"Halstadt!"
(Who is calling him?)
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The Janni accept the individual thanks from the Dune Squad as they prepare for their return trip. Orchid, however, has one last gesture. "Before we go, there might a small boon we can offer." I know from my travels that mortals like you are normally born very tiny and then grow to a certain size. From there you will then hold that state for most of your lives. Our people do not quite have such a concept of size and growth over time. Though there are limits, we exist as big or small as we need to be, changing our size with the season, the temperature or even our temperament. It is our proportions that we are born with. Some of our tribe with particular talent, such as Faren, can share this gift with mortals. If you think it would help to be larger or smaller, we could provide you with such a change – though the transformation would only be temporary.
Suddenly Orchid rises higher in her seat, pointing directly ahead, as her unnaturally long ponytail snakes behind her in the Vonovoxen’s wake. “It’s the gate!” she says, “We’re almost there!” The Dune Squad, however, cannot see anything from their positions lashed to the creature’s wings. You can only hope Orchid’s eyes are better adapted to these waters.
"Don't listen to him," Orchid says, "We've already left the Aquabahn. We're practically there already."
"Orchid. We need to know exactly how much time we have left until we reach this portal. We will need to make some very difficult decisions if the answer is not satisfactory" Hal glances at Karek with a sad look in his eyes as he finishes his sentence. "Not far now, maybe a half day at most," she says cheerfully.
"I don't know for sure - I haven't ever been exactly. It's been years since the Star Tribe has used the Tumen Oasis and when we did none of us were going or coming from A'Viss." "I'd say we're look at a day or so - maybe two? Tough to know without the sun eh? Takes some getting used to." Hal: Roger that on cannibalizing the 4th level slots.
“Everyone’s aboard Captain!” cries Orchid, “Let’s soar! We’re almost at the Aquabahn!”
"That's the spirit," says Orchid as Breach is the first to clamber aboard. "Don't be shy boys," she adds, "Vono's bark is worse than his bark." Somehow though, you doubt that could be true.
Donkor puts the fins on, even more awkward than usual at the unacustomed actions. "We thank you greatly for your help". "Your welcome," she says to Donkor, "though you might be less grateful when you see our transportation - it could be a rough ride." Despite her warning, Orchid's smile is as reassuring as ever.
Pud dese on. Ye'll go fasder. "You truly are aquatic dwarves!" "Now, do we have everybody?" "Somebody yank Schmoosh back into this plane and tell him we're leaving. A'Viss, it's been a lovely visit - I hope to see you again in a few centuries under better circumstances."
"Relax! They've already left. They'll be here."
"Schmoosh is right there," says Orchid grinning. She points just behind Hal. When Hal turns he can see Schmoosh's lower body, but the creature's head is missing, the top part has vanished into what might be an extra-dimensional space of some kind. The fruhgen does not appear to be in any particular distress, though the creature is so alien at times, it's impossible to read its body language.
“[Untranslatable], they’re going to die here,” Orchid says softly as she searches to see if her companion has any compassion left at all.
"Yes [untranslatable], they obviously did - and they're going to desperately need a lift back to the All Parts."
Dis young briesd's name is Donkor Sooron, iv ye don'd mind my sayin' so. A sly look crosses Orchid's face - one that can only mean trouble. She is impressed. "Schmoosh - you've been holding out on us."
She smiles, "Fate? Now that sounds like an amazing tale. Too bad Faren is too busy to hear it. Maybe he should be writing your story. Schmoosh says you came through the Gateway of Cascades on the reverse side - that of course isn't possible, is it?."
"But, what of the magical treasures and devices still remain in this city. Their may be an answer to our freedom in those items. "It is certainly possible," answers Orchid. "We are actually strangers here ourselves, coming from the All-Parts. While we have a map and Faren has engaged in a lot of study, there is much we still do not know of this place." "But you seem to be breathing now - can't you just head home whatever way you came?"
"Did ya say somethin' about the abeloth bein' involved?", Breach says with a hint of disdain in his voice. "It's true", confirms Orchid. "Though they are rarely seen. Some call their representative in the triad the Comatheon, which means: 'The Rune Apocalypse'." "If them things is involved, we need to get out of here quick. Tis' a beautiful place and be a shame to see anywhere fall inta the clutches of them fiends, but we got not chance against an army of them foul things as it stands now. I've fought one in my youth and it wasn't pretty. They enslave any race they can get their disgusting tentacles on." Orchid nods sadly. "Yes, their slave battalions will come in force and then claim this place - though there still is a little time before then."
"An army eh? We could certainly use an army right now. That is secondary to oxygen at the moment though. What is going on that an army is assembled and this city has been evacuated?" "They don't know. . ." Orchid says as she puts the pieces together for herself. "Schmoosh haven't you told them anything?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying," she answers with a mischievous grin. As if to emphasize her point she swims over to the bookshelf and pulls off one of the more ornate glass books and begins flipping through it, the book's golden lettering shining in the waters.
"Or the perfect time, depending on what you are trying to accomplish - the city has been evacuated."
"Shush!!" She gives the others a sly wink at her companion's expense.
"What, you never heard of aquatic dwarves before?",Breach ask in a joking manner. "Truly there's a first for everything," she responds, still thoroughly enjoying herself. |