"She awaits you in the main hall" comes back the instant reply "I will be accompanying Kobal and the others to the Parley."

Heading down to where they'd spoken to the Earth Witch late last night, the Henal and Melock find Delenda guarding the entrance to the complex. Her hair has been shaved and she bears the freshly tattooed runes of Death and Earth on her face.

"Rangers, you are welcome....Melock I received word that you wished to speak to me."

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

He smiles warmly at Delenda, "It is good to see that you have found you calling." He looks a bit nervous, "I was hoping I would see you before we left. I was wondering if you would like to trade for this axe," he gestures to the copper headed axe on his belt. "It is more your type of weapon, than mine."

She says nothing though an eyebrow arches questionably.

Melock notices that she has her own weapons in her possession.

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, "We both know that you have a claim on at least one of my fellow rangers and I would like to trade so you relinquish the claim"

"On one? I hold everyone of you responsible for the death of my brother.

And you want to give me an axe?"

She'd laugh if she wasn't so serious.

"Thank you for your offer Melock, but I shall have to decline. Do not worry for I have no need for vengeance.

Gadesha...May she be for ever calm...Awaits you inside."

In reply to Delenda Axe Sister (msg # 5):

"I know it doesn't come close to repaying the debt in itself, but I was hoping that what it represented would be nearer, that is a chance of a fresh start between us, of helping us unite all the tribes to help bring the Green back to this land." He glances at Henal, "The others don't need to hear about this. I have my self centred, self obsessed image to maintain." He grins at Henal, "For better or worse the time I have spent with you, even if all you spoke to me was things you thought I wanted to hear, has made me realise that if we truly want to bring back the Garden, then old clan hatreds have to be put aside and even, to some extent, personal grievances. I'm not saying I'll let everyone take advantage of me, but I'm just going to hate the person who wronged me, not their tribe. You managed to undo years of my father pouring his hatred of all Sables in to me. For that you have my thanks, and my heartfelt apologise about the death of your brother."

After what seems like a long deliberation on Delenda's part, she puts out a hand for the axe.

"You have a deal brother Melock."

In reply to Delenda Axe Sister (msg # 7):

A warm smile blossoms on his face as he passes the axe to Delenda, "Thank you, my sister." A mischievous glint appears in his eye,  'I think the others don't need to know about this deal either, let them worry for a while."

Henal smiles and winks at Melock.

Good to see a deal made as bringing back the Green means trying to forget the clan rivalrys.

"Gadesha awaits you inside. She is in good humour, please do not anger her."

Delenda takes the axe and moves to let the two braves past.

In reply to Delenda Axe Sister (msg # 10):

He nods, "Lets hope that just my presence doesn't upset her. She another person I need to apologise to."
He takes a deep breath and steps through the door and in a warm and friendly tone, "Gadesha, it is I, Melock and I have a friend with me, Henal. May we enter?"

The two braves find themselves in the main entrance hall of the Earth Complex, empty except for a large bulge on the ground.



At Melock's voice it starts to rise slowly upwards, forming into the vague shape of a wide hipped woman with a perfect cube for a head.

The Earth Elemental tilts it's head as if waiting for Melock to go on.

It's Henal's first encounter with the ancient Gnome, who despite her very obvious femininity exudes a feeling of possible imminent violence.

In reply to Gadesha (msg # 12):

She's bigger than I remember. "You are looking beautiful as always. I would like to apologize for my behavior last time I was here." He gifts her a large part of his spirit. He whispers to Henal, "She likes it when people give her some of their spirit" He gestures to Henal, "This is Henal, a fellow Wandering Ranger. It was amazing to see you outside of the Temple, can you do that all the time, or was it part of the ritual?"

Greetings Gadesha, I was not with the Wandering Rangers when they came here before. It is good to see guardians of the Earth in such a sacred place.

Gadesha bobs once or twice but says nothing as the sacrificed power floas about the room before being greedily sucked in by the gnome.

she waits...

He curses himself under his breath and drops to one knee and bows his head, whilst frantically whispering to Henal to do the same. "Mistress, I am sorry, that when we entered, we forgot to show you the respect you are due. Its just that in my haste to apologize to you, I forgot my manners and it would seem that I have managed to upset you even more." the last sentence comes out rushed as Melock starts to worry that he has angered Gadesha with his disrespectful entrance.

In reply to Gadesha (msg # 15):

Henal drops to one knee and bows his head in answer to Melock's whisper. He stays silent for the moment waiting to see what the elemental's answer is.

Gadesha stays where she is, seemingly waiting for Melock to get on with whatever business he is here for. The feeling of impending violence lessens somewhat, but it looks like this is her default setting.

"I have two favours to ask you Mistress." he takes out the gold disc, "The first is, can I store this disc in Lord Emesh-Ga's tomb for safe keeping? The second one is more difficult and needs a bit of explaining," He takes a breath, "My fellow Raven and Wandering Ranger has been captured by an enemy clan and is being held nearby, once Lord Emesh-Ga has located him, could you help us rescue him by traveling through the earth and grabbing him and returning us here?"

Using his link to the Earth Knight, "My Lord, have you found Ohanzee yet?"

Gadesha tilts her head to one side and then sends out a tendril of earth to take the disc from Melock.

In reply to Melock's second request she nods and melts back into the ground on her way to rescue Ohanzee.

"Aye they have just made oaths to seal the deal in releasing him"

A few moments later "They request your presence with the disc."

He looks at Henal and grins, "Does the deal make mention of us not trying to rescue him before we give them the disc? If it doesn't, can you make sure no one is standing near him." I doubt if Gadesha could bring them all back

Not that long afterwards the ground bulges and from the depths appears Ohanzee, near naked, covered from head to toe in earth and coughing from lack of air....

About his neck and wrists are strong metal bindings.

"Lady Gadesha, you have my heartfelt thanks and I am in your debt." He gifts her some more of his spirit.

He runs over to Ohanzee, "Thought we'd lost you," he looks at the bruises, "good to see they didn't get take you without a fight." He starts laughing, "I would have loved to see their faces." He sniffs the air and wrinkles his nose, "Lets get you cleaned up and find a way to get rid of those chains."

It takes the Raven brave a while coughing and spluttering on his hands and knees to recover enough to be able to speak. When he can do that though, the first thing he does is turn to the cube headed elemental and say "Gadesha, you are most wondrous and beautiful as ever. I could get used to such transport at this rate but there is no other I should like to travel through the Earth with than you!"

He turns to Melock a serious look on his face "Did I'Guana come to you, the Bolo Lizard rider?"

"He said these things can only be removed by the one who placed them on you. I wonder how true that is." and he concentrates for a moment as he places his hands on the collar. He pulls to the extent that sweat starts to bead on his head, but it just doesn't budge.

Finally "Shit!" He shrugs "I've been giving it a lot of thought though during my captivity. They are most effective, they are magical and they are metal. They must be worth a tidy sum."

He grins and holds up the ornate kumis skin he is still holding taking a swig before offering it to Melock "They've got to be worth my gear and my rhino back."

Thank you Gadesha Henal says and gifts some more spirit to the elemental.

Looking at Ohanzee he sees if there is anything a small healing spell will aid with and if the slave bracelets can easily be broken. "Now we just have to stop Cantalas adding to these bruises".

"Yeah he did, just after I had traded with his wife for roughly the same thing." he shrugs his shoulders, "These things happen." He puts his hand on Ohanzee's shoulder, "If he was telling the truth, they have killed Wihakayda already. I'm sorry." He accepts the kumiss and takes a quick swig before passing it to Henal.

Ohanzee frowns at the news Rhino are hard enough to come by and they slaughter a fine example! He takes back the kumiss skin and takes another swig as he considers passing the skin to Henal.

"If we meet again that is. So long as we don't meet up then no more bruises, staying out of Cantalas's way can't be too difficult."

How ever much they try the manacles are impossible to budge. Whilst examining them Melock recognises a similarity in it's making with that of the Mostali construct Copperman.

"Melock, Henal can you communicate with those left behind through your spirits? Are they OK?"

"If they are still on speaking terms with the bastards then get them to offer the shackles back for my gear... and beast!" he growls the last. "If it is dead then some other stinking beast! The only other way I can think that these things might be removed is to cut off a hand to break the binding, but I have no great desire to see if that one will work. I can't even speak with my Raven gifted spirit!" he adds the last in an exasperated tone.

Word quickly comes back that everyone is okay and that the Yelmalions are heading for the Earth Temple on mass.

He concentrates on talking to Emesh-Ga, "My lord, can you let the red thorns know that Ohanzee is willing to trade his chains for the return of all his possession and mount."
"The others say that we'll have some bright company soon, I suppose we should head up and get ready to meet them. I need to grab a weapon and my helm." He bows to Gadesha and heads out. On his way past Delenda he stops, "Gadesha is still calm, my sister. You might want to tell your sisters that a bunch of river folk approach." As he makes his way to the surface, he calls out to Taya, "Can you find out who has that lump of clay with squiggles on it and where it is?"

Taya still half a sleep, repeats Melocks question to any of the familiars that are near enough to hear.

Hearing through Rikki that the Yelmalions are heading for the temple Henal bows to Gadesha and heads out. "I'll get my weapons and helm too. Even if they are coming in peace I want to meet them like a warrior."

Even as they begin to leave the meeting hall of the earth complex, Henal and Melock are passed by a small unit of Axe Sisters, the female warriors pushing past the two Rangers.

In their midst the Earth Witch can be seen, accompanied by the other priestesses bar Brinna.



"Stay back for the sun comes to court the Earth, watch but do not intervene."

No one stops the Rangers but it is obvious that the Yelmalions intend to reenact an ancient myth to ensure that the earth helps them regain the disc.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Mon 01 June 2015.

Following the group of women, the two Rangers find themselves on the shore of the the lake at the bottom of the largest Hole.

At the Northern end is the tunnel leading from the surface entrance and exiting it is a large group of foreigners, their leaders shining with magical light, boosted by their golden armour and weapons.

Facing them is the Earth Witch and the Eirithan priestesses, surrounded by a group of ferocious looking Axe sisters...

Left on his own with the ancient gnome Ohanzee considers following the other two, but shackled and near naked as he is he has no desire to see the pompous Sun Domer.

Instead he sits a moment considering what he head during the talks between the others and the khan So they got the disc back somehow and Tarnessh said that Melock had it, but it wasn't with him just now. the Sun Domers are desperate to get it back, so desperate that they are coming here now they failed in their precious attempt. It is a map and that must be why they want it, a map to a fallen star, to where a god maybe fell to the Earth.

He sits beside Gadesha the beginnings of a smile forming on his lips even as the threads of ideas come to him and begin to form a pattern in his mind.

Ohanzee speaks quietly to Gadesha

After several minutes Ohanzee finds that Gadesha has agreed with him.

Melock watches the group of Sun Worshipers, feeling ill at ease this close to so many truth tellers. He whispers to Henal, "How do we interfere without intervening? "

"Thank you Gadesha." Ohanzee says before leaving the cave to find the other two.

Careful to remove all traces of the smug grin from his face before reaching the ongoing ceremony he walks quietly up behind the other two Rangers "What's happening?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:45, Tue 02 June 2015.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 39):

Keeping his eyes on the glowing men, "That lot are trying to persuade the Earth Witch to help them get the disc back, by claiming some ancient rite. We've been told not to intervene, so we where just trying to think of ways to interfere instead, I'm sure between darkness and storm we can causes problems for them." he grins, "did your ask Gadesha if she could snap those chains?"

Ohanzee shakes his head a look of frustration on his features. "We are the Wandering Rangers, servents of the Earth and if the decision of the Earth is that they should have it then perhaps that is best."

"They are powerful, more than us I have to admit. They wouldlikely take it from us anyway, but if we hand it over then at least we can can have them pay. It was worth my ransom before, the deal that they made with the Red Thorns so it must be worth it still."

"We ask for the payment and make it to the Red Thorns ourselves in exchange for what is mine. If they refuse us then we petition the Earth to ask the payment, explain how the magic of the ting has helped us in our duties more than once and so it is justified that they pay for it."

His eyes quickly flick to Ohanzee and he gives him an odd look, "Who are you, and what have you done with Ohanzee?" He looks back across the pool, "We have that pass thing that says they cant hurt the group that owns it, so they cant take it by force. Any idea which one of us has got it? I have been told by someone I trust that it is the Red Thorn Shaman who leads them astray, not their khan."

"Yes, best to trade for the rest of Ohanzee's things though it will be bad if they have killed his rhino. They would be too powerful to fight and we cannot spare time to be diverted from our geas for the Earth Witch".

Ohanzee snorts "It's those people who give those passes and they don't have to follow it.  Besides, that's in the land they call their own, down near the river not out here."

"As for the shaman, I'm well aware it's him, had a few talks with him and with other slaves about him. We need to kidnap one of his braves, the one who put these on me."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 44):

"But unlike Ravens, they are bound by their word, and I think it covers any meeting with them." He thinks for a moment, "Shall we leave them to it then, and go and see if we can find the brave who put these on you? Personally I want to keep an eye on this lot, they can cause us more trouble than the Red Thorns."

Whilst the three braves discuss what is to be done the air begins to haze around the two groups of people. A ritual is taking place, ancient gods and goddesses meeting and jostling for positions of power.

Overhead Bright Treasure shines down on the lake, dazzling those not taking part.

"Lets make their truth rune work to our benefit, they cannot lie when we negotiate with them so they will at least be true to their word. If the Red Thorn shaman is our problem then where could we trap one of his braves to capture them and trade his freedom for Ohanzees?"

"That can wait, the Earth is being coerced, even if not directly attacked. If this battle is lost then the disc, the bargaining chip is lost. Send message through your spirits to the others, the Earth needs our support and as this is a hero struggle the way to do that is through gifting our souls to the Earth. My soul is shackled, I can give little." Even so he crouches down and places his left hand flat on the ground and a meagre gift flows from him.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 48):

"I don't have much left to give, I was generous with it to Gadesha." He looks up at the fleeing clouds and how much brighter, Bright Treasure is looking, "We can do more than add our spirits to this fight, with our links to Darkness and Henal's link to storm we should be able to dim the sky, thus taking away some of their power. I'll ask Emesh-Ga to let them know."

"My Lord, can you let the others know, that the Sun Worshipers plan to force their will upon the Earth Witch by invoking ancient rights. We need them back here as soon as they are able."

"Even though it is day time, lets see if we can make it a little darker and help the Earth Witch." He reaches out to Ohanzee, "Lets see if we are stronger together." He starts concentrating on his inner darkness, hoping to at least dim Bright Treasure's fierce gaze.

Henal starts to concentrate on the clouds using his runes and the thunderbird's link to the storm trying to dim Bright Treasure's glow. He bends and touches a hand to the ground to gift his spirit to the Earth.

Ohanzee tries to lend his support to Melock, tries to utilise his connection with Darkness, but again he is thwarted by the blocking shackles.

With little mythical link to the story and a lack of experience the three Rangers find that their attempt to support the Earth is unsuccessful.

The Sunlight is too strong and their opponents too powerful. Shadows that begin to form at the edge of the hole are pushed back by rays of light and the few remaining wisps of clouds are burnt away into nothing. Nevertheless their sacrifice is accepted by the Earth and goes towards aiding the Witch and her attendants.

"Psssst"

Someone is trying to get Ohanzee's attention from the tunnel they'd just left. Turning the three Rangers see that it is one of the Red Skinned braves. Barely visible behind him are several others still in the tunnel.

"I bring word from my master who waits inside. Give the Golden disc to him and your gear and Rhino will be yours again and I shall free you of your bracelets. My master swears by the Great Spirits that this will be so."

Ohanzee jumps a little at the noise and turning glares at the braves recognising the one who beat him and placed the bracelets on him immediately. The chance at freedom from the damn things is so enticing, but weighed against that is his distrust of the shaman and his personal guard. "Melock, Henal, call the others, especially Tarnessh. I am a Raven and I do not trust the word of a Raven given second hand." He adds the last as much for he ears of the brave as his friends.

It's a good deal, better than just my freedom that Tarnessh was about to agree to. Turning his attention to the Red Thorns he says "It is a reasonable trade, but I have been told my rhino was butchered. I do not want my beast back in bits so if it is dead I expect compensation for such a fine beast?"

He glances back at the ongoing hero struggle and then adds "I guess Banyak Bulu seeks the disc to trade with the Sun Domers. If this is true then he better decide on this bargain quickly because the Sun may well force the Earth to aid it and as we serve the Earth we must do as it orders."

"If you want more time to think on if I suggest you gift the Earth and strengthen it's cause."

"There is nothing to decide, I just told you his offer. There is no time to wait for others. Decide now or do you think one such as he would swear on the Great spirits and face retribution?

Your Rhino is alive and will be given with your gear."

"Yea or nay?"

Ohanzee considers a moment then turns to the other two "I have no choice. Shackled, crippled like this I'm no use." Then looking back at the Red Thorn "I believe he would not break such an oath, but I have only your word that such an oath has been given and I do not trust you."

"So I will come with you and when I see the Oath given I will bring the disc or take him to it as he prefers." He moves down the tunnel.

Henal follows Ohanzee into the tunnel.

"I will bear witness to the oath so that it is harder to break. If the other Rangers were here one of the Sun Hawks could make the oath stronger with the runes of Truth".

The brave escorts Ohanzee, Henal and possibly Melock in to the tunnel where they find the Red Thorn Shaman waiting for them. He's guarded by a handful of his braves, several of whom are carrying Ohanzee's gear.

"Your Rhino will be brought to your camp. It was kept within a tent" mentions the brave who then bows to his master, who nods once in reply.

Turning the Red Thorn approaches Ohanzee and releases the bonds upon his neck and wrists, whilst the shaman swears by Waha that he will hand over Ohanzee's gear, Rhino and free him in return for the disc.

"Now the Golden Disc..."

A red dyed hand is held open to accept the much sought after item.

Ohanzee suddenly feels the world about him more intensely again, hears the spirits clearly again as though water has drained from his ears. Still, there is time for the deal to fall apart if the Sun Domers prevail soon, so he starts heading for Gadesha straight away saying "I shall fetch it now, come if you wish."

Arriving at the elemental's cave he asks "Wondrous Gadesh, a deal is struck and the disc belongs now to the Red Thorn shaman."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Wed 03 June 2015.

Melock decides to stay and watch the ritual between Earth and Bright Treasure. He moves to stand near the axe sisters as a sign of his support, but making sure he doesn't get too close.

Henal goes with Ohanzee to Gadesha's cave, and drops to one knee with bowed head.

I gift you some of my essence for aiding us Gadesha.

Followed by the shaman and his cronies, Henal and Ohanzee are rewarded with the slow appearance of the Golden Disc as it pushes up through the earthen floor of the entrance hall.

Of Gadesha there is no sign.

Despite the lack of Guardian both the Shaman and the Red Thorn braves look about themselves warily.

Ohanzee fetches the disc and moves back to the shaman holding it out and pausing ever so slightly at the last momement "You are obviously most revered by your people, a powerful man but unlike the two Raven shamen I have have been guided by so far. I do not like you but I respect you and the power you wield greatly."

"Because of this and because we are all Waha's people and these foreigners are not I tell you this, whatever price they have offered already you can likely get more now that they go through their quest whether they succeed or not. They have been looking for it for some time and lost people already in that search. It is very important to them for some reason, that they are prepared now to do whatever quest they are doing and leave themselves weak amongst our people is more proof of this."

The shaman accepts the Golden Disc off Ohanzee and gives the word to his men to hand over all of Ohanzee's gear.

He says nothing in reply to the Raven Brave, though there is the barest hint of a smile on his face as he turns and heads out to where the Earth contests with the Sun.....

Tarnessh moves easily through the blinding light, vanishing from his companions' view, but not for long as Kobal calls forth Thunderbird's aid in protecting his worshippers.

Clouds form to move resolutely across the azure sky, growing in strength with each passing moment. It's just enough to block Bright Treasure's glare, enabling all remaining Rangers, including the helpless Condors, to pass out into the main Hole.

Once there they see two groups of people, surrounded by a dome of magical haze, Tarnessh standing to one side, his arms wide in signs of peace.

For the moment no one pays them the slightest bit of attention, being too busy re-enacting an ancient story from the God Time...

Melock is also just visible to the South, those looking at him seeing that that he is being passed by a groups of Red Thorn Braves escorting what must be their shaman towards the mythical bubble before them. It's hard to tell exactly for in their midst is a burning globe of blinding light, held aloft by it's carrier.

Accepting the gear Ohanzee hurries after the shaman and his entourage, but then moves to Melock's side where he whispers to his fellow Raven brave.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 66):

He shields his eye from the glowing Yelmalions and shakes his head, "I can't handle that bright light" His hand slips in to a pouch on his belt and his fingers wrap around his darkness fetish, "This might help, or it could get me killed." He uses the fetish to summon a dome of darkness around the Yelmalions and then, if it works, runs for the exit to the surface.

Recognising the fetish as the Darkwall one Melock previously lent him Ohanzee gets ready to run if the Raven's plan works.

Ye gods that's bright...

can't see...

where am I being led now?

Ahh, a little shade...

what the...?

Thank you, Kobal: that was unpleasant, to say the least.

Melock's fetish sends out tendrils of darkness which spread like spiders webs, the threads thickening and joining with each other to form a creeping night black net.

As the two Raven braves advance, intent on either passing through or circumnavigating the dome of brilliant light, the edge of the darkwall comes in contact with the Yelmalion magic, fizzing and spluttering as the two opposite elements touch.

Steam rises and for the briefest of moments it even looks like the shadows would prevail....

When he see's the steam start to rise, he has a sudden vision of his future, which is short and crispy. He grabs Ohanzee and pulls him towards the pool. "Hold your breath, brother." Following his own advice, he takes a big lung full of air and dives in to the murky water.

Ohanzee slips free of Melock's grip, but he does turn and run heading back to the tunnel to the Earth complex. As he passes Henal he suggests "Run!" and passing into the tunnels he shouts "Gasesha, I beg of you carry me to the surface!"

As Ohanzee runs off calling to Gadesha, he cant help but smile, Last time both of us where running in the Temple, we wanted to get away from Gadesha.

Melock immediately finds himself in difficulty, the surprisingly deep water filled with clinging plants and algae, tangling limbs and weighing his body down. Henal can see that he's in difficulties, a spear length from the shore.


Meanwhile Ohanzee finds himself running through the caves and tunnels back to where Gadesha was, calling for her as he runs. There's no answer as yet.

Sunlight burns and shadows curl in on themselves, frizzling away to nothing. It was a valiant try but one made in haste and lacking in mythical punch and experience.

Tarnessh, able to see someway into the blindingly bright bubble of magical energy, can see what looks like two gigantic entities engaged in complicated rituals. Approaching them, a servant, carrying in his hands a flaming disc.

Greeshar stays beneath the minimal shade offered by the small knot of dark grey clouds above, staring up at one point to shout out "The clouds are burning away."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Thu 04 June 2015.

Amara felt powerless. If there was one thing she wanted it was the Earth to overcome the Sun in their own temple and now this place might forever have this moment burned into it. She sighed heavily, choosing to leave to see if she could find Whispers so that she might help them in this. She couldn't think of a single other thing to help.

As Rangers deliberate what to do, the magical dome of light begins to subside, revealing once more the two groups of people within.

There stands the Earth Witch, her copper skin gleaming, a snake wound about her neck and shoulders. Flanked by her guardians she looks regal, proud and victorious. Equally powerful stand the Yelmalions, who as one bow to the Rhino woman and turn on mass, intending to head back to the surface. Baring their way is the small knot of Wandering Rangers:Kobal, his brother Tarnish, Greeshar, Amara, Salen, Hoskar and Akala.

Overhead Bright treasure continues to burn, but at it's normal strength, the previous magic that had increased it's power now gone.

A cool wind comes in it's wake, as does the sound of Melock struggling in the deep pool....

Inside the Earth Complex Ohanzee finds himself standing alone in the entrance hall, his voice echoing about the empty space.

Able to see again Salen finds himself opposite a shining example of everything that he is not. An upright, prim and proper warrior of the sun, armour polished so that it's surface is like a mirror, weapons covered in gold, and a beard without a hair out of place. The man has most certainly never tried the Hazia that his land is famous for and looks like one of his spears is lodged up his arse.

A look of distain passes across his long face, and a twitch appears in one eye.

Henal sets himself strongly on the bank and extends his spear out towards Melock.

"Grab on and try and make your way back in to the shore. The sun worshippers have what they want so will not bother to trouble us now."

Melock is still smiling as he hits the water, but then he remembers two very important facts, the first being he's wearing his armour, though luckily he hasn't got his metal helm on and the second, arguably the more important of the two, is that he's a nomad and can't swim. Which causes a traitorous little voice in his head to ask him, What the hell were you thinking? The more he struggles the more the plants wrap round his limbs.

With the sun-kissed (blessed?) visage of a Sun Domer sneering down upon him, Salen replies in the only way he knows, the most typical of him. He smiles, a confident and disarming smile.

"Your day will come, Yelmalion. You can be sure of that."

Is that a threat? A promise? Both? Only the few know the ways and mysteries of the Condor...

As the patch of clouds gather near the sun dome, Kobal wonders whether he should try to walk towards the light, in the hope of blocking some of the dome.  But at Greeshar's warning, he sees that the dome will not be overshadowed.

When the dome dissipates, he walks towards the Earth Witch, largely ignoring the approaching Yelmalions, but not looking away from any who meet his eyes.

The Yemalion's eyes widen in surprise, then narrow, but he says nothing as he marches past. It's then than Salen gets a close look at the Yelmalion's leader. The one who'd clapped slowly at their rescuing of Ohanzee. He looks pleased with himself and as he passes the Condor brave fixes him with a stare.

A stare made with blind eyes...




Kobal gets the same treatment as the group of warriors pass, their hauberks and mail clinking softly. Those Rangers wearing bits of Yelmalion armour or carrying quivers of yellow tipped arrows are noticed, the facts stored for a later date. Greeshar only just manages to stop from assaulting them and then they're gone and Kobal is before the Earth Witch.

Managing to hold his breath, Melock begins to sink, but at the last moment one of his hands finds the proffered spear. Holding on he can only hope that Henal has the strength to pull him out

Those at the northern end of the Hole can not help but see and hear the splashes as Melock faces a watery doom.

Henal does his best to support Melock with the spear, the slender brave using his strength to the maximum.

"Help me get Melock out of the water" He yells seeking help.

In reply to Henal Longgrass (msg # 84):

Aye! Amara, ward him with javelins - something approaches down there! I'll help get him out!

Fearing for his comrade, Hoskar hurries to the hauling; his mind rehearsing the steps to make healing of any hurt that occurs if they're too slow.

Hosker's warning notifies the others present to the swiftly approaching ripple in the water. It's obvious target the struggling Raven brave.

The axe sisters surround the Earth Witch to ensure her safety. By her side is a very smug looking Red Thorn shaman, his own braves hovering in the background.

"Welcome Rangers" beams the Earth Witch, though her look changes to one of worry as all attention turns to the drowning Melock.

Standing in the half collapsed but tidy entrance hall, Ohanzee discovers that he is alone.

To one side is a set of heavy bronze doors, their surface inscribed with pictures of either Emesh-Ga or an earth god upon a strange contraption pulled by two giant snakes.

In other walls are a half dozen newly dug tunnels....

From one comes a voice singing.

Whispers from the Sky.

Henal is joined by Akala, the latter wading into the water, using his height to try and reach the struggling brave.

Hands thrash as Melock slips beneath the surface in an explosion of bubbles as his breath gives out. Twenty metres distant the surface ripple vanishes as whatever it is dives deeper intent on taking the Raven as it's next meal.

Oh seven sorts of hell.

Floundering behind Akala, shorter and less massive than the giant Ranger and not doing so well in the chase, Hoskar pauses to mutter a different charm - of rending of flesh - towards the unseen entity maybe that'll give you indigestion, you bugger  before yelling Rope, someone! Now! Got to go in after him properly!

Ohanzee moves towards the sound of Whispers singing, her voice a welcome and calming sound after the trials and tribulations of the last few days. Perhaps she can help with another way out or perhaps she can help with the ongoing struggle between Earth and Sun. As he passes the new tunnels he looks into the new tunnels to the side.

Hearing all the cries and shouts Salen comes running across to the pool, already unslinging his rope from over his shoulder and offering it to Hoskar.

"Tie it around me! I can swim a little."

Assuming he does so Salen dives into the water wearing only his skins and carrying his dagger, and makes to help Melock.

OOC: Will the River Eyes matrix work down here, or is the water too murky?

Henal goes to knot the rope using his quick knot charm. Then he takes a loose hold of the rope to allow it to play out while Salen swims.

Diving under water Salen opens his eyes to a murky, algae infested world. Even though his mouth is closed he can taste how filthy it is.

Kicking his legs and aiming for where he thinks Melock is, the condor brave prepares for the worse and he gets it...

His hands come into contact with a thrashing body and pulling it close finds himself face to face with a panicked looking Melock, out of air and by the looks of it out of luck too.


Up above Akala joins Hoskar and Henal, the former chest deep in the water, his weapon drawn ready to come to Salen's aid if needs be. All three braves have at least one hand on the rope.

On the shore Greeshar stands with his sister, javelins in hand, both waiting for a shot at whatever was hunting below the surface.


Struggling himself to get a grip on Melock, Salen suddenly sees his friend go rigid and then a look of horror spreads across Melock's face as the last remnants of air erupt from his lungs, followed by a cloud of blood.

Each tunnel is dark and foreboding except for the one that the voice of his Clan's shaman comes from. From it's depths comes a soft, far away light.

Ohanzee continues to follow the voice and the faint light, slowing his pace to a walk Whispers?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Sat 06 June 2015.

Deep within the vegetation up above the Holes, Taya is hunting one of the many Jackrabbits, when all of a sudden the armoured animal goes taut as if in pain

"Oh Shit I'......"

Then the Rubble Runner shakes it's head as if clearing itself of some unwelcome visitor before continuing on it's vicious way.

After repeating his call several times as he moves towards the light Ohanzee is soon rewarded by a distant reply and the light being partially blocked as if someone is standing in it's way.

"Ohanzee? What are you doing here. They mustn't find you down here."

The light moves and Ohanzee realises that Whispers is approaching him. Moments later the Shaman stands in front of him, holding a fat lamp to his face before taking one arm and leading him back the way he'd come.

"Why are you here?"

She sounds exasperated.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sat 06 June 2015.

For those standing on the shore of the lake it is a worrying time, made worse by the sudden appearance of a long, scaly worm like body breaking the surface roughly where they presume Salen and Melock to be.

It's a good half metre in diameter,  the part they see a few metres in length suggesting that it's huge, and it's accompanied by a good sized amount of air and blood bubbling to the surface.


For the briefest of moments Salen is confronted by a terrifying teeth filled maw that jabs at him before coiling out of view. It's got Melock well and truly wrapped, the Raven brave limp in the creature's crushing grip.

Within the Earth Complex

The Raven brave looks confused "They? Why? I'm freed, slave no more?" Then the thought comes to him "You mean the Axe Maidens? I've been here before, I serve the Earth like them a Wandering Ranger, just as much right as them to be here. In fact the Rangers were here first!"

He sighs realising that he's getting carried away on something that doesn't matter at this point and it is his voice that shows exhasberation this time "The Sun is trying to dominate the Earth. All the others are lending their strength to resist. The spirits of the air and storm are sorely needed!"

Amara sighed, dropping her javelins to the ground. "Melock will need help to get out. Ravens are more trouble than they are worth." she said to her brother. Dropping her helmet and shield she jumped into the water to pull him out.

With the Yelmalions and Red Thorns present, Kobal had tried to maintain a proud and unhurried demeanour, but as he realises that Melock is struggling in the waters, there's nothing for it but to drop any pretense.  He takes off the helmet of Emesh-Ga and his hauberk - taking sure to place them near his fellow Rangers and away from the Red Thorns - and wades into the water, drawing his knife.

With the water looking so murky, though, he doesn't feel confident that he'll be able to do much underwater - not confident enough of his swimming ability.  Instead, he watches for any sign of movement that might signal the position of Melock or the approach of the monster.

For those watching from the shore time seems to drag on far too long. The Yelmalions and the Red Thorns have left, and the Earth Witch and her assistants have come to join the Wandering Rangers.

Suddenly Salen is at the surface, his arrival heralded by a cloud of bubbles, but he's gone before anyone can react, having needed a lungful of fresh air before he could continue rescuing Melock.

As he dives the water thrashes as the scaled tail of the beast whips back and forth in fury.

Then Amara appears walking steadily up towards the bank, both arms dragging what turns out to be the still body of Melock. Akala instantly goes to her aid and in moments they have their friend back on dry land.

He's not breathing and blood begins colouring the water flowing out from under his armour.

Back in the water the ripple appears again, this time heading off in to the middle of the lake.

Within the Earth Complex

"Men are not allowed in this part of the temple, nor none initiates. It doesn't matter what you have done, they will not forgive trespassing. These are new tunnels made since the first visit."

On hearing about the Sun she quickens her pace, a sudden wind at their backs as her spirits begin to materialise in this world.

Then they're out into the blinding sunlight and there on the shore is what looks like their friend Melock.

Dead.

Ohanzee stops dead in his tracks stunned at the sudden change in the situation in the cave, the dome of light gone, the Sun Domers and their lackey shaman exiting with the priestesses and their own guard. But most of all he is stunned to see his fellow Raven brave, his fiend in adversity and trickery, laying there on the side of the underground lake, his body motionless and his blood flowing into the murky water below.

"What? Shit!" is all he manages.

Kobal takes the armour off Melock, and looks for the source of the bleeding.  He presses a hand over the likely source, and prays to all spirits he knows - Waha, Thunder Bird, Zola Fel, and the Earth - to heal his friend and brother.

Looking to the Earth Witch, and then to Hoskar, he asks desperately "Can you help?"

As Kobal begins healing, he realises that the damage done to his friend is not curable by the meagre charms that he or his friends posses. It needs divine aid or the touch of someone well versed in the arts of curing those that totter on the very edge of extinction.

Whispers who had just run up exchanges glances with the Earth Witch, both saying at the same time "Serpent Tamer."

It's the name of the Priestess that had fallen sick in the healing quest, the Eirithan from the Blue Water clan.

"She knows the way of bringing back those that died...It will likely come at a cost and your friend will not be the same as before."

Looking at the two women "Get her, we'll pay!" is all Ohanzee says.

There is more bubbling and frothing over by the island, and another figure appears out of the water, soaking and covered in blood - Salen. He drags himself onto the island as it is the nearest bit of dry land he can find. He gasps as he takes in great lungfuls of air, and looks across the cavern to the shore where his fellow Rangers are gathered - around the limp form of Melock. In a few moments he stands, and water and blood runs off him, and he takes a moment to consider what it all means.

"Damned serpent," he says, spitting. "Drove it off, but it's still alive. And all this blood...is Melock's. I am unharmed."

Salen shakes his head a moment, trying to rid himself of another Ranger dying when he was so close at hand. Kaonu...Melock...who next?

He shakes his head once more and tries to look deep into the blood-infused water.

The Earth Witch orders several of the Axe sisters to take Melock deep within the Temple.

"Take him to where Serpent Tamer is resting and see if she can revive this Ranger."

"Rangers you are under geas to help me now, for full two weeks, this Earth Season and every one after. I ask you to leave now and hunt down the Harpies that have been plaguing our beasts. Melock if he is saved can join you later or serve his time here.

Today the Sun wooed the Earth and took what was his. Bloodshed was avoided today and peace made, thanks to the timely intervention of Banyak Bulu. He has found favour with me and mentions that his Khan wishes to offer me his hand in marriage, which is not unexpected.

Your beasts are waiting. Ride now to the Shattered Hills and right the wrongs....Walk the Walk....And Talk the Talk."

The Axe Sisters pick up the inert figure of Melock and carrying him off down the tunnel.

The surface is a giant mesh of water lilies, algae and other water plants, making it incredibly hard to see anything. There's a sign of agitation about ten metres away and then it's gone.

Then there's a splash between the island and the ancient platform behind Salen, on the Southern side of the Hole. It's where the entrance used to be, now closed over and only open by special rituals.

The creature is circling the island.

A rope, still attached to the Condor brave and Henal on the shore, twitches as the worm passes underneath.

"We need to drive off the creature so that Salen can come back unharmed. Bad enough for Melock to be nearly killed but we'll need all of us to deal with the harpies".

Henal looks with the rope to see if there is anything it can be hung off and Salen brought back without entering the water.

There are in fact several trees on the banks of the lake and one stubby bush that might be strong enough for what Henal plans.

In fact looking behind him, Salen sees that he can easily leap across to the carved platform some three to four metres away. Taking a small run up he soars over to land perfectly on the stone floor. A set of pillars hiding the steps and carved walls of the room behind.

He's still attached to Henal by the fifty metre rope, but is now stuck even further away than before. Above him is the fifty metre sides of the massive hole, the eastern side filled with many small caves, out of which several rock lizards have appeared, their blue tongues tasting the air.

Ohanzee watches Melock's corpse get carried away before looking to the others "I don't think he'll be ready to travel soon, let alone fight. Let's go up top and haul Salen up now he's close enough to the edge."

He makes a move himself but detours to a side tunnel briefly returning with something wrapped in cloth then heads up to the surface questioning the others on the job the Earth Witch spoke about.

"Thank you, Wise Ones," says Kobal.  "Our task will be easier if our brother is with us."  He places his fist over his chest and bows low.

The news of the Red Thorns' strengthening their ties with the Earth Witch is disconcerting, though.



"As you command."

Kobal turns to Salen and calls out, "Stay there.  We'll haul you up."  He goes to collect his helmet and hauberk.  As the Rangers walk back up, he explains their task to Ohanzee.  "What happened to you?  We saw that you had taken your rhino, but then found no trace of you..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Mon 08 June 2015.

"Yes, and I remember a backflipping rabbit." Tarnessh added, after being shocked silent when he saw Melock's corpse being dragged out of the water, deciding that talking to Ohanzee would be better then dwelling on seeing his dead friend.

Amara felt crestfallen. Everything they'd worked towards to keep the Red Thorns out of the resurgence of the garden and now they would be reaping the benefits. Deciding who could access the temple and not and the Earth Witch due to marry one, and Kobal marrying one. The Red Thorns were in the ascendancy.

And all they did to try to recover Melock and he ended up dying anyway. Enough to turn a one time geas into lifetime geas. She would gladly pay it to bring Melock back, but this would mean her wishes to travel to see Sartar and other places would be short ones by necessity, and probably serving the Red Thorns to boot. She had no doubt the Earth Witch was powerful and strong willed enough to bend the Red Thorns to her will, but it also meant she was bound to them.

Amara sighed heavily as she picked up her javelin and helmet from the shore. This trip was not going to be a good one.

Ohanzee gives the Sun Hawk brave a strange look "Back-flipping jackrabbit, are you sure you haven't been overdoing the smoke?"

"That does remind me though, where are my jackrabbits?"

Then after listening to the description of the rabbit, or rather rabbits at the arrival of the others at the camp a look of understanding comes over Ohanzee's face and he says "I'll explain when we are away from here. I don't want too many ears listening."

While the others make their way up above Salen stands on the stone platform, smiling at Oglod's children in the holes of the cavern wall. He occasionally looks at the water of the pool, just to see if the water demon shows itself or its lair.