Chapter 34
It's been four days since the calamatous crash that brought the AMS Dao down out of the sky in such a spectacular fashion. Three weeks of journeying condensed into a few hours by the grace of Lord Ifrit and a Jagd. It took some thinking but between Talen and Raziel and a bit of homely knowledge from Kier on the exact effects of a Jagd they finally worked out what had happened. It would seem to be able to push enough power through the draining effect of the storm to have any effect Lord Ifrit turbo-charged the float-stone, pouring so much energy into it at once that it could over-come the magical drain AND still work. Of course that meant that their blindingly fast journey was caused by roughly a third of the magical energy pouring through Talen's gloves as the rest was lost to the jagd..... Scary figures when you think about them! The Nu Mou have been nothing but kind, welcoming and gently, all those in need of healing have received it, a priestess of Undine came over from the Temple and her cooling charms, sweet voice and spiritually blessed magic has seen to it that everyone is now finally back on their feet. It took at four days for the most seriously injured, this morning has been the first that Penny has been able to get back out of her bed and Vazkor's leg has been set to right. During that time their guests have had the run of the village, free food and drink, the run of the Jungle but no boat would take them over to the Ocean Temple. The village elder saying they would only escort the group when everyone was ready. Raziel of course flew on over himself but got the same message. The High Priest of Leviathan will see him and his party when they are all back on their feet. Today should hopefully be the day when everyone is gathered on the docks the trip over the bay to the gigantic conch shell that houses the priesthood of the water spirits can begin.
Penny steps out into the light of day for the first time in the better part of a week, wearing a fresh change of clothes from her salvaged duffle bag. No armor, though, as that's still in bad shape, and no one available to repair it in the village, leaving the mouse looking less like a temple guard and more like a typical village maiden, with the exception of the Cinqueda sheathed at one hip and the head of her broken poleaxe hanging from the other. She gives a stretch, though a careful one, her formerly-wounded shoulder still tender, and takes a look around, getting her first real look at the village since arriving days ago, before heading for the docks, soon arriving to join whoever has already arrived there.
Thaylorn could already be found over at the docks where the group was to meet, having spent most of the time the others were recovering exploring the village and potentially causing some minor trouble, not enough to cause harm. The Temple is where he had wanted to go most, and having been denied several times resigned to mostly waiting for everyone to recover. Today he's seated off the edge of the dock eyeing the temple in the distance.
Vazkor doesn't really look worse for wear as he saunters to the docks, having recovered well from his broken leg, and being ready for action and adventure once more. The man wearing his well oiled leather armor, red sash tied around his waist bellow the belt carrying his two ornate, magical blades, and his backpack filled with basic supplies casually slung across one shoulder. The swashbuckler looking to be in good spirits as well, a smile on his face as he greets whoever is already there, raising his hand jovially.
Rarely to be seen in the entire time the party has been here, Kier managed to set up shop just outside of the village, making a small camp for himself and Dust, allowing the pair to range. The end result of this has been daily returns from the greatly scattered wreckage of the Dao with things that were still missing. A spare set of clothes for Talen, one of Raziel's magical baubles... little things that got tossed from the wreckage and mostly were presumed lost. The time in the jungle has done nothing to take away his tanned complexion, nor does he seem to show any sign of wear or damage like the others. When Penny steps out into the light, he can be seen sitting close to the shore, a box to catch the shavings at his feet, and working down what looks like a cradle slate's mounting pole for the former ship's gas bag. Flicking his eyes to the mouse woman, he just nods to her and goes back to work... looking as if he's trying to get her pole-axe a new haft. With the butt missing he's making due with an anchoring weight that's still being hammered in place, and some other metal slats around him show he's trying to reinforce it as best he can. All of this sun, and fresh air, and you would think even the silver-haired young man would crack a smile... still nothing.
After his trip to the temple and the inevitable turn down Raziel has kept the the village and around Vazkor a little more, wordlessly helping him without being asked. In fact he arrives at the docks in company of the swashbuckler. A quick glance is cast around before he nods to everyone and starts towards the Nu Mou with the boats, looking for whom he needs to speak to about beginning the crossing.
Once the injured had been healed or safely on the mend, Talen had taken to exploring as much of the wreck of the area as he could, using it as a way to keep busy and distracted. But today, today he was happy yet restless, eager to get to the Water Temple. Dressed in clothes salvaged from the Dao's wreckage, he waves to the gathering as he approaches, stuffing half a stickybun into his mouth as he does so. "Hello everyone, anyone want a stickybun?" The viera offers up a paper bag with several buns nestled inside. "A good way to start off the next leg of our journey, even if the weather isn't agreeable. We've survived what would be a journey-ending setback, and we've lost some of those who started out with us. Let's make sure their sacrifices were not in vain."
It is easy enough to hire a couple of vessels, small corracles which the Nu Mou are happy to paddle out to the temple. Just as everyone is settled and the party are ready to shove off Captain Farquan wanders over. The moogle has got his hat back thanks to Kier who found it in the Jungle, the HUGE feathered replaced with a fresh one. He nods to the young man amiably and tips his hat to Raziel, "We will be staying here Raziel, we're hopeful we can salvage some of the Dao's parts and we'll get the pilgrim vessel back to Baguba Port and from there onward to Emberstrand. You can talk to me there about replacing my ship kupo."
Penny smiles, politely turning down the offer of a sticky bun, "I'm fine, thank you, already ate." Returning Kier's nod with a smiling one of her own, and giving the ones who arrive after her a wave in greeting. She settles into one of the boats, pulling her braid over one shoulder and getting comfortable for the ride.
Vazkor looks over at Talen, and then slides over to grab one of those sticky buns, grinning at the Viera before he takes a bite. Heading to one of the boats then, to take a seat, he looks around to see if everyone is there, before focusing on Raziel in specific and asking the Aegyl, "So what's the plan again when we reach the temple? I'm out of the loop a little, since I had to get my leg straightened out." The man patting his previously injured leg for effect, and taking another bite of sticky bun.
The parts to the new haft are tied together as best Kier can, and he approaches to where Penny is, settling it next to her. It looks more like the bastard child of a spear and an oar at this point, only half-whittled down to where it cne be considered useful, "Here. If nothing else, in case the hike winds you." As he moves to settle himself next to her in the boat, he shakes his head to Talen for the offer of the sweet, but Dust perks off his shoulders and scampers over to rub between his legs... the small desert feline always enjoying licking the sweet sticky stuff from people's fingers. His bow, in his lap, the slightly curved tip of his Ostep is over his shoulder, and the hunting knife strapped to his back is checked a couple times. Looking up at the sun, he then begins to undo that deceptively thin sandcloak from around his shoulders, turning it from scarf to cloak, and pulls the hood up to cover his features. Almost as an afterthought, he offers Penny a bandana made of red cloth... leftovers from the ship, and a small leather cup with some ointment in it, "For the inside of your ears... we will be in the sun for a time, and it would not do well for them to burn."
Raziel shoots Vazkor a quick look at the mention of paying for the ship and then he looks back towards. He looks next to Thaylorn and consides before nodding his thanks quietly. Turning back to Farquan the man murmurs, "then we will see you when when we return. Again you have my apologies for the trouble that we've put you through." Straightening then he turns to get on the boat while shaking his head to Talen's request, "no thank you." He settles in on the corracle then, nodding his head to the Nu Mou taking them over. EM slips out of his bag and then crawls up to settle onto the top of a wing and soak up the sun while. He looks at Vaz then before murmuring, "we need to see about getting the coin, which is going to require us slipping into the Water Realm.. hence.." He motions off to the temple.
Talen smiles back at Penny, "There are plenty, so I'll save you one in case you want it later." He starts on the next one, grinning down at the cat wiggling between his legs. The viera stands next to Kier, offering one of the buns, "Take one, at least save it for later, hmm?" Talen grins back at the ebon swordsman as the man takes one of the buns. "How is the leg, Vaz? Hopefully as good as new, eh?" With that he moves to settle into one of the boats, watching the Temple in the distance.
The Little corracles take about half an hour to be rowed across the bay, the weather is gorgeous, the sun a bright brilliant golden orb in the sky above and the brilliant, warming weather enticingly delightful as it beams on down upon the party. The waters of the bay are tranquil, calm and undisturbed and down below the party can see brightly coloured fish, coral reefs, golden sand, it is all beautiful! As the party are approaching the temple they have a moment to reflect on the beauty all around, beauty that can be turned against them by the fury of nature. A fact driven home as the looming conch shell draws closer, the bands of lapis lazuli reflecting the sun, the seat of Leviathan's power on Terra.
Penny looks up at Kier as he sits next to her, smiling brightly as she's given the new haft, taking hold of it, looking it over as she says, with much gratitude, "Oh, gosh, thank you so much, Mister Kier! I'm sure it will come in *very* handy." The bandanna and ointment are likewise gratefully accepted, "That's very considerate of you! Thank you!" Immediately, she begins to apply sparing amounts of the ointment, the bandanna getting tied atop her head soon after. She is otherwise silent throughout the short trip across the bay, rather enjoying the almost lazy passage, the warm sun and rhythmic rocking of the corracle as it's rowed lulling her into a bit of a doze, in fact, even as the temple draws nearer.
Thaylorn is one to be entanced by the sights able to be seen beneath the waves, mostly by the bright fish swimming about "So think you're ready for what's to come, Raziel? From what I've heard it's going to be just a little tricky." The Imp offers to the Aegyl, having hitched a ride in the boat he was in. Smiling, Thaylorn seems like he's pretty much looking forward to it.
Vazkor hmms some and nods at Raziel, giving a glance to the temple in the distance, before looking over at Talen and giving the Viera a smile. The man patting his leg again as he answers, "Seems to be as good as new. We'll see how it holds up once we're running for our lives from some menace, hm?" The man oddly upbeat about his proposed inevitability of violence happening during this quest, and right afterwards settling down in the boat to enjoy the trip. The man enjoying the sun and the sights as they get underway, and letting his fingers trail through the cool water as he watches the fish down below.
"You mean swimming. Swimming from menace." Kier quips back, not even losing his permanently neutral look before turning back to look over Penny once more. He takes a breath, and then fetches Dust back from his current location attempting to immobilize Talen's legs. The long-eared, bushy tailed cat slides up under the cloak, becoming just an odd lump between his shoulders before he finally says to Talen, "You know I am not one for sweets. I much prefer those spiced baked breads they made in the fall. Savory, and last a long time."
Raziel considers quietly, as if attempting to recall the exact wording of something. He pauses though and looks at Thaylorn when he's asked that before he nods quietly. "it will be difficult, but all that we have done has been so, hasn't it? I only wish I had had a place to keep my friend until we returned." He reaches up quietly to stroke along the mongoose' back before glancing at Vazkor then moving his gaze on towards the temple as they draw closer and he recites the words that he was told by Scorpio, "Scorpio was very timid. He always looked at his shadow until one day he decided to look away. He walked up a hill.... the hill.. were you will find Saggittarus lies beyond the Isle of Winds... sail the Waterway and find the Lonely Tor."
Talen spends most of the journey in silence, watching the Temple loom ever larger as they get closer. Near the end, he nods and looks to Vazkor. "With luck, the crash is the worst part of our journey, and it is behind us now. And as Kier has noted, likely we'll be swimming for our lives. If things go sour, I hope my doggypaddle is up to the task." He grins and stuffs yet another stickybun into his mouth. After swallowing the first bite, he looks to Kier and chuckles. "Had there been any of those spiced breads, I would have brought some along. But these suited the morning and journey at hand." The viera blinks and looks to Raziel, then ohs, and reaches into one of his pockets, "Ah, the coin you lent me, Raziel. Completely forgot about it, and I thought it's obverse was permanently burned into my hand, but it seems to be fading now." Talen offers up the coin that aided their journey into warpspace.
As Talen holds Scorpio out to Raziel the Nu Mou stop paddling and stare at it... they chatter amongst themselves in hushed tones giving the party askance glances as the corracles coast to the dock. Three figures are waiting for them on the dock and it is clear they saw the coin also. There is a lady, tall and willowy with long elfen ears and soft sea-green robes. An elderly human, long grey beard wearing a red-robe. Both of these are standing a pace behind the eight foot tall lizard-kin who is waiting. Dressed in a deep dark blue robes with a diadem across his brow he sneers at the party then focusses dark eyes on Raziel. "So its true, the Master of the Stellazio has come begging to my door..." he turns, "Come inside and state your business... and I will consider if I will aid you or not." He walks back up the steps and inside followed by the stern faced human. The lady offers an appologetic smile and a shrug and motions everyone to follow her as she heads inside."
Penny comes awake as the boats come to a stop at the dock, the robed lizard-kin's words helping to bring her around as well, the mouse looking around to get her bearings before pulling herself to her feet, rolling her shoulders before making her way out of the boat and onto the dock. Looking after the robed trio, she waits until at least a couple others are out of the boats and following the priests and priestess before following along herself.
"I don't think we've come to beg really! Ask nicely maybe!" Thaylorn chimes in quietly as the elders make their way back into the temple before he responds to Raziel's earlier statement "Aye, but this is heading into the spirit realm! Maybe, if we're allowed." He adds in hushed tones as he follows along with the others into the temple.
Vazkor climbs out of the boat to greet the three elders, fully intending to be polite and apply his trademark charm... But then, the big lizard's behavior seems to give him pause, and he actually arches his brow, as an ever so brief look of annoyance crosses his face. The man's Rozarrian pride telling him to speak up, but after a few moments, managing to control himself, and just glancing over at Raziel and some of the others, quietly letting his instant dislike of the elder known to them.
Kier wordlessly slips from the boat first, waiting for the still-recovering Penny to exit, and helps her up onto the walking surface before looking at the others a long moment, but most particularly at Raziel. It's an easy look to translate... that familiar look that most masters know how to give students. 'What did you do?' And then he turns to follow along with the others, bow still held in his right hand, Dust's tail cocasionally flicking out into view, curling under his chin and around his neck.
Raziel looks at Talen and he glares at the viera for a moment before he quietly states, "some things are not to be talked about with others around nor shown and that is as much for out safety as it is the safety of the coins of which I am the guardian." He puts his hand out to take the coin back from him. A look is cast around to the Nu Mou while they chatter and then his eyes turn to the group awaiting them. The aegyl straightens on his seat and waits for the boat to be secured so that he can depart it and follow after the lady waving them within. He looks at Thaylorn before sighing and murmuring, "beggers we are though.. but sometimes we must beg despite our pride." He frowns and shakes his head a little bit before moving within. He does note the accusatory look from Kier though, which does nothing to make his expression lighten.
Talen blinks slowly at Raziel and raises an eyebrow, "You've just said more than I did. I caused some questions, you've now just answered them." He shrugs and then does the same slow blink at the lizard and his tone. "Of course, that doesn't help either." Talen follows the others off of the boat. He taps the ground with a bare foot, and wiggles his toes for effect. "Hmm, dry land. You never really appreciate it until you've not got it underfoot." Inside the temple is breath-taking, the massive conch-shell spirals up in a huge curve, light beaming in through slits in the shell, thinner patches where the suns rays can shine in. There is a spireal walk up to a hall about mid-way up, past various off corridors and doors. They are taken across the hall by the lady leading them in silence and the Lizard is waiting, sat on a thrown beneath a massive statue of leviathan. He glances over the party then focusses his gaze on Thaylorn, "Young servant.. why are you here?"
Penny, following along, slows her pace as the temple is entered, taking in the spectacular sight with a bit of awe, finding it a rival in some ways for the soaring ceilings and stained glass of Alexander's Cathedral. But she pushes that out of her mind, after a moment duly given to appreciate the splendor, to focus again on more immediate things. She stops with all the others before the lizard-kin and his throne, holding the long hewn haft at her side like a staff, keeping silent.
After having gasped slightly in marvel of the surroundings, Thaylorn makes his way with the others towards the throne. "Me?" Thaylorn questions as the lizard-kin addresses him "Well, I'm here to help Raziel you see." The Imp offers with a gesture towards the Aegyl standing nearby. "On his quest, that is." He offers a small smile towards the elder before glancing up towards the Leviathan statue. "In regards to what we wish to find here though, the Lonely Tor." Is added quickly enough, just in case his first response didn't quite sate him.
Vazkor takes up position next to Raziel... And seems to completely ignore the supposed splendor of the temple, his golden eyes instead intently focused on the lizard, though he manages to keep his expression neutral instead of the sheer annoyance he wants to display. But then, as the lizard ignores the majority of the group, and focuses on Thaylorn instead, he can't help but speak up. Lifting his baritone voice, to let it carry across the chamber, "Excuse me, but we have someone else who should answer your questions, sir. The Aegyl who was tasked with our quest by the spirits themselves." And looking over at Raziel afterwards, nodding at him encouringly.
A hand comes down squarely on Talen's shoulder, and Kier guides the younger male off to one side. His eyes flick to the lizardman on the throne, and all of his pomp and circumstance, eyeing the entire temple with more suspicion than awe before he brings his focus back to the young Vieran summoner, and in the lilting, low language of the former forest-dwelling people, he says, "Little house-brother... you had better explain yourself to me quickly. What has been done, and why am I present. I do not appreciate being glared at like an evening snack by one who seems to be a more entertaining pair of boots than conversation."
Raziel closes his eyes for a few moments, his fingers tapping out something. The coin is then slid away and he opens his eyes and continues inside. His gaze drifts about the interior of the temple before focusing upon the throned figure. He turns his eyes to Thaylorn when the imp speaks before he looks back towards the throned lizard while nodding quietly. There's a moment when Vazkor speaks up before the man goes ahead to agree with Thaylorn and elaborate, "it is true... we come with the intent to find Sagittarius and protect it from those who would pervert it's power."
Talen looks angry for a moment, but the look fades away as he looks at Kier. He replies back in Viera, "I do not know how you came to be with us, Big house-brother. As to what we are doing, we are looking to restore the Zodiac... by finding the coins containing the spirits of the Zodiac, we will unlock the pathway through the stars." The viera pauses for a moment, rubbing fiercly at his eyes. "We just... just may find a way to reach Exodus in all of this." He sniffles a moment before rubbing his nose. "And as much as I am sorely tempted to uh fashion a new pair of shoes, the one upon the throne is the High Priest of Leviathan. As much as it might pain you, we have to be polite."
The lizard leans back on his throne and shakes his head, "You mispeak Rozzarian... he has been charged to collect the coins by the Spirit of the Coins, Maybe Lord Hades and I have had no instruction that Alexander has spoken." He shakes his head, "Lord Levianthan, Undine or any of the spirits whose domain the Saggitarius rests in have spoken, I am not inclined to open a path to the Water-Way for anyone least of all you." he stretches his arms above his head and lounges almost insultingly on his throne, waving a hand dismissivily. "After all you did just wreck my island, scatter a ship allover it and scare off all the birds."
Penny keeps her expression blank as the throned lizard replies to Vazkor, listening, and quietly thinking. She looks at the lizard high-priest, then turns her head to look at the rest of the group, before finally looking up at Raziel, her blue eyes serious, "Raziel... The High Priests of the Cathedral tasked me to assist and protect you, but they weren't able to tell me a whole lot about the situation beyond my specific role. And, given this High Priest's reluctance to aid us, I must wonder... What happens if we fail?" A simple, but perhaps heavily loaded, question.
"What will it take for you to allow us to enter into the spirit realm from here? Is there something we might be able to do in return for a favor like that?" Thaylorn ponders towards the High Priest "If need be, you wouldn't even be required to open a portal, but I'm sure there's something we can help to regain favor, maybe back on the main isle?" He asks, eyes remaining upon the lizard-kin.
Vazkor takes a breath to speak... But is given pause again, the man glancing at both Penny and Thaylorn, and deciding their remarks towards the lizard kin kind of took the wind out of his sails, and it's not time for an angry rant. Instead, he manages to smoothly shift his expression to neutral again, and sweeps his gaze back over the lizard... The man remarking calmly, "The crash was an accident, I'm afraid, and some of our compatriots lost their lives due to it. But I'm also afraid the destruction we caused will be nothing compared to to the chaos that will descend upon your home once our enemies come for the coin instead."
"But you will do it." Kier says in the common tongue, and then steps forwards from the group, pulling back the hood so that his face and his hard eyes are revealed, "You will open the path, and will let us pass, and you will do it gladly. Because if what I have just heard is correct, then what is being done is for the good of ALL... and not just those with whom they have already helped." Looking back over his shoulder at Talen, and then Raziel, he nods once, and looks back at the robed lizard man, "There will be no games... or... there will be no trade. We are not here for your amusement, nor for your pleasure. This is not YOUR island. It belongs to every creature, every plant that grows upon it, every spirit that passes to be born again upon it. It belongs to the cycle of life that you are just as much a part of as the rest of us. So you will stop your posturing, stop your play and politics, because this is beyond all of those things. Either tell us what you have decided you want from us so we can discuss it and give you an answer... or you may politely shove off your pretty chair and let us speak to someone here who has a measure of sense and responsibility."
Raziel looks at the High Priest blandly and seems to consider his next words. Penny's question causes him to look at her though and he seems to consider. "A creature who seemingly can reach into our world and leap from here to there at will? I can only imagine that the witch Ultemecia will destroy our world and use the powers she gains to destroy worlds beyond ours." He allows his expression to remain nuetral as he turns back to the lizard. "As my partner said.. the accident was just that. We would not purposefully crash an airship on your island and I will admit that the spirits had a hand in... enabling our escape from certain death which resulted in the crash. If we could have avoided it and the loss of life that accompanied it, we would have." About the birds, well.. he says nothing... especially as Kier steps forward and his brows go up quietly, even the mongoose is turning and watching the young man speak.
Talen grins at Kier and Raziel, and steps forward in turn. He holds up both of his arms, and with a flash and a sizzle of flesh, the bracers given to him by Ifrit blaze into being. "I come to you as an emissary of Ifrit. What my fellows here have said is truth, we are going through to find the Lonely Tor. You can aid us, or not. If the witch known as Ultemecia finds and captures all of the coins, the Folly will look like a lazy, sunny afternoon here. What will you do when Leviathan no longer answers your call, like Exodus remains silent to the Viera? What will you do then, but think upon this moment right now? And wish you could change the past. Aries and Ifrit himself carried our ship here in moments... a three week journey covered in moments. No earthly vessel could survive that, yet all of us here risked our lives to get here. What will you say to Leviathan when he asks, if Ifrit's children could do this, why could mine not?"
The high priest was looking at Vazkor and Thaylorn and he had just nodded to the imp when Kier speaks... The Priestess goes pale and glances at him and shakes her head but the lizard ignores her. "Shall I tell you something little man? You stand here in this place spouting off about the good of all. The cycle of life... this island... belongs to him." he points up, to the towering statue of Leviathan, "This island exists because he permits it too exist, this island is my charge and YOU." He points a finger at Kier, "You have desecrated it, I know your type. Sanctimomious little men, worse then the moogles who reject technology. No one can live up to /your/ standards of how life should be lived so you try to force it down everyone elses throats.." He curls his hand back and water engulfs Kier, a bubble that lifts him up into the air. "You stand here.. as a hypocrit.. spouting off about the circle of nature when you have destroyed it on my island." He hurls the sphere of water down the hall and it splahes into the far wall and drops Kier and a very wey dust to the ground. "My Lord cares not if you come from Alexander and the Council... if you wish passage to the water-way... You will restoire what you have broken." he sits back down in his throne, back straight, arms resting on the throne and his eyes blaze blue. "And Thus..." and as he speaks a rumbling booming echo, a reverb that makes the room tremble and makes Thaylorn's heart pound laces itself around every syllable he speaks. "You Master of the Stellazio, Knight of Alexander, Imp of my Court, Summoner of Ifrit, Rozzarian Pride and mis-begoten hypocritcal scum tand here, demanding entrance to my realm, to quest for the Saggitarius.... it is DENIED!" That word shakes the bones of everyone in the room as the High Priest speaks, "Until such time as you restore and reunite the "Siren Wind" with the "Water's of Lakshmi" what clues I may have given you... I withold for the arrogance of the man and his cat.... walk my Jungle, use the senses of my servitour, the wisdom of the Shining City and the passion of the Lord of Flames and fix what you have destroyed and then... then... may I reconsider...." The high priest's eyes dim, he closes them and leans back. "You have had your answer... from the source itself."
Kier looks pale, just laying there for a moment and breathing hard from the near-drowning, cradling Dust close to his chest. His eyes are dilated to small points as he stares at the priest... It's almost a minute before he stands up again, drenched from head to feet, and slipping the half-feral desert cat back under his cloak, he turns and moves to depart, saying in a toneless, almost unemotional voice, "This is not over."
Thaylorn is currently 14 minutes idle and may not get back to you soon. You page, "You my watery imp remember something important, That fountain you were all trapped under and was trashed by the Dao when it crasherd? You have seen others around the forestr over the last few days. None of them are working...." to Thaylorn. Thaylorn pages, "I was actually going to ask about it, cool. :)" to you.
Talen looks from where Kier ends up and back to the lizard head priest. While he listens in peace, it is quite obvious by his stance and flattened ears that he is quite unhappy. He turns abruptly after the priest leans back and stalks out of the temple, moving to catch up to Kier. "Be at ease, big brother, we will see this righted, hmm? That was Leviathan himself in the end, and so we must do. The priest can answer for his insult after we have set things right... and I don't mean this siren wind of waters of lakshmi but the greater path we are all on." With the appearance of Leviathan's power, Thaylorn is left nearly trembeling for a few moments before he's able to catch his wits once more. Nodding slowely he moves to head out of the temple too without speaking, although reflecting upon the priest's request. Once exited he merely shakes his head and moves to gather with the rest of the group after they've exited in turn, if they do.
Raziel eyes widen and then close. He takes a deep breath, then another. Slowly his eyes open and they turn to Vazkor for a few moments. As Kier stalks out and Talen follows the man merely exhales a breath before rolling his shoulders back and focusing on the much diminished, as Leviathan has withdrawn, High Priest. "The insult you took is on my shoulders, as is the insult he took. I am the one that organized this. Do not take it out on the Sandsea dweller and I will advise him of the same. Earth and Water, these two things are always doomed to clash. We will see to putting to rights what we have undone." And then he too turns and starts out of the temple.
Vazkor is forced to go silent as Leviathan shows himself, and hurls Kier across the temple... The man standing there with an arched brow, and to anyone paying close attention, a tense, ready posture as well... The fingers of one hand quietly resting on the hilt of one of his swords for a few moments as everything happens, the priest/deity yelling at them, and the swashbuckler perhaps briefly concerned that more physical trouble is right around the corner... But as the priest settles down again, he slowly pulls that hand away from that sword once more... And then he just gives a silent nod, before turning around sharply to follow the others, sending Raziel a look as he goes.
The high priest considers Raziel as he speaks and shrugs, "I gave no insult to the dweller of the sandsea, if he sees insult in being taken to account for the truth of his hypocrasy then he is a little man who is not worth the time of the Lord of the Sea." He stands up and removes his head-dress, "This audience is over, if you wish to enter the water-way fix the temple of Leviathan, this island has been ruined by your arrival and until it is restored I will not permit entry and even the servant you travel with will be unable to open a path." he hands his head-dress to an attendant and the large lizard vanishes behind his throne. The HIgh Priestess of Undine walks down to usher Raziel and Vazkor toward the exit, "I am sorry about that... I can answer some questions for you to aid you but ... not many."
"So this is what you desire, Talen... to become a sycophant and slave to beings who consider you as nothing more than mouthpiece and whim of the moment?" Kier bites back as he continues to stare forwards, making his way out of the temple with a purposeful stride, "I hope when your chosen spirit brings you to your own fattened indolence upon your own golden throne, you have the wisdom to see the slave's collar that sits as a ghost around your neck."
Talen blinks, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Yes, because all followers of all spirits are exactly like that lizard sitting on that throne. Are you really that blind, Kier, and so narrow minded? Speak to me again when your anger is not clouding your mind. I've a Siren Wind and Waters of Lakshmi to find and repair." The viera fusses with his ears for a moment, and stalks on alone.
Taking note of Talen moving off, Thaylonr moves past Kier to follow after him, mostly so that he might aie the Viera in their quest without paying too much heed to their small exchange. "Oh Talen! Do you have any idea of what those might refer? I've been thinking a little, I have no clue what the wind is! But the waters maybe, when we crashed I fell into a broken fountain. Although I'm sure the crash broke it, maybe that's what it means!" He pauses for a moment, taking a breath "Although I'm not sure about fixing it, I'm not a mason!"
Vazkor walks with Raziel and the priestess, the swashbuckler glancing between both for a moment, and looking thoughtful, before he focuses his gaze on the female and speaks up in a calm, measured baritone, "Answers would be appreciated, miss, and my companion here shall have to ask the appropiate questions... I'm merely curious why we are blamed so vehemently for the island's destruction. It was through no fault of our own, and it seems strange to me that an accident would be regarded with so much hostility..." The man shrugging then as he trails off, and motions at Raziel to take over. The man looking towards the others of the party that are up ahead then.
Raziel had already turned to go, but he freezes for a moment and starts to glance back over his shoulder at the High Priest. For a moment it looks like he's debating saying something, but the approaching Hugh Priestess of Undine's approach changes his mind. He allows himself to be ushered the rest of the way out and eventually nods to the woman, "any aid you are willing to give would be appreciated. The sooner we are through to the realm and gone from this place I feel the better." As they step out and he notes the tail end of the confrontation between Kier and Talen the man exhales a breath. Looking back at Vazkor then he murmurs, "actually it's called we're the pawns here. Through Ares and Ifrit our ship was sent faster than anything should be able to go.. likely it ripped something in the spirit realm as much as our impact on the beach. While not our fault exactly we are the cause. Unfortunately the... uh fellow is likely having a hard time balancing between things. Why should our quest which has been so distant be of any import when our arrival harmed things that are near and dear?" He shrugs his shoulders, "it's like the question.. would I have cared much about this endeavor if my wings had not been ripped from me? If I detatch myself I can see his issue." He looks beyond to the others then back to the priestess, "if you are willing come and speak with my companions then." He motions and starts towards them.
The priestess leads the way back to where the parties boats are waiting on the dock just outside the large corracle. She stops a short distance back, remaining out of earshot of Kier and the others as she speaks to Raziel and Vazkor, "It was your airship, accident or not that hit the island and has disrupted things. As for the vehemance I am afraid your companions attitude ... well I don't agree with how the High Priest handled it and you were un-aware of the damage you caused but he did come acros a bit brash... but I fear you will need someone with his wilderness skills to fix this mess." she draws a deep breath, adjusts her robes and glides forward to join the others, smiling warmly and raising her hand, "The blessings of the lady Undine upon all here who will accept them. Come let us return to the island and I will tell you what I know of the Siren Wind" with the "Water's of Lakshmi." she lets one of the Nu Mou hand her down into the corracle and takes a seat.
Kier pauses for a moment, perhaps a moment longer than is necessary as he stares down at the water, something darker passing through his eyes as his jaw remains a hard line. Not even noticed by him, his knuckles have turned red from how hard his fist is clenched, and then he exhales hard through his nose. No further comment is made, but he seems to deliberately choose the furthest boat from both the priestess and the temple. Once he's nearly caused the vessel to flip from landing hard in it, he draws Dust out and proceeds to check him over, as well as his other equipment. It's the kind of quiet one finds in the woods, just before a monster attacks.
Talen slows when Thaylorn catches up to him, listening to the imp and then pondering things for a few moments before replying. "Hmm, that might be a good clue then Thaylorn. I do not recall the ship colliding with anything while in the air, however I was in engineering and couldn't have known unless it was a very heavy collision. So we have something we can sort of triangulate with. We can go to the ship's wreckage, and trace a line over the fountain, and perhaps follow any other evidence of our crash. It just might lead us to this Siren Wind." The viera reaches out to fondle one of the imp's ears. "First bit of really good news since we got to this silly temple."
"It is indeed! And I wouldn't know about winds really, I'm sure there's something magical to all of it, of course." Thaylorn responds to Talen as he glances back to notice the others finally approaching. "Well, with the fountains too, it wasn't just that one, there was no water flowing in the other ones in the forest either, so they must all be linked somehow, as well." He offers a laugh towards Talen as he grabs at his ear a bit before moving to board one of the boats with to head back to the main island once again.
Vazkor listens to Raziel, and the nods some... Followed by a shrug, as he responds in that same calm voice, "I do not shun our responsibility. If we have to fix the damage caused so we can proceed on our true quest, so be it. It has not been our first diversion..." And he takes a moment to look at the priestess then, watching her get in the boat before he continues, "I merely wish your Lord had greeted us with less... Hostility, for lack of a better word. Brash or not, I must admit I did not entirely disagree with the Hunter's words... But I digress, please explain the task ahead, miss." And afterwards moving off to climb into the boat Kier chose as well.
Raziel looks at the Priestess quietly and begins to say something but Vazkor's words cause him to nod. As he goes to get into the boat with Kier the mage looks towards Talen and Thaylorn, nodding to them both, "the High Priestess has offered to aid us as she may, perhaps she will be able to answer some of the questions." Stepping into the corracle with her he sits before setting his eyes back on her. After a few moments he sighs and looks up at the sky, "I have certainly chanted.." This is said to himself though as he looks back to the woman again and waits either until she speaks or they hit the land.
The priestess invites Talen and Thaylorn into her boat, joining Raziel as Vazkor joins with Kier as they push off. Penny says she'll catch up with a return boat asap as not everyone can fit. As the corracles coast away from the large lapis lazuli inlaid conch shell toward the village the Priestess turns to the viera and imp and offers them both a warm smile. "I am sure you have questions, I may answer what you ask but cannot offer things myself."
Thaylorn, nodding to them both, "the High Priestess has offered to aid us as she may, perhaps she will be able to answer some of the questions." Stepping into the corracle with her he sits before setting his eyes back on her."
Those nearly lupine amber eyes look up at Vazkor a moment as Kier seems to just emit the word through his very presence... 'what'. Without a dry cloth for Dust, the cat is forced to groom itself, looking as visibly rumpled as his other half, while the young man takes to sharpening one of his several hunting knives, this one the one he normally keeps hidden under his quiver... checking the edge for nicks and then running it only a couple times with a stone, followed by an oiled cloth before putting it back away.
Talen nods slowly at the priestess as she sits, "Thaylorn here said he landed in a fountain, is that the waters of Lakshmi? A connected set of water fountains? If so... what exactly is the Siren Wind? I'm assuming something that was floating, because aside from the area around the crash, that's the only thing I could see the airship damaging. I can't say for absolute certainty though, since I was in the bowels of the ship holding on for dear life. Also, might I say that your head priest is a bit too cocky by far? None of us chose to be here, we were all yanked in by fate... and I think your head priest knows this. He almost went too far, some here amongst us would say he did. I know we're quite the impossible group, showing up and basically demanding access to a portal. But I refuse to believe that Leviathan and your head priest were surprised. The objects we damaged could have probably waited, couldn't they?" Thaylorn decides to allow Raziel to have his seat in the boat and merely hovers rather near it as it makes it's way back to the shore. "I think I understand the Lakshmi thing, that fountain near the crash sight, will rebuilding it fix that part of the high priest's request?" The Imp asks curiouslyy as the prietess invites questions. Although with Talen asking them he turns his attention to the Viera, head tilting a bit, Thay's not in a position to question the will of his patron spirit really.
Vazkor returns Kier's gaze with his own golden, wolfish eyes, and then raises his brow a bit. Staying silent however, he simply watches the younger man work for a few moments, before he switches his attention to the other, nearby boat... His fuzzy ears perking as he silently listens to what's being discussed, curious as to what answers the priestess will give.
As Talen and Thaylorn speak Raziel turns his mind to the problems that have been placed before them. He looks at Talen then before shaking his head, "likely they're a physical mirror to something spirit side and as I mentioned to Vazkor because they are near and dear they are of more import than a stranger's need regardless of how important that need might be." Turning his eyes to the priestess then Raziel tilts his head, "so what wer are to repair, it's not just a physical representation is it? There's some bond that we broke and we have to find a way to make it whole, don't we?"
She smiles at Talen, "I am Lorneia, High Priestess of Undine, it is nice to meet you and I am quite well thank you for asking." She quirks a brow at the young summoner then pats his shoulder. "I tease. The fountains are connected but not by pumps. Siren's Wind connects them.. and no... no they could not wait." She smiles gently, "Without them there is no portal...." she glances at Thaylorn, "So fixing them will indeed fullfil the High Priests request." She regards Raziel and smiles, "There is indeed a physical aspect and a spiritual, realign the physical, you'll see the effect, complete the circuit and you'll repair the spiritual."
Kier murmurs out where only Vazkor can hear, "Do not listen to them." And then he turns his head to look at the island for a moment, and then looks back towards the wolf-eared man, "The answer lies in the mountain. Just like in the desert, water is collected in the mountains, and then seeps down under the earth. Many of the caves that exist under the sandsea once ran with the clearest waters in all of Ivalice. There are many such caverns there, but they are often guarded jealously like the desert tribes and monsters... making them ill fit for nomads to try and make use of." Returning to his work, that knife goes away, and the one from his boot is drawn, and the oil cloth is run over it, "We can use the imp's broken fountain to track it back to the source-flow... that will be where the block has occured, most likely."
The viera just stares at the priestess for a moment. "I do believe I did properly introduce myself, but my name is Talen. I am an emissary of Ifrit. As for the portal, instead of taking the tact taken, he might've simply said as much. You know, I'd love to send you on your way, but you broke it on your arrival. Should you wish to speed things up, lend a hand... That sort of thing, y'know?" Talen sighs and shakes his head, "If there is a spiritual side, we might have some difficulty, however if it is as you say, Lorneia, then I think we can manage." The viera looks to Raziel, "I think we have two weeks at maxium to get things straight and get out of here. We did three weeks in a moment, and I don't think there are too too many ways of cutting days of the journey. So lets assume two weeks. I think the first thing we need to do is find us a new airship, and follow the path of the Dao from entry point to crash site. And the fundamental question is... how exactly did we get here so fast? Did we enter the spirit world?"
Thaylorn merely nods as Lorneia confirms the thoughts of his to repair the fountain "We'll have to get moving out there at once then, once we've landed again." He remarks with a glance off towards the main island before falling silent in thought for the time being on just exactly how he might be able to carve a statue, or spiritually connect them again.
Vazkor looks back towards Kier, and silently listens to him... Brow raising a bit again in curiousity. And as the hunter finishes speaking, the swashbuckler seems to think for a few moments... Before he nods, and subtly nods towards Raziel in the other boat, speaking up quietly as well, "Share your theory with Raziel once we have solid ground under our feet again, and we are left to our devices once more. I'm personally willing to wherever this new task takes us, caverns guarded by monsters or no." The man smiling a bit then, if only at himself, as he adds soon after, "I admit I'm mostly the muscle when it comes to our quest." "I had a feeling it would be such a thing.." The man turns thoughtful and he looks towards Talen quietly, considering before shaking his head. "I doubt that we'll be able to find another airship so quickly, Talen. That and we have to think of the cost involved. There is no one funding this beyond myself and Vazkor." With that said Raziel turns thoughtful and then he looks towards Vazkor and Kier, catching part of what he says. A brow lifts in silent question to the wolf eared man before the mage turns back to those aboard his small vessel, 'it may be complex, it may be as simple as reassembling the parts of the fountain that have been scattered."
Lorneia smiles gently at Talen, "I do not think you need leave the island, we are not due another airship for about a month and a half. You'll find what you need in the jungle and upon the island as a whole. As for tact... as I said I would not have proceded as the High Priest did but he is the Spokesperson of Leviathan and the King of Waves is quite angry, Ifrit threw an airship at his temple island and broke it... it is understandable that his irritation will translate to the High Priest." She glances toward the shore, "Now quick, i must not answer any further questions when we reach the shore."
Finally speaking up to be heard, Kier replies, "Then Leviathan should stop ignoring his brothers and coddling his fops. You would think he would be grateful that instead of crashing us into his pretty little crown jewel, we merely hit his supposed island." And with that, he hops out of the boat and begins wading along side of it towards the shore, Dust walking along his arm to settle on his shoulder to stay dry as the man sink to chest level, "There is a saying that the Achadians often use. Nothing is irreplacable. Go remind your mouthpiece of that before I have to, Priestess. Thank you for your kindness. We are unfit guests for you to be forced to attend."
Talen clears his throat to correct the priestess, "Aries and Ifrit tossed our airship at the temple island." He nods when she says she cannot help further until the island is reached once more, and turns his attention to Raziel and Thaylorn. "Okay, so we check out the fountain first, and see if repairing it is possible. And go from there. As for the airship, I have some money saved myself, Raziel. And uh, well, there are other means." The viera shrugs, "But it probably won't come to that."
"Aye, the fountain, we need to repair the the physical side of it, then, anyone carve stone?" Thaylorn asks with a light chuckle before looking back to the priestess "It will be up to us then, to find a way to mend the spiritual side of things, so to speak too?" He nods before really waiting for a response once again, not knowing if just fixing the fountain itself would realign everything.
Vazkor doesn't really have much to add to the situation, the swordfighter simply sitting within the boat he patiently waits for it to reach the shore... Meanwhile listening silently to Kier's rant, regarding the younger man a moment before he looks over in Raziel's direction, meeting the Aegyl's eyes and giving him a nod.
Raziel looks thoughtful and tilts his head to Thaylorn before he snorts, "could be as simple as finding the pieces.." He looks at Talen then off towards Vazkor and Kier's boat again, keeping a close eye on them before he looks back at Lorniea, "alright so quick questions.. are there physical marks for both of the things we must repair? If we fix the physical will the spiritual be echoed and fixed as well? Will it require we bring in artisans or are the fixes something that we can do ourselves and finally... where do you suggest we start looking?"
Lorneia smiles, "Do not focus on fixing what is broken, look at what is intact and can still be used... and fix the physical and the spiritual will mend itself too. You've seen the fountains, you have surmised they are connected. Consider this, what is broken has broken the network and is not easy to repair. Find what is still intact and re-connect it." She stands up and steps onto the deck with the aid of one of the Nu Mou, "Find the physical representation of the wind and from there... decide what might work."
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