Back in the lair, the Aspect wakes from his nap and realizing the situation, quickly waves his hands to enact his spellcasting and bring the situation back under control.
The grey ioun stone on her collar begins to hum and Jen momentarily falls asleep, before waking again and shaking her head, with only a vague memory of her time in non-sentience, much like her earlier life.
She wriggles out of Kitty's arms and sits on her haunches, rubbing her heads with her front paws. She speaks in common this time. "I remember something hit me, a sharp impact. Then you saved me from something, but my memory has gone fuzzy. What's going on?
[blink, blink]
"Umm, Nimceleb and Saffire were playing tag and not looking where they were going and Nimceleb accidentally crashed into you. Vai came over to try and help you, but you were pretty out of it and then I came over since I can speak cat and you were pretty freaked out, so I tried to help calm you down. And that about sums things up."
"Wow. I've never met a cat who could speak common before. That's really amazing."
Vai's mouth hangs open slightly when the cat begins speaking. She realizes that this shouldn't be that unsual considering the school she attended. Vai squats down, to appear a less imposing figure, "I'm sorry, I should've kept him under control. He's sorry too." Vai says, and Nimceleb does indeed appear to be sorry, his head hung low, avoiding eye contact with Jen.
"You too, Saffire. Come and apologize to the nice cat. You were just as much at fault as Nimceleb was."
Saffire flew down and attempted to bow like Kitty did when she apologized.
*meep meep*
He knocks politely on Ryo's door, just three times, then stands at-ease, his stance relaxed but ready, his trim and strong body a paragon of form and beauty.
The door opens after a few moments and Ryo beckons the man inside.
"Hello. I am Headmaster Antairus if you did not already know that. What can I do for you?"
"Sanguine Tome of the Desolate...Book of Forlorn Blood. Yes, that's much too close to be a coincidence. Oh, would you just shut up already," she said, turning on the librarian who was trying to shush them. "You've been enough of a nuisance already this week. This is what the library is for for crying out loud. Now go... catalog something!"
She took a deep breath. "Right. So. The Namori Jungle. Map, map, map...there has to be a map around here someplace. Ah, here we are. Now, where oh where is the Namori Jungle?"
Books were literally flying off the shelves to her and she was catching them absent-mindedly as the ones she'd already set down were opening and the pages leafing through themselves in search of every reference she could find to the Namori Jungle and this lost expedition.
Meanwhile, Oneiro was searching any and all maps he could find. He had heard of the Namori Jungle before, but where? It wasn't on any of the northern continent maps, and the southern maps where just as helpful, so it had to be somewhere in the middle...
There! A week's travel east of the Trece Mountains. He remembered those mountains now...
"Professor, I found the jungle! We just need to travel over half the continent to get there."
"That, my dear, is what teleportation and fly are for. Where? Ah, yes I see."
Over half of the books were dismissed and whisked back to their shelves while a few more volumes flew off the shelves and Ori started catching them and setting them on the table so they could show her the information they had.
"I'm just looking up everything I can find about that area. Forewarned, forearmed, all that. And I'm searching for any information I can find about this expedition. That jungle doesn't look small and I'd rather not have to go over the whole thing with a fine-tooth comb if we don't have to."
"Of course..." He says as he begins reading the book he'd found the clue in again. A reference to the lost expedition lead him to a section in the library and he returns with a full load of books. It isn't long before he's using scraps of paper to mark the last place any expedition lost in the Namori Jungle was seen or going to. He still couldn't get over how close he had been to the Book back then, even if he didn't know anything about it.
"The librarian is giving me that look again. Do you suppose she would unbend a bit if I gave her a copy of the find information spell? At least, that's what I ended up calling it since 'Oh crap I have to finish this research paper that's due tomorrow and I haven't even started yet' looks a bit suspicious in the index of one's student spellbook. Something to keep in mind for the future....And now I'm giving bad good advice to students."
"And I really don't think that these 'dire mosquitos' even belong in the insect family. They sound like stirges to me....Although stirge repellent would certainly be a useful thing."
He was starting to get the distinct impression that she tended to ramble on at random when she was thinking.
"Oh look, those paper bits are all starting to cluster together now aren't they?"
@Aananda:Nasima smiles dreamily. "Wow. Starting a family already. Quadruplets! I'm soooo happy for them. That's the best." She looks over at Jim. "I don't...I'm sorry, but I'm not sure...did we meet? Officially? Ever? I'm Nasima. I think I saw you when crazy things were happening around here but you flew away before we could talk or anything. Anyway. You look busy. I'm tired. I, uh...I should go. What am I here for, again?" She looks around, clearly a bit confused, then slides of the stool. "Yeah, I'll definitely go. You guys are probably super busy. Soooooooper busy." She ambles towards the door, waving over her shoulder as she goes.
"Oh look, those paper bits are all starting to cluster together now aren't they?"
"Usually means something in that area is killing off the expeditions."
"And dire mosquitoes are bigger than stirges. Most can kill an adult human pretty quick."
I believe we've met, although you're right, we didn't talk much. I'm Jim. Jim Rivets. And I did fly away, back when the tech-zombies were on the loose.
"Oh look, those paper bits are all starting to cluster together now aren't they?"
"Usually means something in that area is killing off the expeditions."
"And dire mosquitoes are bigger than stirges. Most can kill an adult human pretty quick."
@Ryo: Yu smiles broadly, revealing decorated teeth; one upper incisor is gold, and another appears to be encrusted with diamonds. He removes his sunglasses, revealing strange, silver-colored eyes. So very exotic.
"Greetings, headmaster! I am Yu-Nyin. I believe my...father has registered me already here for some classes. I am to take over the...family business, and he wishes me to be in further command of my powers and knowledge. Thus, I am here humbly to submit myself to the learning regimens as put forth by you and the other instructors. I expect my registration and schedule is in order?" Yu shakes hands with Ryo, and his grip is sure and strong and dry; confident and not overbearing. He enters the office per Ryo's invitation as he speaks. His speaking voice is clear and affectless, and very easily heard and understood.
I believe we've met, although you're right, we didn't talk much. I'm Jim. Jim Rivets. And I did fly away, back when the tech-zombies were on the loose.
"Well it's very nice to meet you, for real. Hmmmm... I can fly, too, but not like you can. I sort of...just drift. Drift...purposefully. *giggle* I'mma go now. Bye!" The sylph seems to have forgotten Ryleh is on the way, and leaves the room, closing the door softly behind her, leaving behind the faint tang of burnt ozone.
@Aananda:Nasima smiles dreamily. "Wow. Starting a family already. Quadruplets! I'm soooo happy for them. That's the best." She looks over at Jim. "I don't...I'm sorry, but I'm not sure...did we meet? Officially? Ever? I'm Nasima. I think I saw you when crazy things were happening around here but you flew away before we could talk or anything. Anyway. You look busy. I'm tired. I, uh...I should go. What am I here for, again?" She looks around, clearly a bit confused, then slides of the stool. "Yeah, I'll definitely go. You guys are probably super busy. Soooooooper busy." She ambles towards the door, waving over her shoulder as she goes.
Before she could leave the lab she was intercepted by Ryleh who put an arm around her and turned her back around, gently but firmly drawing her back into the lab.
"It's hardly polite to leave just when I came up here to see you, dear."
"Jim, it's the green button followed by the 6. I believe that's the combination you're looking for. And unless you have a great deal of resistance to electricity, I suggest you take a short break. You too, Aananda. You haven't left the lab in two days except to teach class. Go take a shower at least."
'Sima blushes crimson "OMGRylehI'msosorryIforgotalreadyyouwerecomingI'mjustsotiredand...er..." Utterly mortified and not knowing what else to do, she curtsies.
"Oh look, those paper bits are all starting to cluster together now aren't they?"
"Usually means something in that area is killing off the expeditions."
"And dire mosquitoes are bigger than stirges. Most can kill an adult human pretty quick."
"Really? Well, I never would have guessed. Now I do think I'll just jot down this recipe for insect repellant then. It says it works wonders as long as you're not terribly attached to your nose hairs."
"And the question is what is killing off the expeditions. Of course, when everyone who gets near it doesn't come back that makes it rather hard to tell. Let's see if we can find accounts from any survivors."
'Sima blushes crimson "OMGRylehI'msosorryIforgotalreadyyouwerecomingI'mjustsotiredand...er..." Utterly mortified and not knowing what else to do, she curtsies.
Ryleh smiles as 'Protocol 6' shuts down every piece of equipment in the lab and slides them all behind protective stone barriers. She led Nasima back over to a stool.
"Understandable, dear. I hear you have been haunting the library the last few days. You've probably forgotten to sleep. And I'll let you go to your room and get some much-needed rest in just a few minutes, but since I'm here I'd like to take a look at that stone if you don't mind. And even if you do."
Ryo does a check for the records and finds something a bit odd about them.
"I guess my first question would be how you and your family found out about Agartha. Not many from off-planet know about it."
{i]Ryo does a check for the records and finds something a bit odd about them.[/i]
"I guess my first question would be how you and your family found out about Agartha. Not many from off-planet know about it."
"Ah, yes. My...family is very thorough and wished for me to be able to study in peace, and in a place that is far away and very protected. Certain of your parts are built on my planet, if what Father tells me is correct. Things used in science classrooms and the like, just little things, but enough that he became aware of you."
He smiles again, flashing those teeth. "As I said, my family is very thorough, and Father most of all." Yu's seated posture is uncannily similar to a high-level, high-powered executive; crossed leg, rigid back, alternatingly folded and relaxed hands, attentive but not attending head angle and facial expression.
"Oh, ah, I should say; your...reputation...is quite good. Speaks very well of this facility."
Jim says I think I'll be fi- as the equipment starts to recede. With nothing to do in here, I may as well take a short walk. I'll likely see you later, Nasima.
Jim will remove himself from the lab for some time, taking in some fresh air, but missing the smell of grease.
"Oh. Okay. I'll, uh, I'll just sit..." A change is clear in Nasima. Her petite frame seems to sort of fill up, making her seem bigger. Veins pop out on her neck under her choker and her pupils dilate. Static electricity begins to build up all around and clouds roll in. There is thunder in the distance, loud and cruel.
Nasima's breathing gets very shallow and labored and she eyes Ryleh warily, like a caged animal.
Ryleh raises an eyebrow, but doesn't do anything more threatening than sitting on a stool opposite Nasima, carefully waiting to begin speaking until the lab doors closed behind Jim and Aananda.
"Hello, Khoda. I'd say it's nice to meet you, but of course it isn't."
"Really? Well, I never would have guessed. Now I do think I'll just jot down this recipe for insect repellant then. It says it works wonders as long as you're not terribly attached to your nose hairs."
"Better hope it works and that the moisture doesn't get rid of it. Jungles are usually quite humid."
"And the question is what is killing off the expeditions. Of course, when everyone who gets near it doesn't come back that makes it rather hard to tell. Let's see if we can find accounts from any survivors."
"One of the books did, but I was busy plotting out the lost groups. Where did it go?" Books move around until he grabs one, and then they pile neatly on the desk.
"Let's see... the survivor was barely able to tell where she was after wandering into a village outside the other side of the jungle. She kept mumbling about how the druid they had as a guide was useless against the tigers that harassed the party. They were fearless, and every time a spell killed one another would leap out of nowhere and attack the caster."
"It sounds like something is being guarded now. Some of these expeditions were just to map quick and easy routes through the jungle."
HAH HAH HAHHHHHH
LITTLE LIZARD
I WILL EAT YOU
THEN I WILL DEVOUR YOUR WORLD HAHHHHH
The thunder is closer. Sima is totally gone, at this point, her eyes simply orbs of pure electricity, crackling and spitting. Hearing Khoda's voice come from the sylph's mouth is so ridiculous it would be laughable if it weren't so dire.
"I see. I think I know why you were able to find us. Now, everything seems to be in order, so as long as you abide by the rules you can start classes after the weekend is over. Do you have any questions?"
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The boy and girl finally arrive at the front door. The boy is wearing a scarf which covers his mouth. The girl pulls the door open and walks in, looking around the entrance foyer. They were told to report to the Headmaster's office when they arrived, but she didn't see any sign that would led them there.
"You let that girl go right now. Honestly, they let anyone be a god these days. Even someone who acts like a spoiled toddler."
Ryleh's voice sounded calm and there was no expression on her face, but inside she was actually a bit scared.
"No, Headmaster; no questions. Thank you." Yu politely waits for you to stand first, then stands and gives a polite -- if shallow -- bow. "I greatly look forward to beginning my studies."
"I will see myself out." With that, Yu turns and departs.
@Ryo: You receive an update from one of the sensors in your office. A full-spectrum sweep was done on the office. While the source was masked, it started once Yu entered the room. Your office engaged the appropriate countermeasures, as is SOP, so it is highly unlikely the boy learned anything he wasn't supposed to.
Fei looks down as the tell-tale emerald glow starts to softly emanate from his cuffs. He finishes the last bite of his meal and stands, bowing apologetically to the others at the table.
"Please forgive me. I have an errand that I...must attend to now. It was a pleasure meeting the two of you. I hope your stay her is enjoyable."
The young monk deposits his tray at the nearest exit's trash receptacle and makes his way down to the workshop.
"Let's see... the survivor was barely able to tell where she was after wandering into a village outside the other side of the jungle. She kept mumbling about how the druid they had as a guide was useless against the tigers that harassed the party. They were fearless, and every time a spell killed one another would leap out of nowhere and attack the caster."
"It sounds like something is being guarded now. Some of these expeditions were just to map quick and easy routes through the jungle."
"Indeed. I think we'll need to go in prepared for anything. Hmmm. I have lots of summoning scrolls. That should help. Maybe Tiny Hut for those times when you need to get away from the mosquitos, especially if they're dire. Dispel magic of course. Remove curse probably wouldn't be amiss."
"And we'll need to talk to Mr. Antairus before we go. Possibly recruit another person or two to go along as well. This is hardly going to be a walk in the park."
HAH HAH HAH!
THE TIME COMES, LITTLE LIZARD
THE SEVEN-HANDED CLOCK
THE WOUNDED CITY
THE GHOST BOY
MY TIME COMES, THIS GATE IS OPENING, YOU CAN DO NOTHING
YOU WILL WATCH ME DEVOUR HER, THEN YOUR WORLD, THEN ALL WORLDS
Tyrrin sees a tall, strapping young man exit the noise room to the right, dressed as a monk, moving with a sense of purpose. The first person they'd seen since entering the school, Tyrrin calls out to him. "Excuse me, can you point us to the headmaster's office?"
"..."
"Interesting that you should mention Time," she said with a little smirk. "The thing is, I don't think he's ready to be done with this world...or all the others...just quite yet."
"That boy is going to be trouble, I'm sure of it." Ryo thinks as he pulls up the report of the scan. It had come from Yu, but it wasn't advanced enough to get through his safe-guards. He'd need to talk to Aananda or Tamrin about getting them upgraded quickly. Before that though, a more in-depth background check was in order...
Tyrrin sees a tall, strapping young man exit the noise room to the right, dressed as a monk, moving with a sense of purpose. The first person they'd seen since entering the school, Tyrrin calls out to him. "Excuse me, can you point us to the headmaster's office?"
"..."
The young monk turns and stops in a single, fluid motion. Despite the purpose with which he was moving, his appearance is not at all disheveled. In fact, not a hair or fold of fabric seems out of place on him. Odd, that....
He steps up and bows.
"Yes, I can escort you there. Are you new students at Avalon?"
"And we'll need to talk to Mr. Antairus before we go. Possibly recruit another person or two to go along as well. This is hardly going to be a walk in the park."
"I would be severely disappointed if it was. I will prepare more offensive and support spells to aid your summons. As for the people we might bring along... I have an idea. I think he might want to leave for a while anyway."
THE GHOST BOY
"And we'll need to talk to Mr. Antairus before we go. Possibly recruit another person or two to go along as well. This is hardly going to be a walk in the park.""I would be severely disappointed if it was. I will prepare more offensive and support spells to aid your summons. As for the people we might bring along... I have an idea. I think he might want to leave for a while anyway."
"Well, alright then. How about you go and ask your friend along then and I'll go speak to Mr. Antairus. I think we should plan to leave first thing in the morning."
"I'll go see if I can find him then." Oneiro barely knew him, but he wasn't a spellcaster from what he had seen. After putting the books he was away away the mundane way, he tanked the librarian for putting up with them and went back to the cafeteria.
Where was he? He had been in here when Oniero had left and it hadn't looked like he was a quick eater... Ah, there he was, sitting at the table with that big guy and two smaller students that looked like him.
"Hey, it's Jeran, right? Want to get out of the school for a while? I'm going to be going on a little expedition and Professor Reading thought we should bring a few more along. What do you say, fancy a trek through uncharted and predator-filled jungle?"
Several expressions chased themselves across his face. He wasn't hard to read. Disbelief that someone was talking to him. Happiness that someone was talking to him. Suspicion about why someone was talking to him. Interest in the idea of getting out for a while.
"Predator-filled jungle, huh? Well, I could use a few things to vent my frustration on. Yeah, why not. I'm in."
Tyrrin nods ascent. Fei notes that Tyrrin is dressed in bright, patterned silk clothing, whereas her brother is wearing what looks like a bard's outfit. "Yes my mother, High Seer Denulia sent us here. My name is Tyrrin, and this is Ehos, my brother."
"If everything goes well, we leave in the morning. If it makes any difference, only one person in the last ten expeditions to or through the part of the jungle we're going to have made it out, and she was half-crazed."
Ehos nods in agreement and bows. The pair are plainly elves, and the family resemblance is clear, except for the fact that Ehos' hair is blonde, and Tyrrin's is the dark blue of a twilit sky. Ehos does not say anything, and his mouth is wrapped in a scarf.
"If everything goes well, we leave in the morning. If it makes any difference, only one person in the last ten expeditions to or through the part of the jungle we're going to have made it out, and she was half-crazed."
"Hmmm." He growled. "Sounds like mind magic. We got anything that can counter mind magic?"
Tyrrin nods ascent. Fei notes that Tyrrin is dressed in bright, patterned silk clothing, whereas her brother is wearing what looks like a bard's outfit. "Yes my mother, High Seer Denulia sent us here. My name is Tyrrin, and this is Ehos, my brother."
Ehos nods in agreement and bows. The pair are plainly elves, and the family resemblance is clear, except for the fact that Ehos' hair is blonde, and Tyrrin's is the dark blue of a twilit sky. Ehos does not say anything, and his mouth is wrapped in a scarf.
"I am Fei. Welcome to Avalon - please follow me," he replies formally as he motions down a different corridor.
After a few minutes of walking, the young monk stops before a door in the Administrative wing, and knocks respectfully on the Headmaster's door.