Everything seem to occur so fast that Lasuri's mind can barely follow it all.

All in their own ways, everyone has come together for this. Despite facing hardship every step of the way, the group has somehow manage to beat back even the most difficult obstacle their have faced, through sheer determination and effort, but most of all, through constant teamwork. They have watched each other's back, helped each other when one among them faltered, and kept tightly to one another in order to proceed forward.

And now, here, at the very end, all of this is threatened.

In one last triumphant assault, Zeru has managed to knock the Chalice from the bearer's hand - but one more step remains. If allowed to fall in its present trajectory, the cursed object will fall into the vile acid, away from an easy grab for any of them. The fall can be stopped, but if anyone but the Captain touches the chalice, they risk being overcome by its powers of domination. In Lasuri's mind, this makes everything clear; he has to secure the damnable thing, so that his brethren do not have to carry this burden.

Watching the falling Chalice intently, the Captain's first thought is to try to grab it in midair. He positions his body in order to do so, but as he evaluates the actual distance separating him from his target, it quickly becomes apparent that this option will not be viable. His loss of footing, at a hopelessly inopportune moment, has cost him this possibility. One second passes, and the chalice falls further down, closer to the dangerous, hungry acid. Multiple choices and paths come into Lasuri's brain, but in the end there remains only one.

He cannot allow the cursed artifact to fall to the bottom of the acid pool without intervening himself.

With a grim expression, Lasuri raises himself from his prone position, and angles his body for one faithful - and very likely fatal - leap. He knows very well, in this moment, that if the ring does not protect him from the acid bath, he may very well die, writhing in atrocious agony. He has been slashed by the vile liquid before, so he is uncertain as to how he will overcome this. But despite the risks, despite death itself, the same things keep playing in his mind: the sight of his comrades and crew. The people he has seen and forged alliances with in his travels. Jadira, the woman that stood by his side through joy and pain for so long. And Lasuri knows, inwardly, that he cannot ask any of these people to face this danger and fetch the Chalice from its acidic prison.

There is a pause, only for a breath. And then, suddenly, the Captain leaps...

Straight for the acid bath, into the Chalice's trajectory.

Danaa'd. He speaks, inwardly, as his body hurtles towards its possible death, almost in slow motion. You've chosen me when I was a child. You've done that again just now. I don't want to break your party... But I just might very well hold the record for 'Champion Having Held his Office the Shortest. I have to ask you something now. I want to -live-, Danaa'd. Not for myself, but for everyone else I've met, and every life I've touched. To help and protect them, to help them reach their destined future as I reach mine. If you're here, of you're serious about wanting me to represent you... Then I need your help, right here and now. I need you to protect me, 'cause I don't think I'll survive it.

If this was a test I've failed, and you can't save me, then I have to ask you two things. First, give me enough strength to bring that accursed thing that Malfeas spun, and swim with it to the surface. If I can't make it, I have to make sure that my body can hold on long enough for me to bring it to the others. If I can't destroy it, they will. They can't touch it, though - so give me just enough strength so I can pass my ring to them. I don't think I'll have much motors skills after a swim in acid, so just give me good aim and a strong arm just one last time before I go - I'll take care of the rest. Still in midair, Lasuri eyes his hand axe, and his opposite wrist, the hand bearing the ring. Inwardly, he calculates how much force it would take to cleave the limb straight off.

Other thing I need is this: If you deemed me worthy enough to watch over me, then watch over my people. They deserve it a thousandfold. I don't want to leave my job helping and protecting them, but if I can't do it anymore here, someone's gotta do it. So please... If you can't save me, then at least grant me these two things. I wish I had a better way to finish this, but I'm kinda lousy with prayers. So I'll have to leave that hanging here... And hope you can hear this, my Lady.

In midair, Lasuri twists his body, aiming it for the sinking Chalice.

He makes barely a splash as he dives in.

Unhindered, the chalice tumbles down into a gap between the frozen tentacles and into the vile, demonic acid.

Though never known to be a praying man, Lasuri's last thoughts flash through his mind in those last split seconds of uncertainty, beseeching Danaa'd for attention. Surely she would not have chosen wrong, only to lead him to his death at this crucial moment. But the Dragon is silent, giving no sign of acknowledgment. He would not be given any glimmer of hope or shattering despair to affect his decision. In truth this may well be her real test of his bravery, of his trust in his comrades, of what he values most - his life or the fate of Rakatau, his crew or the fate of the world. Should the cup ever be seized by a being of great power he can find the means to control, it would unleash the full power of the Lintha and Kimbery upon the West and beyond.

For this Lasuri dives into the most dangerous waters he would ever encounter, birthed from infernal magic and the churning hatred of the Chalice. He is not alone, though. Underwater, another Chosen of the Dragons strives despite the Malfean element that threatens to drown her... [Private to Kiana White-Fist; Lasuri Leomaris: Lasuri plunges in just in time to witness Kiana's fists plunge into what appears to be a giant, throbbing green and bruised-purple heart below the center of the acid pool. Though half-blinded himself from the stinging liquid, she glows so brightly he can see her outline easily, digging her feet into the bottom of the pool as she tears open the gigantic, exposed organ! It shudders, gaping grotesquely as tough, sinewy heart-muscle shreds in her gauntleted hands. Its darker green 'blood' starts to flow out from hundreds of sundered vessels, making the water heavier around her, even harder to breathe. She is fairly sure the monster is dying, though it hardly moves at all in doing so, forced by her Essence to remain utterly still as its life-fluid pours out into the pool.

But Lasuri cannot spare so much as a split second to see whether Kiana will ascend alive. The Chalice has not fallen far yet, and he swims to it. It is agonizing. His skin feels scoured as if bathed in fire, then rubbed with salt into the burns. Every swimming stroke is like pushing his way through slime rather than water. Dear gods, he hurts! But the chalice's position remains clear to him. The pain is horrible, but does not stop him from what he must do.

His hand closes around the base of the chalice... and the pent-up wrath of the demon within closes over his mind. Deprived of magical means to harm him, it simply bombards him with words to evoke memory. You were never the child your parents wished you to be. The woman you loved took decades to even look upon you with desire. Your foolish decisions led you astray, in questionable company that led to your exile, and hers. You are a small-time captain, facing the mounting powers of the West with a beat-up warship and a ragtag crew. You are a failure. You will die here, clutching the instrument of your death like the wretch that you are. SUCCUMB A PATHETIC END, OR GIVE YOUR POWER TO ME!][Private to Lasuri Leomaris: You took 2L damage but you get no wound penalties, due to divine intervention.]

Whatever happens below causes the tentacles to react with a constant, low-grade tremor, enough for those above to understand that the paralyzed monster is faltering. Hundreds of tentacle-mouths gnash and hiss and wail, the strange sibilant keening the only thing they can possibly do in retaliation. The tentacles that hold the nymph suddenly relax as if sapped of strength, and the elemental -- blinded beyond any normal healing, for what could blind a spirit except a Malfean curse? -- sags onto the point where the tentacles meet at the center of the pool, sobbing and shuddering.

Tageru continues his reckless advance toward the center. His clothing, skin, even his hair sizzles in the vile green drink. Finally, he reaches the point Zeru stands partially submurged in the acid, facing the collapsed nymph. It would make the most sense of all to escape as Kareth was forced to, hope the ring of being would shield Lasuri and Kiana would emerge triumphant. The acid would eat them alive if they remain!

---

OOC: All except Kareth roll another Stamina+Resistance. Same difficulty (5 sux means you 5B dice of damage and soak with natural soak, less than 5 means you take 5L dice damage. 10+ sux means you take no damage at all.) I'll roll myself to save time if need be. [Private to Peleps Zeru; Cynis Tageru: You don't have any way of really knowing if he managed to grab the chalice or not, but you can still see the spot where Lasuri fell into the acid. If you wanted to dare the acid to help him or Kiana, or kill/save the nymph, it's up to you!]

we're really close to the end now, woo!
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:45, Fri 11 Sept 2009.

Zeru gently lifts the nymph and hands her to Tageru. "Take her and go find Kareth leave these two to me." He says firmly. Despite all of his issues with titles and leadership, he fits into the roll quite easily. He has no idea of what happened to the Captain and no Idea of what happened to Kiana, but he is unfettered by this. He will rescue them both, no matter the cost. The alliance needs the Captain, more than it needs him, and Zeru would never forgive himself if he didn't try his damnedest to save Kiana.

He takes a solemn breath and dives into the acid where the bubbles Kiana had eschewed had burst. His anima flaring and allowing him a freedom of motion even in such inhospitable waters. He swims as fast as he can while one of his arms spins the chain. Once he gets a clear view Zeru wills the tempest to take on her full length as he hurls her towards the captain. It's a wide sweeping arch through the water in which the blue jade ball barely breaks the surface. The motion, should it find the captain would wrap around him and hook on itself. Hopefully Zeru made the right choice as the acid reddens his skin, but doesn't dissolve it quite yet.

[Private to Storyteller: 12:53, Today: Peleps Zeru rolled 7 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,4,10,9,10. Stam+Resistance. Dice Roller is happy for my birthday today! :D]

The jokun that spoke first looks with deep concern to Kareth. "Surely there is something we can do, Isole Kareth? Can we help them, or you? We are not blessed by the Elemental Dragons, but we can send reinforcements--"

But the engineer's attention is taken up by another distant message that reaches his ears from the wind. The voice sounds strained, holding back desperation. "This is the Falchion, Captain Fairwind. The Lintha fight like this is their last battle, but can't fight forever. Jadira's against their leader. Your status?" So much depends on Kareth's comrades getting the chalice safe and sound, but the battle outside Rakatau poses yet another unwelcome concern...

[Private to Isole Kareth: I may have missed telling you about stunts a couple of times... so to make up for that let's say you got a free +2, get motes or WP back if you need. (Motes probably more than WP :P)]

Our status? Kareth thinks to himself.  By the Dragons, we've let ourselves be eaten by an behemoth and we're fighting a tentacle beast and Yozi spawned artifacts and this man wants to know our STATUS?  After briefly grumbling to himself, Kareth holds a hand up to the Jokun signaling the spirit that he wished a moment to think.  Finally he rattles off a message to Fairwind "Situation normal.  Should return soon.  Have wet gift Jadira can give Lintha in a knot."  The last part of the message was whispered as he thumbed the knot in his cord.  He hoped he wasn't lying to Fairwind when he said they would be retuning soon, but regardless if the knot could get to Jadira soon, then she would be able to use the 'gift' inside as a surprise attack.

He then turned his attention to the elementals before him.  "If you go in there now, you could be corrupted like your brothers were.  That would just make the fight harder for us.  However, once we have the chalice, we will need to leave here in the quickest route possible.  What is that route?"

After a moment's hesitation, he continued "And secondly, do any of you have a method of sending something small very quickly to the ships outside?"

[Private to GM:

Yes, motes are needed more than willpower (but not by much).  Spending 3m to make sure the message gets there.  That brings me to 6m, 2 wp.  Kareth will need to take a long nap after all this.  :)

]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Fri 11 Sept 2009.

No further message comes from Fairwind; Kareth can only hope that means there's nothing else to report.

"We could travel the way we came, Isole Kareth," replies the jokun. "Through the waterways. If we have a nymph with us she may use her affinity for Water to make the travel much faster."

"Or we can ask Great Rakatau to open a portal directly out of his domain. This is also possible."

The gathered earth elementals blink slowly at Kareth's other request, and withdraw briefly to commune with one another, not speaking but linking with the collective that all jokun standing upon Rakatau's earth share. Finally the spokesperson says, "We still believe a nymph's help would be ideal, if it is a small item she can meld with the water and travel through underwater tunnels much, much faster than on a boat. A direct teleportation would take a great deal of effort from Great Rakatau. Is this item important enough for that?"

The jokun look at Kareth, waiting for any further instruction.

---

OOC: Note that it wasn't possible to do this inside, Rakatau can't make portals from one point to another inside itself. And teleportation is more draining than portal magic.

Will wait for Lasuri to post (and Tageru if he wants) before I write about what happens with him and the Chalice...

Lasuri had steeled himself for pain, but nonetheless, what he experiences upon diving into the pool still cannot compare. For one usually so at ease and at home in water, the experience is particularly excruciating; an element so familiar, usually so nurturing, twisted and changed into a painful, searing solution eating away at the Chosen's flesh. And yet, despite the pain, Lasuri keeps pushing onwards.

He can feel his skin burning and being slowly eaten away. Just a little bit longer... He thinks, forlornly. He had never thought to go so quickly, dissolved in the vile liquid the accursed Chalice spawned. Regardless, the Captain does not give up, pushing through the acid with strong strokes, to at least accomplish his original goal before it is too late. His limbs ache and and his whole body burns more than he can describe; his eyes are narrowed slits, in order to protect them from being burned away and dissolved by the vile liquid. I'll need my eyes at least a bit longer, if I'm to do this.

When the Chalice mentally assaults him, Lasuri refrains from responding - swallowing acid would likely terminate him much faster than he would desire. He knows the Chalice can at least receive his thoughts, however, so he thinks of the response, knowing the cursed relic will hear...

"All those things you say about me... They're true. I never had any huge design for my life. I trusted the wrong people at times. I've made bad choices. I've not attracted the attention of those I cherished for a long time. I'm a small-time captain trying to make a place for his people in the infinite waters of the West, and I don't even know if I'll succeed."

"I'm all these things, Demon. But once again, what you decry as my own failings is also my strength... and your own chains. All you've mentioned is only possible because of one thing: I'm -free-. Free to live and die by my own choices, free to laugh and to hurt based on my own decisions and actions. Free to succumb to my choices and my ill-fated trust in the wrong individuals, free to triumph and enjoy the strong links I forge with my trusted friends. That's how people live, Demon. That's how people grow. Tempered by mistakes and failures, powered by both successes and setbacks alike. But that's not something you'll ever know. Freedom is a luxury you'll never experience. You've come from a Realm that is a prison, only to escape to a different cell."

Another long, powerful stroke. The Captain burns everywhere, as if aflame from the outside and the inside. And yet, his determination does not falter. From the depths of the dissolving liquid, the Leviathan of black essence curls around the Captain, its powerful dark glow visible all the way to the surface.

One more stroke, and Lasuri's gloved hand reaches for the Chalice, grasping it firmly. Just a bit longer... I have to hold until I can get this to the surface, somehow...

"The Cobalt Alliance is your cage. Maybe you'll erode and destroy me, but I'm just one bar in the cell - others will take my place. And you're not strong enough to erode us all."

"Because you've never had the freedom to make mistakes, and that's left you weak and powerless against them."

"Hold on tight, Elemental.", Tageru says to the nymph as he takes her in his arms, and then places her on his back, to free his hands for swimming, as he starts moving back, toward safety. He swims with all his strength, trying to get across as soon as possible, and not stay in the vile acid a moment too long. The ex-monk jumps out on the shore, turns for a moment to his allies, and then runs after Kareth...

Kareth listens to the jokun and then shakes his head.  "No, it can probably wait.  Can you contact nymphs to help us leave post haste?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sun 13 Sept 2009.

Chalice chamber

Zeru is so determined to help his friends that he resists the burning liquid bravely. (0 damage! Go Zeru!) He can see clearly where Lasuri is, guided by the the other Water Aspect's dark, coiling anima banner, burning strongly through the acid. Kiana, too, is submerged deeper below - her white aura is impossible to miss, compared to the huge, lumpy shape that floats nearby. Some sort of heart? It looks like the part where the tentacles fuse together, in any case... and it's pouring vast amounts of dark green blood into the paler acid.

Lasuri is closer, so Zeru sends his jade chain through the vitriol to grab hold of him. The Captain is much too busy subduing the Chalice to be a difficult target, so it wraps around him securely.

But compared to the agony of the acid bath and the demonic thoughts crawling in his head, Lasuri feels the security of the chain only faintly. (2L damage) The demon inside spits its wrath at him -- You presume too much, your freedom is ephemeral! -- but try as it might, fails to bend or break his will. Danaa'd, through the Ring of Being, shields his Essence and his mind until the malevolent presence backs off, seething its temporary defeat.

Dragon-child, you are still mortal, with all the weaknesses of mortal flesh. I will lie awake every time you sleep, planning your untimely demise. I will taint every mind that dares come close to you. I will find my way into the hands of another, and destroy all you love and build! Mark my words - you will grow complacent in your power over me. Possess my vessel at your peril!

Something more begins to happen, as the Ring of Being reacts to the Chalice. The first thing Lasuri notices is the pain starting to mercifully recede, replaced by a wash of soothing water that cools his burning skin. The liquid fades from its lurid shade of green toward a clear, refreshing blue. The spell that tainted the water is receding!

The tentacle beast is affected as well. Without the chalice feeding it, after the grievous damage Kiana inflicted upon it, it simply has nothing left to keep it alive in this world. It petrifies completely, even its blood turning into dust.

Tunnel shore

"Of course." At Kareth's request, one of the jokun kneel down to touch the nearby water; a ripple goes through it, and travels down the water tunnel.

Moments later, Tageru bursts in from the outside tunnel, carrying a nymph in his arms. He'd made his way through the acid like his life depended on it, the vitriol seeping into his flesh, creating horribly burning, open sores. (3L, but it's regenerating) Already Tageru's Wood Essence starts to mend his ravaged flesh, but the water elemental he holds is still wounded in body and in spirit.

The jokun let out a collective murmur of shock, seeing their nymph ally so cruelly blinded. "The nymph sisters are coming," they say, gazing nervously and expectantly toward the water as if the mere act of looking will make them come faster. "They will know how to help her, too."

Then, soon after, another exhalation of relief. The speaking Jokun says, "It seems they have succeeded. Rakatau is cleansed..."

Everyone is much too exhausted to be triumphant. The mood in the tunnel is somber, as news of victory settles over elemental and Dragon-blood alike. So many have perished, and many more are hurt and tired. However, their pain does not go unanswered. All feel a soothing sensation envelop them gently, revitalizing them in mind, body and spirit. Only the blind nymph remains blinded, cursed beyond immediate repair.

Two boats approach the tunnel shore, not rowed but gliding swiftly as if guided by an unseen power. Two nymphs sit in each, along Queen Sylpheel, standing at the head of the lead boat. Her face is filled with worry, then overflowing sorrow as she sees the state of her ruined sister, Melusine. "Please," says Sylpheel through her tears, "tell us what we must do to help you, saviors of Rakatau."

---

OOC: Battle is over! In the chalice chamber, assume the acid turns completely back to water. Reunite, so we can move on!

Also, assume divine intervention heals you back half the damage you've taken, if any, and returns to you an amount equal to half your total Essence and Willpower, rounded up. XP will come soon, too. But you'll still have the Lintha to deal with (I will not run a full battle for it. You deserve to do a bit of freeform after all this!)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Tue 15 Sept 2009.

Zeru lets the chain hold his captain whilest he swims to the floor and wrapping one arm around Kiana. He looks at the young woman to make sure that she is not drowning, as his powerful kicks send him to the surface. Once he breaks the waters surface he will pull Kiana to the petrified mass of tentacle, or let her swim there herself. He will pull on the chain to ease the captains ascent, and hope to the dragons that the defeat of the chalice did not cost the captain his life.

Tageru steps onto the shore, gritting his teeth against the pain, trying to endure and fulfill his task. He puts the Nymph down gently, careful not to hurt her any more, and looks at the Jokun. "If her sisters can't help her heal, I can. There is no time for that right now, there are other dangers ahead, but as soon as this battle is over, you can bring her to me, and I will try to help her regain her sight..."
He turns to his allies, looking to see if any of the warriors are injured and in need of healing, and helps anyone who needs it, letting the Wood Dragon's energy suffuse him and heal his deep burns. Soon, his skin is perfectly clear, like it was before, with the only difference being that most of his hair is now gone, burned away by the acid. Only a single purple flower remains, untouched by the vile Malfean powers...

It was done.  Kiana watched with no small amount of satisfaction as the demon began to turn to stone.  True, the corruption and true source of the creature was the Chalice, which still needed to be dealt with--but it was in the capable hands of Lasuri Leomaris.  The remnants of its influence on Rakatau, and the Nymph it had captured was now incapacitated.  Even better, actually, Kiana's touch had forced its essence to become an eternal representation of what the Earth Dragon was capable of...and it brought a small smile to her face to think that something that had once caused the earth god such pain might actually now give him a source of pleasure, as the stone that it had become was as pure as any other, and laid deep within the Seven Day Isle.

The satisfaction didn't last horribly long, though, as the burning in her lungs (not from the recently departly acid, thank the Dragons) told her that she had spent more than enough time in the water.  She moved to begin pushing off the bedrock to surge upward, but then felt Zeru's hands suddenly wrap around her.  She was stunned at first, having not expected it, as she had been focused on the beast, and almost lashed out at the touch.  Training intervened on her instincts, however, and she realized it was the touch of a friend--she was in no danger.  She allowed him to carry her to the surface, as she was very tired from the fight already, having spent a large quantity of her essence in her attempt to end the fight as quickly as possible.  And, thankfully, it seemed to have worked.

Upon breaking the surface, she quickly swam to solid ground.  She was soaking wet again, for the second time on this adventure.  She shook her head, throwing water from her hair as she quickly combed her fingers through the shorter length, getting it out of her eyes as she got to her feet and quickly ran to join the others, at the boats that had brought them there.  Now wasn't the time to ask if everyone was okay.  Who she couldn't see, she could hear--they were alright, or at least mostly unharmed.  But the day was hardly won.

"How quickly can we return to the ship?"    She asked as she reached the boats.  'Her' crew was up there, fighting the Lintha.  Bravely, no doubt, but Kiana didn't want to make them fight without her any more than she had to.

The Chalice speaks its last poisonous words, but they sound empty and petty - the words of one who was defeated, but already plots revenge. For the moment they do not take root in Lasuri's mind - only his desire for the conclusion of it all remains.

The plunge was so excruciating that once the soothing currents wash over him, it is almost as if Lasuri's limbs have suddenly turned to lead. With the Chalice in hand, the adrenaline boost starts to thin out, and the Captain is left only with the aftermath - and how much he has pushed his body to get this far. Letting out a long, drawn out breath, Lasuri murmurs some words of thanks for Danaa'd - although not a praying man, he is also not a man who leaves debts unpaid.

When Zeru's chain wraps around him, Lasuri does not fight it. Instead, he lets himself get pulled upwards, Chalice firmly in hand, as if struggling to even remain conscious. Even when his faithful comrade pulls him ashore, the Captain does not yet move. For a moment, he is unable to do so, and it suddenly becomes unclear whether the Captain survived the ordeal or not.

Locked in stasis, Lasuri can only think of how weary and hurt he is, his mind completely blanked out by the ordeal. But then, in the back of his mind, a voice calls to him - that of his comrades, his friends, the reason why he even still draws breath. And those voices are compounded by flashes of Jadira, Donnegal, and the loyal crews of the ships of the Alliance, fighting the menace of the Lintha even as the Chalice is recovered.

No, there is no time to be hurt and weary. No time to be broken.

There is work to do.

Suddenly, without warning, the captain rolls over on the shore, lifting himself with his hands and knees... And spitting a few times as he shakes his head. "Dragons... Do you have any idea how bad that stuff tastes? I feel like I just rinsed my mouth with rotten vinegar." Slowly and carefully, he struggles to get back to his feet, testing his balance - shakily at first, and then progressively getting better. He rubs his head, and looks around, a haggard look on his features.

He might not be a phoenix, but the Sea Drake nonetheless was reborn from his ashes. Again.

Making sure he holds the chalice at bay, Lasuri puts a hand on Zeru's shoulder, nodding warmly to his fellow sailor. "If felt like... Well, like Malfeas in there. I'm not sure I'd have managed to make it out on my own at all, Mister Zeru... From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've got a life debt waiting to be repaid, mate." Lasuri nods once more then turns back to the others. He walks towards them, stumbling a bit at first, but his tone when he speaks is as driven and certain as ever.

"Allright, we've got to get on the ball, people. I know you're all tired, but we've still got one more job to do. The Lintha want their glorified wine glass, and we're gonna make sure they don't get what they want. So, like the pissy customers they are, we should expect more... discontent."

He shakes his head then, rubbing his forehead as he takes a deep breath, a grin forming on his features. "I owe you all a paid island vacation, when we're all done with this. Think I'll need some time to sleep this headache off after we're done... I think a month or two ought to do."

The Captain grins, turning to the others once more. "Allright, Alliance. Let's go."

Zeru smiles at the captain's thanks, grateful only that he fights on. "I know captain I took a dive myself." He says smartly, although he looks none the worse for wear, his pants and trenchcoat are haggard and riddled with holes. His hat is gone completely, for the first time revealing the long blue, and sea green hair that he kept under it. Also showing through his coat is a white and blue jade breastplate. In the center of the armor a whirlpool of blues. "I couldn't rightly leave you and miss Kiana to burn now could I? You owe me nothing as you'd have willingly sacrificed yourself for any of us." He says seriously. "You've given me a chance at something greater than myself and I owe you for that for every day I sail with the Alliance."

After walking across the water and arriving at the shore he nods down at Tageru and the nymph. His eyes fill with compassion and he asks. "Can you help her?" It almost pains him to see a woman in such dire straights.

He bows to the nymph sisters his face filled with remorse. "I'm sorry ladies, I was unable to save her before she was badly injured." He holds tempest between his hands and his knuckles grip so tightly that they turn white. He really appears to be taking it hard. "I hesitated at the sight of the beast, and it has cost your sister her sight."

His hands move as he rises. With a flick of his wrist Tempest loyally wraps around him, the collision of the chain on his breastplate sounding like the roar of a downpour. The blue jade ball, crafted to look like a breaking wave rests at his shoulder and the other at his hip. He steels his resolve as his fight was not over yet. He inhales a deep breath and his muscles tense, ready to uncoil and run to the battle if need be. "But I have not yet begun to fight, I will continue to battle that you may do what you can for her. These Lintha will know what happens when the seas rise against them. Because while they are in the midst of a storm even as we speak, it has yet to turn into a maelstrom." he promises them.

"I know not how much of what that fool cup said is true, but our crew fights on, and the crew of the Marlena was not yet fully recovered. I must aid my Lady."

"I hope I can, although I haven't tested the full limits of my artifact yet. It should help anything of Creation, but I am not perfectly sure in my estimate. I will certainly do my best, as soon as this battle is over. It pains me to see any being suffer the Yozi's wrath and their demented punishments. Worry not, friend, if there is something we can do to help, then we shall do it, I promise. But, our friends are fighting and possibly dying out there, and there is no time to tend to the wounded now, unfortunately, not when there are those we can save from death. So, let's not waste any time if we can choose, and go right back to help fight the vile Lintha. If anyone needs healing, I can try to help, but we should hurry in any case..."

When the others brought the nymph to the shore, Kareth looked her over.  He then felt he should impart the last message he received from Captain Fairwind, "Captains, we need make haste back to the ships.  Jadira is battling the Lintha commander as we speak.  I sent for the nymphs so that they can help speed our return.

Master Tageru, to activate the instrument of regrowth in your satchel, you'll need a Wood or Sun aspected hearthstone.  Even then it takes a great deal of time, which, to put bluntly, we don't have.  I'm afraid that if we can do anything for her, it will probably be after we return to our ships."

[Private to GM: Not sure if the Satchel can help a spirit or not so I rolled twice:

Lore to know the extent of the satchel's effects on spirits.  8 sux.
Occult to see if there's anything that can be done for the spirit.  6 sux.

The answers might be the same.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Tue 15 Sept 2009.

"I know and fortunately, I have such a hearthstone, I inherited it from my grandmother when I Exalted. Let's leave now, while there is time. Do we go back the way we came, or do we have a shortcut to the outside and the battle there?"

"I believe it would be simplest to return from where we came.  The Nymph Sisters would be able to speed our passage..."  Kareth turns to the water elementals and says "if you would be willing, good spirits."

Sylpheel finally controls her grief, as the Dragon-blooded gather at the tunnel shore. She has one of her stronger guards take Melusine, who seems to have fallen unconscious since Tageru carried her over and gently put her down.

The Nymph Queen humbly touches a hand to her heart at the concern shown by Tageru, Zeru and Lasuri. The Alliance members notice that she keeps her distance from the Captain, though, who now holds an incredibly powerful and malevolent artifact in his grasp. The jokun, though grateful the Captain has it well in hand, are similarly nervous, remembering how many of their brothers died because of the corruption that overflows from the cup. "You have returned," they mumble in a deep baritone chorus, nonetheless, and bow deeply in solemn thanks.

Lasuri can feel the demon-chalice's mental presence curdling in the back of his mind, figuratively licking its wounds. Clearly waiting for an opportune moment, should he drop the tainted artifact or mistakenly brush it on a friend. The Ring Lasuri wears only protects himself, after all. Oh, revenge could wait, it could most certainly wait.

"Chosen of Sextes Jylis, if you could truly cure Melusine of her blindness, we would be eternally indebted to you," says Sylpheel to Tageru, then offers Zeru a small, sad smile. "In saving Melusine at all you have done more than we expected, Dragon-chosen. There is nothing to be ashamed of in that. However, you are all correct - her healing will take more time than you have now. You have saved Great Rakatau, and now we will help you save your comrades."

She ushers the Dragon-blooded to the boats - spirit-conjured they are, beautiful and sleek, sporting fish-like fins instead of oars - then belatedly answers Kiana. "With our vessels and enchantments we will bring you there within two or three minutes. We will go as fast as we absolutely can, so please hold on."

Sylpheel guides the lead boat, whispering words to the water and stroking the hull of the boat. One of her trusted aides repeats the same with the second boat, magicking it to bring them swiftly to the mouth of Rakatau.

[Private to Isole Kareth: You can certainly know all the functions of the Satchel with those rolls. You're also pretty certain that since a spirit is not naturally corporeal, whatever the demon did to Melusine cannot be easily healed by normal means. It would require some manner of spiritual healing, or destroying the source of the curse - meaning that you'll have to find a permanent way to destroy the chalice (which you believe would banish the presence bound inside back to Malfeas). It's more a long term quest type thing :)]

"The Alliance does not hold tabs, Mister Zeru, but personal gratitude remains. Even the acidic seas of Malfeas can't wash that away." The Captain smiles once more, clasping the man on the shoulder one more time before turning to the nymphs and their injured sister.

"If Mister Tageru can do something for this poor Nymph, then we'll bring her along with us." The Captain says, visibly regaining more and more of his composure. "Our work here was to cleanse Rakatau of his disease, and rid those inside of the demonic influence. As long as that one is suffering, then our work's not done." Lasuri shakes his head, looking at the injured nymph with sadness in his eyes. "If we have to keep her with the Alliance for as long as it takes for her to get better, then so be it. You'll permit that, won't you?" He says, addressing the nymphs around the wounded. "I'm not keen on separating you from your sister, but coming with us might be her only chance at her getting better."

Now that he is more eloquent and has more of a head on his shoulders, Laruri turns towards the others. "Spectacular work back there, everyone. That victory was a group one, through and through. But we've not quite won the right to savor it yet. We've got friends and loved ones in danger, and we've got to get them out of there."

Turning back towards Kareth, Lasuri inclines his head, taking a step towards the engineer. "Splendid word, Mister Kareth. We'll go along with your plan and assessment - I trust it implicitely."

"Allright, the nymphs are in charge of our passage outside, everyone follow their directions! Let's show the Lintha they're not welcome here either, and wrap this whole thing!"

Kareth takes a seat on the floor of the boat.  The way his day had been, he figured he wouldn't be able to stand.  He gloomily braced himself during the fast journey from the behemoth, knowing full well how foolish he looked.  "Note to self:", he thought, "Meditate on elemental affinity when I get a break."

Kiana didn't say much as she saddled herself inside the boat.  Even sitting, she was a paragon of stability, and hardly moved as the boat practically flew across the water.  This battle was not finished, she knew--they were only going to another level of the conflict.  But that was fine, she realized.  Fighting was in her blood, it was what was required of her.  It would be a crime against the world if she did not apply what skills and talents she had...and despite the wishes for her Father, Kiana was a reluctant source of war.  Her mind was that of a general, despite her soul being that of a young girl who only wanted to live peacefully with her father.  And her Spirit?  Her spirit was as old as the Earth itself, infused with the might of Pasiap.

Still dripping wet, Kiana went the entire way with her head down and her eyes closed--a casual glance might well lead others to believe it might be motion sickness, but no...the Earth Princess was simply gathering her thoughts, and preparing for the apex ahead.

"It would be against our nature to do any less than our absolute most for her."  Kiana said, in regards to the injured Nymph.  Then, Kiana realized as she sat there that, while the Nymph was well beyond her means to heal, she might be able to help comfort the poor creature with her knowledge of medicine.  Her knowledge of Nymphs was limited, but it was worth a shot as she kept low on the boat, bringing those piercing slate gray eyes onto the beautiful creature, and tried to decipher the true extent of the damage.

Kiana manages to get a good glimpse of Melusine before the boats travel too fast for her to do anything but hold on.

What she finds may not make her too happy... [Private to Kiana White-Fist: Medically, well, Melusine lacks eyes. They're gone, they were popped out of the sockets and melted away in the acid. Without some way to regrow body parts that won't be coming back any time soon, any NORMAL mortal would be permanently blinded by that.

However, Melusine is a spirit. Surely she could just regenerate the eyes with a new physical form? That would just take some time and Essence, pretty much. Unfortunately... your Occult knowledge tells you that the nymph has more than just a physical affliction. The demon-chalice cursed her to be blind both in body and spirit. This is a supernatural wound, and likely strongly tied to the chalice itself. You aren't sure Melusine could even be cured without the cursed cup's consent!]

However, this is no time for discouraging thoughts or words. Later, when the Lintha are routed or sunk into a watery grave, Melusine's condition can be considered in earnest.

When the boats start moving -- it feels more like flying than sailing. Compared to the jokun's slow rowing, the nymph's boats are light as a feather, taking the tight tunnel turns as easily as raindrops gliding down a pane of glass.

There's not even time to see the surroundings they passed; all that's obvious are telltale glitters of artifacts passed by, brownish grey blurs representing stalagmites or rock formations. Now and then they're pushed through a tunnel by shifting water pressure, and water splashes up onto the occupants of the boat. None of the clear liquid pools there, though, immediately sloughing off as if the boats' sleek surfaces are oil-slicked.

Finally, after winding around Rakatau's Heart, they cross the vast chest cavity pool. The water level actually rises, pushing the swift boats high enough that it sends them shooting up and through the throat, and out the living island's open maw...

---

OOC: Closing this thread now! (I just moved the ending up a few posts.) Please continue in the original Seven-Day Island thread. :)

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