevel all right?" 'Why am I even thinking of him anyway, HE got US into this'
She smiles, compassionately. "I know it can be hard to admit something of ourselves we don't like. I am sorry if my directness causes you discomfort."
The dragon raises an eyebrow. "You do know what back home people would do to me, right? Dragons and demons are killed on sight. Amd people hate demons even more then dragons. Especially shadow demons. Because they can possess anyone. So they can be anywhere. So people never know if they're safe."The dragon sighs. "I'll never be able to talk to anyone except Usawoti looking like this" He gestures at his body.
"Erevel has been a major pain in the bum. He definitely knew more of this place then he was talking about, but refused to be forthcoming with us. Which is why I'm stuck in my current form now." The dragon grouses."I'm not sure why he doesn't like either you guys, nor the fungus much..."
"Staying to ptotect your people's escape is no sin. I would have done the same had I been in your shoes." The dragon hastens to reassure the Princess. "I don't really get many dirty thoughts. Well except on the bridge. You see, I like to travel and see the world. Meet different people, see new things. Now it'd be bloody irresponsible to have a child, then run off to see whats on the other side of the hill. "
"Then there's the part of going over the hill and never making it back, as well." He adds darkly.
"Would it be possible, with the keystones to remove the taint of abyssal fungus from this place forever, freeing all that were enslaved?"
He turns to the direction of the Maiden. "Milady, I've always been trying to live my life in such a way that when Pharasma calls me to the Boneyard, I have no regrets. Having left the world a better place then I came in."
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Still in awe of the beautiful creature in front of him, Usawoti stands firm as she draws near, cocking his head in curiosity, as she begins one comment, stopping and begging another. ’Can I? She seems put out, a little irri…’ As she releases her breath, Usawoti’s thoughts stop and his olfactory senses remind him of a different memory. ’The spring rains... Her breath smells like spring rains, blowing through the trees before it starts, announcing its coming and following after the fresh warm rains, lingering. I will never smell a spring rain again without thinking of this exact moment the rest of my life.’ Usawoti stands in awe as he realizes she is talking to him again. ’A token, a hair, no a silk scarf made from hair, I will treasure it always, another reminder, a gift to show all and to treasure for myself.’ Usawoti bows his head as he receives the scarf, whispering another gentle ”Thank you your Highness.”
Watching her carefully, staying still at first, not wanting to wake from this dream, leaning close, studying her face, committing her features to memory savoring the moment. ’Two tasks…. A kiss, a kiss? A kiss’ Usawoti’s mind turns to mush as he hears her giggle and senses the emotions poring through his being. Righteous anger, rest, eager striving, fertility, wealth and honest pride. There true meaning resonating with his very being.
Usawoti, refusing to step back, resettles his foot in a wider stance to keep from falling over from the shear presence of what his is feeing. Listening intently as she continues with the second task. ’She has seen inside me, seeing who and what I am, there is nothing I can tell her or show her she doesn’t already know. She knows I travel to learn and to experience so that I may share with others when I am old. She knows I desire to do good and not harm that Righteous anger is something I cherish and respect. She knows that I would share with my people to help them see the world through unprejudiced eyes. She has seen that I am a man of honor, when my word is given I strive to perform what I have said. But she must also see that she has stolen my heart. I would stop my wandering for her, I would stay here with her if it were possible. That I would return here for her.’
Having heard her declare her intention to the coven, Usawoti Steps forward, casting a simple enlarge spell, hoping it would mix with the magic of this un-place that he finds himself in. Reaching and taking the princess’ hand lifting to her feet, standing arm in arm he embraces her, kissing her; not wet or sloppy or forcefully. But gently at first, barely brushing their lips then more passionately meeting her desire with his own. Then as it linger, their lips part, he stays close so her breath brushes his cheek, resting his forehead against hers. ”I do not know what life I have, but it is yours. I will return to you with the key, we shall be each other’s and see what like may bring together or I will die trying.”
As the moment departs, the mystical place, realizing the need for the spell was over, returns them both to their original spot. He standing before her in humility and awe grasping the scarf tightly trying to hold onto the moment. She turning to their mutual friend asking Inarus if he also desired a token.
Her eyes linger on Usawoti. "" she says. ""
She leans into his ear before he returns to his normal size. "My name is Yephima - Yeye only to those closest... or anything you'd like to call me." she adds, conspiratorially.
"aRe YoU sUrE aBoU-" begins Crone, questioningly.
""
"AsYouSay" admits Mother, slightly put out and a little worried.
"either way it iiiiiissssss done, aaaaassss sssssssstaaaateeeed by Yephima." confirms Maiden. "a ppprrrroooommmmiiiiissssseee sssssooooooo given iiiiisssss binding." says Maiden.
Yephima listens to Inarus.
"" She smiles. ""
She shrugs. "" She looks at you. ""
"" She looks, sadly. "" She shrugs.
"aS yOu MaY wElL rEcAlL," says Crone, "tHe DrAgOn AnD dEmOn WeRe BoTh ViLe CrEaTuReS; wE pErMiTtEd ThEm To CoNtInUe ThE aSsAuLt AgAiNsT oUr FoEs To FrEe MoRe InNoCeNt PeOpLe FrOm CeRtAiN dEaTh-Y."
"ButAllOfThatIsNoLongerAConcern" says Mother, "AsNowTheOneKnownAsInarusIsInCharge" she Continues "AndSoNowYouHaveBecome" she says, "TheTrueHeroSomeBelievedYouWere"
"sssssssoooooommmmeetttthhhhiiiiinnnnnng ssssooooo very attractive and clever," says Maiden, "a true thing to admire. Pppphhhhhaaaarrrrraaaaassssssmmmmmaaaaa, or whomever, would be ppplllleeeaaaaasssssseeeeddd I think."
Yephima smirks. "" she says. ""
"" she chuckles ruefully. Then, more darkly, "" She breathes, unhappy. "" she continues, "" she adds wryly, ""
Yephima looks away from Inarus.
""
"aNd So We NoW cOmE tO tHe HeArT oF tHe IsSuE - aN iSsUe Of ThE hEaRt..." intones Crone. "... AnD oF yOuR lOyAlTy."
"AsSusuIMeanUsawotiIsNowSpokenFor" Mother says, "ItIsUpToYouInarusToBindYourselfToAtLeastOneOfUsInAnOathOfLoyalty" there is the sensation of hesitancy, then, "WeUnderstandThatYouAreLoatheToDoSo" she explains, "ItIsSimplyWhatMustBeDone"
"to do oooottthhhheeerrrrwwwiiiissssseee will sssshhhhuuuut uuuussss all out of the tower, and leave only tttthhhhoooosssseee with seemingly lllliiiimmmmmiiiiitlllleeeesssss rrrreeeessssoooouuuuurrrrrcccceeeessss - the ffffuuuunnnnguuuusssss with their sssseeeeeemmmmiiinnnglllllyyyy infinite ssssuuuuppppllllyyy of mmmmiiiinnnniiioooonnnsssss - the opportunity to diiissssscoooovvvveeeerrr a way ppaaasssst the warding ffffooooorrrrrccccceeeessss of that tower." says Maiden.
"fRaNkLy," says Crone, "YoU hAvEn'T bEeN cHoSeN iN tHe PaSt - Or RaThEr DiShAdRaLuOnGg WaS nOt ChOsEn - BeCaUsE wE cOuLd NoT TrUsT sUcH a ViOlEnT bRuTe; AnY aPpArEnT vOw WaS lIkElY fAlSe AnD rElYiNg On Or EvEn AcCePtInG iT cOuLd KiLl Us AlL."
"IndeedThisIsARareOpportunity" hastens Mother, "ThatTheWheelOfFateAndCycleOfThoughtSpaceProvidesOneTrustworthy" a giggle, "AndInTheFormOfOurVeryOwnDragonKnightNoLess" More solemnly, "DoingSoWillProvideUsAllWithGiftsAbleToAidYouInMakingItSafelyToTheTowerAndP erhapsRedeemingYourFriendIfHeStillLives"
"indeed my brave knight," adds Maiden, "by cccchhhooossssssiiiinnng one of the three of uuuusssssss" she primps," - or more - " she concedes, "to honor with an oath of loyalty, we sssshhhhhaaaalllll be able to grant you great bbooooonnnnssss along with leaving you free to fly aaaasssss and where you like."
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'I don't see they have any reason to lie. But Golan! I failed him.'The dragon feels a wrench in his heart.
'Golan can fly. He could have followed you into the darkness, even if you didn't ask him to. He made his choice. You're not responsible for what people choose do with their lives.'The rational part of his mind exerts itself.
'I guess...'His other half replies uncertainly.
'And you believed to the best of your knowledge the island was safe. Hindsight is 20/20. You couldn't, at that time, have possiblt known'The rational part of his mind ruthlessly pushes on.
'I suppose...'His other half reluctantly concedes the point.
'You jolly well know I'm right. Now stop dickiering and start fixing things.'There's an equivalent of a imaginary door being slammed.
'Did the second tier masters take them with him? Is he one of them now?'The dragon wonders. 'At least the island is currently safe. And Erevel as well.'
'I may give serious thought about this, remaining here forever. Knowing I'll never find acceptance in Golarion.'He thinks bitterly as he considers Yephima's words.
"Are Mope and Shuuvu safe on the other island?" The dragon asks Yephima and the Coven.
"I am sorry about Erevel. Had I known he was having problems, I would have been more sympathetic. I admit that I was having 'growing pains'." He gestures at his own body,"at that time. Perhaps when all this is over, I can bring him here, so the Coven can restore him."
"It is not right to place one life over another's. You did what you felt best at that time and there was no way you couls have known." He comforts Yephima.
'And the hard part. The pledging. Yes it is true, I've been evading the question. But usually in any conflict, both sides have their side of the story. By closing your ears to one side, you're denying them justice, and perhaps denying both sides of a peaceful resolution.'The dragon thinks to himself.'The maiden would do what needed to be done, no matter what personal cost, like her attempt to get to the tower. She would not do anything to harm her people. It can't be that bad.'
"Maiden, I pledge myself to your service."
A kind of whispered sigh crosses the vastness.
It turns, briefly, into almost-thunder, and then back to silence.
"tHeRe WiLl bE nO lIvInG wItH hEr NoW..." whispers Crone, though with humor.
"IMSureItWontBeThatBad" jokes Mother.
"you're jjjuuuussssst both jjjjeeeeaaaalllloooouuuussss - maybe even eeeennnvvviiiiioooouuuusssss of the bond we sssshhhhaaaarrreee now!" mentions Maiden. "in any event, it is aaaaccccccceeeeeepppptttteeeed and sssseeeeaaaallllleeed together~!" sings Maiden in her unusual voice. "rrrreeeccciiiieeevvvveee our bbbllleeeesssssssiiiinnnnngggg and the giiiiffffftttsssss we can now give!" A pause. "oh, there might be some sssllliiggghttt diiisssscccoommmfffooorrrtttt, ssssoooorrrryyyyy, my dear." she adds hastily, as if having just realized something.
A sharp pain suddenly slams into the left hand of both Inarus and Usawoti as a beautiful crystalline shard seemingly made of light in every color of the rainbow plus quite a number of colors that have no words begins embedding into their hands, burrowing quickly.
Lightning coming from nowhere strikes the two of them, as thunder resounds across the void, and yet, it cannot - for nothing but silence exists in that beyond.
A sense of power - of belonging - fills the two adventurers, as the shards pass not just into your flesh, but mind and soul - Inarus feels both aspects, dragon and incorporeal demon pierced... a sensation that Usawoti understands his friend is going through, even as Inarus experiences Usawoti's own. The Maiden, Mother, and Crone, too, experience the flash of pain, as does Yephima - not their own pain, but Inarus' and Usawoti's taking on some of that burden themselves, and lessening it.
A third shard lands, quietly, on the non-existent "ground" nearby.
Silence follows.
Then, "wElL tHaT wAs InTeNsE!" adds Crone. "hEeHeE~! uNeXpEcTeD sInCeRiTy In ThIs OnE~!"
"YesDearHeartYourWillHasGreatPower" explains Mother "AndThisWillOfYoursDespiteYourReservationsSeemsQuiteStrong"
"and I will need eeeexxxxxaaaaactlyyyy one more thing, sssswwwweeeettt IIIIIInnnnaaaaarrrrruuuusssss of mine." says Maiden. "an iiiinnncccchhhh of both ffffllleeeesssshhheeessss you have. sssssaaaaafffffeeeettyyyy fffffiiirrrrssssst, you know."
A second pinching pain moves through Inarus, as he feels a small cube of his flesh removed - and another in his soul. Then the sensation of many hands, and he fills each empty spot regenerated to fresh health and vigor, as if nothing was ever taken at all.
"" begins Yephima, who is suddenly interrupted by a powerful tremor - a ripple of light and space and energy. "" she asks.
"gO, hErOeS! qUiCkLy, NoW!"
"ShuvuuAndMopeWillFindYouIThink"
"" says Yephima, glancing at Usawoti, and blushing. ""
[ooc]Finally, you may ignore negative weather conditions; you gain a +2 enhancement bonus to any resistance bonus you have to fortitude saving throws you make against fungus or disease or similar (effectively stacking with the highest resistance bonus you have); and you gain a +3 luck bonus to the DC of any one ability declared immediately and cannot be changed, later.
Inarus feels everyone - but especially the presence of Maiden - there with him. The briefest of images, combining something resembling something akin to a shae, a succubus, and a lovely lithe dragon flash by for an instant, unbidden, into his mind, as he notices Maiden's presence.
For Usawoti, though all are present as well, it is Yephima (a name he now knows means "Opal" in her tongue) that he feels most of all. She is with him, and her heart and sudden and fierce devotion and hope are strong indeed - nearly overwhelming.
The Coven and Yephima hope strongly for the heroes, Yephima's fury at not being able to help her betrothed, and Maiden's eagerness to aid her Chosen Champion thrumming most strongly across the strings that tied all together, along with Mother's silent faith-combined-with-worry, and Crone's general certainty and amusement.
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The dragon yelps as the crystalline shard slams into his left forepaw. He looks at the crystalline shard, wanting to capture in his mind a snapshot of its exquisite perfection of colours, but it sinks into his flesh all too quickly. Then jerks upright as he feels the electric charge jolt through him, and feels the sound of thunder resonating throughout his entire being.
’Is that what I’ve been missing all this while? Complete acceptance of who and what I am? A place in the universe where I belong? Their pain, I accept. For pain shared is pain halved.’ Those thoughts flash through his mind quickly.
”Freely given, my lady. For I am your knight, now and forever.“He answers the Maiden’s request, as he inclines his head.
”And to the tower we fly. Stay safe, and may the gods be with you.” The dragon addresses Yephima and the coven, offers Usawoti a paw up, as he leaps into the sky.
He flies swiftly, a silver light across the night sky, across the open ocean keeping an eye out for Shuuvu, Mope and Golan and heads towards the tower.
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Her eyes linger on Usawoti. "" she says. ""
She leans into his ear before he returns to his normal size. "My name is Yephima - Yeye only to those closest... or anything you'd like to call me." she adds, conspiratorially.
"It is done, my Yeye." Usawoti returns to the place time where he left his friend Inarus, watching and listening he eventually smiles and nods as Inarus picks the maiden.
A sharp pain suddenly slams into his left hand as a beautiful crystalline shard embeds itself into his hand. Black Lightning strikes as silent thunder resounds across the void. A sense of power - of belonging - fills Uawoti as the shards pass not just into his body, but mind, soul and spirit. He drops to his knees, he knows all are present, but it is Yephima, his "Opal" his Yeye, whose presence overwhelms him. She is with him, furious that she cannot be there in body as well, her heart, her sudden and fierce devotion, her hope are strong indeed.
Usawoti stands to his feet, his mind racing as he tries to understand the gifts that are flooding his mind and body, combining with the boons granted from the bridge and the new armor and the new weapons. He accepts Inarus’ offer of a hand up, He nods to Yeye his eyes still moist. ”Take heart, We will return with the key.”
As they take to the air Usawoti, leans down and whispers in Inarus’ ear, ”Can we go fetch my gear from the giants or do we not have the time, I really miss my hammer! Then we can find Golan, Shuvuu and Mope.”
"Sorry to bother, but my friend is urm...looking for his gear that have been sent for laundry." He apologizes then hasten to assure both Yephima and the Coven. "We're very grateful for your gifts, but I think that stuff may have special significance to Usawoti here."
'Humans. I don't remember being that attached to my gear'The dragon thinks to himself.
"Would it be possible to retrieve certain items of sentimental value, or pick up them up at the encampment, or is there not enough time left?"The dragon asks politely.
As Inarus turns, he finds flying... freer, again, the feeling of truly, freely soaring thrumming through his body, a truth long since forgotten, now recalled. This was true freedom.
He soars, briefly, through the infinite stars, into a blank of void so absolute, it covers body, soul, mind, and existence, and then back out into the cloudy twilight of the island realm of dark water beyond.
Free at last, no longer constrained by the wards of darkness that once afflicted him, he finds it a simple task to fly above the isles he so recently explored.
As the duo land on the Stone Encampment, they are greeted by enthusiastic supporters and would-be friends. Usawoti's gear is quickly located and none the worse for its experience (if left rather soggy), presented to him freshly cleaned in prayed over (and, at least once, singed a bit as apparently the dark water had caught fire as they were trying to dry it in between scrubbings - the flames, at least, finally destroyed the last remnants of the dark water's presence), but it seems hale and whole.
They offer a large number of large boulders for you to chuck at foes, if you like.
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The dragon thanks the stone giants profusely for helping clean up Usawoti's gear, as he watches Usawoti reclaim his gear, but politely declines the offer of rocks, stating it'd make him too heavy to fly.
'I don't think we'll be able to get an instuctions manual on how to operate the tower to banish the fungus.'He thinks wryly to himself. 'I guess we'll just have to wing it.'
He takes to the sky once more, looking for Golan, Shuuvu and Mope, as he flies to the tower.
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AS they land on the island where the giants offered to clean Usawoti's gear, they quickly return the cleaned, if slightly scorched, gear. As Usawoti Quickly changed he returns the 'borrowed' gear, thanking the giants profusely. Once they are again airborn he asks Inarus, "Shall we return to where we left Golan, Erevel, Shuvuu and Mope? Then head to the tower?"
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The dragon makes a brief flyby over the island where they left Shuuvu and Mope, hoping to catch sight of the pair, before heading to the tower.