Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

Ibinu sighs, wistfully thinking about the gift that was sacrificed. "I am sorry as well, I don't regret it but wish it could have been done differently. I was worried you would be upset with me."

He just sits there enjoying the time, "The music is beautiful, I hope someday your past can become everyone's future."

Staring at the refection in the mirror with shock on her face. Looking down at the axe on her side and then make to the el next to her in that mirrored reality.

Unsteady steps bring Kallik right infront of the mirror. Reaching out to touch but there is only smooth glass. Pressing her hand flat against the mirror, "Krz.."

Looking him in the eye as few tears fall from her eyes, "How do I get you out?"

More like how do I get you in? I'm not in a mirror, I'm in Uknukhiphidwala! I'm perfectly happy here. Or...at least I was until I found out everything is a lie...

name for the heaven of Forest

planning on updating tomorrow, I will narrate you to sleep - you've killed junk scorpions, crossed the ash dunes, braved the specters of the Owlbone, faced betrayal by snakes, and flown the smoke plains, to finally find refuge among dragons, all in the span of one day.

Sequoya watches as Kallik reacts to something only she can see, stepping closer to the mirror.

Sequoya, you are not particularly surprised to see no change in your own reflection - you know who you are. But Mishipeshu...

The mirror-Mishipeshu blooms in a dozen shades of lilac and orchid. Pale blossoms flutter in his wake, only to disappear like autumn snow. The tiger's eye pupils glow with the magic of the Wilds. More than just an earthen beast, the reflection you see is clearly a creation of the Fey.

Fey: denizens of the plane of forest, known in myths to be both good and bad, roughly like angels and demons. many different kinds.
prone to making bargains.

But, looking at your companion...how he was created changes nothing. He is still the same friend he has always been.

Ibinu, you are unsure how much time passes beneath the rainbow-hued music, but you feel your exhausted body slipping into sleep.

Ssarkofaugos laughs deeply, most of which you feel rather than hear. "Yes, I tire as well. Just tell Enkavma that all of you are to sleep in my guest chambers, the ones furnished for elens." One short bugling note from Mitéra and the colorful melodies fade. The unripe-tomato drakes scuttle back to their side tunnels, bowing.

She finally looks at you straight on, and you understand why the color of the eyes of the dragon queen has eluded you: they have no color at all. Perfect glass, perfectly reflective, both depthless and somehow opaque. The draconian pupils are slits of faded periwinkle.

"And one warning, αγαπητός. My private chambers hold mirrors and sights that would likely hurt you, and would certainly hurt your friends. Not a threat, but do not go wandering as dragons do not have doors." Her laughter rumbles once more.

Nodding, "If we can get here then I can get to you."

Leaning her forehead against the mirror and sighing. Glaring at the fog on the glass before pushing herself back a step, "I'll figure something out."

"Are you alright Kallik" Sequoya asks the another oread softly. "What are you seeing?"

Looking over at Sequoya and then back at the mirror, "Umm, yes and no."

Looking down at the axe at her side and then back to the mirror, "I see someone in it. My brother and he is in Uknukhiphidwala."

Pressing her palm back to the mirror, over Krz's heart, "I am going to fix that."

Enkavma looks puzzled. "Are the images troubling to you? That has never happened before."

Ibinu yawns very largely, just barely awake enough to listen to the warnings. He gets up and prepares to leave to track down Enkavma. Stopping he speaks, using a little bit of smoke to emphasize a few words, "It is rare to find good friends, it is even more rare to find good family. Thank you."

"Ah...then we shall help you free him." Sequoya says without a moment's hesitation. "Family is everything."

Her resolute expression leaves no doubt to the truth that she had tracked her sister's takers across planes to kill them and deliver her to safety.

Ssarkofaugos gives Ibinu a low bow of farewell. She stalks to the very back of the receiving chamber, where the tunnels turn to clearer glass and dizzying reflections, a place fit solely for those inscrutable eyes.

~~~~
Enkavma looks in a different mirror, nodding. "Well, I think now it is time to find Θείος and be on our way to Mitéra's guest chambers."

Ibinu runs into all of you about mid-way through the half-glassed tunnels.

"Θείος! We were looking for you and here you are! How was your time with Mitéra?"

Shaking her had at Enkavma's question but keeping her eyes on the mirror, "Not troubling. Enlightening."

Nodding at Sequoya, "That is appreciated."

Letting out a long sigh and stepping back from the mirror, "Of course." Not like Krz is gone.

Enkavma takes you back to the Furnace of the World, the large chamber where several tunnels branch away. It points with its neck toward a tunnel one over from Ssarkofaugos' own. "These are my chambers. Please come by tomorrow after you are rested! Just flame or warm the glass and I will receive you."

With that said, Enkavma brings you back to Ssarkofaugos' tunnel. This time, it takes a sharp left, bringing you to a much smaller branch. Enkavma stoops a bit, and Etrah's wingspan is a bit hampered, but the elens of the group don't mind. Several small chambers sprout off here and there - enough room for a bed cushion and a basin. The bed is surprisingly comfortable; soft pelts are stuffed in a case of soft crocodile skin, or something very close to it. You check - the basins are all dry.

take your chambers as you will to rest. dragons have no doors.

Ibinu wanders into one, not particularly caring which it is. He doesn't even attempt to work through the oddities presented until morning. If he has any thoughts before unconsciousness it would be about how exactly they would heat up Enkavma's door or how the basin's will be filled, if they are even supposed to be filled.

So Khong says nothing, and sits outside whatever chamber Inam chooses.

Quietly trailing behind the other and glancing back at the mirror before it fades from sight. Looking around and waiting for the others to claim a room before wondering into one herself.

Crawling into the middle of the cushion and sitting with her legs crossed. Rubbing at her eyes and looking out into the hall. Pulling the white bladed axe out to lay across her lap. Not moving and not sleeping. Everything feel to sharp for sleep. The snakes and their blood gate. The darkness and the flight. The sparks and the damn mirror.

Cast Keep Watch to stay up though the night.

At the mirror

Smiling at the thought, memories of a simpler time flooding her mind, Inam sighs. "Oh, twere easier for sure....wait a second."

Turning towards Etrah, she inquires "Are you mad at me now? Or were you annoyed then? As I recall, you were a bit of a biter back then...eh, no bother I suppose."

"Kallik, I swear to you, any assistance I may give for your quest...you have my vow and more sword to aid. That is, anything that doesn't violate the 'Warrior's' decrees, I shall do to see this for you."

Now

Troubled by the confusing place, the sylph shakes her head slightly. *YAWN*

"Hmmm I suspect sleep is indeed necessary."

Climbing into bed, she curls up, mumbles a prayer to her god, and falls asleep.

Krz does not share your vigil; you can tell the surges of energy he felt throughout the day are taking their toll now. The jade eye dims,

Goodnight, Sissy

and the jade is dark. Asleep. Away. Apart.

Goodnight Biting the inside of her cheek and blinking back tears. The only movement is steady breathing and her fingers rubbing across the axe in her lap.

As everyone selects a room to head to, Sequoya reaches out and briefly squeezes Kallik's shoulder in a silent supportive gesture. Nodding to her other companions, the huntress heads to one of the offshoot rooms alongside Mishipeshu.

Removing her boots and armor and setting aside her gear, she soon succumbs to the rigors of a supremely eventful day, curling up on the bed with Mishipeshu's powerful form curled up around her.

It is Brightday, Snowrites the 18th.
Is is bright.

Even underground, away from the unblinking core of the world, you all feel a pulse of energy trample the plains above. The start of a new day.

Shortly after bright, the same drakes that were playing music the night before walk in, laden with jars of sweet cream and baskets of ashbread. Saying nothing, they wave at you shyly and leave you to your breakfast.

Waking with his usual cold sweat of terror, Ibinu slowly rises and rubs his eyes as his breathing slows. Is this just going to be the norm now? He sighs, then stands to start the day with some stretches.

He crafts a puff of smoke as thanks to the drakes and then digs into the bread, chugging the cream down. He pokes his head outside the doorway when done and moves to check on his allies. We may still have quite a bit to do here, but I think it might actually be the right thing to do, even if for the wrong reasons so that's something at least.

After you all have had a chance to finish your breakfast, one of the shy drakes enters again. Rubbing the scales under its chin in what could be nervousness, it says, "Η μητέρα ζητά την παρουσία σας στους θαλάμους της. είναι έτοιμη να μιλήσει."

Ibinu translates to his allies then turns to ask them, "Are you all ready?"

Sighing when she sees movement and breaking her watch. Getting up and returning her axe to her side before walking out of the strange room she should have slept in.

Silently sitting down and eating slowly while watching the others eat.

Awakening with the pulse of bright, Sequoya arises, grinning as Mishipeshu nudges her side. Greeting the drakes with a nod, she prepares for the day, donning her armor and jointing the others for the simple meal.

Stretching as she sits up, Inam quickly pulls out her pamphlets and begins reading. Pausing, she looks up 'So strange not being able to see Volcano in the open sky...'

After a long while, she stows the books and dons her armor before joining the others for the morning meal.

"I hope you all slept well."

Her eyes fall on her oread companions for a moment, 'I bet they find this place soothing...I...I can't wait to get back to the open sky!'

"I found it restful myself. Yes, Ibinu. I'm as ready as I ever am for Volcano's will to be done."

Flittering about, Etrah makes his way around the cavern a few times before landing. "You know, this is quite spacious for being underground."

Glancing towards his charge, 'That one is troubled. It's all part of following The Warrior though. Not all of it will be comforting.'

The drake lets off a plethora of smoke colors, like an anxious child stuttering in front of adults. As it guides you down the sandstone halls, it keeps glancing over to Ibinu, eyes full of shy interest, but quickly looking away when noticed.

Sand becomes glass once more as you approach the large receiving chamber from yesterday. Today, however, there is no feast. Ssarkofaugos gives no bow as you enter. There is an air of formality in her straight-necked posture. She is flanked by Enkavma and another young dragon you have not met.

Rumbling, "Ibinu, Champion of the Cauldron; Inam, Champion of the Sword; Kallik, Champion of the Axe; and Sequoya, Champion of the Wilds. You are welcome here as we discuss how we might benefit one another as allies this day."

She indicates the two dragons besides her, dwarfed by her towering presence. "You know my offspring Enkavma. Here is my eldest, Kokkinochi."

after whatever responses you decide to give

"Now, what schemes bubble in the Horned Queen's cauldron this day?"

Ibinu enters, holding himself to a bit more formality as might be expected.

He moves forwards, "Greetings again, almighty Ssarkofaugos. I won't waste any time dancing around the tasks our Lady has for us. Simply put, she wants you to take a seat on the council in Hearth, apparently her plans revolve in some way around that. As to why though, that is not in my purview yet. And the reward she dangles? Well, she has offered the city of Incus to you and your progeny. Granted, we haven't secured the city yet, but I'm sure that will just be a simple matter considering how pathetic the leaders were when we visited. They are also horrible beings so... I think a change is due regardless."

A note of anger enters her cavernous voice. "Shall Ssarkofaugos leave behind the Ember birthing fields where my drakes are hatched? And the Furnace of the World, where I craft my eyes and ears? Shall Ssarkofaugos abandon these splendors for a cold, guttering coal of a world where snow smothers the flame of my offspring? Is this the Cauldron Lady's offer?" The last is shouted, shaking the very stone.

A deep breath, and the faintest wisp of patient azure. "If the Cruel Boiler wishes dragons to return to the equal plane, I would be willing to give my youngest, my last. Karoff. In exchange for this, I do not desire Incus, though a future alliance to exterminate those degenerate creatures would be welcome."

"No, what I desire most is Life itself. Life for Kokkinochi, to take my place as Mitéra. My time for egg-laying is finished, and Kokkinochi's time shall come soon. The efreet to the south have grown bold, raiding the Ember Fields. I require aid in obtaining rubies from the deepest region of the Fields, and any efreet you manage to kill would be unexpected gold."

Ibinu, take a moment to confer with the Cauldron Lady about this counteroffer, and roll a knowledge religion to help petition her

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Sequoya watches on as the intrigue of bargains between gods.

Ibini snorts as this wasn't in the plan. He thinks for a moment and then replies, "I can understand your position completely and honestly, I'm on your side. But what we get isn't always what we want. I know I wouldn't be here if I got what I wanted. As my gran always used to say, you have to fly against the wind to get lift, going the easy way will leave you on the ground. Either way, let me commune with our Lady and ask her guidance."

He does a simple ritual learned in his research to attempt to set up a connection for some guidance.

Ibinu, you feel a shooting pain in your horns that courses through your temples. You have the Lady's attention. And on the plane of Igniscoeli, what a terrible regard it is.

You all see the glassy walls and ceiling darken, then glow with red flames like dozens of eyes. Old, ancestral memories whisper in the back of your head of things in caves, beasts with steaming nostrils and slavering jaws. You hear a faint scritch, scritch; the sound of the Horned Queen's nails upon her throne of black flint. A crone's voice echoes, underscored by crackling fire and muted screams of pain.

Ssarkofaugos, I have heard your words, and your offer of a bargain. Dragons have been my great allies in the past, and I take you at your word. If you say your offspring Karoff will mark a new beginning of dragons in the land of elens, then it shall surely be so. My champion will bring you rubies from the heart of the Ember Fields.

You hear one other whisper, too soft to make out. Ssarkofaugos stiffens for a moment, but then controls her expression. The flames dim, and vanish, and the glassed walls are clear once more.

Falling down lower, the pain in his skull almost unbearable, Ibinu is quiet and tries to... not become the target of her attention. Relief floods him when the she turns towards Ssarkofaugos and then disconnects. So much power.

The tall Sylph stands slowly to his feet, though still dwarfed utterly by their host. He gives a slightly pained and knowing look towards her and then exhales the breath he was holding. He turns and looks to his allies, then back to Ssarkofaugos.

"That... What do we need to do to obtain the rubies?"

Watching the events unfold with concern, Inam keeps silent. 'He always trusted me when it was The Warriors bidding...but this is...something different. The Lady is...well she's twisted. She may be the end of us all.'

"Yeah...um, these rubies you mentioned. Is it possible to obtain them without slaughtering innocent elen?"

Ssarkofaugos turns to Inam. "I understand your concerns about this alliance, but do not assume ill intentions of me or my brood, phoenix-ele. A dragon's vengeance is bloody, but we are not in the habit of, as you put it, 'slaughtering innocent elens'."

To the four of you, "No, it will be brutal efreet that you face. With a little gold, you may not see them at all - the Ember Fields are vast, the birthing place of snakes, efreet, elementals, mephits, and more."

"Our advantage is that the efreet are barbarous, allowing passions to drive them. They believe hot desire is enough to uncover rubies, but a dragon knows that cold cunning has its place, even in a world of fire."

"Enkavma will accompany you to the Fields, carrying those of you who cannot fly, and I will give my offspring directions to where I have recently detected the presence of rubies."

In a sudden motion, Ssarkofaugos bats a wall mirror to the floor, shattering it into a dozen pieces. "Each of you, take a shard. Concentrate, and think of rubies, and it will pull you toward them, if they are near."

The thinnest trickle of impatient orange smoke, and a slight twitch of her wounded half-claw. Her voice is calm as she says, "Is there anything else I might provide for your journey? The fallen priest seems capable of protecting you from fire and foul magics."

Ibinu nods along as the dragon explains, Innocent are fine, but I can feel the urge to destroy those that aren't when I use my gifts. Do I wish to give myself over more? Probably a good question to mull over while we travel.

"You say, with a little gold, does that mean a bribe or luck?" He looks up at the golden dragon dwarfing the group, "Gold likely means something else to my allies."

He puts a hand on Enkavma's shoulder, "I look forward to flying with you again."

Picking up the shard, he glances into the mirror, wondering what he will see. Then he wraps it up securely and slips it into his pack.

"How many rubies? And, if I may ask, what is your purpose for them?"

"I didn't mean to imply that...right. Of course. Even those that brutalize others aren't always what they seem." replies Inam, retrieving a shard.

Glancing at it momentarily, she carefully slides it into her pack. "Will a guide and these shards, I believe I have all that I require. Thank you."

the mirror shards show nothing; just tinted glass for now

Ssarkofaugos laughs, more at ease now that a bargain has been made. To Ibinu, "Haha, apologies , your elen idioms sound so ridiculous sometimes. Yes, luck."

"And you need find only one ruby - it is the size that matters. At least this large," her claws encompass a sphere a bit larger than a brutbreve ball, "else it will do nothing."

larger than a basketball

"It is to be a new heart for a new Mitéra, or you might say a new mother. We need this before we can bear offspring."

Another impatient orange whisper, quickly controlled. "I have duties to attend. Farewell, αγαπητός."

"My mom always said 'size doesn't matter. It's the strength of the winds behind the sails'" mumbles Inam.

Moving forward and picking up a shard of glass while quietly listening to the flow of conversation. Moving to stand behind the others. Taking a moment to wrap the glass so it might be less likely to brake in her bag. More danger. More fights..

Enkavma leads you back to the main chamber, leaving the glassed tunnels of Ssarkofaugos the Half-Clawed behind. Mitéra bows to you all, formal again to the champions of the gods. You realize the reserved Kokkinochi did not say a single word, or react to much of the discussion.

Trumpeting mock-sad, Enkavma says, "Too bad you did not get a chance to see my rooms. Maybe next time!"

It turns to So Khong. "Dour spirit, cast your spell again on our friends so we might ride the Furnace!" So Khong obliges with a bow, once again imbuing everyone with a red aura of protection from the intense heat.

after everyone gets settled onto their respective steeds

The dragon tosses a heavy, limp object toward Etrah. It looks like a sheet made of stiched red dragonskin. The shape of it, and array of thick strings attached to it, puts you in the mind of a huge kite. "It's a sail, to catch the force of the sparks! Put it between your teeth, or beak or whatever, and fly up with me!"

Grabbing a sail for itself, Enkavma jumps into the air and heads straight for the Furnace of the World, the hissing geyser of sparks and flames. And as the two fly closer to the incandescent ceiling of the cavern, the sails get caught in that torrential firestorm-

-faster than sprinting wolves faster than dragon and phoenix nosedives you are pushed back against tails and feathers, hard to breathe, too fast can't think of anything but hold on and try not to fall into endless fiery river surrounding on all sides, deafening wind scouring your ears and-

Erupting, flying, soaring from the Furnace, dragon and phoenix shoot up into the sky. The pressure eases, and you are able to breathe again.

Enkavma, laughing, takes a northeast heading, toward the Ember Fields.

It is midmorning

Propelled by the power of the Furnace, Etrah and Enkavma make incredible time across the cracked face of the Smoke Plains. Vulcunus shines behind your right shoulders as you travel. Now and then, you see strange piles of shattered stone upon the plains, but you cannot make out any details.

Less than three candles later, you see the gray stain of the ashdunes on the far horizon. Below, the land is dotted with rocks and boulders - the unhatched young of the Ember Fields. Enkavma begins to descend.