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The Cottage/Tuesday Morning * Nacheyla is sitting on the floor, looking as if she fell there, laughing. A somewhat chagrined looking Glossaria, led off by a slightly smug Vallel, leave just as everyone else walks in. * Jelarthna waves to the departing couple happily as he enters with Xarroch, the two of them chatting quietly about some kind of technical Gate-theory * Zoya eyes her apprentice as she passes, but says nothing, walking instead into the cottage. * Nacheyla waves a hand absently at Jel and Xarroch and continues wiping her eyes, obviously out of breath. <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow at Nacheyla and offers her a hand up, glancing in the direction of the door:: And what was that about? ::nods to Zoya:: Hello, Zoya. * Bai enters and leans his staff against the wall. <Jelarthna> ::brightly:: Hi, Zoya! Hi, Bai! Are you all right, Nacheyla? <Nacheyla> ::snickers behind her hand:: I'm fine, I'm fine... ::takes a deep, shuddering breath:: <Zoya> ::smiles to everyone:: Good morning, everyone. I was afraid I'd be late, but it seems not. <Nacheyla> Good morning. ::takes another deep breath:: <Jelarthna> ::smiles back to Zoya:: I'm glad you made it! You're the only person I know that has any experience with one of these things. ::excitedly:: Maybe it's even functional! <Zoya> ::eyes Jel:: Don't get too excited. You haven't the slightest idea how to sail one, even if it *is* functional. <Xarroch> ::Grins slightly at Nach:: Not going to share the joke? * Nacheyla gives Xarroch a slight grin. <Nacheyla> Misunderstanding... Gloss had something different in mind when I invited her to "join us". <Jelarthna> ::takes a deep breath and smiles again:: I know. And I think Tyl would kill me if I tried to hare off again... not that I would... :gets a slightly dreamy look mentioning his fiancee:: <Xarroch> Misunderstanding? <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Nacheyla, then suddenly laughs:: Maybe I *should* tell Kevil to stop visiting. She's getting ideas. <Jelarthna> Ideas? :looks a tad confused:: From Kevil? He seems perfectly nice. <Zoya> ::laughs softly:: After you're safely married, Jelarthna, I'll take you both on a trip. * Nacheyla looks at Zoya. "So, you're our resident expert. Gloss said she thought they were Gifts? What's a Gift?" <Zoya> Not Gift, Giff. They're... ::she shrugs:: They're people. They look a little odd, I'll grant, but they're just people. They operate in space quite deftly. Most of them are mercenaries. <Jelarthna> ::grins and laughs: Safely married? <Nacheyla> ::grins wickedly at Zoya:: being married isn't safe. <Jelarthna> ::grinning wider:: Neither is Tyl. <Zoya> ::laughs:: <Jelarthna> But I will take you up on that! * Xarroch shakes his head and chuckles slightly <Nacheyla> Sounds like a great wedding trip... go off and fight giffs and whatever. <Xarroch> For those two? It may well be... ::grins at Nach:: And hunting can be fun, after all.. <Zoya> ::chuckles:: I won't lie: Space is dangerous. Just lifting could be like walking unarmed into Zhentil Keep. And I wouldn't fight Giff in space if I could help it. They like to play with fire. <Nacheyla> They had some weird things too... weapons like I never saw before. <Jelarthna> ::Scratches his head:: But isn't there that .. phlogiston? <Xarroch> Only to be expected... every culture has weapons that are suited to them and sometimes widely different. <Xarroch> What sort were these? <Nacheyla> ::makes a strange gesture:: little handles. with powder and balls. Sort of like an arquebus, but smaller <Jelarthna> Ouch. Those things are dangerous! * Nacheyla glances around quickly, then reaches under a chair and pulls out a small fuzzy. "There you are, Manfred!" <Nacheyla> I found this little guy on the ship. ::holds out a miniature giant space hamster to Zoya:: <Xarroch> ::grins and laughs:: I see you still have your furry little friend. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: Phlogiston, yes. Terribly inflammable. Which makes the Giff *very* dangerous in space. ::nods to Nach:: Exactly like an arquebus, but faster to reload. They're hard to come by, though. I'm surprised- ::she stops when she sees the hamster, and groans:: <Jelarthna> ::blinks and looks at the hamster:: Something wrong, Zoya? * Bai watches the conversation, apparently absorbing everything. <Jelarthna> It's cute! ::reaches over and pets the miniature giant space hamster:: <Zoya> ::she takes the hamster gently from Nach and turns it over in her hands:: Space hamster. They usually travel with gnomes - did you see any on the Giff's ship? <Jelarthna> ::grins:: Now Zoya... don't you have enough gnomes? <Nacheyla> ::shakes her head:: No, I didn't see any normal bodies... just these gifts... giffs <Zoya> Strange. Maybe you'd better take us to see the ship, Nacheyla. * Xarroch nods in agreement <Xarroch> Even if whatever caused the deaths stays in the area.. it will not do so indefinitely. <Nacheyla> ::nods:: Here... ::concentrates and suddenly the horns spring back onto her head, her tail whips out suddenly and her eyes, when opened, are brilliant red:: Hang on... new ability... ::she hums, rocking back and forth on her toes:: Watch me, Xarroch, make sure I do it right... ::starts weaving her fingers in the air:: * Xarroch nods and watches Nacheyla carefully, stopping her suddenly and repositioning her fingers slightly <Nacheyla> Ah. ::nods:: Here we go. ::a thick, wet ripping noise fills the air and suddenly a shimmering portal opens up in the fireplace, a glimpse of green forest seen beyond:: * Bai looks on with interest. <Jelarthna> ::nods approvingly, staring at the portal and it's edges:: nicely done, but... ::shakes his head and grins at Xarroch's glower:: Okay, we can argue about it some more later. * Nacheyla wipes her forehead, which is suddenly dripping in sweat. <Nacheyla> You didn't tell me that was so tiring... * Zoya looks over the portal with some interest. "Is that demon magic?" <Xarroch> ::puts a hand on Nach's shoulder:: Portals always are, Nacheyla. You did well. * Nacheyla leans heavily on Xarroch's arm. "All right, last one in has to do the dishes!" <Xarroch> ::grins:: In a way, Zoya... ::supporting Nacheyla, he steps through, becoming visible for a moment on the other side before moving aside:: <Jelarthna> I hate doing the dishes! ::jumps through:: * Nacheyla walks through the portal, hesitating slightly before stepping through. * Bai follows the others through. * Zoya walks smoothly through the portal. "Can I learn it? It looks much less convoluted than a standard teleportation." * Nacheyla takes a few staggering steps and drops to her knees, letting the portal close behind her, just catching the hem of Zoya's robe, leaving a small tear. <Jelarthna> ::nods a little:: Sort of.. but it's also a lot more draining. ::nods at Nach:: * Xarroch helps Nacheyla up again, looking at her with concern <Xarroch> Perhaps we should rest a moment <Nacheyla> ::nods:: We're about a half mile away. I didn't want to pop in on something that might resent it. <Zoya> ::glances at Nach with abstract curiosity, obviously calculating something:: <Jelarthna> ::examines where the portal closed:: Would you like to take the same way back once we're done? <Nacheyla> And, in answer to your question, Zoya, you might be able to. ::gestures at her horns:: these help a lot though. ::looks directly at Xarroch:: as well as some other things, which I'm not sure you want to try. ::grins a bit:: <Zoya> ::raises her eyebrows:: Well, maybe we'll discuss it later, then. * Jelarthna paces the area of the closed portal for a moment, muttering something under his breath and dropping some sort of powder on the ground in an circle * Xarroch chuckles and grins back at Nacheyla * Zoya looks around the area slowly, finally settling on staring in one direction. "Nacheyla... Is it that way?" She points. * Nacheyla gets up and walks around a bit, looking at the trees. She glances over at Zoya. "Yes, actually..." * Nacheyla twists her sword belt around, her hand seeking the hilt <Zoya> ::nods:: The Helm is still functional, then, at least. I can... feel it. <Xarroch> ::nods and smells the air:: Then lead on. <Nacheyla> What's a Helm? I'm assuming you don't wear it on your head? ::binds her braid onto her head tightly:: * Jelarthna finishes what he was doing and hurries to join the others <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: A ship's helm. It's what converts magic into power for the ship. <Nacheyla> Ah... * Bai watches the others in silence. <Zoya> ::to Nach:: Are you recovered? * Nacheyla takes the lead, weaving through the trees. The air is almost totally still and the forest is very quiet. <Jelarthna> Ahh! You told me a little bit about that once. ::looking more eager again, obviously wanting to range a little ahead of the others but restraining himself:: <Nacheyla> I'm fine... a bit winded, but I'll be okay in a few minutes. * Bai follows Nacheyla's lead, eyeing their surroundings cautiously. * Xarroch smiles a little <Jelarthna> So what do you think of all this, Bai? * Jelarthna smiles at Bai <Bai> It sounds like a fight. Given that these creatures are not native, and that we've heard no tales of battles with strange creatures I would assume that they were killed by their fellows or by another group of travelers. <Jelarthna> ::sighs and shakes his head slightly: Or one fellow traveler or stowaway that caught them by surprise... * Jelarthna quickly unties the peaceknot from his sword * Nacheyla stops briefly, peering at a large, semi-round rock. * Xarroch glances at the rock then looks around alertly <Nacheyla> ::moss, which seemed to be draped over the rock, shifts slightly, whipping out and grasping at Nacheyla's arms, pulling her towards it...:: Oh! Hell! ::a giant eye opens in the middle of the rock:: * Zoya curses and reaches into her robe for a slender wand, which she points at the "moss". * Xarroch spins and growls, hopping over to slash at the moss-tentacle things holding Nacheyla's arm <Bai> ::Bai's staff burst into blue flame as he thrusts it at the eye:: <Zoya> A blue flash bursts from Zoya's wand, and frost coats the beholderkin's tentacle, stiffening it. <Nacheyla> ::the air explodes into blue flames around the eyeball, scorching Nacheyla and everyone else in the nearby vicinity:: * Jelarthna moves quickly and quietly to the side of the thing, his sword appearing in his hand as he quickly fires a burst of magic missiles into it's side * Bai jumps back assuming a defensive stance. * Jelarthna rolls backwards with the explosion, absorbing much of the blast and coughing loudly * Xarroch closes his eyes at fire and looks barely singed * Nacheyla pulls herself free, reaching for her sword. She pulls out the hilt, no sword visibly attached, and dives forward, stabbing the single eye of the creature. About three feet before the hilt would have contacted the creature, there is an explosion of black blood and gore, an invisible blade piercing the creature. * Zoya is blown backwards and lands heavily. She lies still for a few seconds, then climbs to her feet. <Nacheyla> ::the boulder(?) hovers briefly, then, dripping gore and ichor, tries to flee into the woods:: * Xarroch follows just behind Nacheyla, throwing himself onto the creature talons first and putting his body between in and the others and he bites in deeply * Bai watches, clearly prepared to cast a spell but unwilling to do so with Xarroch in the way. * Xarroch is blow into the air by another explosion, his body blocking the bulk of the blast from most of the others, and extends his wings to settle to the ground, looking a bit more singed now as he flings the gore from his fingers. * Jelarthna hit the ground at the second explosion, then looks up and looks around. <Jelarthna> Sheesh! <Nacheyla> ::looks over at the rather gory and deflated thing:: Is it dead? <Xarroch> ::licks his lips and grins a little:: Spicy. <Xarroch> ::nods:: Yes. * Bai begins looking around to see if there are others. <Xarroch> Gorbel. Nasty beast. <Zoya> ::sighs:: Keep your eyes open. In space, beholders travel in packs. * Jelarthna gets of and brushes off his clothes , coughing a few times as he checks to make sure his eyebrows are still there <Nacheyla> ::pokes at the mess:: That's a beholder? I always thought they were bigger... <Zoya> Beholderkin, at any rate. A true beholder would be somewhat bigger, and somewhat more formidable. <Xarroch> A different sort. There are many kinds. This kind is not magical, but defends itself by often killing whatever kills them. <Xarroch> ::nods to Zoya:: They taste better, too. ::glances in the direction they had been heading before:: Is everyone all right? <Zoya> ::laughs:: I wouldn't know about that, Xarroch. <Bai> So how do you fight these beholders? Most of us aren't as tough as Xarroch. <Jelarthna> ::prods at the beholderkin chunks:: Xarroch... that's gross. I seem to be pretty much okay, I think. * Nacheyla glances, askance, at Xarroch, then sticks her finger in the gluck, bringing it to her nose to sniff at it. ::shudders:: You have strange eating habits <Zoya> ::to Bai:: The same way you'd fight any monster, Bai. Though I'd avoid fire, if these are space-faring beholderkin. <Xarroch> ::laughs:: I know... but sometimes you take what you can get. <Jelarthna> ::grumbles a little:: Oh great. Avoid fire. * Nacheyla wipes her non-blade on the grass, cleaning the gore off it. * Bai shakes his head, "I was thinking the same thing Jelarthna." <Nacheyla> Let's go... <Zoya> ::laughs:: If you cannot do without fire, Jelarthna, you are going to have a terrible time on a spelljammer. <Jelarthna> ::grins at Bai:: I guess we'll adapt. <Bai> Let's just hope I don't have to draw my blade. <Jelarthna> Heh.. I can do without fire, I just *prefer* it. <Jelarthna> ::snickers at Bai:: At least there aren't any houses to burn down out here... * Jelarthna noses through more beholderkin guts <Bai> True, but I suspect the locals would be even angrier at me about a forest fire than Tyl was about burning down part of her house. <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Perhaps. Shall we continue? <Jelarthna> ::give Bai a sly look:: But wouldn't you know quite a bit about stopping such fires, Bai? <Jelarthna> ::cough:: Yb ::cough:: * Bai shoots Jel a dirty look. * Nacheyla leads on through the woods, stopping so often to sniff at the air and closely examine the flora. * Jelarthna grins as he follows Nacheyla * Bai continues to study their surroundings as he follows the others. <Nacheyla> ::to Zoya:: How many beholder things travel together? Usually, I mean? And do they hang out with those, whatchacallims? The Giffs? * Xarroch stretches out his wings for a moment and follows along with the other, watching the trees, sky, and ground alertly * Nacheyla watches Xarroch fly around. "I wish I could do that..." ::swishes her tail impatiently:: <Jelarthna> The beholders I know of tend to rule and dominate and such... It's hard to imagine them putting up with each other too well. <Zoya> ::sighs:: A beholder ship can hold from two to hundreds of the things. They don't generally associate with the Giff - they think those of us with limbs are good for nothing but slaves. But it's possible that one could have hired them. * Nacheyla gapes at Zoya. "Two hundred??" <Zoya> ::nods to Jelarthna:: They don't get along well, even when they are forced to travel together. ::to Nach:: I doubt there are that many, or we'd certainly have heard something of them. I'd guess no more than a handful in this case. <Jelarthna> hundreds? ::horror in his tone:: <Nacheyla> ::shudders:: well, that's good. ::frowns, scratching at the ground:: This is weird... ::sniffs at the soil:: <Jelarthna> What's weird? * Bai becomes more alert. * Nacheyla holds out some gray powdery lichen. <Zoya> ::looks curiously at the lichen:: I'm no woodswoman. What is it? <Jelarthna> ::looks curious:: What is it? It's not like the dust-stuff that those nasty desert mages from Athas made... <Nacheyla> ::frowns:: You don't see this often, not in clean forests... it's sort of... undead spore. Not all the time, but the undead get this clingy growth on them, you know. <Xarroch> ::drops down to join everyone:: Undead? ::looks around:: AM I correct in assuming that an area such as this is not a normal place for such? <Bai> Great, we have to fight undead AND I can't use my blade. <Zoya> ::grins at Bai:: You can use your blade on the undead, Bai. Just keep it away from any beholders. <Nacheyla> ::looks around:: Well, the undead don't usually have permanent addresses, really... they can sort of be anywhere... <Zoya> ::thoughtfully:: ...and trees. <Jelarthna> ::looks at the trees:: Don't need to worry about the trees too much Zoya. Living, healthy trees don't take fire easily. <Zoya> ::grins at Jel:: Whatever you say. As I said, I'm no woodswoman. * Nacheyla turns around a corner and looks into a clearing... "Here's the ship." <Bai> Could it be the giff? I don't know much about the undead, but could they have risen and now be hunting their killers? <Xarroch> ::looking over to Zoya:: These Giff sound like they would not be the sort to dabble in necromancy, correct? <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: They're even less inclined to magic than dwarves, if you can imagine such a thing. * Jelarthna looks over at the ship and around the clearing * Bai studies the ship with a thoughtful eye. <Nacheyla> ::the ship is gorgeous, a smooth hull with engraved wings, the rails guided and the mast studded with silver:: <Xarroch> Ha! I think I can. SO it is unlikely any undead would be due to them.. perhaps whatever was aboard? Or something that came into the area since Nacheyla was here last.. <Jelarthna> ::sighs a little:: It' <Jelarthna> It's beautiful... * Jelarthna starts into the clearing, though slowly and mostly watchfully * Zoya stares and sighs longingly. <Nacheyla> ::a few trees are crushed under the hull, but for the most part, the ship looks like it landed on its own power:: * Bai turns to Zoya, "I thought you had such a vessel of you own?" * Xarroch keeps an eye on Jelarthna and the area <Zoya> ::she nods, not taking her eyes off the ship:: I do, but mine is rough-hewn wood, built to resemble a ship of the water. This is... beautiful. * Jelarthna walks closer to the ship, walking a bit cautiously * Nacheyla walks over to the ship, running one hand over the smooth hull. <Nacheyla> ::under her fingers, glowing golden runes erupt, filling the clearing with soft, wondrous light:: * Xarroch sniffs at the air suspiciously and hangs back to watch everyone * Bai smiles at Zoya, "When we are finished here perhaps it will be yours. Certainly none of the rest of us know anything of such vessels." <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Perhaps. I might at the very least have to move it to some place a little easier hidden. ::her fingers twitch at the thought:: <Jelarthna> Ooo, look at that... ::leans over to examine the runes, mouthing something softly:: Amazing... * Zoya walks over and examines the runes. * Bai follows Zoya. <Nacheyla> ::the runes flicker as Zoya gets closer, becoming red and purple and blue, washing her over in a vivid wave of color:: * Zoya is fascinated. <Nacheyla> There was some of this rune stuff inside the ship too, in this egg-room. * Jelarthna traces his finger lightly over the runes <Bai> Egg room? <Jelarthna> egg-room? ::distracted:: <Nacheyla> ::the runes flicker at Jelarthna's touch, becoming pale yellow, deep green, and silver:: <Jelarthna> :grins:: Why do I have the feeling I'd go blind if I cast a detect magic on this? * Zoya watches the runes intently. <Nacheyla> ::shrugs:: I didn't know what else to call it. It's this sort of oval room inside the ship. Perfectly smooth. Seamless. I was afraid to close the door because I didn't know if I'd be able to get back out. * Xarroch goes around the edge of the clearing, keeping one eye on his friends and making sure the area is safe <Jelarthna> I'm sure there's a way out, even if it takes someone else from outside to do it.. ::goes to the ramp of the ship and strides up to the deck:: <Nacheyla> ::the deck is glossy, burnished red-wood, gleaming and clean, except for the half-dozen gently rotting corpses, which do not seem to smell at all:: <Jelarthna> ::calls down to the others:: Umm.. how long ago were you here, Nacheyla? <Nacheyla> About three or four days ago, why? ::strides up the ramp:: * Bai gestures to Zoya to proceed him up the ramp. <Jelarthna> Maybe Giff don't smell when they die or something.. but most things do after they've had some time to rot... * Zoya goes up the ramp slowly, hesitant to take her eyes off the shimmering runes. * Bai follows Zoya up the ramp. <Nacheyla> ::the steering helm is near the forecastle, a gleaming pillar of gold with gem encrusted rods sticking out from a panel:: * Zoya looks around the ship with admiration, stopping briefly to look at the corpses, as if she's trying to identify them, then heads toward the helm as if hypnotically drawn. * Jelarthna wanders around the deck a bit, looking around at everything, then heading over to the steering helm and touching it slowly <Jelarthna> ::grins up at Zoya:: Would this be it? The Helm? * Bai bends down next to the corpses examining them. <Nacheyla> ::there are several dead Giff, almost two dozen in all. Most of the bodies look pierced by blades, but one looks like the head was crushed in and the bones twisted grotesquely around:: <Zoya> <Zoya>: ::she walks around the helm, finding the seat on the far side, and nods:: Don't sit in it, Jelarthna. <Bai>: Zoya? Do these beholders commonly use blades? <Zoya>: ::snorts:: Have *you* ever seen a beholder with arms, Bai? * Xarroch finishes his circuit of the clearing and takes wing, landing lightly on the deck and looking around slowly <Bai> I've only ever seen the one. <Bai> Would they arm their slaves? <Zoya> ::she chuckles:: Some of them have tentacles, and I've even seen a few 'kin with short arms, but in general, no, they are not swordsmen capable of slaughtering Giff. <Bai> Hmm...Could they have been working for something else? * Nacheyla opens a door down into the main parts of the ship. <Jelarthna> Don't sit in it? Is that all it takes to activate it? <Zoya> ::to Bai:: Beholder take slaves, but they would have to be mighty indeed to slaughter Giff like this. * Xarroch completes his circuit of the clearing and takes wing, flying over to land lightly on the deck <Zoya> ::to Jel:: Not to fly the ship, but to begin draining your magic for that purpose, yes. <Nacheyla> Draining your magic? That sounds nasty... <Jelarthna> Oh... fascinating! ::pets the helm a bit cautiously, then goes over to join Nacheyla, poking his head through the door:: <Zoya> ::to Nach:: It's not painful, but it does render one unable to use magic for some time after use. * Nacheyla leans over and picks up one of the small arquebusi, frowning. "there were more of these laying around last week." <Xarroch> ::looks around, kneeling to examine the Giff bodies:: Interesting... * Zoya picks up a pistol-arquebus and examines it, then glances at Xarroch. "What is it?" <Xarroch> ::looks up at Nacheyla: Their weapons? Then something obviously *did* return, at least for a while.. * Nacheyla kneels by a body, examining the wounds, sniffing at them. <Bai> Probably whatever killed them...Or local bandits. I'm honestly not sure which I hope it was. * Nacheyla touches a small, slightly wet spot near the body, then looks at her glistening fingertip. <Nacheyla> Preservative. Someone came back here and tended to these bodies. <Zoya> ::frowns:: *Preserved* them? And then *left* them here? <Xarroch> It is a technological weapon.. powered in part by something made through magic. ::thinks:: I think I have seen something of the like a few times. Such things can blow up on the wielder instead of doing what they are supposed to. <Jelarthna> ::nods a bit:: I thought it was odd that they didn't smell bad... * Nacheyla paces around, unaware that the runes have come back, following her around on the deck, glittering gold, like footprints.:: * Zoya looks at the pistol again, then suddenly up. "How do you get to the hold?" * Xarroch turns over a couple of the bodies and looks at them more closely <Nacheyla> Oh, this way... ::walks through the door:: * Zoya follows Nacheyla. * Jelarthna looks over at Xarroch and Bai looking at bodies, then turns to follow Nach and Zoya <Zoya> What they keep in their hold will go a long way toward telling us what sort of people were on the ship. <Nacheyla> ::soft blue light emanates from small glass globes stationed along the hallways:: * Bai follows the others. * Nacheyla leads the way, pointing out rooms. "Those seem to be map rooms of some sort. I didn't understand them, seemed like a bunch of interlocking circles." <Jelarthna> Ooo. nice, blue tinge... ::examines one of the glass globes for a moment:: <Nacheyla> ::a very small creature inside the globe waves at Jelarthna:: * Xarroch casually begins to dismember one of the corpses, examining the insides with interest * Zoya looks lingeringly toward the map rooms, but follows Nach down to the hold. <Jelarthna> ::grins and waves back at the little creature:: Hi there! <Nacheyla> ::the little creature jumps up and down, somewhat frantically, jabbering in some unknown language:: <Nacheyla> Here we go. ::opens a hatch and leads Zoya down the stairs:: <Jelarthna> umm... ::watches the others move on for a moment, then blinks and begins rummaging in his pouch, eventually coming out with something. He begins to cast a spell and then looks at the little creature again. <Jelarthna> What was that? <Miyeel> Huuuuuuuuuuuungry! Huuuuuuuuuuuungry! <Jelarthna> Hungry? Hungry for what? <Miyeel> ::beats on the inside of the globe:: lunch! Where's my lunch? <Jelarthna> ::blinks in surprise:: I have no idea.. the crew of the ship is dead... what are you supposed to get for lunch? <Miyeel> Dead? All dead? ::the creature slumps inside the globe, glittering tears streaming down it's tiny face:: * Xarroch finishes his grisly work and casually cleans himself off, stalking the deck thoughtfully for a few long moments <Nacheyla> ::the hull is torn apart, boxes and crates are smashed and the floor is covered with thick, sticky paste with various odds and ends stuck in it:: <Jelarthna> ::touches the side of the globe:: I'm sorry... my friend just stumbled across it. Is there anything I can do? * Zoya is climbing around in the hold with a sailor's agility, opening boxes and examining crates indiscriminately. <Miyeel> ::pouting:: Lunch? <Jelarthna> What do you eat, little friend? <Miyeel> ::little creature, looking hopeful:: Jelly? * Bai watches Zoya from the entrance to the hold. * Xarroch sighs a little and scans the area again critically, glancing at the door leading down. He moves to stand closer to it and keeps an eye cocked that way. <Jelarthna> ::frowns slightly:: I'm afraid I don't have any jelly with me.. would some honey be all right? <Miyeel> ::nods:: Bee jelly! * Jelarthna grins and pulls out a small jar in which rests a honeycomb and is about three quarters full. <Jelarthna> ::unscrewing the lid:: How do I get it on there to you? ::looking at the glass globe again:: <Miyeel> ::the little creature points to a small flip top on the top of the globe:: It's stucky. Was 'posed to get fixed. Everyone else go 'way. <Jelarthna> ::begins to attempt to open the flip-top:: everyone else has gone away? There were others like you that have all left, then? * Zoya pries open another crate and pulls out a bolt of beautiful, shimmering cloth. "Traders, of some sort. Or perhaps a yacht for some very powerful person." <Miyeel> ::climbs out of the globe onto Jelarthna's hand:: They go 'way. Big ball come through, e'ry one yellin'. Big ball bounce through. Shootsing. <Nacheyla> ::runs a thumb over the fabric, admiring it:: That's beautiful stuff. <Jelarthna> ::blanches slightly:: Big ball? With lots of eyes? <Nacheyla> ::sticking both hands in the honey, then stuffing it into its mouth:: Yeth! Big ball. Floatsing around. <Zoya> ::nods:: There's more. Everything in here looks like luxury trading goods. <Nacheyla> Rest of hive, they leavsing me behind. Forgetsing about me. ::sighs:: <Jelarthna> I'm sure they were just scared... the big balls are very scary... * Nacheyla holds up a small glass jar, miraculously unbroken, containing a purplish liquid. "What's this, Zoya?" <Jelarthna> Was there just one big ball? * Zoya takes the jar and turns it over slowly, watching the liquid move. <Miyeel> One big ball. One and one. ::holds up a small hand:: And one more. Some smaller ones. Big big mommy ball comes last. * Zoya looks stunned. "This is worth..." <Zoya> ::looks around:: Are there any more? * Nacheyla looks around. "I don't know. What is it?" <Jelarthna> How big...? ::sets down the jar of honey and crouches, holding out his hands to about the size of the explosive beholderkin:: This big? * Zoya grins at Nach, deftly opens the jar, and offers it to her. "Try a little." * Nacheyla sniffs at the purple stuff. "Oooh, that smells good." Takes a sip, her eyes widening as she swallows. <Zoya> ::grins at her:: See if you can find some more. <Miyeel> ::little creature stuffing more honey in his mouth:: That little bitty one. * Jelarthna curses softly in elvish under his breath, shaking his head * Nacheyla blinks, her eyes glowing fiercely. "Oh, oh my god!" ::starts frantically looking through the boxes:: * Zoya takes the jar from her and closes it carefully, sticking it into her sleeve. "What?" <Nacheyla> It's... ::licks her lips:: amazing. Very tasty. And I suddenly feel very strong, you know? Like I haven't done anything all day, just woke up. <Zoya> ::grins:: Magic in a jar. I have only seen it a few times before. <Nacheyla> I'll bet that's hard to make. ::turns over a few boxes:: <Jelarthna> I'm glad the big balls left you alone, little one... do you have a name? I'm Jelarthna. ::smiles:: <Miyeel> ::little creature:: Me's called Miyeel. Me's gots no job now. ::sulks:: <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Probably. I've tried a few experiments, but nothing's worked so far. <Jelarthna> What was you job? Just helping keep the hallway lit up with your lovely blue glow? * Nacheyla grins suddenly, pulling out a small silver box. She opens the lid, revealing five more bottles of the purple liquid. "Jackpot." * Zoya grins. "Wonderful." <Nacheyla> Miyeel's hive keeps the ship all lits up. Is not burning stuffs up. <Jelarthna> ::smiles:: Ahh, I get it! I bet you did a very good job, Miyeel. <Jelarthna> Do you think you could find the rest of your hive if I helped you look? <Nacheyla> ::little creature eats some more honey:: Dont knows where they wents off to. Miyeel is moltings. Not can fly rights now. <Jelarthna> ::nods:: You can come with me for now, if you like. ::grins:: I can get more honey and other kinds of jelly, if you like. ::looks around:: And maybe we'll want your help flying this ship again some time, if you'd be interested? <Miyeel> We's hives not having homes right now. Big mouthy monsters comes, with nasty tentacle thingies. Kill all the hives. * Nacheyla indicates the room across from the hold. "The egg room is over there, if you want to see that, too." <Jelarthna> Nasty tentacle thingie? ::shivers a little:: Illithid... And your hive is.. all dead? <Nacheyla> ::miyeel:: Just us's. gots two queen pods, if big balls no eatings them. * Zoya nods and heads toward the direction Nach indicated. <Jelarthna> Queen pods? Where would those be? We can go check to see if they're okay... perhaps we can find and make a new home for you! * Bai follows Nach and Zoya towards the "egg room". <Nacheyla> ::the egg room is smooth inside, soft golden and about fifty feet diameter. The door is perfectly round and looks as if closed, would blend smoothly into the wall. The material is like amber:: * Zoya enters the room and begins looking around, fascinated. <Nacheyla> ::as soon as Zoya steps into the room, a deep rumbling hum vibrates the entire ship, almost a comforting rumble:: * Bai assumes a defensive stance. * Xarroch paces the deck a bit again, watching the clearing and sniffing the air, eventually returning to the door <Miyeel> We's going now? * Zoya looks around, startled, then frowns in concentration, trying to listen to the hum. <Nacheyla> ::the egg room's walls erupt in a blaze of purple and green light, runes flashing:: <Jelarthna> ::looks a bit startled at the rumbling:: Going? <Nacheyla> ::Miyeel:: Is going? the ships is going? <Nacheyla> ::the door of the egg room starts to slide shut. Nacheyla dives for it, but slips on the smooth floor:: <Jelarthna> ::blink:: Is that what's happening? ::looks around:: I've never been on one of these ships before... ::picks up the jar of honey and offers Miyeel a shoulder:: * Xarroch looks around at the rumbling, narrowing his eyes a little and poking his head through the door to hear a bit better * Bai jumps into the door way, attempting to keep the door from shutting, "XARROCH!" <Miyeel> You have high one? In the generators rooms? High one makes ships go. * Xarroch barrels down the hall at high speed, casually passing Jelarthna in a blur on his way deeper into the ship <Miyeel> EEEEEEEEEEP! ::leaps into Jelarthna's ear, pulling a curtain of Jel's thick blonde hair after him:: <Jelarthna> High one? ::flattens himself on the wall as the cry sounds and Xarroch zooms past him:: Gah! * Zoya looks around wildly, trying to listen to the humming and read the glyphs all at once. <Miyeel> High ones! ::steps out of Jelarthna's ear:: The Pure Ones. Much big magics. Knows the true lines. Only cans make ship go. * Xarroch zooms through the hallways and arrives at the egg-room just in time to see the door close up, and stops just short of slamming into it * Zoya snarls wordlessly in frustration, spinning around to look at the walls. <Nacheyla> ::the room closes smoothly, no trace of the door visible on either side:: <Bai> Any bright ideas on how to open that thing Xarroch? <Jelarthna> ::looking concerned, starts deeper into the ship:: You mean a mage...? <Nacheyla> ::Miyeel stomps his foot:: not justs like mages. Special ones. Have much magics. * Zoya gasps, and tears fill her eyes. She falls to her knees, almost sobbing. She reaches out and touches the wall of the sphere, almost caressing it. * Nacheyla cries out, pressing her hands to her ears. Her eyes glow crimson as she stares around her. <Zoya> So... So beautiful... <Xarroch> ::examines where the door had just sealed, running his hands over the area quickly:: No... I'm not familiar with these things. ::growls slightly:: I could probably break it, but... ::looks around:: What exactly happened? <Bai> I don't know. Nacheyla and Zoya went in there and then the ship started rumbling and the door started to close. <Jelarthna> ::arrives to hear Xarroch's question to Bai, and also looks around:: Yeah, what happened? <Zoya> No! ::her voice echoes throughout the ship:: Don't break anything! Don't... don't hurt it... * Bai looks around, "What's going on Zoya?" <Jelarthna> Xarroch, Bai.. meet Miyeel... he said the ship is... ::trails off as Zoya's voice sounds:: <Jelarthna> Zoya, are you okay? What's going on? <Miyeel> ::looks around, satisfied:: Have high one. You haves one. * Xarroch stands up, looking slightly frustrated <Miyeel> ::looks up and up and up at Xarroch:: Yous big! <Xarroch> ::grins just a little at Miyeel:: Yes, I am * Nacheyla falls to the floor, writhing. She crawls across the floor, trying for where the door was. <Zoya> ::she sounds dazed:: It's so beautiful... <Jelarthna> What should we do then, Zoya? <Xarroch> ::loudly:: Is Nacheyla all right? * Nacheyla grabs Zoya's leg, pinching the nerve behind the Achilles' heel. "You have got to get me out of here!" Blood is trickling down her nose and out of her ears. * Zoya walks past Nacheyla and touches the glyphs on the door, stroking them softly, almost like a lover. With a quiet sigh, the door slides open. <Zoya> ::sadly:: I'm sorry, Nacheyla. * Xarroch watches the door start to open and sees the scene, quickly kneeling to grab Nacheyla and pull her from the strange room * Nacheyla retches onto the floor as she spills out of the room. <Jelarthna> Nacheyla.. are you all right? <Jelarthna> Zoya? What *is* going on? <Miyeel> ::prostrates himself on Jelarthna's shoulder:: High One! Blessing on the High One! * Zoya steps out of the room and sighs as the glyphs flicker and the rumbling dies away. "I don't know, Jelarthna, but it's the most beautiful thing I've ever..." She notices the creature on his shoulder and smiles. "Ah, I think I see." <Jelarthna> ::shushes Miyeel softly:: she's Zoya... * Xarroch kneels down and chants softly, filling Nacheyla with healing magic * Nacheyla shudders, wiping at her nose. <Zoya> ::looks around:: Whoever built it... It functions on chaos magic. It... it sensed that I was a wild mage, and... ::her eyes go soft again:: It was so beautiful. <Nacheyla> It might be beautiful to you, but it was more like someone stuffed a wasp's nest in my head. <Jelarthna> umm.. right... ::bite his lip and looks cautiously into the egg-room:: Did we actually take off or anything? * Bai shakes his head. <Zoya> ::sadly:: I'm sorry Nacheyla. I should have moved faster to get you out. I was just so... surprised. <Jelarthna> ::suddenly grins just a little:: Miyeel.. would you like to stay with High One Zoya? <Miyeel> We's lands here. Our High one, she passes long, goed away. We has to get new high one. Has to take war criminals out to trials. ::looks sadly:: Me's thinking war criminal gets away. <Zoya> ::looks at Miyeel:: War criminals? The beholders? Or the Giff? <Xarroch> Are you feeling all right now, Nacheyla? * Bai looks at Miyeel, "Could you identify these criminals?" <Jelarthna> The big ball, Miyeel? <Nacheyla> ::nods:: I'm fine, I think. ::wipes her nose again:: It didn't do that to me, before. <Miyeel> Big mommy ball. <Xarroch> ::nods:: Likely because Zoya was not here to activate it. * Zoya walks over to the wall and looks out the porthole. <Miyeel> The soldiers, they being guardings for the criminals. And High One. And Zhack. and Miyeel's hive. Small ship. <Jelarthna> ::sighs a little:: big mommy ball... <Bai> So you're saying that the beholders where the war criminals? <Jelarthna> ::nods:: Apparently. * Xarroch stands and helps Nacheyla up <Zoya> ::quietly:: Jelarthna... You get your wish. <Nacheyla> ::groans:: let me guess, this starts with "Be careful what you wish for?" * Zoya steps away from the porthole so the others can see. Outside, the air is black, broken only by what appears to be a river of white fire. <Jelarthna> Which wish? ::jumps up to look out the porthole:: Oh... wow.... <Zoya> ::to Bai:: Whatever you do, don't draw your sword. ::she grins:: <Zoya> I think the ship lifted automatically while I was listening to the song. <Bai> So what do we do now Zoya? <Nacheyla> ::makes a face:: that was singing? It needs to keep its day job. <Xarroch> Song? ::looks at the egg-room:: * Jelarthna tears himself away from the porthole and rushes up to the deck <Nacheyla> ::looks after Jelarthna:: Is it, um... safe out there? <Zoya> Well... Song is woefully inadequate, but I don't have a bard's gift for words. I- ::she breaks off to yell after Jel:: Be careful, gravity can do some tricky things! <Zoya> ::to Bai:: Well. I wasn't out of it for that long, so we won't have gone far. I'll take a look at the map charts, and then take us home again. <Miyeel> High one? Blessings? <Zoya> ::grins:: There are war criminals to catch, after all... ::to Miyeel:: What? <Xarroch> ::chuckles a little:: I am assuming you will not wish to abandon this vessel to get home? <Zoya> ::grins at Xarroch:: Absolutely not. You're welcome to take the others back, if you want, but I'm staying. <Miyeel> ::bowing deeply:: Miyeel needs Blessing. Unless High One unhappy? Miyeel will leave, not to displease High One. ::looks sad:: * Jelarthna rushes out onto the deck and looks around at the tableau in awe <Zoya> No, of course I'm not unhappy. I just don't understand, Miyeel, what you need. <Jelarthna> Incredible... ::turns around several times, taking in the vision:: <Zoya> ::calling after Jelarthna:: As long as you're out there... There aren't any other ships that you can see, are there? <Miyeel> Just need blessings. You tells me I can stay. I not jump off deck, if I can stay. <Xarroch> ::grins at Zoya:: I will go check.. I think our friend will get lost in the scenery and not hear you. ::pats Nacheyla on the shoulder for a moment and heads up to the deck:: <Zoya> ::blinks, then nods almost formally:: You and your hive are welcome here, Miyeel. <Miyeel> ::smiles:: High One likes Miyeel ::jumps up and down, ecstatically:: What cans me do for you, high one? <Zoya> Well... Do you know anything about the maps? ::She carries Miyeel down the hall into the maproom:: <Jelarthna> ::smiles at Xarroch as he steps onto the deck:: Isn't this amazing, Xarroch? <Miyeel> Me knows Home. And Me knows where was one Paradise. Me not much at reading mapses * Bai follows Zoya. <Xarroch> ::scanning the sky for other ships:: It is certainly quite different.. and has it's own set of dangers as well. * Nacheyla looks after Zoya, shrugs, and heads up on deck. <Zoya> Ah, well. I'll figure it out. What can you do, Miyeel? <Miyeel> Makes lights! ::he glows:: <Zoya> ::chuckles:: That *is* very useful. Surely I'll need plenty of light to read the maps. <Nacheyla> ::Miyeel:: We donts burning up everything! We's very good at making lights. High Ones like Blues? Miyeel knows greens, too. * Nacheyla stands gingerly on the deck, looking around at the blackness. * Jelarthna eagerly climbs around, looking at things from all angles <Nacheyla> Be careful up there! * Xarroch grins at Nacheyla and joins her <Zoya> But your tribe is all Blues? <Xarroch> He'll be alright... if he didn't have the agility and reflexes he does, he'd be far worse off. <Miyeel> Eaches of us can does different colors. Miyeel is good at blues. But Miyeel's friendses is pretty good at yellow. <Zoya> Oh, I see. It's a very pretty blue, Miyeel. * Miyeel glows very brightly <Miyeel> Is honor speakings with you, High Ones. Miyeel never speaks to High One befores. Sees her, sometimes. * Zoya looks over the maps for a few minutes, then heads up to the deck. "The charts, at least, look fairly standard. I'll need to get some bearings before I can figure out how to get home." * Jelarthna makes his way back to the deck proper, grinning from ear to ear * Bai follows Zoya and begins surveying the scenery. * Zoya looks up at the mast, grins, and begins climbing like a monkey. She doesn't stop until she's reached the very top of the mast, where she perches and looks around. <Jelarthna> ::walks over to Xarroch and Nacheyla:: You realize if we don't ... if *I* don't get back before too incredibly long, Tyl's going to kill me, right? * Jelarthna waves happily to Bai and Zoya <Jelarthna> nice climbing, Zoya! * Xarroch chuckles <Zoya> ::grins:: I've loved ships since I was practically a baby. <Jelarthna> ::laughs:: Baby Zoya crawling up the mast? I can see that... <Nacheyla> ::looks around:: Have we been gone long? I mean, it doesn't seem like a long time. * Zoya laughs. "I didn't start climbing rigging until I was about ten." She squints into the distance, suddenly alert. <Xarroch> It has not been all that long, no. Why? * Nacheyla looks over the side of the boat, staring at the white stuff, then backs away, shuddering. <Nacheyla> Okay, I'll admit it, this is pretty scary, Zoya. <Zoya> ::After a long moment, she relaxes.:: Gnomes. That's a relief. ::she looks down at Nach and grins:: I'm working on getting us home, I promise. <Xarroch> Scary? ::chuckles:: Just different... * Nacheyla moves over to Xarroch's side. "I don't like looking down and seeing lots of nothing." <Jelarthna> Gnomes? ::peers out that way:: Should we try to go met them? Maybe they could help us get back? <Xarroch> ::puts an arm around Nacheyla and smiles:: It likely helps that I have wings. <Nacheyla> ::the gnomish ship, which looks somewhat like a cross between a soapbox car and a mutated tree, pulls up along side:: * Zoya waves at the gnomes. "Hallo!" she calls. <Gnome> ::waving:: Ooooda! Hail! * Zoya exchanges a few pleasantries with the gnome before finally admitting, "We're a bit lost." <Gnomes> where <Zoya> ::taking the excited gnomespeak in stride, Zoya explains - briefly - what seems to have happened.:: <Gnome> Oh * Jelarthna tries to listen closely to the gnomes * Zoya turns around and points at the nearest sphere. "That one?" <Gnome> ::nods frantically:: we've <Zoya> Landing isn't really permitted on our side of the world. Contact your home base. <Gnome> All <Zoya> ::she considers for a moment:: Can you have someone meet us here in two days? <Gnome> We <Zoya> Thank you. <Nacheyla> jamming * Nacheyla sits down, hiding her face with her hands. "I really don't like this." <Zoya> ::in credible gnomish:: Best <Bai> We have a responsibility to protect those who are unable to defend themselves. * Zoya sides down a rope to the deck. "All right, I know where I am now. Time to head home. The beholder who's escaped is apparently a hive mother called Kripsso'om. <Xarroch> ::pats Nacheyla:: I can get us home if this is too bad, Nacheyla... <Jelarthna> :nods:: Good! I really don't want my fiancee to kill me. ::grins a little:: * Nacheyla carefully crawls back to the door. "I'll just stay below deck for the rest of the time, if that's okay with everyone else." <Zoya> ::nods:: It only took us a few minutes to get here. We should be able to get back in almost as short a time. Find a comfortable spot, Nacheyla. ::to Jel:: If you're going to stay on deck, tie yourself down, understand? * Xarroch helps Nacheyla get below decks. <Zoya> You're perfectly safe while we're in space, but as soon as we hit atmosphere, you'll be in danger of falling overboard. <Jelarthna> Is there anything I can do to help, Zoya? ::pulling out a silk rope from his pouch:: * Miyeel runs below deck, bowing a few times to Zoya on his way down. <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: If we had far to go, I'd have you sit in the helm and feed me magic. But I can handle this, I think. Enjoy the ride. * Bai wraps an arm around one of the rigging lines. * Zoya makes sure everyone is going to be safe, then heads back below. She makes sure the egg-room is empty before entering it again. * Jelarthna grins widely and ties himself to the mast <Jelarthna> I think I'm going to enjoy this a lot... ::smiles at Bai:: * Nacheyla finds someplace relatively safe to sit and sits on the floor. <Nacheyla> I feel sick. <Zoya> ::The ship flies toward a bubble floating in the distance. It gets larger... and larger... and eventually fills everything visible, looking like a thick crystal wall. The ship flies toward it so fast it looks like it might crash.:: <Xarroch> I can help a bit if you like... <Zoya> ::At the last second a hole opens in the crystal wall, and the ship flies through, revealing a sun and several planets and moons. The white fire river is gone. The ship zips toward one planet, seeming even faster than before as the relative scale changes.:: <Nacheyla> Just don't move around too much. I don't want to throw up on you. * Xarroch settles beside Nacheyla and grins a little <Xarroch> I've dealt with worse things, Huntress. <Zoya> ::The planet grows, blue seas and green/brown land slowly becoming distinct. Slowly bits begin to be recognizable, almost but not quite matching various maps.:: * Jelarthna watches the entry to the crystal sphere in awe, gaping <Zoya> ::As the planet fills the view, the ship slows, and the air around the ship glows redly. They slip through the clouds, and Zoya lands the ship not in its original location, but in the mountains to the east.:: * Miyeel comes out on deck as soon as the ship settles. "High one! Not supposed to be there! not without attendants! Nots being able to come out!" <Jelarthna> ::takes a deep breath as the spelljammer lands <Jelarthna> wow... I have *got* to learn how to do this myself... <Xarroch> ::nudges Nach slightly:: I think we have landed. <Jelarthna> ::grins at Bai:: Wasn't that *neat*?? <Nacheyla> Thank the gods. ::slowly gets to her feet:: * Bai shrugs, then turns to Miyeel, "Are you saying Zoya can't get out of there?" <Miyeel> Nots by herselfs! Hers will get her magics all scrambled up. Hers will not wants to be coming out. <Bai> Damn. ::Runs below deck:: Zoya can you hear me?! * Zoya doesn't answer. <Jelarthna> ::blinks:: What was that? ::rushed below decks after Bai and Miyeel:: * Bai pounds on the door, "Zoya?!?" * Jelarthna runs up to Bai <Jelarthna> What's going on? She's stuck in there? Is she completely drained? <Bai> Sounded like some kind of mind control or addiction. She can leave but doesn't want to. <Jelarthna> ::looks at Bai:: Should we break it? * Miyeel raps on the outside of the egg-room "High one? High one? Coming outs to us?" <Bai> If Zoya doesn't start talking to us we'll have to. <Jelarthna> Can she hear us? <Zoya> ::quietly echoing:: Not breaking to hurts... <Jelarthna> Zoya! Are you all right in there? <Jelarthna> Zoya.. please open the door... <Zoya> Safe not break... <Jelarthna> ::sighs in frustration:: You're safe? Show us.. open the door, please. * Zoya does not reply <Miyeel> High one? Coming outs to us? Please be comings out? * Nacheyla leans against the wall, seeming to gather her energy. "I can't... I can't open a portal in there..." <Bai> Miyeel, how would an attendant open the door if they were in there with the High One? <Jelarthna> I... damn. I didn't really get a good look inside. <Miyeel> Doors opening from insides. Can press hands ::indicates:: against the walls, doors be opening. <Jelarthna> ::presses against the area Miyeel indicates:: but only from the inside? * Bai concentrates for a moment, then his form flickers, "Damn! I can't teleport in there." <Miyeel> ::nods:: Not good to be openings door when High Ones is running the ship. <Jelarthna> Zoya.. Zoya, if you don't open the door we're likely to break something... <Zoya> ::softly:: Not breaking, hurting... * Miyeel is tapping instantly on the wall to the egg-room. "Comings out? Please, High Ones can't stay in there. High Ones will be goings away!" * Jelarthna concentrates and begins casting a spell, slowly tracing a hole in the wall with some sort of pasty substance. <Bai> Jelarthna, could you bring Tyl here? Maybe psionics will work in there. <Jelarthna> Damn... I *could* <Xarroch> ::shakes his head a little and looks at the others:: Well then? We seem to be out of options.... <Bai> ::sighs:: If we can't get Tyl I've got one last thing to try. If that doesn't work you better break the door down Xarroch. <Jelarthna> ::nods:: I don't think we have a choice, Xarroch... you'll have to break in if Zoya won't come out... <Jelarthna> or *can't* <Zoya> ::louder:: NO! Not to break... ::a sobbing noise:: Stopping... <Xarroch> ::nods to Bai:: Try your thing. If teleportation by magic will not work, the psionic version will not, either. <Zoya> ::Suddenly, the door opens. Zoya is sitting on the floor near the door, weeping.:: Don't hurt me... * Bai looks at Jel, then nods, turning to face the door, black flames engulfing his staff as he prepares to cast a spell, but pauses to see what Zoya is about to do. <Jelarthna> ::quickly darts in and starts pulling Zoya out of the room:: We won't hurt you Zoya.. we won't.. we were just worried about you... <Miyeel> ::peeks over the door, straining to see:: High One mustnts be doing thats again! Must nots be going in there alone! High ones magics get lost! High ones okay? <Zoya> ::slowly, as the lights flicker and die and the hum of the ship fades away, Zoya calms down:: <Xarroch> ::looks hard at Miyeel:: What happened to her? <Jelarthna> And how does it *not* happen? <Zoya> It was so beautiful... ::she sighs mournfully:: I'm sorry. <Miyeel> ::looks up at Xarroch:: Must haves attendants with High One. Strong in minds, not strongs in magics. Other magics gets hurt. High Ones magic gets pulled out... her goes away, her mind goed away. Sometimes, not be comings back. <Jelarthna> shhh... ::holds Zoya carefully and pets her hair:: it's all right Zoya.. you're safe now.. everything's okay <Xarroch> ::nods thoughtfully:: So it requires a chaos mage and a psionic? Interesting. <Miyeel> ::looks around:: Zhack was all nots happy when Brenna goes away. He's was bonded with her. She goes in, forgettings not to. Door opens when she's all goed away. * Zoya slowly drops off to sleep. <Nacheyla> Mommy ball gets out then. We comes here. High One NOT doing thats again. ::puts his tiny hands on his hips:: <Jelarthna> Who were Zhack and Brenna? <Miyeel> Brenna was High One. Broughts us here. <Jelarthna> Oh... <Jelarthna> Xarroch, could you carry Zoya? <Nacheyla> Zhack her attendant. He keeps her safe. He threws himself off the ship, justs before we landses <Jelarthna> Threw himself off the ship? Why? <Nacheyla> Brenna gone. He sad. * Xarroch gets down near Zoya and looks her over <Jelarthna> and.. Brenna was...? <Nacheyla> Captain broughts the ships down. Much fighting. Everybody's gone now. Just Miyeel left. <Xarroch> She seems all right.. if there is mental damage, it is likely minor or something I can neither sense nor fix. <Miyeel> Brenna gone. Doors opens. No Brennas. Lost in the universe. All gones. No one ever comes back who goes that way. <Nacheyla> ::looks around the ship:: Well, can you port us out of here, Xarroch? I think Zoya needs some rest. <Jelarthna> So.. Brenna got lost in there, like Zoya almost did? ::waves at the egg-room:: <Miyeel> Brenna gone. ::sighs:: <Xarroch> ::nods:: Easily enough. Though preferably from off of the ship itself. <Jelarthna> Come along, Miyeel.. we can talk more about this later... You can stay with me for the time being, if you like. <Miyeel> Miyeel stay with youse. * Xarroch picks up Zoya easily and walks up to the deck and off the ship * Bai follows Xarroch. * Jelarthna smiles at Miyeel and picks him up, following the others off of the ship <Nacheyla> Ug. ::staggers down the hall:: I will be so glad to have dirt under my feet again! <Jelarthna> umm.. I should do something to hide this thing, I think. * Xarroch grins at Nacheyla and waves at the ground <Xarroch> There it is. * Nacheyla gets off the ship, smiling in relief. * Xarroch sets Zoya down and concentrates, taking a few long moments to conjure a gateway back to the inside of Nacheyla's cottage * Nacheyla goes through the gateway and promptly lays down on the couch. * Bai follows Nacheyla. * Jelarthna starts casting a spell and walking around the ship three times, leaving small rocks and twigs along his path. The ship shimmers and disappears from sight. * Xarroch smiles as the ship turns invisible and steps through the gate * Jelarthna follows the others through * Bai nods to the group, "Let me know when you plan to sally forth again. I'm going to hunt up Lisl and see what the two of us can find about beholders in the area." <Jelarthna> ::nods:: We'll definitely want all the help we can get... <Jelarthna> whew... * Xarroch grins and shakes his head a little <Nacheyla> As long as I don't have to get on the boat again, I'll go anywhere you like. <Xarroch> Really? ::smiles big for Nacheyla:: * Jelarthna laughs * Bai leaves. <Nacheyla> ::throws a pillow at Xarroch, sort of crossly:: <Jelarthna> Mind if we let Zoya rest here, Nacheyla? <Nacheyla> ::gestures down the hall:: Vallel's room is still empty * Xarroch lets the pillow hit him and grins <Jelarthna> Thanks, Nacheyla. ::he takes Zoya from Xarroch and takes her down the hall to tuck her in, then heads back:: <Jelarthna> I *have* to go Tell Tyl about all this. ::grins and waves as he ducks out the door:: <Nacheyla> Bye... ::waves:: * Xarroch grins and waves farewell |
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