Ondisso replies "I wish I'd wake up from this nightmare. I, I just wanted a normal life."
Aster opens her mouth to say something, but nothing NOTHING will help against this horror. "we should get her out, help her decide what she wants... to... to... do." she looks to Ed "The gel doesn't effect you, would... you mind?"
"I got this. Be prepared to use the wand" - Ederion again draws his breath in, and tries to dive into the goo to retrieve the suffering woman within, as well as her arm.
He keeps his gloves on to try and avoid contamination, but his senses tell him this is much more than a disease of some sort.
The elf approaches in the most non-threatening way he can, trying to show he is friendly with his body posture and language.
If she allows him to approach and grab her to get out of there, he will hug the woman for a moment, allowing her to settle down, then help her swim out if she can, and carry her if she cannot.
Ederion notices that she's unable to move, and its unclear if she can even detect his presence.
As he carries her out, Ederion is a bit surprised that the barrier doesn't try to impede his retreat.
After a quick casting of waterbreathing, it only takes a short while longer before the Hold Person spell wears off. Immediately, the woman screams in primal terror and uses her remaining arm to grasp at her arm stump, and her hollow eye socket. She claws at her skin and pulls her brown hair, a relentless flurry of rage and terror. Then comes the sobbing, and she pulls herself into a fetal position. She's completely naked. The rest of her body is smooth and bronze, Taldan ethnicity.
In a shaky, muted voice, she whispers
"H-Hllo?"
”Hi” - Ederion offers her his cloak, so she will not feel as exposed - ”You are safe now” - he smiles - ”I am Ederion”
Aster moves over quickly, "We are here to help, the evil this is dead though Tasha is right we are going back to make sure and hack it into tiny pieces to be extra sure.." she gives a weary smile "I'm Aster, what's your name?"
The woman takes Ederion's cloak and wraps it around herself.
"I'm Areene. I can't see, and everything hurts. Is that thing really dead? And all the smaller monsters too? How come you're here? Did you find a way out of the green tank?"
"We made a lovely friend of a mermaid who was held in captivity under our fair city. She told us about her people plight, about this monster, a word not nearly strong enough for the horrors it thought of and inflicted on everything it touched... we had to come, and try. It was a miracle that we succeed, but yes, it is dead and all the smaller creatures under its control, that we have come across at least."
"What happened to me? I, my, my arm."
"Please take me home, or wake me up from this nightmare. I'm begging you. You can't leave me here."
"We Will Not Leave You. We don't know what happened." Aster promises, squeezing her hand. Looking at Ed and Tasha, she puts up her stuff and lifts the woman in her arms. "Keep your arms free in case."
"And where are you from originally Areene?" - Ederion tries to make some small talk.
"I am sorry..." - the elf whispers as the dead human floats away.
"I'm from Corentyn." Areene says, eager to keep her mind busy
"I was on a ship to Varisia to get away from the Reclamation. We were raided by pirates, and they were going to hold some of us for ransom. That's when both ships were boarded from the... water."
Ederion gets a better view of the human once it's released from the bottle. The poor thing must have died from experimentation.
Aster will carry Areene in her arms.
----------------------
The group passes the body of Menotheguro as they progress through the labyrinth. Already, its body is beginning the process of decomposition. They swim further, following the current, until finally they see light at the end of the literal tunnel. Flora of all kinds disguise the exit. Ederion manages to spot a camouflaged giant octopus hiding in the seaweed, but as the group gets closer, it cunningly disguises itself as a manta ray and swims off.
It takes quite a while to reach the village of Secret Shoals. Upon arrival, one of the first things the party notices is a bunch of dead skum floating lifelessly. A single mermaid is perched upon a shell sentinel, which just stands on the coral with no clear goal. The mermaid smiles and waves the group over, and Ederion remembers that she's one of the mages in the village. The preserver, if he remembers correctly.
In broken Common, she sings
"Welcome home! Am glad to see you all alive. What happened there? Is the Aboleth dead?"
Looking rather distressed, Rexandi whispers to her teammates, "I don't even know how to start going about repairing these kinds of injuries. I can maybe close up the cuts, but I can't restore her arm or repair her eye or return her original form. I um... I'm not sure what to do. Areene is basically completely dependent upon us now."
~~~~~~~~~~
Once back at the mermaid outpost, Rexandi seems to relax a bit. Having gotten away from the aboleth seems too good to be true, yet it seems to be mission accomplished.
She produces the ugly eye and says, "Indeed, it is destroyed, and its power removed."
The preserver responds "Very good. You know that eye is evil, yes? Be careful."
She smiles genuinely, showing some of her laugh lines.
"Come. Leaved you did with seven only, and now come back with many more. We give one good funeral, then celebrate new life, our freedom. Others wait for you. They are worried you did not live."
She turns around as swims slowly towards the village, letting everyone catch up regardless of their swimming skill. The shell sentinel swims just behind her, swaying back and forth and looping over itself like it were on cloud nine.
Ederion remembers that the preserver, Mother Coral Preserver, is one of the few who has walked on the surface world. She made the seafoam shawls for the group. While the mermaid is on the older side, she hasn't become an Crone.
"The mermaids are very happy we have won" Aster tells the woman she is carrying, describing all she can see.
Looking rather distressed, Rexandi whispers to her teammates, "I don't even know how to start going abouut repairing these kinds of injuries. I can maybe close up the cuts, but I can't restore her arm or repair her eye or return her original form. I um... I'm not sure what to do. Areene is basically completely dependent upon us now."
"We'll find a way" - Ederion nods back at Rexandi.
Otherwise as they return to the Outpost, the elf stays close to Rillia, in silence.
Rillia drifts close to Ederion, sometimes nudging him as they swim. She doesn't say anything. He isn't quite sure what she's feeling or doing. To lose a loved one like that, it's a miracle she can press on at all.
--------------------
Areene replies to Aster "That's good. They're friendly, right? I thought they were a fishermen's tale, about charming men overboard."
"Apparently they do that to procreate. And yes they seem to be quite friendly." she looks around, sad eyes resting on Rillia "They have suffered devastating losses due to that horrid creature, but I have hope that they will recover."
"Well, if that's true, then what do they do with the men after procreating?"
"They... you know I don't know if we asked them that... it is a very good question, hmmm" Aster's brow furrows as she watches the mermaids with wary curiosity.
Ederion just allows himself to relax and be nudged by Rillia as they follow Mother Coral Preserver.
They had been on edge for too long, so it felt good just to drift along in the current, surrounded by mermaids - it provoked his imaginary even despite all the horrible things he had witnessed.
He wanted to share his wonderment with everyone around him, but he could not. Not now... He looked at Rillia again, almost ashamed by his thoughts after all she had been through, and he left himself continue drifting along under the sea.
Mother Preserver leads the group into the coral village. There's a gathering in the center, where several mermaids and animals lie dead within a circle of the living. They're singing an amazing choral canon. Those who understand Aquan know that they are funeral rites, praising the Gods for giving them time to live on this world, praising the dead for the memories they shared, and allowing the dead to return to the natural cycle of life. Upon seeing you, the mermaids create a space for everyone to join in and hold hands.
After the long song, the mermaids move the bodies to the edge of the coral reef. They lay the bodies on the reef, where they will slowly be consumed by all kinds of marine life. Then the mermaids part their different ways, most going to various shrines in the village.
Later, inside the reef itself, Crone Serpentslayer sings to the group. For ease of understanding, Mother Kahli translates.
"Welcome back, all of you. You all look so battered and weary, how fared you within the Drowning Eye?"
"This has been an ordeal," says Rexandi. "I think we are indeed exhausted."
"The aboleth is destroyed, along with its egg. Its eye has been taken and... I suspect that such a token of evil should be destroyed, too. We could not save everyone, but at least now the aboleth will no longer kidnap and mutilate anyone else."
"I will leave the fate of this Eye up to you. We recognize that sometimes profane power needs to be used to attain one's goals. Although the power to corrupt does exist, so we keep such things in check as best we can. Long has it been since we designated a season to Lamashtu, our most corrupt Patron. I was considering it, given the aboleth's dominion. Thankfully, we will not need to."
Crone Serpentslayer closes her eyes and relaxes, lifting a heavy burden of stress. "I'm sad that so many were captured or killed. We lost so many beautiful maidens, even our devoted Mother Sharktamer passed in the final defence. But if Menotheguro used all his forces in a single attack, we would have all perished, or worse. We owe everything to you, who braved the monster in its own lair. Whatever we can give you, it's yours."
"We need rest, and healing if it can be spared. Your folk were a great help to us."
"We face an evil in the surface world. An evil that we alone cannot destroy. We need allies." He thinks a moment, "Information, communication and discrete trade of items would be a huge help." He looks at his companions. "Understanding what is coming in and out of the docks. Knowing what the defenses are underwater. Perhaps participation in an event of sabotage."
Crone Serpentslayer replies (translated by Mother Kahli)
"Thank you. We can tend to your wounds with salves and long-term care, and tomorrow we can use magic to finish. There is a small island above our reef that you could sleep upon if your breathing magic wears off.
If this enemy is even stronger than the aboleth, I fear there is little we can do to fight it directly, especially on land. However, with the sea as our domain again, there is much we can do. We have lost many, and need to bring more children into our community. If there are ships of humans that you would like us to hinder, it would benefit us both. We can lure their men and damage their ship. Your land village is far away, but if you can make a safe place for my maidens to beach, we could make an outpost there. We are with you, until your enemy is slain. I will swear it on the Savoured Sting."
Rexandi can't help but blush noticeably.
Mother Kahli smiles and replies
"It is rare to lure a Tiefling man into our waters, but it has happened. Their children might bear some similarity to their sire, but often not. They are fairly normal, and bear normal children of their own.
Sometimes our kind are blessed by the Gods, bringing Tiefling and Aasimar. They are a sign of greatness for us, either for the light or the dark. Unlike half-elves, they can be with child, become Mothers and Crones, and become legend. I have much respect for them. Their children might have some similarity to their mother, but they're usually just like the rest of us. The Gods do not grant lineages of the blessed."
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Ederion's face is stern as the bodies are put to rest - even the usually jovial elf cannot help but wonder if they could have done more, done better.
Above all it is hard to see Frida go, on the one hand because he had immediately felt an appreciation for the strong mermaid, but even more so because he knows how much it pains Rillia.
Later inside the reef with Crone Serpentslayer and Mother Kahli, the elf sits tight and waits - he still cannot see himself as part of a revolution or anything of the sort. Most of the time, he is not even sure what he wants for himself, let alone for others... So for once he lets others more wise than him do the talking. And Bazzle seems to be handling it perfectly.
"I'll be back in a moment, Areene" she assures the woman before going to the mermaids. She rises and bows formally "Thank you, Mother. Any support you can lend us would be greatly appreciated." raising from her bow, she asks quietly "The sailors you lure... what happens to them after?"
Crone Serpentslayer replies to Aster
"We have a rule here that all humans must be returned to land, but some mermaids..." She gives a side glace to Mother Kahli, who fails to translate the rest of the sentence. Those who speak Aquan understand "have been known to eat them instead."
Mother Kahli retorts "It is a very common practice in Sharker communities."
Crone Serpentslayer crosses her arms and replies "We are not Sharkers, Mother Kahli Ragesinger. Killing men only sews the hatred of their friends and family."
Mother Kahli says "Letting them go back to tell their friends and family only makes it worse. Better they go missing in a storm. I have decided to adhere to your rules since the last time, but that does not mean I agree with them."
Crone Serpentslayer replies "We will argue about this another time, when it actually matters. Return to translating."
Mother Kahli is... left speechless.
"I, I've. I've never considered it. I have no idea."
Her brain keeps thinking it over, but the she shakes her head and smiles. "Do you want to try? I would have you. Well, I would either way, but I have been wanting another child."
She exhales and says, "It seems a little weird for my first time to be... well... you know, not necessarily for love, and, um, not as me."
Mother Kahli swims a little closer and looks into Rexandi's eyes
"Oh sweetheart. I understand what you mean. This is very common among Maidens, who want to fall in love with another Mermaid before setting out on their Maiden Voyage. I think most older mermaids see it as two distinctly different activities. One for carrying on the family and moving up in the hierarchy, and another for romance and connection. Pleasure is there in both. I was never really one for romance myself, after a passionate connection in my youth turned sour, but I still have friends here that I like to have fun with from time to time.
If you would like, we could start with you as a woman, and then move towards you being a man. That way, you can still be you."
Aster returns to Areene "They return their mates to the shore" she tells the other woman with relief, not understanding Aquan in the least. To pass the time she tells stories about people she has met in her travels, even warmly about a baker's daughter, her hero.
"Oh good. That's not so bad." Areene says. She listens to Aster's stories, happy to engage in them. Areene talks about her time in Corentyn. The daughter of a cobbler, with three older sisters. Her mother had passed away when she was quite young due to illness, but her eldest sister became more of a mom to her. The second eldest became a priestess, and the third married a carpenter. Her father still works, though he's getting along in years, and her eldest sister takes care of the house and bookwork. Areene talks about how she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do. Twenty-five years and still unmarried, not keen to take over cobbling, nor interested in joining the church.
At her arrival at the village, Tasha raises her eyebrows in a tired smile.
"The mermaids are very happy we have won."
Unclasping her shield and letting the current take her for a moment, Tasha blurts out, "You know, that's one of the things that transcend language... The joy of, hrm, being alive and not alone. It's powerful.", she says, before exhaling a jet of water from her nose. "Why can't I write underwater. Good words, Tasha, the best." Joining in the choir as faintly as possible, the fighter strains her memory to remember the song as it is sung, with the desire to remember that melody for the ages to come. I really need to start learning how to write music. Or, you know. Learn more useful stuff to us right now.
Giving a curious eye at Rexandi and Mother Kahli deep in conversation, she turns instead towards the motley crew of rescued landdwellers. "So, uh. I'm Tasha. I'm from Kintargo, which is sort of a hellhole at the moment. Currently, figuratively, going a bit more literally every passing day.", she adds. Am I the person who should be doing this? I mean, I am doing this. Right now.
Sheathing her dagger and starting to unclasp her plate, she continues in a slightly less faint voice. "We're a part of a group that, uhm, doesn't want that to happen. And we need people who want to help, whatever way they can. That's why we came down here. But also, if you don't want to help, that's fine too." Her gauntlet lands on her face, before she takes it off. Great motivational speech, Tasha Silvertongue. She crosses her arms. "Uh. I'll get that better in writing once we're on dry land. If you're interested, that is."
Rexandi finishes her detailed conversation with Mother Kahli, then turns and adds, "We, um, we will do our best to um, help you recover. And give you a place to stay, or help you out of the city. If that's what you want. Um. As much as we can with our limited resources. I mean, we should be able to keep you safe for now. But there's a lot going on. Anyway."
She waves a hand in front of her face, flustered.
"One moment, dear." Aster says to Areene. Swimming over to the others "My friends are heroes, but public speakers." she says with a smile "And I am just a merchant caught up in a fight that needs as many willing hands as possible. We understand if you are done fighting and just want to go home, but if this experience has made you see that the powerful often cares nothing for the little person... ask us if how you can help."
"What's happening in Kintargo?" Areene calls, who is surprisingly still in earshot.
"Yeah. I'm glad you saved us, but I gotta know what you're dealing with before I commit, you know? I ain't never been to Kintargo." One of the sailors replies. The other sailors nod
"Well Kintargo is being ruled by a very evil man. Probably crazy too. He has grown oppressive and uses the government to control and punish citizens. Much of what once made the city great its art and culture are targets of violence. Those of various religions are targeted for abuse. The city is under martial law. The economy is strangled and many are reduced to begging or hunting vermin for scraps. Don't go there unless you wish to fight for its change."
"Well, yeah. That's Cheliax for you, right there. Varisia's a lot freer, though not as safe. Taldor is also pretty nice. No slaves or anything like that. Oh and Vyre. Vyre's beautiful, if weird. Why not just leave? Unless you've got family there, it's not like you can't just sail elsewhere. That's what I did." Says the sailor. Some of the other sailors nod, but it's mixed.
Another sailor adds "I grew up in the slums of Magnimar, in Underbridge. You're lucky if you find a good place to sleep and something filling to keep you from going hungry. If you can't find someone to hire you, you either end up in the gangs, or sold to the Forever man. The Lord-Mayor doesn't give a damn about our lives, and the churches only give much if you convert. So I got the hell out of there. I stowed away on a ship, the became part of the crew. I've sailed ever since. It's a hard life, but a free one."
The sailors close their eyes and nod solemnly.
"But it's their home!" Cries Areene.
"You can't just leave your home, your friends, and your family. You have to fight against these kinds of things. If people fought instead of running... Maybe there could be real change!!"
"That hurts." Says Ondisso.
"Look! It's up to you. You can go your own way. We're not going to tell you what you have to do - but we do believe that we're doing important work. Now we'll make sure you have some food and a safe place to rest and then if you want to leave, you can do that - although there aren't many places to sale since the new lord-governor has shut down much of the port and made it illegal for captains to leave their ships to come ashore."
"Those of you who've been injured, we'll do our best to treat your ailments, and help you if you can't work due to them."
Rexandi seems a little flustered, but she has, after all, been in some stressful conversations recently.
All nonnative ships' captains must remain on baord their ships and are barred from setting foot on land within Kintargo's city limits - their crew and agents are free to come and go, but their actions are directly the responsibility of their captains, and any crew caught breaking Kintargan law shall have its punishment visited upon the crew members as well as their captain. Any captain caught setting foot in Kintargo is to be punished by... squassation!
"Oh s!%$e. There's no way there's work for a sailor down there. Might have to go as far as Taldor or Absolom to find honest work."
"Life is definitely not easy going in Kintargo, that's for sure" - Ederion pipes in - "Though you can still find trustworthy and steadfast friends and companions, which at the end of the day is the most important thing isn't it? Whether you are rich or poor?" - he adds - "That I don't think is easier or harder in Kintargo than anywhere else, so that is one of the reasons why I stick around"
"But my reasons are probably not yours, and I would never try to convince you on how to follow your own life" - the elf smiles - "Otherwise I would not be much different from the guy calling the shots back in the city. Just this way you know what I have found there, and perhaps have an idea if any of it is relevant to you"
"No one should have to grow up in fear." Aster adds "I have a little one to look after, so that is my reason. And I have found that once you start running, it is very hard to stop. My reason has given me hope again, so I will not abandon that."
"About everything that you can imagine.", Tasha blurts out in response to Areene's question, before clearing his throat. "That, and the people who should be looking out for the peace actually are doing anything but. That's why we're out here doing the Order of the Torrent's job.", she adds in a cynical tone, before raising an eyebrow at the sailors' idea about moving away.
"I mean, we came here. Turns out problems have a tendency to start up when you let your place to rot and you're incapable of helping your neighbours. I mean, you can always just run away from problems, but there's the issue that there's only so much space on Golarion.", she quips. "Oh, yeah. And most of us do have family there."Mom, I will find you. As much as I'm half-certain you're somewhere keeping low with a well-off merchant, or something. She crosses her arms. "I'm here because they rescued me from those... things, and because Kintargo is nothing without the Kintargan... things. Values."
Shrugging, she nods in agreement with Rexandi, her mouth curling in a disappointed grimace at her own words. Oh, so inspirational. You sure showed them how valorous your cause is, Tasha. Sighing, she continues, but not before chuckling at Ederion's musings. "I mean, if you end up running Kintargo, I do hope you'll draw the line at physical torture. Or at least limit it for Toildays only."